Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Lorraine Martinez (Abel Martinez's sister) dies at age 48...

 

LAS VEGAS, NEV. - Lorraine Martinez, 48, formerly of Racine, passed away in her home in Las Vegas, Nev. on Sunday, October 15, 2006.

She is survived by her mother, Dora Godin; brother, Abel Martinez; and sisters, Margie, Deborah and Grace.

Condolences may be left for the family at margebullock@cox.net or 760-529-4959.

She is on the right with sister Margie-Bullock-Martinez Posted by Picasa

Area literacy organizations work with adult learners

Adult illiteracy is still an issue in our modern age. How one Madison-area organization is catering to adult learners on improving their literacy, and for some, teaching them the skill for the first time

By Kacy Gadberry

After ten years of hiding her secret from friends, family members and even her spouse, Mary* finally decided to admit her problem and seek help. She wasn't an addict, an abuser, or criminal. Far from it. She was a hard working married woman with a family, living in Madison. Her secret? She couldn't read.

For over 17, 000 Dane County adults whose literacy skills are below the fifth-grade level, such a scenario is familiar (Center on Wisconsin Strategy, 2002). Worldwide, illiteracy is a real problem. According to the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization, over eight hundred million individuals worldwide can't pen a letter or read above a third grade level.

While that statistic may seem far removed from the progressive, intellectually driven Madison area, the fact remains that numerous Madison area individuals suffer under the weight of illiteracy.

Fortunately, there is at least one Madison organization that addresses literacy issues. The Madison Area Literacy Council (MLC) helps over one thousand individuals a year improve their reading abilities. The MLC realizes that teaching people to read empowers them to reach their larger goals in life such as a better paying job, advanced education, or simply an improved quality of life. The MLC believes that reading is the cornerstone from which a fuller life is built.

Framing: The Support Beams for Financial Independence


Gregory Markle, executive director of the MLC, says that "most of the one thousand learners who come to MLC each year want to get and maintain jobs, or secure promotions at work." Without a doubt, nearly all jobs require at least a basic reading level; for example, assembly line workers examine product manuals, gas station attendants fill out purchase orders, and cleaners record their daily tasks.

Cindy Walker, a volunteer with the MLC, recalls one learner who maintained her job as a prep cook by claiming every waitress had illegible handwriting. When the orders came in, she would laugh and ask them to read what they had written because she couldn't read their handwriting. With Walker's help, the woman's literacy skills improved, and she moved on to a higher paying position.

Raising the Walls: Planning for Long Term Success

An increased reading level often raises a learner's self-confidence. As Walker puts it, "helping people learn to read gives them a feeling of empowerment. They realize what once seemed impossible is now feasible."

For some learners, that translates into a desire for further education. While the MLC focuses on "functional literacy" (basic reading skills required for daily tasks), the organization does encourage motivated learners to seek further education.

"Depending on their goals, we refer individuals to programs such as the Omega School or Madison Area Technical College," says Markle. Through these programs, adults can receive their GED, or high school equivalency diploma. Typically, more education often results in better career prospects and a better quality of life. Oscar Mireles, executive director of the Omega School states, "it isn't about a piece of paper. It is about changing lives."

Capping the Project: The Simple Joys of a New Beginning

While gainful employment and continuing education are two noble byproducts of an increased literacy level, the daily joys which reading affords are in themselves rewarding. Who hasn't snuggled down to a page turning John Grisham novel on a snowy winter's night? Who hasn't acted out all of the silly voices in a pop-up book to squeals of delight from an eager five-year-old? Who hasn't shed a tear at the conclusion of a classic such as Charlotte's Web or Old Yeller?

Fortunately, those who haven't are slowly becoming those who have thanks to the efforts of Madison-area literacy and education programs.

Walker of the MLC recounts the day she had a breakthrough with Mary, the adult learner described earlier. As they were reading Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House on the Prairie, Mary exclaimed, "I can see it! Do you know that? When we are reading, I can close my eyes and see Laura and Mary! I can see them! What is that?"

"Your imagination," Walker replied. "It is your imagination!"

"Wow, there is a whole world inside this book!"

Madison literacy organizations are not only helping to unlock the mysteries of the written word, but also improving the quality of life for residents one page at a time.

Monday, October 30, 2006

Uncle Benito Patena is making progress...as told by Marisol Patena

My Dad is so determined to get back to himself again that he puts in his part and helps me out a lot. I can't believe how in three months he's changed so much!
He has Physical/Occupational Therapy as well as Speech Therapy three times a week. He's slowly getting much better. Praise God!

The people here in Uvalde are so wonderful! I wouldn't have been able to do much if I didn't have their support!

My family stepping to help is also been a blessing! Words can't express how much I appreciate them! (hugs & kisses)

Marissa has visited down here twice. Vanessa and her son visited here for a month. That little guy was good therapy. He had my Dad laughing all the time.
Fela & Joe should be down here the second weekend of November.

My Dad is still unable to speak or move his right side. We have hope and continue to pray, God willing, if all goes well, my Dad and I are thinking about flying down there for Christmas and staying till the New Year.

Well, I have to get going but wanted to thank everyone for the prayers & their generosity!

God bless and take care!
Marisol Patena

Tony Romo, who's dad helped build my older house in Kansasville...




Is the starting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys Football team and won his first game as a starter beating the Carolina Panthers 35-14.

Sunday, October 22, 2006

Mireles family headed out to visit Sergio at Cornell University later this week

 










It is a long journey (11 hours) and it will be the first chance his brothers Diego and Javier and sister Lorena and mom Clara will have to see the beautiful campus in Ithaca, New York... Posted by Picasa

Javy scores two goals and an assist in their 4-1 victory against Reedsburg.

