The Literacy Council's Fall Newsletter, 2001 Table of Contents Welcome New Tutors A Message from the Executive Director Those Special Among Us Memberships for the New Fiscal Year News From The Centers Student's Stories

WELCOME NEW TUTORS!: Emily Stern, Leslie Neely, Becky Lewis, Cindy Harding, Paula Lieske, Betty DeArman, Tami Fiscus, Richard Moreno, Stacey Bartlett, Bianca Rosenthal, Flanagan MacKenzie, Rosario Latiné, Mary Ratner, Ray Berger, Yolanda Castillo, Joseph Hilden, Patricia Hallowell, Vicki Halley, Jean Juhl, Linda Chimenti, Don O'Connoer, Pat Althoen, Jenna Marie Herold, Saun Watkins, Rose Mc Gowan, Ken Ostapowicz, June Michael, Kyle Morrow, Susan Rae, Melissa Blake, Sharon Tanner, Judy Aikins, Barbara Howard, Marie Lepper, and Saun Watkins. Welcome to a new Center Director of the First Presbyterian Church (night class)- Elena Grover. CALENDAR April: 1st - Chew Your Book Slowly (Linnea's Cafe) 6th - ESL training in San Luis Obispo 13th - ESL training in San Luis Obispo 20th - Literacy Training in San Luis Obispo May: 4th - ESL Training in Paso Robles 11th - ESL Training in Paso Robles The Literacy Council Turns 20! SAVE THE DATE! -Sunday September 8th- 2002 International Literacy Day Festivities honoring our Volunteers will begin at 2:00 p.m. at the P.G. & E Visitor's Center Expect fun, food, surprises, and entertainment! Dress casual and stay til five. THOSE SPECIAL ONES AMONG US . . . Elena Grover - Our New Center Director from First Pres. Night Program     It is usually a volunteer with years of service who gets recognized and especially appreciated. Hardly ever do we consider a freshman a pillar of the organization. Yet, exceptions happen and it is with pride that we announce it. Our tutor, ELENA GROVER, has been accepted for the Cuesta College Award for Women in the Community, in the category of young volunteer.     Barely a year ago did she take the training and enthusiastically joined the Adult School Learning Center in San Luis Obispo, and stayed with it despite several location changes. When the center finally settled down in the First Presbyterian Church on Monday nights, it was seriously understaffed and without a leader. While continuing as a tutor of three students, Elena agreed to assume the role of the new Center Director. Her positive thinking and energy paid off quickly; literally within a month she managed to replenish the resources for the center by inviting new tutors to join her and offer help to more learners. All throughout this time, she also has been of a great assistance as a translator and liaison for the Spanish-speaking clients of the Literacy Council. She plays a vital part in our student recruitment efforts. Most certainly she became a role model for young active professionals willing to spare their rare free time for the service of the community. Elena Grover - Our new Center Director for First Pres. Night Program A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Dear Literacy Council members,     For me in my work, winter is the season for writing reports on present grants, research and writing new grants and preparing for the next fiscal year. These are perfect duties for when the days are shorter, colder and sometimes gray.     A new grant-funding source for the Literacy Council in 2002/03 will be the Community Development Block Grants. These are Federal funds, through HUD, that both the county and individual cities in the county have access to and can award. The requirements of these grants have offered me good learning opportunities; I have observed several of the local city councils¹ meetings and have gained some in depth knowledge as to how local government works. Additionally, we have reapplied for Grants-in-Aid from the City of San Luis Obispo and will turn in our United Way application shortly.     One of the most challenging aspects of seeking and applying for grants is to determine whether our organization can actually do the work stipulated in the grant. We are diligent in this area, which limits the number of grants we apply for.     Our largest funder is the City-County Library, through a yearly renewable contract. The State Library also funds us annually. The State¹s funding is based on the amount of funds the Literacy Council can raise from other sources.     Our main private funding source is the Literacy Associates. Here, I am pleased to introduce you to the Chair of the Associates- Mr. Bill Almas. Chair of the Associates, Mr. Bill Almas     Mr. Almas volunteers with the Literacy Council as a board member. In just his second year with us, he has taken on the responsibility for raising $24,000.00 this fiscal year.     Those of you who know Bill, know that just beneath the genuine smile and quiet demeanor is the solid resolve necessary to accomplish goals- highlighted by his passion to contribute to his community. He and his wife Karen and three children- a son 13, a son 17, and a daughter 20 are new to our community. They moved to San Luis Obispo two years ago from Henderson, Nevada. A graduate of Colorado State and the University of Colorado, Bill has worked in management of the environmental aspects of oil and mining projects. Presently, he is the Manager of Government Affairs for Unocal Corporation in our county.     