Celebrating Adult Literacy — Carolyn Livengood column: Helping wounded warriors

Celebrating Adult Literacy —Carolyn Livengood column: Helping wounded warriors
San Mateo County Times: June 19, 2008

Susan Wooldridge, author of "Poemcrazy: Freeing Your Life with Words," was keynote speaker at a celebration dinner, "You Are an Essential Piece," hosted by Project Read-North San Mateo County at the South San Francisco Municipal Services Building.

Donna Jones, an adult learner, and Patricia Rosado, a member of AmeriCorps and a past adult learner, emceed the event, which was held to recognize the literacy successes of its learners and tutors. AmeriCorps is a national volunteer program that allows people of all ages and backgrounds to devote a year of service in areas of education, public safety, human needs and the environment.

Wooldridge, a poet and teacher with California Poets in the Schools who works with adults and at-risk youth, talked about how words change and how they can have different meanings in different languages.

"My workshops are designed to make people feel excited about writing (and teaching) poetry," said Wooldridge, who showed a notebook she keeps in which she gathers words and even pictures. "I encourage everyone to play with language."

Learners Marcela Sauceda and Juliana Amaral and their tutor, Joel Tenorio; learner Maristel Llamanzares and her tutor, Rita Barichievich; and learner Ana Flores and Tom McCaffrey (who stood in for his wife, Laura, a tutor) all shared stories of how Project Read improved their lives and the friendships they have made.

Llamanzares, 22, was originally from the Philippines and now lives in Daly City. She came to Project Read in 2004 when she was working as a cashier at Manila Market in South City. She could not read or write at the most basic literacy level. "My first goals with my tutor, Rita, were to obtain my citizenship and driver's license, which I accomplished," Llamanzares said. "Next I wanted to vote and have been carefully following the current presidential campaigns."

Llamanzares is now in a Manila Market management position and attends Skyline College to keep improving her reading and writing skills while still working with her tutor.

Holly Fulghum-Nutters of Project Read presented certificates to 40 learners and their tutors. She was joined by South San Francisco Mayor Pedro Gonzalez and Main Library Director Valerie Sommer in welcoming the 120 people who attended the event.

Watch for more details about Project Read's annual Trivia Challenge, its major fundraiser, which will be Nov. 7 at the South City Conference Center.

To learn more about Project Read, call Holly Fulghum-Nutters at 650-829-3871.

Orange Co Library - READ volunteers leave a lasting legacy of literacy

READ volunteers leave a lasting legacy of literacy
At Your Service, Orange County Employees Retirement System: July 2008

For the thousands of area adults who can’t read the menu at a local restaurant, decipher the directions printed on a medicine bottle or complete a job application, illiteracy is a terrible reality.

But a group of dedicated volunteers and Orange County Public Library employees are helping to make a difference in the effort to provide literacy skills in their community.

Anyone reading this article already has the skills that eluded Brea resident Richard Carrizosa for most of his adult life. But thanks to READ/Orange County, he is writing a much happier chapter now.

Carrizosa and his wife Clara were at the Orange County Fair in the mid-1990s when they walked by an information booth related to recruiting both students (also known as “adult learners”) and tutors for READ/Orange County.

“I have a good eye to see things, but I couldn’t read,” Carrizosa admitted. “When my wife called me to ‘Come back here,’ she told me about the program. That’s how I got involved.”

Fast forward to 2008 and Carrizosa talks fondly of working with several tutors over the past 11 years. “We’re pretty lucky to have a program like this. The opportunity is there if you want it,” Carrizosa said. “I think it’s the greatest.”

Irvine resident Alveris Corson represents the other side of READ’s winning formula. She is a tutor who has helped dozens of adult learners since becoming a volunteer for the program in May 2003. “After I retired, I needed to do something to make life interesting,” Corson explained.

In addition to representing READ at public forums such as the Orange County Fair, golf tournaments and company expos, Corson leads a group of ESL (English as a Second Language) in Costa Mesa and a conversation-focused class at Heritage Park in Irvine.

“It’s amazing what I’ve learned,” Corson said. “The first year I worked with a gentleman one-on-one who had not finished high school. Then I spent the next year with a young woman from China. Her problem was conversation and understanding (American) slang.”