 














Reedsburg had won the previous game 2-1 earlier in the season and came into the game thinking that they were going to win again. Posted by Picasa

Friday, October 20, 2006

Benito Patena continues to make improvements

 
















Fela and Joe Salinas planned on going down to Uvalde Texas in the next couple of weeks to visit Benito. Marisol has done an excellent job taking care of her dad during this recovery time... Posted by Picasa

Thursday, October 19, 2006

Lorena Barbosa-Mireles (second from left in front row) performs with the Madison East High School Mad City Swing CHoir

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Lorena sings and dances

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Lorena Sings "and I will Remember you again" by Summers

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Lorena singing and dancing "I'm Your Baby Tonight..." Babyface/Lojeski

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Lorena dance finale

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Mad City Swing Choir

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Lorena after the concert

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Swing Choir Concert program

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Jeff Foxworthy on Wisconsin


If you consider it a sport to gather your food by drilling through 38 inches of ice and sitting there all day hoping that the food will swim by, you might live in Wisconsin.

If you're proud that your region makes the national news 96 nights each year because Park Falls is the coldest spot in the nation, you might live in Wisconsin.

If you have ever refused to buy something because it's "too spendy," you might live in Wisconsin.

If your local Dairy Queen is closed from November through March, you might live in Wisconsin.

If you instinctively walk like a penguin for five months out of the year, you might live in Wisconsin.

If someone in a store offers you assistance, and they don't work there, you might live in Wisconsin.

If your dad's suntan stops at a line curving around the middle of his forehead, you might live in Wisconsin.

If you may not have actually eaten it, but you have heard of Head Cheese, you might live in Wisconsin.

If you have worn shorts and a parka at the same time, you might live in Wisconsin.

If you have either a pet or a child named "Brett," you might live in Wisconsin.

If your town has an equal number of bars and churches, you might live in Wisconsin.

If you have had a lengthy telephone conversation with someone who dialed a wrong number, you might live in Wisconsin.

If you know how to say Oconomowoc, Waukesha, Menomonie & Manitowoc, you might live in Wisconsin.

If you think that ketchup is a little too spicy, you might live in Wisconsin.

If every time you see moonlight on a lake, you think of a dancing bear, and you sing gently, "From the land of sky-blue waters,....you might live in Wisconsin.

YOU KNOW YOU ARE A TRUE WISCONSINITE WHEN:

1. Your idea of a traffic jam is ten cars waiting to pass a tractor on the highway.

2. "Vacation" means going up north past Hwy 8 for the weekend.

3. You measure distance in hours.

4. You know several people who have hit deer more than once.

5. You often switch from "heat" to "A/C" in the same day and back again.

6. Your whole family wears Packer Green to church on Sunday.

7. You can drive 65 mph through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard, without flinching.

8. You see people wearing camouflage at social events (including weddings and funerals ).

9. You install security lights on your house and garage and leave both unlocked.

10. You think of the major food groups as beer, fish, and venison.

11. You carry jumper cables in your car and your wife or girlfriend knows how to use them.

12. There are 7 empty cars running in the parking lot at Mill's Fleet Farm at any given time.

13. You design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit.

14. Driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow.

15. You refer to the Packers as "we."

16. You know all 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter and road construction.

17. You can identify a southern or eastern accent.

18. You have no problem pronouncing Lac Du Flambeau.

19. You consider Minneapolis exotic.

20. You know how to polka.

21. Your idea of creative landscaping is a statue of a deer next to your blue spruce.

22. You were unaware that there is a legal drinking age.

23. Down South to you means Illinois.

24. A brat is something you eat.

25. Your neighbor throws a party to celebrate his new pole shed.

26. You go out to fish fry every Friday

27. Your 4th of July picnic was moved indoors due to frost.

28. You have more miles on your snow blower than your car.

29. You find minus twenty degrees "a little chilly."

30. You actually understand these jokes, and you forward them to all your Wisconsin friends

Thursday, October 12, 2006

I got this email about Jessica Villalobos who has Luekemia and needs a bone marrow transplant

Jessica was diagnosed with leukemia in April 2006, She was being treated with chemotherapy and doing okay until September when they told her the leukemia is back. Now she desperately needs a bone marrow transplant. Big problem, My husband is Hispanic and I am Caucasian...tough group to find a match from. SOO ~ We are targeting people that are at least 18 years old and are Hispanic / Caucasian mix to help Jessica ~ ~ but There is an incredible need for any minority to
get on the National Bone Marrow Donor Registry!!

WE WILL BE TESTING SATURDAY 10/14/06 FROM 1 - 4 AT our Home ~ 2955 NASSAU DRIVE, BROOKFIELD, 53045 ~

All it takes for the initial testing is filling out a form to become a part of the National Registry and swabbing the inside of your mouth with something that looks like a Qtip. If you are of minority or mixed minority descent, the testing may be free!!!!!!!!

Please keep in mind that you might not be a match for Jessica ~ but that you could help save someone's life!!!

PLEASE RSVP AS WE NEED TO HAVE ENOUGH SUPPLIES ON HAND ~ 262-366-5609.

We will have some food and beverages ~ even some prizes for the person who brings the most guests! I know we will have a good time for a great cause!! If you
are not able to make it on Saturday ~ you may call me, or email Penelope Stewart at penelope.stewart@bcw.edu or

Please go to http://www.marrow.org/HELP/Join_the_Registry/index.html

It may be possible for you to be tested via the mail!!
If you know of someone who might be a match for Jessica, please forward this to them. If you are not a match for Jessica, you might be a match for someone else, so please
get tested.

You literally could be saving someone's life! Thanks in
advance for your time ~ God Bless ~ Linda & Franco Villalobos 262-366-5609