The prior director, Cindy Cates, retired in March after serving the organization for 19 years.
Joy McCarthy-Sessing, Board treasurer/secretary, stated, “Ms. Cates implemented many beneficial policies, procedures and programs which helped draw awareness to literacy in the community.”
Muraski obtained her MBA through Grace College and has taught business law, media law, economics, managerial economics and career institute for seven years at the collegiate level as an adjunct instructor, according to a news release from KLS. She also led three cultural teaching experiences for students in Atlanta, Toronto and Kauai. She is a certified paralegal, certified professional organizer and certified habitudes instructor. She is a Kosciusko Leadership Academy graduate and Kaufman Fast Track graduate. She served as Warsaw Rotary president and is a member of Rotary.
She has served on the boards of the Chamber of Commerce, Kosciusko Literacy Services, Purdue Extension and Habitat for Humanity.
She writes for the weekly Art in Action column and has edited a published fictional book with her mother. She enjoys her adopted dog Sam, kayaking, bike riding, playing the ukulele and reading.
Board President Cheryl Avery stated, “I cannot believe all that DeeAnna has accomplished already. We are very excited about her direction and the energy she brings to the organization.”
One accomplishment was the strategic planning session. During this time, they renamed the organization to Operation Read, which better connects with the demographics they serve. They also changed their mission and vision to reflect the overall goals of their programs.
The mission of Operation Read is to “encourage the life-long love of learning through reading.”
The Board and Muraski look forward to accomplishing their goal of obtaining a bookmobile/mobile tutor lab to help them reach all the people in the county who need their services.
To celebrate Operation Read’s new name, vision, and mission, Operation Read will be re-launching their prior community book reads in the community. Look for bright yellow buckets placed throughout the community to pick up a free book.
Operation Read will be hosting a monthly free cars and coffee event at Rice Ford, 436 W. CR 250N, Warsaw, on Saturday, August 13; Sept. 10 and Oct. 8. All vehicles and motorcycles are welcome; however, the driver of any vehicle circa 1900-1965 at the event, gets free coffee and a doughnut. There will also be a kid’s car scavenger hunt.
For additional information, contact deeanna@operationreadusa.org.
