Community Literacy

Notion Pictures/Archangel Communications interview Congressman Dan Maffei at the center!

2010-04-02T07:24:00.000-07:00

The Great Snowman Convention

2010-03-03T12:19:00.000-08:00

We received a generous grant from The International Paper Company. To assist in creating an awareness of global warming we printed several copies of a locally written book entitled, Skiddy the Snowman. The book was handed out during the 2010 Syracuse Winterfest.

Our gift to the community...copies of Skiddy the Snowman

2010-03-03T12:16:00.000-08:00

Our Favorite Books

2009-12-01T08:50:00.000-08:00

2009-12-01T08:46:00.000-08:00

READ!!!

2009-12-01T07:10:00.000-08:00

2009-11-23T08:58:00.000-08:00

"Success is not a place at which one arrives, but rather the spirit with which one undertakes and continues the journey." Alex Noble

2009-11-03T13:55:00.000-08:00

Get Your Tickets Now!!!!

2009-10-28T10:34:00.000-07:00

Tickets are now on sale for This Wonderful Life at Syracuse Stage. December 20th at 1 PM. $35 if purchased before December 11, 2009. $16 for students.

Come join us for our silent auction and refreshments. All proceeds benefit The Learning Place.

Call Linda Green at (315) 471-1446 for more information.

Book Dedication

2009-10-05T06:24:00.000-07:00

The second book of a new adult literacy series, The Smith Brothers will be dedicated to The Learning Place, tutor Mary Smith and the director of the center, Linda Green. This is a great honor and very much appreciated. Thank you Elise Leonard, President, Nox Press.

Congratulations Dr. Bob!

2009-09-23T08:42:00.000-07:00

Dr. Bob Laubach received a "Friend of The Learning Place" certificate for his contributions and support for the center over our twenty year history.

2009-09-23T08:40:00.000-07:00

Jane Hugo, Proliteracy Worldwide speaks about Dr. Bob Laubach

Our Annual Meeting

2009-09-23T08:29:00.000-07:00

Charlie & Linda Wollowitz

2009-07-15T08:17:00.000-07:00

In February 2010, The Learning Place will be celebrating our 20th anniversary! This past year we had more students come through our doors than ever before. The need for our literacy services is greater in our present economic situation.

The intention of our founder, Phyllis Newland, was to see that The Learning Place carried on. She felt that a group of people who believed in our grassroots program could work together to find a way for the center to continue its mission.

Of the 1, 412 subscribers to the Chronicle of Philanthropy, almost half of the respondents indicated that their organization’s income this year is below expectations. There have been agencies and clubs that promised us funding that have not been able to fulfill their commitments.

That is why YOU are so important in helping us to continue our mission. We know that money is hard to come by these days. We also know what it is like to operate on very little. We have a staff of one, yet we were able to serve over 250 adults and older youth!

• This past year we continued to assist adults to get into BOCES, and college or to find jobs because of the wonderful volunteers that help us.
• Our students learned about gardening, business and financial principles.

We are making a difference in the lives of our neighbors. We reached out into the community and partnered with two other local centers and a church, to assess adults and provide tutoring for them.

• We started a book club for our women & a reading group for our men
and we have provided job training for interns.

You won’t find a better place to invest your money. We use every dollar to make things better for our students. If you share our belief, please send a donation in honor of our 20th anniversary. We pledge to continue to do our best, serving our students in the tradition of our founder. Thank you for your continued support.

Linda Green
Executive Director
The Learning Place
1443 East Genesee Street
Syracuse, NY 13210

News Flash

2009-06-11T06:49:00.000-07:00

The Syracuse school district will receive a $975,000 state grant for adult literacy on the North Side of the city. The grant will fund a Welcome Center for families to access information to help improve their literacy skills.

Literacy liaison for the district's adult education program, Gail Tauber, says the money will target about "125 families who are not currently using community services and centers." The district will work with The Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County to create the Syracuse North Sector Literacy Zone.

Alpaca Literacy Part 1: African History Not Just Music & Dance

2009-05-21T08:21:00.000-07:00

As part of our mathematics section of our Alpaca Literacy Project, students will learn about Fractals in Nature. This video that students will view, explains the African Roots of Fractal Geometry. It's wonderful! Enjoy!

