World Santa Fund Donation Made

After our rituals were completed, eleven Rotarians helped themselves to a Mexican buffet and proceeded to consume the comestibles. Caroline was first up with a request for a motion to donate $1500 to the World Santa Fund. Ted reported that a Rotarian had already made a contribution of $500. There was a brief discussion regarding making a motion from the floor  with such few members present versus voting by email including all members.  In the end, Caroline made the motion and Ted seconded and it passed. 

5 $

Caroline gave five Happy Dollars for being proud of her husband who stepped up to take a woman to see her mother at Berlin Rehab the last three weeks.

Is There a Lease?

There was a discussion about remarks made about rent and paying for utilities at Wheelock House at a City Council meeting on Tuesday night. There is a question regarding the existence of a lease. Caroline will look through the minutes of the City Council meetings to see if there is any reference to a lease with Barre Rotary. 

Since Last We Met

On this day in history 

2014 One World Trade Center officially opens in New York City

1957 Soviet Union launches a dog into space

1883 Black Bart makes his last stage coach robbery

2 $

Eddie gave two Happy Dollars: one for Sandy volunteering at Meals on Wheels and one for running into Coach Cooke.  

Engaging the Community in Adult Education and Literacy

Caroline introduced our speaker Brian Kravitz, Development and Outreach Director of the Central Vermont Adult Basic Education (CVABE).  “Brian will give us an update on all of CVABE's good work in supporting our community's literacy and adult education.  Brian has been with CVABE for over 7 years. After a midlife career change from marketing to education, and over a decade teaching in schools, he found his true calling in adult education. At CVABE he has served as a teacher, program manager, Outreach Coordinator, and Development Director. With the deep understanding that the work of CVABE truly betters lives of individuals, families, and the entire community, Brian is committed to CVABE’s mission and is honored to share it with the community.”

Here is the text of his remarks.

Mission: To provide free adult ed and lit services, and to engage the entire community in our efforts.

How do we engage the community?

General knowledge of what we do

Volunteerism

Financial support

What do we do at CVABE?

We build asset banks, which they can use at any time to change lives.

What are assets? They are tangible and intangible.

Liz: Before I came to CVABE I was virtually unemployable, unable to get anything but a minimum wage job. I was in my late 20’s, had been a homeless drug addict for years, and dropped out of high school at the beginning of my sophomore year. After I graduated from high school I was hired as an Environmental Services Technical at the hospital. Within a few years I worked my way up to being a Patient Sitter, and finally a Recovery Coach. All those skills I learned in CVABE helped me move up the ladder. I became employable, and my pay almost immediately doubled. Being at CVABE gave me the confidence to try for new jobs. Before I came to CVABE everything was just terrifying, but I learned so many skills, and that I can do it. Because of CVABE my future is more exciting than terrifying.

Success looks different for every student, and every student’s success stems from a shift in mindset.

We are goal-based, that’s what makes it happen.

Family and life

Academic

Career and college readiness

Curriculum and support meet the needs of the individual.

Our work often involves changing expectations so that students can see their own potential.

We help students change their own expectations – to believe they can succeed, increasing literacy (reading, writing and/or math) will open up opportunities for students, including better jobs, furthering their education or developing new job skills, having a better family life, and being able to do basic tasks for themselves.

Our students are at the center of our work.

55% over 25; 56% female; 32% BIPOC; 67% with at least 1 disability, 63% unemployed; 73% no diploma.

Iesha: I dropped out of high school when I was 16 because of bullying. I studied for and took my GED. Although I was able to get my GED, because of learning disabilities I couldn’t pass the LNA test. I had my GED credential, but both my Math and Writing skills were really low. I learned that, even though I had my GED, I could also get my high school diploma through CVABE. I could work on those skills I was low in, and get a real diploma, which I really wanted. I was never good with English. Working 1-on1 with my teacher at CVABE really helped me to learn. My teacher took all the time that was needed to help me. Although I still struggle with writing, I became a much, much better writer. My teacher saw and treated me as a student, rather than someone with a disability. Because of my studying with CVABE I was able to become an LNA, which I had tried and failed at earlier. I really want to be an OB / GYN. I’ll be starting at the University of Maine in September, 2021. I’m excited for the next step in my medical career! My final step would be to own my own practice.

We offer a broad range of services that are specifically tailored to each student’s needs.

“Basic” has changed, and is for almost anyone who needs skills, HS diploma or not:

Literacy Education: Reading, Writing, Math including computer and financial literacy education

English Language Learning and US Citizenship preparation

High School Diploma and GED Credentialing

Career and College Readiness

Brian was interesting and informative and Rotarians showed their appreciation with a warm round of applause at the conclusion of his talk.

Until next time, that's all folks,,,,