Besides his steadfast work for us, Bill is involved with Rotary and the SLO Chamber of Commerce. He and his family are active in Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church- Karen is a deacon. With his family, Bill likes to hike, travel, downhill ski, scuba dive and snorkel- almost anything that will allow him to enjoy the outdoors.     When asked why he is so devoted to the Literacy Council's mission, Bill¹s answer was quick. He has always felt that the key to upward mobility is education- the first step to a successful life and that the first step to education is the ability to speak, read and write.     As you can see, Mr. Almas fits right in as a Literacy Council volunteer. If you can help his fund raising efforts in any way, please call me at the office. You may already be giving as a volunteer or a donor; however, you might know someone that would want to donate at the $250.00 or greater level. If you happen to meet him, please thank him for all of us. Fund raising is crucial to our Literacy Council. Without it, we could not provide literacy services to hundreds of our community members. Thank you, Bernadette Bernardi Executive Director STUDENT WRITING For the Love of Her By Christian McElreath @ Grizzly Academy - Literacy Student (tutor: Monika Phillips)     I got up this morning and I couldn't believe it was still dark outside. I was so nervous that I couldn't sleep. I looked at myself in the mirror. The scar on my chest reminded me of the hell I had gone through. If I mess up this time, there won¹t be another time.     Today is my first race since the accident. I can¹t go back to sleep so I am going to do my last check-up on her. I step into the garage, gaze at her and gently pull the cover. I see her beauty in the light of the rising sun. She shines with the brand new coat of midnight black and chrome.     I jump in her like the old days. I nervously feel her; this 454 big block is more powerful than the 350 I had before. I¹m so glad I re-geared her.     I thought midnight would never come. I hope we won't get caught. I park. "Damn, there are a lot of us here tonight." I see he is here too.     I'm up next. I pull up to the starting line and he is to my right (like the last time). The lights, the roar, the power, the acceleration, I glance into my rear view mirror- he's gaining on me. He is not going to pull the same trick. I'll let him catch up with me. "What the hell? Where did he go?" All I see is his lights rolling off the side of the road. His car blows up with a massive explosion. It will take a couple of minutes before the others will see this horror. Strangely, this victory doesn¹t taste so sweet. I double back to check on him. I am pulling his flaming body out of the wreckage. I can't let him die. Love takes over my hatred. The past doesn't matter. I won¹t let my best friend die. I want him to have another chance against me. One of the Best Days in My Life Maime Mesmoudi - ESL student From 1st Pres. Morning Center (tutor: Doris Rose)     I remember one of the best days in my life was when we went camping with friends. We decided to go to the Tangier. We stayed there 5 days. We enjoyed all our days, but the last day when everybody had gone, my husband and one of our friends and I went to another beach. When we arrived there we bought fresh fish, built a fire and grilled the fish. We ate them next to the ocean, it was very calm, clear and the water was very warm.     We can't forget that day and the fish's taste and we hope to go again and again to that place. News From The Centers South County Outreach Finally Expands     After months of preparations, our service to the South County communities is being expanded by opening two new centers. In March, Arroyo Grande learners who couldn't attend daytime classes offered by St. John's Lutheran Church will have an opportunity to learn English Language Skills on Monday evening at Peace Lutheran Church. Thanks to Pastor Lepper, the Center found its new location as well as a group of enthusiastic volunteers who can't wait to start tutoring. Marie Lepper accepted the position of Center Director and will hopefully lead the new Center towards success.     Our efforts to re-establish a learning center in Oceano (which used to have a Literacy Council site there years ago) are slowly but steadily bringing some results. A group of Head Start participants, Hispanic parents of pre-school children, is awaiting the starting point for our new site at the Oceano Elementary School. Though with only three tutors, the center will initiate the tutoring next month, while we're looking for more volunteers available on Tuesday and Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Anyone interested in joining this group can call us at 541- 4219. "No Good- Byes, Please...." ..... insisted BETSY SPRENKLE, the founder and for 14 years Director of the Nipomo Learning Center, upon her resignation from this position. To our relief, she will still continue her service as a tutor. It has been such a pleasure to have Betsy hold the fort on our southern "frontier"- a great advocate and supporter, active outreach representative of the Council, as well as a media liaison, she has become an icon of a Literacy Volunteer. To prove how devoted and