J.C. Literacy Program Encourages Adult Summer Reading
06/02/08 Tricities.com
http://www.tricities.com/tri/news/local/education/article/jc_literacy_program_encourages_adult_summer_reading/10228/
Carter County native Martin Jones celebrated two milestones this year. The spry senior turned 70, and he learned to read.
“I’ve built 1400 buildings, I’ve traveled over 2/3rd of the United States, and I’ve been out of the country a few times. I just decided I’ve learned everything else. So time to learn to read,” said Jones.
The Johnson City resident enrolled in the Keystone Community Center adult literacy program back in October. Now seven months later, he’s mastered basic phoenix and reading comprehension.
“I had to bring the world down to my level,” said Jones. He says it was hard hiding the fact that he couldn’t read, so he created ways to disguise his illiteracy.
“Instead of going into a restaurant and having them give you a menu and you having to figure out what you want. You go in there, and as you go through the restaurant you watch to see what other people are eating.” Jones would also reference the specials list to get around reading menus.
“You say, ‘We never eaten in your establishment, what would you recommend? Or what are today’s specials?” So you don’t have to do the menu.”
“I just think it’s pretty awesome that my grandfather is 70 and he still hasn’t given up on life and he’s still trying to get things accomplished,” said Adam Casey. The 13-year old English honors student says he’s gone from “reading to,” to “reading with” his grandfather.
School for children may be wrapping up for the summer, but a Johnson City group says now is the good time for illiterate adults to head back to class.
There are more than 17,000 adults living in Washington County who can not read. The Johnson City/Washington County Adult Education Office is working to remedy this deficit with its adult literacy and G.E.D. programs.
Jones is one of 700 literacy students who have learned to read since last July though the adult education program.
“According to our 2000 census we have over 17,619 students or individuals in our county that do not have a high school diploma. So out numbers may be great since july, but there’s a lot more out there we haven’t reached,” said Johnson City/Washington County Adult Education director David Egbert.
Organizers hope the program will reach adults looking to earn their G.E.D. and those learning English as a Second Language.
There are currently students from 24 foreign countries enrolled in the program. Martin spent his life working around the world. He says one day he’ll devote all his free time to enjoying a great page-turner.
“I’m gonna have to quit work one day. And I’m gonna sit down in my office and read books,” said Jones with a smile.
06/02/08 Tricities.com
http://www.tricities.com/tri/news/local/education/article/jc_literacy_program_encourages_adult_summer_reading/10228/
Carter County native Martin Jones celebrated two milestones this year. The spry senior turned 70, and he learned to read.
“I’ve built 1400 buildings, I’ve traveled over 2/3rd of the United States, and I’ve been out of the country a few times. I just decided I’ve learned everything else. So time to learn to read,” said Jones.
The Johnson City resident enrolled in the Keystone Community Center adult literacy program back in October. Now seven months later, he’s mastered basic phoenix and reading comprehension.
“I had to bring the world down to my level,” said Jones. He says it was hard hiding the fact that he couldn’t read, so he created ways to disguise his illiteracy.
“Instead of going into a restaurant and having them give you a menu and you having to figure out what you want. You go in there, and as you go through the restaurant you watch to see what other people are eating.” Jones would also reference the specials list to get around reading menus.
“You say, ‘We never eaten in your establishment, what would you recommend? Or what are today’s specials?” So you don’t have to do the menu.”
“I just think it’s pretty awesome that my grandfather is 70 and he still hasn’t given up on life and he’s still trying to get things accomplished,” said Adam Casey. The 13-year old English honors student says he’s gone from “reading to,” to “reading with” his grandfather.
School for children may be wrapping up for the summer, but a Johnson City group says now is the good time for illiterate adults to head back to class.
There are more than 17,000 adults living in Washington County who can not read. The Johnson City/Washington County Adult Education Office is working to remedy this deficit with its adult literacy and G.E.D. programs.
Jones is one of 700 literacy students who have learned to read since last July though the adult education program.
“According to our 2000 census we have over 17,619 students or individuals in our county that do not have a high school diploma. So out numbers may be great since july, but there’s a lot more out there we haven’t reached,” said Johnson City/Washington County Adult Education director David Egbert.
Organizers hope the program will reach adults looking to earn their G.E.D. and those learning English as a Second Language.
There are currently students from 24 foreign countries enrolled in the program. Martin spent his life working around the world. He says one day he’ll devote all his free time to enjoying a great page-turner.
“I’m gonna have to quit work one day. And I’m gonna sit down in my office and read books,” said Jones with a smile.
