CULLMAN – Cullman County is chocked full of outstanding people – People who go above and beyond their daily lives to be of assistance to others in the community who need help. They ask for nothing in return and usually shy away from recognition. From the woman who cleans the church every week that goes unnoticed to the man who runs a business that helps support local charities, we are surrounded by a lot of really great people! CullmanSense would like to honor these outstanding citizens by sharing their stories with you.
The first Outstanding Citizen in the series is Mrs. Bonnie Bjornstad. Bonnie has been married to her husband David for 45 years and has two sons and two grandchildren. A member of Sacred Heart Church, Bonnie considers her volunteer work to be the work of the Lord and she just can’t seem to get enough of it. Over the years she has worked as a volunteer with Meals on Wheels, Life Care Hospice and the Red Cross, among other things. But teaching holds a very special place in her heart.
“Teaching is fun,” Bonnie said with a whimsical smile. “I’ve had some really wonderful adventures in teaching. Teaching children to read is very rewarding – If they don’t learn how to read, they will never be successful in life. Reading is fundamental,” she said with gusto. “We can make it fun, but they have to learn how to read well.”
Because she is a former English teacher, Bonnie has many tricks up her sleeve to ensure her young students learn without losing interest.
“I use a number of media sources – books that I’ve bought and books I borrow from the library,” she explained. “I have flash cards, letter tiles and programs on my Kindle that helps to teach phonics. It helps keep things from getting so onerous.”
Bonnie also teaches English as a second language to people of all ages. She recognizes the importance of being able to have every possible tool available to help in various situations. The English language is just one of those tools. Even though helping Japanese citizens learn English is her favorite, she truly enjoys helping everyone learn.
“First of all, they need to learn survival English,” she explained. “They need to learn English for the various scenarios they may find themselves in, like going to the gas station or to the bank. I also teach them how to use the 911 system. You’ve got to know how to use 911 – It’s crucial!”
In Bonnie’s opinion, any place can be a classroom; she is very accommodating and easygoing. She feels that wherever the student is most comfortable, that’s where they will learn the most. However, Bonnie doesn’t keep her students in one place the whole time – they get to learn English in totally different atmospheres.
“I usually just pick a location that is convenient. We’ve met at the library, the Family Life Center at Sacred Heart Church, my home or their home – just whatever is appropriate. We also take field trips to various places,” she said. “For example, I’ve taken them to the grocery store because they have to learn how to read things in there. I would love to have a few more students because I would like some more things to do for the Lord.”
Her zest for life and love of people make for a better world. If you or someone you know needs help with reading, English or anything for that matter, Bonnie would love to hear from you. She can be reached by phone at 256-739-6278 or by email at bjcudnall@aol.com. She would love to hear from you, but even more importantly, she would love to help.
“I’m looking for service projects. I really, really do want service projects. I’m 68 years old and time’s a wasting! I need things to do. I know there are needy people out there; I just can’t seem to hook up with them fast enough,” she giggled.
If you know someone that you consider to be one of Cullman’s Outstanding Citizens, please contact me at sharon@cullmansense.com. We would love to feature them in future editions of the paper.