caring she is, she made the transition very smooth for the center, by nominating her replacement: a tutor, Carol Dykstra. Many thanks for all you've done for our agency, Betsy. Good luck to Carol. Atascadero Learning Center Says Good-bye to Another Tutor Things will not be the same at the Atascadero Bible Church on Monday and Thursday night, without our long-time tutor Jim Rooney. After 6 years of devoted tutoring, Jim retired in February. He was one of those tutors who always "made it work" for the benefit of the learner. When his students' schedules changed so they couldn't attend the center classes, Jim offered them flexible hours and met with them on an individual basis. Thanks to the Following for Their Contributions! Celebrate Literacy! March is our Membership DRIVE Month! $5,000 + Literacy Circle California State Library Children and Families Commission of SLO County / Prop. 10 San Luis Obispo City County Library The Tribune ­ In Kind $1,000 - 4,999 Benefactor Allen-Birge Charitable Trust Charter Communications ­ In Kind California Men¹s Colony East City of Morro Bay City of San Luis Obispo Economic Opportunity Commission Even Start Lucia Mar Mid-State Bank Foundation Phillips 66- In kind *Russel & Carol Kiessig Rotary Club of Five Cities San Luis Obispo Friends of the Library Sinsheimer, Shieblehut ­ In Kind SurfariNet ­ In Kind United Way *Unocal Foundation $500- $999 Patron KSBY-TV - In kind *E. Thomas Martin Pacific Gas & Electric / Tom Jones *J.R. Penrod St. Barnabas Thrift Shop *William Schumer *Southern California Gas Co. $250 ­ 499 Sponsor Altrusa International of Cinco Ciudades Barnett, Cox & Associates ­ In Kind Bell-Warren Trust California Men's Colony West Mary & Lesley Corbus *Susan Cushing Delta Kappa Gamma Epsilon Delta Chapter *First Bank of San Luis Obispo Fraternal Order of Eagles Emmy Kimball *Allen Hutkin, ESQ. *Henry & Cecily Lane D'Elaine & Mike Patrick *RRM Design Group The Sign Place ­ In kind *Stein & Casciola Law Corporation The Mortgage House / Rick Brause $100-$249 Partner Andre, Morris, & Buttery Barbich, Longcrier, Hooper & King Cayucos Lion¹s Club *Coastal Rolloff Service *Cold Canyon Landfill Cuesta College Library Robert & Sheryl Flores Hap & Gayle Harbert David & Sharon Juhnke Jeanne & Barry LaBarbera MacTeacher ­ In Kind *Mission Country Disposal Scott & Barbara Radovich Julie Rodewald *San Luis Garbarge Co. St. Stephen's Episcopal Church David & Madeline Shaw *South County Sanitary Torre Houlgate-West Presbyterian Church $50-$99 Friend John Akin Keith Aplustill & Sari Pinto Suzan Boatman ­ In kind Mac & Bonnie Brinton Rick Brause/ The Mortgage House, Inc. Richard & Diane Dannells Serim & Bilgi Denel Ellen Dollar Christopher Duenow First Church of Christ-Scientist James & Susan Fuller Mary Harris James Knecht Frances & Allan Mayer Mary Anne's Hallmark Morro Bay Women¹s Club Jeffrey Priolo Brian & Diane Reynolds Evelyn Riedinger JoAnn & Dennis Ruthenbeck (Borah's Awards) K. Jane Scanland Charlotte Smith Margo & Timothy Smith Patty Terbeck Paula Tripp Doris Wiley Nancy Woodard Laurel Woodson Natalie Woodson $15-$49 Reader Jack & Grace Beigle Patricia Bristow Diane & Richard Brown JoAnn & Ben Edmondson Shirley Ferguson Evelyn Frailing in honor of Helen Haberland Judythe Guarnera Vivian Guenzel in honor of Helen Haberland Margaret Hammond in honor of Helen Haberland Thomas & Lona Harney Renee Heller Laura Kirschner Lois & Frank Martinez Geraldine Ellerbrock Matrange Mary Parker Peace Lutheran Church Ladies Guild Paulette Perlman Irma Powell Andrea Raggio Jo An Roper Sue Svercheck Elaine & Bert Townsend Betsy & Donald Umhofer Lillian Warneke Robert Weatherford Donations made in honor of Cynthia Twisselman Doreen Deppler-Miller Jean Ross Nancy & Arn Williams Betty Lou Pierce Sheila Merrill Mary Twomey & Carol Yaggy Anthony & Michelle Johnson Elsie & Diane Cocke Dean & Mary McNutt Thelen Reid & Priest Attorneys Jeanne Shannon Frances Kuhnle Mitch & Susan Rowe Greg Steinberger T.F. & Patricia Twisselman Christian Iversen Shandon Elementary School Nancy & Ray Bryant The Hunt Fogelman Family   The Literacy Council/San Luis Chevron Fundraising Partnership The Literacy Council receives 5 cents per gallon when you use your Community Rewards card or Key-Tag at the San Luis Chevron! Call 541-4219 to get your card! - This program is valid only at San Luis Chevron, located at 2000 Monterey Street in San LuisObispo across from the Apple Farm. - It's simple . . . . pump first then go inside to pay. Scan your card or key-tag at the inside register when paying for your fuel. - Thank you for supporting The Literacy Council! This is intended to be an ongoing program to support The Literacy Council in the years to come, so share a card or key-tag with a friend! SUPPORT LITERACY WHEN YOU SHOP AT SCOLARI'S Scolari's shoppers can help support the San Luis Obispo Literacy Council through the Scolari's Friendship Fund Program. The program works this way: - Sign up for a Scolari's Club card. - Designate the SLO Literacy Council #5100 as your organization choice. Every time you shop at Scolari¹s use your Club card, the Literacy Council will receive a percentage of your total purchases. Every little bit helps!

Copyright: 2001
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