Students Receive Recognition

2009-05-07T14:29:00.000-07:00

Anastasia M. & Kim A. receive certificates and gift cards to Barnes & Noble for their participation on April 29, 2009 at the annual "Read Out" at The Onondaga Public Library.

The Army Visits TLP!!!

2009-04-07T08:58:00.000-07:00

We were pleased to have visitors from the US Army Recruiting Station inquire about our program on April 7th.

Pictured: Anastasia M., Sergeant First Class Daniel Gonci, Eddie W., and Staff Sergeant Ronnie Baffield.

Student Receives Certificate for Completing Challenger Book!!!

2009-04-07T08:04:00.000-07:00

Tutor, Dick Pilgrim, presents Eddie W. with a certificate of completion for finishing his Challenger book!

Reading The Hobbit Brings Funds to The Learning Place

2009-04-07T07:59:00.000-07:00

Volunteer Pat Church receives a check from John Mariani from the Tolkien Reading Day at the Palace Theatre. Thank you Tolkien fans!!

Our Recipes to Remember Cookbook is Here!!1

2009-03-29T12:10:00.000-07:00

Father's Day Savings! $1.00 off our $8.00 price.

New Reading Room for Men!

2009-03-29T11:48:00.000-07:00

"After" (Just waiting for a recliner) Last year we received a generous grant from Zonta to decorate a reading room for our women. Our guys were jealous! So, this year we've started decorating a room for them! Why not donate a book in honor of that "special" man in your life?

"Before"

Syracuse Poster Project Displayed Throughout February at The Learning Place

2009-02-11T12:46:00.000-08:00

2009-02-11T12:45:00.000-08:00

2009-02-11T07:49:00.000-08:00

Literacy leaders create virtual collaborative
SYRACUSE, NY, Feb. 10, 2009 — ProLiteracy, the world's largest organization of adult literacy and basic education programs, and Literacy Powerline, a national consulting network that supports community literacy initiatives, announced the formation of the National Community Literacy Collaborative to develop national, regional, and local community literacy initiatives.

The collaborative will publish and disseminate research and materials through ProLiteracy's publishing division, New Readers Press; establish a community literacy clearinghouse; and coordinate community literacy evaluation practices. ProLiteracy and Literacy Powerline also pledge to create public awareness of the community literacy concept.

The goal is to support communities that have engaged in, or wish to establish, initiatives that bring together neighborhoods, educators, business and civic leaders, human service agencies, policymakers, literacy providers, and learners to promote the importance of literacy for all age levels.

David Harvey
CEO Proliteracy
www.proliteracy.org

Margaret Doughty,
founder and managing partner of Literacy Powerline
www.literacypowerline.com

Silent Auction 2009

2009-02-02T07:45:00.000-08:00

Our thanks to Tracey White and Syracuse Stage for hosting our annual silent auction. With a matching donation from the Gifford Foundation and contributions throughout the campaign we made over $7,000. For our small organization and in hard economic times it was very much appreciated. Thank you to our volunteers who helped the day of the play: Carolyn & Herb Jackson, Sue Camille, Rudy Benfey, Beverly Murray, Jim & Patrick Carinci, Lisa Mundy and Sally Dike.

2009-02-02T07:44:00.001-08:00

2009-02-02T07:42:00.000-08:00

Photos from our Silent Auction

2009-02-02T07:28:00.000-08:00

Our special thanks to all those who donated items and gift certificates to the auction:Liz Hakanson, Sue Camille, Ra-Lin, Treasure Hut,Charlie Wollowitz, Skaneatles Festival, Jim Emmons, Syracuse Opera, Su Women's Basketball, Business Art & Framing,Ichiban Japanese Steak House, Dominick's Restaurant, Syracuse Symphony, Phoebe's Garden Cafe, K&C Auto,Beverly Murray, Bruce Coville, Dunk & Bright,Dick & Sandra Case,Rosamond Gifford Zoo,Kirby's,David MacDonald,Play it Again Sports,Santangelos,Lisa Mundy,Syracuse Cooperative Federal Credit Union, Nancy from OCM BOCES, and Brad Bowers.

Governors Show their Support for TLP!!!!

2009-01-25T15:28:00.000-08:00

Recently, I wrote to the governors from all 50 states asking for a photo and words of support for our students and volunteers. So far 26 states are represented
and the letters and information have been a wonderful teaching tool for our students. We are grateful for the responses thus far!

2008-11-20T12:16:00.000-08:00

Senator David Valesky Visits The Learning Place on 10/30

2008-10-27T13:50:00.000-07:00

Senator Valesky and Tim W.

We were honored to have Senator David Valesky and his assistant Meaghan Titus visit with us in October.

Congratulations on your re-election, Senator!

What do YOU think the Senator can do for literacy programs in CNY?

Llewelyn Knight Completes LWR1!!!!!!

2008-10-27T13:08:00.000-07:00

Governor Mike Beebe of Arkansas Speaks at Proliteracy Conference in October

2008-10-18T11:03:00.000-07:00

Dr. Bob Laubach with Governor Mike Beebe of Arkansas

2008-10-18T10:32:00.000-07:00

Proliteracy Conference 2008

2008-10-08T12:38:00.000-07:00

For more information on the conference visit http://www.proliteracy.org

New Fall Season, New Beginning

2008-09-25T07:56:00.000-07:00

New Paint Job!

2008-09-25T07:49:00.000-07:00

Doesn't the building look wonderful?! Our thanks to Senator John Defrancisco for funding.

Congratulations Operation Upgrade!!!

2008-08-05T12:41:00.000-07:00

Operation Upgrade in South Africa will be awarded the UNESCO Literacy Prize in Paris on International Literacy Day, Sept. 8 for their innovative and cutting edge programs.
The Learning Place based our garden project on the work of Operation Upgrade!

Keep up the good work, (Director) Pat Dean, Pinky Lebajoa, Vasu Moodley and the Staff of OpUp!

Paws, Claws, Scales & Tales Reading Program

2008-08-05T07:21:00.000-07:00

Geico supports TLP!!!!
Breannah & Bubbles!!

A few neighborhood children gathered for our annual reading program the week of July 28th. They had a great time learning about different animals, playing Word Bingo, reading and meeting new friends. Our thanks to Rachel Baird for coordinating the program this year.

How is Your Garden Growing???

2008-07-14T07:49:00.000-07:00

We are excited about our garden! I tasted the chives that popped up and they are great! We've got over 75 tomatoes and peppers have just come up. Soon the eggplant and squash will be out. Over sixteen volunteers and sixteen students helped with the planting. I am in the midst of preparing a recipe booklet to give to our students.

TLP Starts Book Club for Literacy Students

2008-07-14T07:03:00.000-07:00

With the help from volunteer, Abigail Klein,(left) TLP started a new book club for our students on July 10th. The group meets on Thursday afternoon at 4:30 pm at The Learning Place. Community residents are welcome. Our first reading is Night John, by Gary Paulsen.

Toni Cordell

2008-06-30T16:20:00.000-07:00

I recently heard Toni Cordell speak at a health & literacy workshop in Syracuse, NY. She is a wonderful speaker with a sincere heart for literacy. Her testimony reflects the issues that our students face and you will definitely appreciate her honesty. I encourage you to visit her web site and schedule her for your next event. You won't be disappointed!

http://www.tonicordell.com/

Moving On

2008-05-30T07:15:00.000-07:00

We have had a few students move on to other programs in the last few months. One student will be attending a local college. Another is going to a five day per week program. At first it bothered me knowing that we would be losing several students to jobs and other programs this year. Then I realized, that means we are doing our job! A year ago these students wouldn't have taken the risk to try to get into college. Their skills were too low for them to pass the entrance exams. Some weren't able to work well in large group situations and they couldn't find jobs.

The beauty of our program is that we are able to build self-esteem and encourage our students to take risks and reach for the stars. With courage and determination they can move on.

Part of their success is because of the wonderful tutors who work with them each week. Volunteering for a program like ours means so much in the lives of the individuals who attend our sessions.

Best wishes to our students and thank you volunteers of The Learning Place for all that you do!

Literacy Cycle of the Year

2008-05-21T14:08:00.001-07:00

Our "Literacy Cycle of The Year" trophy was given to Jim & Judy Schuyler for riding more than 350,000 miles! The couple are dedicated members of the Christian Motorcycle Association!

Help The Learning Place Raise Funds

2008-03-25T14:14:00.000-07:00

Add Goodsearch.com to your internet explorer, follow the directions to add a charity and every site that you go to helps raise money for The Learning Place!

Music and Literacy

2008-03-25T12:07:00.000-07:00

Tutor Tip:

Play Dvorak's New World Symphony for your student, and give the history surrounding the music in the US from 1892-1895. Then, after listening to it have the student write about what their impression is, of the work, as they listen.

Did you know?
Dvořák was interested in the Native American Music and African-American spirituals he heard in America. He spoke of this when he arrived in America:

"I am convinced that the future music of this country must be founded on what are called Negro melodies. These can be the foundation of a serious and original school of composition, to be developed in the United States. These beautiful and varied themes are the product of the soil. They are the folk songs of America and your composers must turn to them.

I found that the music of the negroes and of the Indians was practically identical, and that the music of the two races bore a remarkable similarity to the music of Scotland."
Wikipedia

TLP STAT: Over 40% of our students are African American. Approximately 2% are Native American.

Rotary Sponsors Literacy Students

2008-03-16T11:04:00.001-07:00

Local Rotary clubs are sponsoring literacy programs in a new initiative to put a "face" on literacy for Rotarians. Recently, Dan Morrow, Jeanne Tarolli and Dr. Bob Laubach met at The Learning Place to discuss sponsoring of Jeanne's student for the year. Our thanks to Rotarians in CNY for their generous contributions to our center.

Gardening & Literacy

2008-03-04T12:50:00.000-08:00

Funds from The New York Newspapers Foundation will enable the Learning Place to establish a new program designed to help women become more self-sufficient.

We will create an atmosphere within our center to enrich their learning experience with technology, and books. The program will also teach them practical business skills, and how to design their own “garden,” and to implement ideas by producing a product to sell.

TLP students will correspond with Operation Upgrade, a South African project that reaches impoverished people with the gift of literacy. Operation Upgrade constructs greenhouses called “tunnels” and gives women the opportunity to grow and sell their own produce to help support and sustain their families and villages.

I'm interested in hearing about other literacy organizations that might be using the gardening experience in their tutoring programs. How has it encouraged YOUR students?

The Learning Place

2008-02-17T11:41:00.000-08:00

Phyllis Newland, a retired employee of Laubach Literacy, see (http://www.proliteracy.org/), opened The Learning Place in 1990 to provide basic reading, writing and math instruction to adults and older youth in a neighborhood-based center. The center works with over 200 students each year and Literacy is our Business!

Voices of Literacy

2008-02-17T10:55:00.000-08:00

Voices
Students from The Learning Place and The Determination Center write articles for our two publications. We hope to empower them to reach their goals. We appreciate their enthusiasm for life and learning!

"Every parent needs to take time to sit down with their child or children and play a game or read a book." T.

"...I want to get my GED so I can better myself for my children so I can say I finally achieved something for myself." A.

"...Life is a precious gift for all to enjoy." J.

"...I love my life!... I tried to be a good father." C.

"I know the reason for my light in the world is to always learn to listen and have compassion for people who have it worse than I do." P.

"My goal is to get my GED; so I can go to college, to prove to myself, if I do my best, then I would be happy because I would work for it." L.

"Always hold on to life because life is very precious." L.

"Life is a ball: it spins until someone drops it." J.

" I have been learning a lot...lots of people need this place..." T.

Jackson Pollock and Literacy

2008-02-05T09:34:00.000-08:00

“A painting has a life of its own; I try to let it live.” Jackson Pollock

Pollock Matters is an art exhibit at the Everson Museum in Syracuse, NY. There has been controversy over whether or not the works on display were actually painted by Jackson Pollock.

To some people, Pollock’s art represents mere splatters of paint on canvas. Others have a fascination with his “energy made visible.”

Untitled No. 3 is in the exhibit at the museum, but I was drawn to a postcard from the gift shop that now sits on my desk. The postcard of Jackson’s painting, Dilemma, captured my attention because the splatters of color create an imagery of darkness running through a web of conflict. I sensed "entanglement" throughout the painting and the work was more powerful to me than Untitled No. 3 with its thicker strokes and brighter colors.

I thought of our literacy students and the conflicts they face each day. They may not be able to understand written directions or read a medicine bottle. They may become entangled in the daily struggles that they encounter. As literacy providers we can help reduce their conflict, lift them out of their darkness, and add more color to their lives.

What dilemmas do YOUR students face as barriers to learning? How have you helped them to relish their learning experiences? Share your story with those of us who are 100% committed to literacy and to our students' educational needs.

* Tutor Tip: Use an artwork to encourage your student to write.