Saturday, November 8, 2008

Please Read With Me


Dr. Don reads with his "buddy".

Today's post is dear to my heart.  One perk of retirement is that you get to do things you didn't have time for before.  The S.T.A.I.R. (Start The Adventure In Reading) program at my church is one of them.  Four days a week, second graders from four inner city schools  come to our church after school for a snack (a really big deal) and reading instruction with a one on one tutor.  Since each student comes twice a week, that means they have two different tutors who can't wait to  listen to them read, teach, praise, and encourage them!  Some of the tutors are retired like me, and others are businessmen, high school students, community volunteers, doctors, etc.  Most are from our church but thankfully we have dedicated volunteers from other area churches who join us.  One thing we all have in common is the desire to help these girls and boys acquire the joy of reading and help them get better at doing just that! Periodically throughout the year, the families of the students are invited to come for supper at the church. Last night was the first family supper of the year.  A grand turnout where the families were able to meet the tutors and enjoy time together.  A special thank you must go to Anna James and Evelyn Puckett who run the STAIR program like a well oiled machine. What a blessing this program is to our community and our church as well. 
  
The Tune du Jour is " Wonderful World"  by Art Garfunkel, James Taylor and Paul Simon!

PARIS COUNTDOWN....8 DAYS!!!



Discover Art Garfunkel!

23 comments:

PJ said...

I'm up late tonight Virginia. So glad I get to end my night on this uplifting note.

Rakesh Vanamali said...

I loved the header picture of the walking trail! It is wonderful!

This picture too conveys a great deal of attachment and a sense of deep dedication!

I hope you've been enjoying Paris!

Cheers

Rakesh

Anonymous said...

Virginia, What a wonderful program - great for the teachers and great for the students and their families. Would be wonderful to have this around the country - any possibilites - or is it more widespread?

And the count down continues........

bitingmidge said...

I've just spent an evening catching up on all the pics I missed last month, too many to comment on!

Looking forward to news of Paris though.


Sunshine Coast Daily - Australia

Jilly said...

How heartwarming to read this, Virginia. I laughed to myself tho at more time now you are retired. I bet not much!

PeterParis said...

Nice action! We (sorry, I) generally don't do enough! Bravo!

Will you continue the countdown to the very last day? ... and translate into hours? :-) At last it's getting close!

Kate said...

Yes, we can! More citizens need to roll up their sleeves and help out so that all of our people can live in dignity with avenues for pleasure, such as reading!! Good job! PS. See my blog today for a reading tip.

John-Bryan Hopkins said...

How wonderful!

Webradio said...

Bonjour Virginia !
Photos pleines de sens, et très belles...
Lire à deux, c'est bien, oui...

Tanya Breese said...

A wonderful thing your church is doing. Love the top photo.
I can't imagine not being able to read, what a sad, boxed in life that would be.

Thérèse said...

I simply love "buddy time!"

Have a happy weekend!

alice said...

A great idea! In France too, you can do the same when you're retired, it's called "Lire et faire lire", but I amn't retired...

Marie-Noyale said...

What a lovely thing to do!
Such concentration in those two faces..
So what's the name of your buddy this year?
3 nice voices together today!!

Katie said...

More fabulous people photos and what a great reading program! Kudos to you and all the volunteers! And now Paris is just days away!! Ooooh you must be SO excited! Are you already packed?

Virginia said...

Jilly, Right you are. I am a tad "over volunteered" at the moment. Must find some balance soon!

Marie, My buddy is Bonita and she's a good little reader!

Katie,
Not packed, I am saving that for when my friend Mary flies in from Cincinatti on Monday night. She's also a "Paris junkie" and is going to try to keep me from taking too much!

Judy,
This program originated in New Orleans. I should check for a web site!

Peter,
Of course the countdown continues. Hadn't thought
about hours but will do just that. Tick tock....:)

Petrea Burchard said...

Your people pics are perfection.

Unknown said...

Being able to read is truly one of our greatest gifts ... and what not a better one to share. Nice post.

Nathalie H.D. said...

Dear Virginia, what a wonderful photo and program, this is fantastic and I can see why this is particular photo is dear to your heart. Thanks for sharing this wonderful adventure with us.

Nathalie H.D. said...

Regarding your comment on my blog about US foreign policiy, I understand your frustration at only being able to follow half the conversation since some of it is in French. However I can't see myself translating it all when some of the comments are quite long. This blog would become my full time job! What a shame I agree because all comments were a good contribution to the debate.

I don't want to shy away from political topics, they are part of life, and certainly part of life in Avignon where some strong political views occasionally get expressed on walls. The need for debate is something very French and I like it. I actually suffered from the lack of it in Australia where (just like in some parts of the USA by the looks of it) people avoid controversial topics and end up only talking about the weather or sports. I find that terribly boring. Let's talk about things! Confrontation of ideas isn't the end of the world. The fact that we don't necessarily agree doesn't mean we can't be friends!
Cheers!

Eki said...

I was trying to comment on this photo earlier, but alas my internet connection was painfully slow this afternoon that I could not even get this comment box to pop up.

That's a powerful moment you captured in this photo, V. I like the patience shown on Dr. Don's face and the curiousity and seriousness of that buddy of his in following his lesson.

Janet said...

Such a worthwhile program! My grandmother listened to us read after school, then read us bedtime stories.

USelaine said...

This looks like a wonderful program that benefits everyone involved. There is a literacy program at our local library too.

It's so exciting to anticipate a trip to someplace you already know you will love. Remember, the less you pack, the more fun you will have. 6^) If you forget something, you can always buy it there!

D said...

This is so wonderful. I wish more people understood the importance of reading to and with children.