Corson said being a volunteer for READ requires relatively little time, but she encourages other Retirees to volunteer. They will be matched with an adult learner who can meet them at an Orange County Public Library located near their home.

Marcia Tungate, Literacy Programs Administrator for READ/Orange County, said while the Orange County Public Library is truly one of the best library systems in the nation, 350,000 adults are unable to take advantage of the books, periodicals and other research tools available at the library because of low-level literacy or English skills.

“That is the equivalent of the entire population of Irvine, Lake Forest, Laguna Beach, Laguna 7 Hills, Laguna Niguel, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente,” Tungate said of the 350,000 number.

Since early 2004, volunteer tutor Sandy Hague has been serving READ/Orange County on two fronts, tutoring an adult learner in a conference room at Fountain Valley Library and spending four hours a week helping out at READ/Orange County’s headquarters in Santa Ana.

“It’s rewarding because you’re helping people accomplish what they want to accomplish,” said Hague, noting there are a variety of reasons that adult learners come to READ for assistance.

“My current student just got a promotion at work and I like to think what she learned at our sessions played a part in that,” Hague said. “Helping them (students) is terrific.”

READ/Orange County, the adult literacy service of the Orange County Public Library, delivers its services by training community members to become volunteer tutors who work one-on-one with adults and families who have low level reading, writing and English skills.

“Our catch phrase is ‘Leave a Legacy.’ Richard, by learning to read, can now read to his grandchildren,” Tungate noted.

“Alveris has helped expand the program and she has 24 students. The impact of teaching a person to read is amazing,” Tungate explained.

When asked about Hague, who has provided services as a tutor and with professional services at READ/Orange County’s offi ce, Tungate replied: “I could not have survived without her.”

If you are interested in becoming a tutor, or if you or someone you know needs reading assistance, please call 714-566-3070. You can also visit READ/Orange County’s official Web site by pointing your browser to www.readoc.org or visit your local OCPL branch for more information.

“People who have worked hard all their lives can still help make the world a better place in retirement. People who volunteer with READ are giving from their heart,” Tungate said.

Added Carrizosa: “Today when my wife gives me a grocery list, I can read it."

Carlsbad Library - A “ Sell-Out ” Celebration

A “ Sell-Out ” Celebration
~ from the July/August Newsletter: Learning Connection

Our near-capacity crowd of 141 learners, tutors, family members, and friends joined together on June 1 to celebrate a year of achievement at the Adult Learning Program.

We heard stories of hard work and accomplishments, and words of motivation from our speakers Lupe G., Ramon G., Nyla H., Diane H., and Maria W. Principal Librarian, Carol Naegele, captured the audience with her motivational story. AmeriCorps volunteer and past Library Deputy Director, Geoff Armour, honored members of the staff with his humorous limericks.

Carrie Scott, Community Outreach Supervisor for the Adult Learning Program, presented long-time tutor, Betty G. with the President’s Volunteer Service Award. This award requires at least 4,000 hours of volunteer service, but Betty has given far beyond this amount of time in her dedication to helping others.

Six from Carlsbad Complete Leadership Institute~ from the May/June Newsletter: Learning Connection

Graduates of the Adult Learner Leadership Institute (ALLI) were honored at a graduation ceremony on April 26 at the Carlsbad Senior Center.

The graduates included 6 Carlsbad learners Yulia A., Ramon G., Lupe G., Nyla H. Myung K., and Maria W. The two facilitators Diana H. and Vernon T. are also from Carlsbad. 50 family members and friends attended the festivities.

The six-month ALLI program was founded in 2000 as the Henry Huffman Leadership Institute in memory of Henry Huffman, a dedicated learner who devoted his life to spreading awareness of literacy in the community.

Learners who improve their basic reading and writing skills may want to take on new challenges, and make a contribution of their own to set positive examples for learners who are just beginning to acquire literacy skills.

ALLI learners build self esteem as they increase their potential to speak out effectively on community issues, and act as spokespersons for literacy causes.

Literacy service begins work at county Wayfarer Center

Literacy service begins work at county Wayfarer Center
Daily Democrat, The (Woodland, CA) - June 28, 2008

The Woodland Public Library Literacy Service opened its doors to a new program, S.T.E.P. (Strength Through Education Program) on June 12 at the Yolo Wayfarer Center.

