PITTSFIELD ROTARY CLUB    District 6460    8 August 2007

Visitors:  Barbara Holthaus, JWCC-Foundation Director. Came with our JWCC Speakers.  RobClemments, Pike Press.

PDG Eric Dolbeare led us in singing ‘Take Me Out to the Ball Game’, to honor the Cubs before their ‘Annual Swoon’……..

Program:  Connie Schroeder introduced Annette Newquist, Adult Education Specialist and Kathy Tomlinson, Coordinator of Literacy Services for John Wood Community College.

Pittsfield Rotary Club got a $500.00 grant from the Rotary Foundation.  This was matched by our local club, and JWCC is expanding the Literacy program with the money.

The ladies thanked our club for the $1000.00 gift, and will be starting the program of joint GED and literacy program this fall at the Pittsfield facility.

Many people cannot read, and yet have to operate in today’s society.  It is difficult for the,

Many have not finished high school, and as a result have sub-standard jobs.

The GED program gives them the equivalent of a high school diploma., and with that, many can get a  job, or a better job.

The tutoring will take place at a time and place the recipient can make.

Starting in September, they will be at Pleasant Hill and Nebo on Wednesdays, at 9-11 and  1-3 respectively, and from 7-9 at Pittsfield.

The literacy program had 139 students last year.

JWCC had 400 in the adult program  area wide, and 50 here in the Pittsfield area……

They need tutors in the Pittsfield area, teaching experience is NOT needed, just a true desire to help.  The materials and training are provided.

Your editor has done this several times and I can promise an interesting, informative and satisfying experience.  It does take some time, but the reward is really worthwhile.  I had one student who needed his CDL in order to keep his job, and provide for his growing family.  He was almost 30, had attended over 15 grade schools, was passed from grade to grade just to get rid of him, and read at the 2^nd grade level.

He PASSED the CDL, plus has kept of his reading by reading stories to his children….

If you can, volunteer by contacting JWCC  here at Pittsfield……Kent Hawley will be happy to sign you up…..