Social distancing? Libraries closed? What would that mean for the 200 Oakland Literacy Council (OLC) volunteer tutors who are teaching adults throughout Oakland County?

For Turesa Lewis, it means doubling down on her commitment to her students. Turesa, recently retired from AT&T, has been a volunteer tutor with OLC since 2014. Normally she meets in person each week with her two students, one who is an advanced English language learner and the other who is an adult basic education student.

Without the option to meet face to face, Turesa is adapting and learning new technologies so her students can keep learning. Turesa was one of over 70 tutors who attended recent OLC training sessions to learn to use Zoom to meet virtually with students.

Turesa, who has a passion for writing, reflected on the challenge ahead:

“CRISIS: Danger and Opportunity” – This was shared on one of our training calls last week and really touched me. The crisis has presented an unknown danger that has led our leaders to direct us all to stay home. As a tutor with the Oakland Literacy Council, I find this is a great opportunity for me to serve others. In this time of uncertainty, face-to-face tutoring is no longer exercised. I miss meeting with both my students every day. Yes, I have two students that I have committed myself to each week. Yet I’m embracing this new opportunity to learn and expand my knowledge of using digital tools. The Zoom app is new to many of us and has lots of bells and whistles. This is overwhelming and exciting. Now that we are stuck in the house, why not take this opportunity to use the tools provided and connect with our students to continue to give them the same level of service as we once did when we met with them face to face? One day we will all look back at this time and remember how well we moved past this.”

Turesa knows firsthand that remote learning can also be challenging for students. One of her students goes to a neighbor’s house to work on the computer because she doesn’t have her own. Turesa explains, “Each time I send her an e-mail, I have to call her to be sure that she receives it.”

Turesa is fortunate to have solid technical skills she developed in her professional life.
She encourages those who are less comfortable with technology to look for tutorials. “In most cases, the tutorials are designed to get you through it.”

She has some extra advice for her peers: “Baby boomers, don’t be afraid to reach out to those millennials who can whip through this technology!”

Click HERE to learn more about Turesa, one of our “35 Faces of Literacy.”

Listening audio files

Track 5

Track 6

Track 11

March 7, 2020

Dear Students and Tutors,

We at the Oakland Literacy Council are aware of the evolving situation regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19). We want to inform you that at this time, there have been no known cases of the COVID-19 virus in the State of Michigan. However, it is important for all of us to be diligent in protecting ourselves from this virus and other illnesses as the situation is likely to change.

Practice Prevention

We have been talking to our partners at the Oakland County Health Department and they want you to know that all of us should be practicing everyday preventive actions now. Remind everyone in your household of the importance of practicing everyday preventive actions that can help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily (e.g., tables, countertops, light switches, doorknobs, and cabinet handles) using a regular household detergent and water.
• If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned using a detergent and water prior to disinfection. For disinfection, a list of products with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved emerging viral pathogens claims, maintained by the American Chemistry Council Center for Biocide Chemistries (CBC), is available at Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Fighting Products. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Always wash your hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.

Follow the Centers for Disease Control Travel Guidelines

We are also asking you to follow the CDC travel guidelines if you are traveling out of the country.  There are currently guidelines for China, Italy, South Korea, and Iran.  Please refer to the website if you plan to travel.  Please do not meet with your tutor (or student) if you have been advised to self-quarantine. Please call the office at 248.253.1617 if you are unable to meet or you need to reschedule a test.

Stay Informed

Please continue to follow the recommendations from our public health officials.  Information can be found at:

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control– https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
• The State of Michigan- https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus. The State of Michigan has also produced these fact sheets:
  • Frequently Asked Questions About Coronavirus Disease 2019
  • Coronavirus Disease 2019 Fact Sheet – English
  • Coronavirus Disease 2019 Fact Sheet – Traditional Chinese
  • Coronavirus Disease 2019 Fact Sheet – Simplified Chinese
  • Coronavirus Disease 2019 Fact Sheet – Spanish
  • Coronavirus Disease 2019 Fact Sheet – Arabic
• Oakland County Health Department– https://www.oakgov.com/health/information/covid-19/Pages/default.aspx.
  • The Oakland County Health Department also has a nurse on call that can answer any questions. You can call them at 1-800-848-5533 or email noc@oakgov.com. If you email the nurse in advance and tell them what language you want, they will find a translator in over 90 languages.

Practice Your English

There are so many new words to learn.  Use this time to practice English.  Here are some resources:

Listening Practice

• Spread of Germs radio spot

Lesson Plan Ideas

• https://eslflow.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Coronavirus-vocabulary-and-questions-worksheet-2020.pdf
• Review Fact sheets from the State of Michigan (above)

Lesson Videos:

• https://youtu.be/JdDDlLx_jn4
• https://youtu.be/kHwiUV-QNiE

Regards,

Lisa Machesky

Executive Director

Motor City Wine and Food Frolic 2020 Gala Event to benefit Oakland Literacy

 

Thursday, March 19, 2020
6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Royal Park Hotel
600 East University Drive
Rochester, Michigan

Get ready to return to the 1920’s, 1930’s, and 1940’s with amazing food, wine, and entertainment!

All in Support of Adult Literacy in Our Community!

Guests will arrive for cocktails and a wide range of such delicious dishes including: Teriyaki Pineapple Shrimp, Bacon Wrapped Dates, Spinach & Feta Spanakopita, Vegetarian Spring Rolls, along with a trio of sliders and Mezza platters!

Wine, beer, and cocktails will accompany the flavors of this extensive menu.
Everyone who participates in the Wine Pull will take home a bottle of red or white wine.

A three-piece band, led by Carl Cafagna, will provide lively music from the 1920’s, 30’s, and 40’s while Swing Dancers will entertain and draw guests onto the dance floor!

$125/person

Please consider organizing a group or table in support of adult literacy!

Purchase tickets at: https://motorcitywineandfoodfestival.com/swing/

Questions? Please don’t hesitate to call or email!
Russell Moore Speak2Man@comcast.net (248) 651-7806
Robert Gaylor rggaylor@aol.com (586) 904-0600

The last Sip ‘n Sort was such a success, we are doing it again! