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Writing
from
the Heart
Literacy Volunteers
of Roanoke Valley
Students Offer Hope
Volume IX
Published by
Literacy Volunteers of Roanoke Valley
Roanoke, Virginia
Copyright © 2004
Literacy Volunteers of Roanoke Valley
5002 Williamson Road
Roanoke, Virginia 24012
SCRABBLE® & ©2004 Hasbro, Inc. Used with permission.
Contents
Foreword
Acknowledgements
About Literacy Volunteers
Horace Dews
When I Was Growing Up
David L. Huffman
What Reading and Writing Mean to Me
Laura Duarte
Life in America
Rita Hastenreiter
The Spirit of the Volunteer in the U.S.A. Today
Travis Crowe
October Sky
How Kids Will Change Your Life
Claudia Maffucci
My Trip Back Home
Joyce Chuang
Knowledge About English
Bonnie Goad
When I Was Younger
Wayne Moran
Roanoke Is My Home
April Overstreet
Success
Notes from Darren and Devin
Afshin Farrokhpoor
The Most Important Day
Cathy Huang
The Character of America and Americans
Halima Mohamed
Learning English
Sonoko Kubota
My Birds
Terumi Murakami
Our Sweet Leo
Evan McCreath
Life as a Child
Beverly McCreath
How to Better Myself
Rosalia Munoz
The Power of the Written Word
Joe M. Dillon
My Church
Tim Hayes
The Unbearable Heat
Kyoko Takemoto-Jennings
Teaching Piano Lessons and Japanese Songs
Robert Bowles
Excellent Knowledge
Ninfa Di Prosperis
The Garden of My Home
Dianne Neal
Tweetsy
The Passion of the Christ
Tutoring
Beatriz Ponton
Educational Philosophy
Mark Nance
When I Get my GED
America Vinces
America
Andree Mesadieu
My Trip to New York to Visit my Daughter and Gabriella
Carlton Jackson
I Am Not Alone
Anonymous
My Favorite Foods
Harold Thompson
Rest in Peace
JoAnn Taylor
Why I Like My Job
Racheal Yang
The Library is My Favorite Place
Foreword
Writing from the Heart 2004 is the ninth collection of student writings produced by Literacy Volunteers of Roanoke Valley. From the writings and the information about the authors, you can readily tell that the learners have varied and interesting backgrounds with varied skill levels. However, they all clearly share one desire— to improve themselves and enrich their lives through literacy.
This project, which was generously funded by the Foundation for Roanoke Valley, has served as a valuable teaching aid and has also allowed us to share with you the progress and pride of a small group of our learners.
We are proud of our learners and of our program, which has supplied free literacy services to more than 2,500 adults since 1985.
We hope you enjoy this compilation. If you would like more information about our program, please give us a call at (540) 265-9339, email info@www.lvarv.org, visit our Web site at www.lvarv.org, or write:
Literacy Volunteers of Roanoke Valley
5002 Williamson Road
Roanoke, Virginia 24012
Floyd Addison, President
Literacy Volunteers of Roanoke Valley
Acknowledgements
Literacy Volunteers of Roanoke Valley would like to express thanks to each of the adult learners whose writings appear on the following pages. Their stories are inspirational to all readers, new and experienced alike. In addition, we would like to express our gratitude to the volunteer tutors for the time and guidance they have given to their students.
We would also like to thank the Foundation for Roanoke Valley for funding this project and Hasbro, Inc. for allowing us to use SCRABBLE® for the cover art. Organizations that support literacy allow us all to hear these adult learner’s voices.
Thanks again this year to Gina DeAngelis for assisting in the proofreading and editing of this book.
If you are interested in learning more about Literacy Volunteers of Roanoke Valley or if you would like to participate in the program as a tutor or a learner, please call (540) 265-9339, email info@www.lvarv.org, or visit our Web site at www.lvarv.org.
About Literacy Volunteers
Literacy Volunteers of Roanoke Valley is a non-profit volunteer organization whose primary function is to help adult learners improve their reading, writing, and English-literacy skills. All tutoring is free and confidential to adults in the Virginia counties of Roanoke, Botetourt, and Craig, and the cities of Roanoke and Salem.
Each adult learner is matched with a trained, volunteer tutor. The pair is encouraged to meet two hours per week. Together they decide on the location and time of their meetings. The local library is the most common public place used for tutoring sessions.
Learner goals are self-generated. One person might want to help his children with schoolwork; another might want to read the sports page in the newspaper; yet another might want to be able to fill out work orders. An English-for-Speakers-of-Other-Languages learner might want to acquire a basic conversational vocabulary or work toward successfully completing her U.S. citizenship exam.
Emphasis is placed on authentic instructional materials that have meaning in the learner’s life. A wide range of resources appropriate for adults who want to improve their literacy skills are available at our learning center for tutors to use with their learners. The computer lab is a popular resource for independent practice of language skills.
Our tutors are volunteers, trained to tutor either Basic Literacy or English-for-Speakers-of-Other-Languages. Tutor training workshops are held throughout the year. No prior teaching experience or knowledge of a foreign language is required.
Horace Dews lives in Roanoke. His hobby is cleaning cars. He has five grandchildren—three girls and two boys—and spends a lot of time with them. He loves working with his tutor.
When I Was Growing Up
by Horace Dews
I grew up in Campbell County. I can remember at eight years old that I had to get up early in the morning and go out to the hen house to gather eggs, so we could have breakfast. Then as I got older I had to miss school to help in the tobacco field from 7:00 a.m. until the sun went down. Around nine or ten o’clock we had to be in bed.
Whenever I went to school, I had to chop and gather wood afterwards because my grandmother had an old wood stove that she cooked on. That’s the way we had our meals. Whatever she cooked for dinner, that’s what we ate. It wasn’t like kids today. If I said I didn’t want that, I was in trouble. I also had to carry water from a spring in a bucket up a hill.
Hey, back where I lived, the name of the town was called Red House. When it got dark, I mean it was so dark you couldn’t see five feet in front of you.
Oh, we had to use an outhouse for a bathroom, and we had to heat our water to take a bath in a foot tub.
David Huffman has lived in Bedford County all of his life. He likes to work and stay active, going fishing and traveling. He and his tutor, Donna Conner, have been working together since July 2003.
What Reading and Writing Mean to Me
by David L. Huffman
Learning to read and write has changed my life. I have more confidence in myself. Education gives you power and confidence to make things easier in your life. Being able to read directions and instructions has helped me on my job. My job has a lot of parts. I deliver and pick up things like boxes of library books, automobile parts, and office supplies. Being able to read labels, instructions, and maps makes my job easier because it helps make sure that the right things are picked up or delivered to the right places. Education gives me power and control over my life. It was embarrassing to not be able to write checks to pay my bills. Now it is much easier to do these things and I am more confident when making financial decisions. Education is the key to everything. It takes a lot of hard work and effort, but it’s well worth it.
Laura Duarte has worked on her English both with her tutor Lewis Shontell and also in English Literacy/Civics classes with Bill Van Velzer. Her progress has been great.
Life in America
by Laura Duarte
I am Laura Duarte and Lewis Shontell is my tutor. We began studying together more than two years ago. Now I have a better understanding of the essential idioms in English. American people speak all the time using idioms. Before I started with Literacy Volunteers, I had little understanding when people spoke. I am working hard for better communication and understanding of what people are saying. I like where I work and feel like one of the family. Now my new challenge is to pronounce words correctly so everybody will understand me.
I left Cuba with my son and husband one dark night with ten people in a small, hand-made boat. I arrived in America as a Cuban refugee in January 1995.
I am happy to be in America. I am taking computer training, and my teacher is proud of my typing skills.
Thank you Literacy Volunteers for making my life in American more enjoyable.
Rita Hastenreiter is from Brazil. She has worked with her tutor, Karen Recknor, for several months and truly appreciates the help .
The Spirit of the Volunteer in the U.S.A. Today
by Rita Hastenreiter
I am so amazed when I think about a volunteer. Some people really believe that helping someone just by the heart is the answer. They spend time, money, energy, patience, and a lot of love to help someone else. Living in this environment has made me more sensitive and much more aware of people.
Travis Crowe and tutor Claire Blake have finished almost seven years of working together. Travis has moved on to college and hopes one day to own his own business. Claire has no doubt that Travis will succeed in whatever he wants to do. Though their working time together has ended, Travis and Claire will remain friends forever. She is so very proud of him.
October Sky
by Travis Crowe
October Sky is a great book about a boy named Homer Hickam who lived in Coalwood, West Virginia. Homer’s dad worked at a mine, but he didn’t understand Homer’s dreams. Homer also had a brother who was a wonderful football player and very popular in high school. His mother encouraged Homer to fulfill his dreams and to get out of Coalwood. Homer’s dream was to build rockets that would go to the moon. He was inspired by a man named Wernher von Braun. Homer also had some friends who helped him build the rockets. Although Homer and his friends didn’t fly their rockets to the moon, they did learn how to build them, something that they taught themselves.
October Sky is a wonderful book that I enjoyed reading. While reading this book I learned a few valuable lessons. One lesson that I learned was that you should never give up on your dreams, no matter what. Another lesson that I learned was to never give up, just keep on trying and you will eventually get there.
I believe that Claire chose October Sky for me to read for several reasons. One reason is because it is a great book that tells a wonderful story. Another reason Claire chose this book is to inspire me to keep on learning and never give up.
I would recommend October Sky to everyone for several different reasons. One reason is because it is a great book for all ages and everyone can get something from it. October Sky is a book that you will never forget reading and it will also inspire you.
How Kids Will Change Your Life
by Travis Crowe
From the time they are born,
Your life will change.
You’ll never be the same,
But that’s not a bad thing.
It’s a wonderful thing.
You’ll learn how to care,
Like never before.
You’ll learn what true love is,
Just the same.
You’ll need to be tender and sensitive too.
From the time they are born,
Your life will change,
Because you are now a Dad.
Claudia Maffucci has been studying English since she came to Roanoke three years ago. She and her husband, Gary, have a 3-year-old son, Giovanni. Her tutor, Susie Fetter, has been a teacher and friend.
My Trip Back Home
by Claudia Maffucci
When I left the United States last fall, I wasn't that anxious to be going back to my country. Once I was there and I hugged my family, my heart was all filled with love. I didn't want that moment to go away. I wanted to stay there forever This trip was filled with more hope, more love, more ideas, more worries, and more wishes.
Each day, each minute that went by was very hard for me. I almost felt like I was a person with only a few days to live. I couldn't stop hugging my mother, kissing her. I didn't get tired of telling her how much I love her, how happy and proud I am of her.
Weeks later, my husband, daughter, mother-in-law and a group of volunteers came to Honduras and we did a medical brigade. My heart was so sensitive, anything could make me cry and feel sad. People's and kid's needs were so bad that I wanted to be rich. I felt like having an answer for each of them. Once again, I felt how lucky I am. The brigade was an excellent experience, and it made me think more about me and others. Dreams and more wishes came to me.
Days were going faster. I also played a lot with my brothers. I told them how important they are to me and how much I missed them.
Coming back to the United States was very hard. I didn't want to come back. I hugged my mother so hard, and my tears came like a river. Twenty-six days seemed like twenty-six seconds.
Now I open my eyes and everything seems like a short dream. Now, in each of my sighs there are memories; there are wishes and more hopes.
Joyce Chuang is from Taiwan. She came to the United States four years ago. She studied at Shenandoah University in Winchester. Joyce studied computers in education. She is currently working as a hostess at Nanjing Restaurant. Joyce and her tutor Kathy Seeley have been working together since February 2004. Joyce is interested in literature. The pair is reading The Little Prince, Little Women, and The Old Man and the Sea.
Knowledge about English
by Joyce Chuang
Each language has its attributes. Just like Chinese and Arabic look like drawings, English looks like a phonetic symbol on a staff, but it is not easy like singing a song. Smart people already know to use songs to help learning language.
I really want more knowledge about English. That’s why I applied for a tutor for studying it after I finished my degree.
I had been waiting a long time, but finally I’ve got a tutor. Her name is Kathy Seeley. She is a patient tutor whom I’d never met before. Her clear pronunciation and rich knowledge make it easier to learn English.
We were talking about everything around the world; from politics to pollution anything can be a topic. Each class is always fun and novel. I have learned many things from her, not just about the English language.
It’s a good program for people who are foreigners and people who are deprived of education. There is nothing I can say but thanks to Kathy and Literacy Volunteers.
Bonnie Goad and her tutor Emily Moore are both Botetourt country residents who have worked and studied together for a number of years. They both enjoy life in the country.
When I Was Younger
by Bonnie Goad
When I was ten to twelve years old, I stayed with my sister during the summer time. One time we watched a horror movie. When I went to bed that night, I dreamed somebody was in the attic and they were after me. I woke up screaming.
We would go camping over the weekend. One of our favorite camp groups was Whispering Pines. Sometimes we would fry potatoes, eggs, bacon, and “fry biscuits” for breakfast. I hadn’t eaten fry biscuits until I went camping with Dot and Gerald. We cooked on the grill for supper. Lots of times we would have steak, corn on the cob, and baked potatoes. We would go swimming at nighttime. The water was like ice during the day. We went to see Daddy and while we were visiting we went to Lake Pymatunig. I liked this lake a lot because at the spillway there were so many fish that the ducks walked on the fish. Wouldn’t it be nice to be young and do it all over again?
Wayne Moran lives in Roanoke. Among his hobbies are collecting race cars and Star Wars memorabilia. He also enjoys playing all kinds of video games. He and his tutor, Angela Rauenswinter, have been working together for four years. She enjoys working with Wayne and is very proud of him.
Roanoke Is My Home
by Wayne Moran
I have lived in Roanoke all of my life. My house is on the side of Tinker Mountain. I have lived there for thirty-five years. When I went to school I would walk down the hill to ride the bus. I went to elementary school for six years. Then I went two more years at Botetourt Intermediate School and finally four years at Lord Botetourt High School.
While living here in Roanoke, I was in a flood. This was one of the biggest in Roanoke's history. Tinker Creek overflowed. We did not know how to get to our house, so we stayed with my grandma all night. On the top of Tinker Mountain there is a mark from this flood. If you look at the mountain you will see one side of it has a big mud slide. This happened when the flood happened.
The mountains around here can be very green and brown and also yellow. When you want to hike, go to the Peaks of Otter. The place to fish is at the James River. You can bike and walk in many different places.
In Roanoke there are a lot of good restaurants. You can just go downtown and they are all there.
Living here we enjoy all four seasons. When winter comes the plants are all white with snow. Then spring comes around and all the trees start to turn green. By the time summer gets here the leaves and grass are very green and everything is very dry. Fall brings different colors to the leaves. Then a new year comes and everything happens all over again.
Roanoke has so much to offer. That's why I enjoy living here.
April Overstreet has worked with her tutor, Donna David, for three years. They worked hard together over those years and with great success. The two of them have become good friends. April really appreciates everything that Donna does for her.
Success
by April Overstreet
When I was going to school, I did have a hard time. People wanted to fight and say bad things to me. They would talk bad to me. And it was hard for me to do homework when no one would help me to do it.
I had a son at sixteen years old. It was hard to live at home. I moved out when I was seventeen years old and I was working and going to school. It wasn’t any easier. So I went back home.
A social worker gave me the phone number of LVRV for a tutor and took me to get tested for about one and one half hours. Some of the tests were harder than others. About three weeks later, I got a call from my new tutor, and we talked about when and where to meet.
We have been working together four years now. I want to help my kids read and write and to help them with math. I am still working on getting my GED. I want a job working with kids.
It has not been easy for me but I am doing something good. I do want a better life for me and my boys. I want to be independent so I can feel good about myself.
It doesn’t matter how old you are. I hope my letter will inspire someone. I have worked with a tutor since April 2000 and will continue to do so as long as I need to. Good luck to everyone that has a tutor and is working hard for what they want in life. Stay in LVRV to make it easier for you.
Notes from Darren and Devin
by April Overstreet
My name is Darren. I am nine years old now. I go to school every day. I make As, Bs, and Cs in school. I have a spelling test every Friday at school. I am going to church now. I have been going for one year now. I like to play. I like to play ball, cars and with my brother and my dog. I am doing good. My mom wrote this for me.
My name is Devin. I am six years old now. I like to go to school. I will go to church with my big brother this year now. I like to play ball at school. And I like the cook outs you have every year. I came with my mom and her tutor every year. I would like to thank LVRV for giving my mom a tutor. We have the best mom. She likes to read books to us.
Afshin Farrokhpoor has worked in the program for a short time but has already made great progress. His tutor, Lewis Shontell, has been a tutor for four years and really enjoys working with Afshin.
The Most Important Day
by Afshin Farrokhpoor
October 21, 2003 is the most important day in my lifetime because I came to the USA and met my wife and my son after two years. We have a big family, and we live together. We live with my father-in-law and my mother-in-law and my sister-in-law in a big house.
My father-in-law and my mother-in-law have two daughters. Both of their daughters have sons. It is interesting that you know my son’s birthday and my father-in-law’s birthday is the same day and my son’s cousin’s birthday and my mother-in-law’s birthday also is the same day. I think God wanted to do this. Because my wife and her sister like their family very much and love them. I am so happy that I am here and enjoy my family. Thank God for my family.
When I came here, I couldn’t speak English good. After I knew about LVRV, I called them up. They introduced me to Lewis for English class. Lewis is my teacher. He has taught me one day a week. After four months I am able to speak English better than before. I am so happy, and I prefer to continue my class.
Cathy Huang and her sixteen year old daughter moved to Salem one year ago. Cathy enjoys singing opera and church music. She likes gardening and reading and is active in Sister Cities. She and her tutor, Charlotte Hines, have been working together since October. Charlotte says Cathy is a hard worker, and she enjoys working with her.
The Character of America and Americans
by Cathy Huang
One year ago, I left my native country of China, and I moved to the United States. I believe China's culture and history is old and plentiful, and America's culture and history is short and splendid.
America's character is restless and energetic and pleasant. When I walk around my neighborhood, everybody says hello to me. Americans usually call you by your first name. When they use your first name they are being friendly, comfortable, and not impolite. Americans give gifts on many occasions, and sometimes they send cards.
Most Americans treat their dogs and cats like members of the family. This means that Americans love their dogs and cats. They provide the proper home, food, exercise, and medical care. They give them pretty names, and the dogs and cats are their loyal friends.
Some people say American teenagers like loud music, cool cars, computer games, and football. But I think they also have a serious and more responsible side. Many teenagers go to college to improve themselves.
Most Americans show respect for other people's opinions. This kind of behavior means the people have good character and good personal conduct.
American culture is like a mixed salad. Every nation is here, and all nations are important. All together, they make up the United States of America. America is a great country! Americans are great people.
Halima Mohamed lives in Roanoke with her husband and two children. She stays very busy taking care of her family and also works whenever she is needed. Her tutor, Linda Kruse, has been working with Halima for almost a year and enjoys helping Halima understand more about English and learning about her country and customs.
Learning English
by Halima Mohamed
My name is Halima Mohamed. I am from Ethiopia. My family lived in a small town named Jimm Aggaro. I lived in the capital of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa. I came to the USA on August 28, 1998. Now I’ve been five years in the United States. When I first came to United States, I did not speak English. Now I’m better because I’m going to school. When we came to the United States, English was so hard. Now I speak more. My husband speaks more now than at first. My children do not speak my language. They speak English.
Sonoko Kubota is from Japan and lives in Roanoke with her husband. She and her tutor, Carol Sheahan, have been working together since January 2002.
My Birds
by Sonoko Kubota
When I hear songs of birds
in my bed early in the morning,
I can know spring has come.
I can’t see them in the morning.
Where do they sing songs?
Please sing in front of me.
Please tell me which song does each own?
I’ve fed birds every day for two years.
The newspaper said: most purchasers of wild bird food
are women who are the age of the empty nest.
Me too!
My baby child has been in the college dorm
since last August.
My three birds have flown.
I miss them.
Please sing sometimes.
Please tell me sometimes.
Please fly back to me once in a while.
I’ve waited.
I would listen carefully without missing your song.
When will my heart be filled with them again?
Terumi Murakami is from Japan and lives in Roanoke with her husband, Tex, and infant son, Leo. She and her tutor, Carol Sheahan, have been working together since November 2001.
Our Sweet Leo
by Terumi Murakami
Tex and I were married in September 1999. We have spent much happy time. Our son, Leo, was born on January 1, 2004. It’s a New Year.
My pregnant time was a very pleasant time. We met him at last. He is three months old right now. He likes his fingers. (He sucks his fingers with a joyful smile.) He likes my milk. He likes to be held.
Our life has changed. We can’t think about life without Leo. We love Leo. Leo gives many things to us. His smile is the most wonderful in the world. We are very glad to see him. And we can’t possibly put our thanks in words. We hope very much Leo’s life will be healthy and happy.
Evan McCreath has worked with his tutor, Betty Jo Hayes, for nearly three years. Evan has some of his family here from Jamaica and looks forward to the day his entire family will be together. He enjoys sports, music, electronics, cars, and learning about the computer.
Life as a Child
by Evan McCreath
As a child growing up in the country part of Jamaica, life was not easy for me. As early as the age of seven, I had to learn fast in order to survive. I had to think like an adult. If I were to think like a normal seven year old kid I would not be here now to write about it.
I started working at age eight for food or money. Children need more than just food to live. I just wanted enough food to make it to the next day.
When I was a child growing up I had noticed we had two different classes of people. They fell under two categories. One is the group of people with plenty and the other was those with very little. The children of the middle class and I went to the same school but there were big differences between us. One difference was that those kids were dropped off and picked up every day by their parents. They didn’t eat at the school canteen. They took nice lunches or money to buy lunch at the store. The middle class kids only made friends with kids that could live up to the same lifestyle. They didn’t play, talk, or eat with me because I fell under the poor people category. I had to walk two miles round trip to school. Lunch only cost two cents, but I still couldn’t afford it. Most other kids expected to see Santa only at Christmas time. But I would look to see Santa each day. Santa came in many ways for me. Sometime he gave me a chance to catch a fish, kill a bird, or get a small job that I could do.
My biggest gift came from Santa two years ago. My gift was the LVRV program and my tutor. Life was not easy, but I learned that I could make good out of bad. Thanks to my every day Santa, he makes the sun keep shining for me.
Beverly McCreath is from Jamaica and has lived in Vinton for two years. She has three sons. She has been a Christian for ten years. She likes cooking, singing, reading, and listening to music. Maggie Nevers has lived in Roanoke for five years and has been tutoring Beverly for over a year. She is inspired by Beverly’s enthusiasm.
How to Better Myself
by Beverly McCreath
My name is Beverly McCreath. I came from Jamaica to the United States with my three sons two years ago to join with my family. Next morning, when I woke up I looked outside and it was so different to me because the trees they had no leaves on them.
So I said, “Did these trees die?” and my father said, “No”.
My first time seeing the snow it was so beautiful. I love this country because it has so many different people from all over the world, and America never turns anyone away. When I came to this country, I said I want to better myself by going back to school. So I started to go to a GED class, but that was too fast for me. So one day I went to a park with my brother, and I met some friends of his. We ate and I gave my name and got a ticket and won a prize.
I said to my brother, “What is this all about?”
And he said, “This is my tutoring school I go to.”
From there I met Jack, the program coordinator, and I signed up to be a student too. I like it so much and I have a great teacher. She is so sweet to talk to when I don’t know how to do my work.
I started my first job at Hollins College, and I do like it. Since I started working at Hollins College, it has given me so much opportunity to put my life together and it has given me the courage to reach my goal. Since I’ve been working and taking my literacy class, I have got my driver’s license and then a car and have moved into my own apartment.
America is a blessed country because it helps people like me to better myself. First I want to get my GED so that I can become a nurse, but I know that I have to work hard. Sometimes it seems I can’t make it, but with the help of my teacher I am going to. Now I work on my writing and reading and I am not going to stop until I get what I have been sent to do in my life because the things we love and the things we need come from God above. I have many dreams in this country and I will give them my whole energy, so that they are made reality. The USA is so different from my country. Without my literacy class, I would not have the confidence I have now.
Rosalia Munoz was working for the United Nations for sixteen years in Mexico City. She moved to Roanoke one year ago. Rosalia enjoys exercising, reading, writing, and going out with her husband and two children. Her tutor is Joe Caselles.
The Power of the Written Word
by Rosalia Munoz
Writing from the Heart, the collection of student writings produced by Literacy Volunteers of Roanoke Valley, is an excellent opportunity to encourage English students to write about subjects and thoughts from their heart.
I like writing. I always do it. I write simple notes to my family and enclose them in their lunch boxes, letting them know how much I care.
I write about what I want to do the next day, the next week, the next month and what I plan to do for the rest of my life.
It is very important to write. I invite you all to do it. Write a letter, an e-mail or a diary. Write when you are feeling happy, when you are feeling lonely, on sunny days or on rainy days…but write.
Writing expands our thoughts and enlarges our world. Writing also gets us close to God and to others.
Nothing can help us understand our mission in this world like writing. Let’s try to write from our souls even if no one reads it. Some of our writings may be meant to be private. Just writing our thoughts often makes us feel better.
The simple act of writing will help us organize our thoughts and see the situation more clearly. A piece of paper and a pencil can do miracles. It can cure pains, consolidate dreams and help us recuperate lost faith.
The word has power; the written word is very powerful.
Joe Dillon has lived in the Roanoke Valley all his life. He worked for thirty-two years for the Interstate Equipment Company and is now retired. He enjoys woodworking and carpentry and is often called on by friends and neighbors to do home repair and remodeling jobs. His tutor, Dick Hawkins, is a retired audiologist who has served as executive director of the Roanoke Valley Speech & Hearing Center for twenty-seven years.
My Church
by Joe M. Dillon
My church is the First Church of the Nazarene located in Southeast Roanoke. I started going there when I was about twenty years old. At that time there was only a basement with a tarpaper roof. After a few years we built the church building over the basement. The contractor was C. L. Fielder Company. My dad worked for this company as a blue print reader and a fitter. I learned how to do welding and welded all of the steel plates that went on the columns. I also welded all the steel trusses that hold up the roof. Years later we added more rooms to the building.
Recently our church bought some more property, and we have decided to build some new buildings and make a larger parking lot and a new playground.
We have some wonderful people in our church. I call them my church family. Our pastor is Reverend Earl Robertson and his wife is Mrs. Betty Robertson. We have lots of different activities at our church such as dinner every Wednesday evening followed by Bible study. I’m glad to be a member of the First Church of the Nazarene.
Tim Hayes has worked with his tutor, Jack Spraker, for three years and has made great progress. Tim enjoys the outdoors and often writes of his adventures in nature. He is also a devoted family man and loves to spend time with his wife Sherry and son Joshua.
The Unbearable Heat
by Tim Hayes
My hunting buddies and I had the whole week off from work. I had been practicing with my bow for months to be prepared for the big day, but I wasn’t prepared for the heat. I got up early on Saturday so I could get to the top of the ridge before daylight.
When I finally got to the top of the ridge, I was out of breath and wringing wet. I sat down on a log to catch my breath and cool off. It began to get light and the critters started to move around. I saw some crows flying overhead. A bunch of snowbirds landed around me. The redheaded woodpecker landed in a dead pine tree next to me. He was making so much noise that it was driving me crazy. I wished I had my shotgun, but I picked up a rock and threw it at him and he moved on.
As it got lighter the wind began to blow up the mountain. I heard the leaves crunching. My heart started to speed up. I got my bow ready. The noise got louder and louder. Suddenly, everything went quiet. I slowly looked around and at the other end of the log sat a squirrel looking at me. He walked slowly toward me, and then he stopped and looked at me, twitching his nose if to say, “What in the world are you?” I watched him for a few minutes. Then his nerve got the best of him and he was gone.
I gathered my stuff and started walking slowly down the ridge. The sun started to heat up the woods and me. I stopped to pull off some of my clothes. Then I made about ten steps, and the bushes and leaves in front of me moved furiously. I jumped back quickly to see what it was. A big bullfrog was moving quickly away from me. I started to get a little worried. I knew if the frogs were out, the snakes were out too.
I looked down the ridge to see what I would have to go through, and it did not look good. There were bushes about knee high everywhere on top of the ridge. On one side of me were thick bushes and weeds, and on the other side was a good sixty or seventy foot drop down to the creek. I paused for a moment and thought about going back the same way I came, but it was getting hotter by the minute.
I looked around and found me a long stick to smack the bushes. I hoped by smacking the bushes the snakes would move out of the way. I walked slowly smacking the bushes and looking hard for snakes. The wind was swirling in all directions. As the sun got higher in the sky, I could smell a stink in the air, and I got really nervous. I have smelled that stink before when there were bears in the area.
I dug around in my bag looking for my binoculars as I glanced around for bears. I finally found my binoculars in the bottom of the bag. I began scanning the area as I walked slowly down the ridge. I would stop every few minutes and smack the bushes hard hoping that the loud sound would scare everything around me. I walked about forty feet and scanned the ridge. I saw something big and black standing between two big trees. It looked like a bear. I wiped the sweat out of my eyes and looked again. It was still there. I trembled and I tried to stand still. I knew if he saw me I would be dead meat. I glanced to the left. The bushes were too thick. If I tried to run through there, he could nail me. I glanced back over my shoulder and thought of running, but he would catch me in the open. I looked down at the creek on the right. If the bear didn’t kill me, the fall would.
I knew I had to make a stand. I pulled my arrows out of the quiver and laid them on the ground. It didn’t look good. I only had four arrows. I hoped he would smell me and move on, but he was still there. I picked up my arrows and moved toward him. My legs felt like noodles, and my heart beat in my throat. My eyes burned from sweat. I wiped the sweat from my eyes and looked again. I thought he would have moved by now. I moved in a little closer. He didn’t flinch. I pulled my binoculars from my pocket to get a better look.
The heat was getting unbearable. Sweat ran down my back. I couldn’t understand why he would not move. I made up my mind to take a shot. I estimated the range about fifty yards. There were lots of bushes and trees between the bear and me. I laid my gear on the ground and pulled my handkerchief from my pocket to wipe the sweat from my face and hands. I leaned up against a tree to steady my shaking body, so I could get a better look at the bear. He was still there. The sun was beating down on my head like a blowtorch. I knew I had to make the first shot count, or I would be dead. I pulled my bow back and put the pen right on his chest. It was now or never. I turned it loose. Suddenly, a loud bang echoed through hollow. It sounded like a rifle shot. I looked around to see if there were any other hunters near by. I pulled my binoculars from my pocket and looked at what I thought was a bear. I could see the feathers on my arrow.
I fell to my knees in relief. I had just shot a big black log. I gathered my stuff and walk quickly to the big, black, vicious bear. I looked around to see if anyone was looking. I felt right foolish at that moment. I pulled my knife from my bag and began to dig what was left of my arrow out of the log. Then I gathered my stuff and ran for camp.
When I got there, Dad said, “Boy, you look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
“No, Dad it’s just this unbearable heat.”
Kyoko Takemoto-Jennings is from Japan. She now lives in Roanoke with her husband and daughter. She likes to cook and garden. Her tutor, Karen Recknor, is a real estate agent and appraiser.
Teaching Piano Lessons and Japanese Songs
by Kyoko Takemoto-Jennings
I have been teaching piano for four years here now. I have just a few students. I’m teaching my daughter and neighbor’s child every Wednesday. They want to learn piano together so I like to give a group lesson. I’m teaching them piano and Japanese songs. Now they can sing three Japanese songs with an imagination dance. I’m so impressed! Their Japanese is very good, and they are enjoying it. I wish we could have concert so that all neighborhood people can listen to their great playing of the piano and awesome Japanese!
Robert Bowles lives in Roanoke City. He enjoys spending time with his wife and daughters, and listening to his old school music. He and his tutor, Karen Gray, have been having fun, working hard, and learning from each other.
Excellent Knowledge
by Robert Bowles
I have always had an excellent knowledge of things. I have also had to deal with dyslexia. Once I got to junior high, as long as I played sports, I just got passed along. One time I failed English and Math. My coach went to my teachers and then came to me at lunch and told me to be at football practice. I told him I had failed classes and he said don’t worry about it. It turns out I had a D in the classes and was allowed to play. But because of this, I cannot read very well. I have not been able to place what I think on paper.
I have a lot of thoughts about things that go on around me. Such as things that people do to kids. I wonder how people could mistreat children. I have heard of people hollering at and beating their children. I can’t see beating a child for not washing the dishes. They are just kids; they forget things sometimes. I try to coach my kids along, not be forceful with them. I give them options. Like when I need them to clean their side of the basement. If they don’t want to, I tell them they can put their things away or I can gather them up, put them in a trash bag, and throw them away. They then have no problem cleaning up their side. I try to teach my kids there are options about how to deal with people. Hitting and having an attitude is not a good way to work with others. I try to teach them balance.
These are some of the thoughts that I would like to write and maybe turn into a book someday. I would like to write about how I’ve raised my kids and how I have had to deal with problems and things in my life. My kids have helped me through a lot—their love is unconditional.
Ninfa Di Prosperis, who is from Venezuela, has worked on her English in our program for two years. Her improvement has been dramatic. She currently works with tutor, Karen Recknor.
The Garden of My Home
by Ninfa Di Prosperis
Last year I decorated furniture for the outside that has the Spanish saying “the garden is my home” with a painting of sunflowers. I planted the plants according to the season. I prefer spring and autumn because the back yard is filled with vegetables and fruits and I like good weather.
Every day I pick onions, peppers, potatoes, lettuce, broccoli, grapes, and black berries and prepare different foods. My husband prepares blackberry pie, wine, and many salads.
Now I am working some time in the garden and plant different flowers. It is my best therapy and relaxation even though it is a lot of work.
Dianne Neal lives in Vinton. She loves music, movies, and magazines. She is an avid fan of Lord of the Rings. She and her tutor, Tracey Reynolds of Salem, have been working together since September 2003. Tracey enjoys working with Dianne and is very proud of all her efforts.
Tweetsy
by Dianne Neal
Tweetsy is a little guinea pig. She is black and white. Every time you try to pick her up, she runs. She is so cute. She doesn’t bite. She is six inches long. Tweetsy is six weeks old. Her favorite spot is in the corner of the cage. We got her at Petland. She is so soft. We thought that Tweetsy would be better for it. She is in my Mom’s room. We hold her all the time because we love her and she is so cute. My Dad thought of the name. We chose a female guinea pig because they do not bite.
The Passion of The Christ
by Dianne Neal
The movie, The Passion of The Christ was very emotional. Jesus was hit and spit on. A man came and helped Jesus with His cross. The man defended Him. They got closer to the place where Jesus was going to be hung. Jesus had flashbacks from when He was little and when He was with His mom. God sent His son, Jesus, to die for our sins. I would recommend this movie to people so they could understand why Jesus was crucified. Mel Gibson made the movie.
Easter plays a role in the movie because following the crucifixion, Jesus was put in the tomb. Then, He rose from the dead three days later. This is what Easter is.
Tutoring
by Dianne Neal
Tutoring is good for me because it helps me with money, times tables, skills, and math. I want it because it is things I need help in. I read books, magazines, stories, poems, and letters. I do spelling tests, look up words in the dictionary, sight words, cursive, and unscramble words. I did New York and Hollywood projects. In math, I do multiplication, addition, and subtraction. In science, I studied astronomy. I also read Bible stories. Then, I write out answers to Bible story questions.
For life skills, I am learning to write checks and balance a checkbook. I learned to tell time, work with money and am studying driving skills to get a learner’s permit. I filled out job applications and read job ads. I have also written fan mail to some of my favorite actors (Elijah Wood, Johnny Depp, Viggo Mortensen). My tutor rewards me with stickers. She gave me a Lord of the Rings agenda/calendar book that I write in. My tutor’s name is Tracey Reynolds. We have been working together since September 2003. She prepares work for me each week and we have fun working together.
Beatrice Ponton comes from Columbia and has lived in the United States for several years. She wants to teach Spanish in the public schools. She works with tutor, Karen Recknor.
Educational Philosophy
by Beatriz Ponton
I believe that “to teach is to touch a life forever” is a perfect statement for describing the importance of a teacher’s role in our times. When you are working in a company manufacturing any kind of product, any imperfection affects a “thing” that can be fixed or replaced easily. In the schools the product is a “human being” and we are not allowed to make mistakes because whatever good or bad we teach our students lasts forever.
The educational philosophy should be to focus on developing a student’s mental, cultural, physical, moral, spiritual, and social areas with emphasis on values that contribute to valuing ourselves, our families, and our communities to insure an active participation in society and to permit a maximum contribution to the wellbeing of the individual.
The highest degree of responsibility with our students should be to prepare them for the next steps in education, training, and employment and to equip them to make informed choices at school and throughout their lives.
To teach requires dedication, patience, sacrifice, to devote oneself, and—the last not least—to love. If you do not love this job, you cannot do it. All the preparation at school, university and college will be useless if you lack a love for students and teaching.
Mark Nance works hard with his tutor, Gina DeAngelis, toward his goal to pass the GED tests.
When I Get My GED
by Mark Nance
Once I get my GED, I plan to get a job and get a car. The kind of jobs I am thinking about doing are working in a warehouse or doing maintenance in an apartment complex. If I get one of those jobs, or any job, that would be good. Those jobs would be good jobs to start out with until I go to Virginia Western and take some classes in art and computers.
When I finish college I hope to get a better job doing stuff like drawing people, cartoons, or even working on the computer drawing animation characters. This would be something I would like to do because I love drawing all kinds of things.
 The two cars I would like to have would be a BMW or a Focus, like my brother has. My dream car is a BMW. BMWs look cool and are really fast. Because they are so expensive, the BMW won’t be my first car, so I would like to get the same kind of Focus like my brother has. It’s a hatchback and I heard that they are good cars and also look cool to drive around on the road. If I can’t get one of those cars it really doesn’t matter what kind of car that I get as long as it takes me to work, school and other places where I need to go.
America Vinces came to the United States from Ecuador many years ago. She enjoys her life in this country and also greatly values her Chinese heritage. She works with tutor, Karen Recknor.
America
by America Vinces
Here is something very interesting that I would like to share with you. My name is America. I am originally from Ecuador, my grandfather immigrated from China to Ecuador and he gave me this name. I have always asked myself why this name? However, now I know that he had great wisdom, because we came to America and now I have lived in the United States for many years.
Two of our children were born here in the U.S.A. Our oldest son was born in Ecuador, when he was 21 months old we moved to America and he attended school here. My children learned English here as natives and we spoke Spanish in our home. All our children are bilingual and my oldest just recently assisted the tutor to teach the Asians, the Spanish and the Portuguese students to learn English.
People say to me what a beautiful name you have, and it makes me smile to be named after such a beautiful country. By the way, because of my Chinese ancestry, I look a little Chinese and I play tricks on the tutor’s Asian students and sometimes my Spanish friend and facetiously tell them I am Chinese. Being multi-cultural has its advantages.
Andree Mesadieu came to this country from Haiti in July 1999. She works at Elizabeth Arden and is studying hard to learn English. She and her tutor, Pam Reilly, have been working together for over 1 ½ years. Andree dictated this story to Pam to describe her recent visit to New York to see her granddaughter for the first time.
My Trip to New York to Visit My Daughter and Gabriella
by Andree Mesadieu
I went to New York Saturday morning on the bus. It was April 3, Saturday night at 9:50 pm when I arrived at New York. Gabriella was still awake. This was the first time I saw her.
The next morning I got up and took a shower. Then Gabriella woke up and took a bath. I took care of Gabriella and Alden, her mother, took a shower. Gabriella patted my face. She likes me. I put on my dress and went to church at 10 o’clock.
Gabriella is learning to walk. She walks in her walker and holds on to the table and chairs. I read my book “Busy Witch” to Gabriella. This was my book from class and it was a gift to Gabriella. Her mother thought I should bring the book home. I told Alden the book was for Gabriella. Part of the gift was that I could read the book to her. I worked hard to learn how to read that book.
On Tuesday I went outside to the market with Gabriella and Alden. Alden pushed Gabriella in a carriage. Then we got in the car. I sat next to Gabriella. We visited Gabriella’s grandfather.
I came back to Roanoke on the bus the next Sunday. I left New York at 6 o’clock. I arrived home at 3:30 in the morning. I would like Gabriella and Alden to come visit me in Roanoke.
Carlton Jackson lives in Roanoke. He enjoys all kinds of flowers, loves fishing, cooking, and spending time with his grandchildren and children. He and his tutor, Melanie Parker, have been working together for the past six months. She is extremely proud of Carl and all that he has accomplished in such a short period of time.
I Am Not Alone
by Carlton Jackson
I thought I was alone not being able to read, but then I met a friend who cared. His name is Travis Crowe. He told me about the Basic Literacy Program at Literacy Volunteers. Then I met Jack Spraker. Jack also showed me that I am not alone.
I am not afraid to try. Learning to read is my goal and my desire. Life will be so much better once I feel better about my ability to read. Since my two sons died, I have wanted to read even more.
For myself and my children, I know how much reading will enable me to better my life. I have a wonderful tutor. Her name is Melanie, and she is very patient and caring.
I am going to continue to work very hard to learn to read. There’s no stopping me now.
The writer whose piece appears below chooses to publish anonymously. He and his tutor, Anna Cork, began work together this past spring. Things are cooking along quite well for the two of them already.
My Favorite Foods
My favorite food is fried chicken. You clean it first. A whole lot of people take the skin off. Put your grease in and let the pan get hot. Put pepper, seasoning, and a little salt in the flour. You make sure the flour is on the chicken real good. Put it in the frying pan and let it cook slowly. Keep checking on it. Flip it over when it is done – when it isn’t bloody. When both sides are done, drain all the grease off.
I like meatloaf too. She (my wife) puts green peppers, onion, bread or crackers, and ketchup in it. Then you spread it out. Put it in the oven at 350 degrees and let it cook for thirty minutes to one hour.
I also like potato salad. First you boil your potatoes. Once they get soft, you cool them off with cold water. Then you peel them and dice them up. Then you cut up your eggs, onions, green pepper and celery. Then you put in mustard, mayonnaise, and a little dab of salt and that’s about it.
I’ve got one more. I like ribs. You wash your ribs real good to get all that dried blood off. You boil them for about an hour. Afterwards, take them off the pot. Put them in a pan and let them cook. Put BBQ sauce on and let them stand for twenty minutes, then you are done.
Harold Thompson works with Literacy Volunteers through the Rescue Mission. He participated in a reading and writing class offered there in the spring and just recently started work with his tutor, Barbara Norton.
Rest in Peace
by Harold Thompson
On August 15, 2003, I lost my twin sons because their mother had a miscarriage. By her drinking and smoking cigarettes, the babies did not have a chance at life. I feel that if I could have done something about it like telling her about N.A., maybe we would have lovely children by now. I wonder if they would be tall like me — six feet two inches or six feet five inches like their sisters in DC and their brothers in Birmingham, Alabama. They are hard working people with blue collar jobs, nice cars, and their children are very smart. That’s why I wonder if they would have been. My heart lies with you, sons, and with all my heart, “Rest in Peace.”
JoAnn Taylor dictated this story about her job to Kathleen Lautigar, her tutor of nine years.
Why I Like My Job
by JoAnn Taylor
Several days a week I go to work at a place on Melrose Avenue. The bus comes to pick me up right where I live. It comes at the same time everyday and I’m always ready. I like to get to work on time. In the afternoon this bus takes me home again, and I don’t even have to pay for the ride!
I feel lucky to work at Goodwill Industries of the Valleys. This is a good job. I do different things on different days. My work mostly has to do with paper towels, screws, and coat hangers. It’s not a difficult job. Anything I need help with, the supervisors are there to help me. We
even joke around a little. They’re very nice to me. They explain things and I catch on quickly. No one hollers at me. Everybody’s nice to me here, and I get to work with my friends.
The hours are good for me because I enjoy working in the daytime, especially in the mornings. We get off early in the afternoon. So that gives me time to relax with my friends at home.
The manager lets me have time off for reading lessons twice a week, and that’s good. Other days I get a break in the morning. That’s when I talk to my friends and get a snack out of the machine. At noon we have plenty of time to eat our lunches. I bring mine from home.
We get off on many holidays, with pay. We’re off for Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Sometimes we even have holiday parties with refreshments like cake,peanuts, potato chips, and sodas.
The building on Melrose is fine--warm in winter, and cool in summer. It’s quiet in the big room where everyone works , and I like that.
The pay is good on this job. And I get paid right on time, every payday.
So you can see I have no complaints about anything here.
What a great job!
Racheal Yang and Tracy Mulholland have been working together for just over a year. Racheal is currently enrolled as a student at Virginia Western Community College and recently won an award in an art showing.
The Library is My Favorite Place
by Racheal Yang
I like the library here, reading books is my favorite pastime. It has all kinds of books from all kinds of topics to all kinds of culture—for example, Albert Einstein, Biology, Chemistry, and Zachary Pike. What I like to do in the library is hide in the magazine corner, which is the quietest corner in the library, and enjoy reading all kinds of magazines from The Times, Weekly News, and any special fields of interesting magazines like automobiles and Photo Land.
What I enjoy the most is the internet. It is always available for you and the speed is much faster than the dial up service in my house, it seems like the world of knowledge is just a click away. I like to observe the people in the library to see how concentrated and devoted they are in the world of books, there is a kind of hush all over the library because of the silence, you can hear each person has a different way to show their feeling with the development of the plots in the books. some frown, whisper, or even cry when they feel sad but some just feel grief. It seems as if I can hear my heart beating. I can hear the sound of fingers typing on a keyboard. Occasionally a flipped page will rustle. The thing I like most about the library is that it is a peaceful and magical place.
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