The Joyce S. Ahern Speaker Series
Joyce was a longtime member of the Literacy Volunteers of Washington County Board of Directors.
She was passionate about LVWC and could always be counted on to help students, raise funds, and recruit volunteers.
The Beginning
It all started in 2012 with a Stonington fisherman! James Arruda Henry was in his mid-nineties when he began learning to read and write. Despite living a successful life without literacy, James began studying and went on to write his first book, In a Fisherman’s Language. His life showed how the power of commitment, hard work, and
determination can redefine a person at any age—truly the mission of LVWC!


Previous Speakers



Fall 2023: Why Newspapers Matter: Pamela Constable & Walter Robinson

Summer 2023: Layng Martine & Tucker Martine

Summer 2022: Nathaniel Philbrick


Winter 2021: Ted Widmer and Frank J. Williams


Summer 2021: Deborah Royce and Luanne Rice