This ongoing project brings literacy skills to the residents of the Yolo Wayfarer Center.

"It was a great night, and a great beginning to what we hope will be a long running education program at the Center," notes Literacy Coordinator Sue Bigelow, "and we have many people to thank for getting it off the ground especially the Rumsey Community Fund, the Parker Family Foundation, the Yolo Literacy Council and the Woodland Public Library."

STEP is a goal-oriented literacy program working with the residents at the Center in basic literacy, computer skills, GED preparation, and job/housing skills. A team of four tutors works with the residents twice a week within the homeless shelter.

"The program came about in much the same way as our Inmate literacy program, in that we saw a unique opportunity to take education to the learner," notes Bigelow.

The program takes place on Monday and Thursday evenings at the center with work beign done in Reading and Writing skills, Math skills, Job and computer skills and GED preparation. With local elementary schools being out for the summer, we are also planning education programs for children on those evenings, and are exploring athe potential of working with the Wayfarer Center.

"It is truly a team effort between the Wayfarer Center and its staff, the Literacy Service and our tutors, and those who so graciously have supported us financially," notes Bigelow.

More information concerning the Literacy Service and STEP may be obtained by calling the Literacy Service at 661-5987. READ MORE

Newport Beach Library - Author Lisa See Featured at Fundraising Event in May

Author Lisa See Featured at Fundraising Event in May

Over 150 people attended a luncheon benefiting literacy services on May 30th. With author Lisa See as the featured speaker, the event included lunch, lecture, and a copy of Ms. See’s most recent book, Peony in Love, along with a book signing. In her lecture, Lisa confessed to being intrigued by stories that have been lost, forgotten, or deliberately covered up.

In previous books, she has explored her own Chinese-American family history as well as fascinating stories of other Chinese women.

. . .from NBPL Literacy Newsletter

SCLLN Tutor Workshop Calendar: Summer 2008

Summer 2008
SCLLN Tutor Workshops and Events
More Info & Events @ SCLLN Calendar

July 8 - 6 pm
Tutor Training - READ/San Diego
Mission Valley Branch

July 12 - 10 am
Tutor Training - San Diego County Library
Spring Valley Branch

July 14 - 6 pm
Tutor Orientation - READ/Orange County
Aliso Viejo Branch

July 16 - 6 pm
Tutor Orientation - READ/Orange County
Haskett Branch

August 9 - 10 am
Tutor Training - San Diego County Library
El Cajon Branch

August 11 - 5:30 pm
Tutor Training - San Diego County Library
Vista Branch

August 18 - 6 pm
Tutor Orientation - Newport Beach Public Library

Other Local Events & Conferences

August 4 - 15
Orton-Gillingham Approach Workshop
San Diego CA

PLA @ ALA 2008 - Anaheim

PLA @ ALA

Adult Learners: Helping Libraries Make MAGIC !
Sunday, June 29, 1:30-5:30pm

ALA President Loriene Roy and California State Librarian Susan Hildreth will set the stage for this engaging and dynamic presentation on the added value of literacy and adult learners in your public library. Panel presentations from librarians, literacy coordinators, and adult learners will describe several national adult learner projects. This session is for libraries who partner with adult education providers as well as for those managing literacy programs.

Teen Parents Raising Readers: Teen Staff Making It Happen
Sat: June 28, 1:30 pm - 5:30 pm

This program provides information, hands-on activities, and techniques that will enable teen staff to share early literacy information from the Every Child Ready to Read @ your library project in pregnant/parenting teen programs. Learn how to conduct programs that not only empower teens with a better understanding of reading, but also leave them with new ways to interact with their children that support later reading development.

Early Literacy Training for Child Care Providers: A Proven Program for Success
Sun: June 29, 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Using Carroll County (Md.) Public Library’s ground-breaking, scientifically-based initiative, learn about ways to train child care providers to foster early literacy skills in young children.

Read Between the Lions: Public Television and Public Libraries Join Forces to Improve Literacy
Mon: June 30, 10:30 am - Noon

Hear how three public libraries in different communities utilized entertaining, research-based episodes of the award-winning educational program, Between the Lions to create engaging, hands-on, library-based Reading Dens to increase and improve the literacy practices and skills of kindergarteners and their parents.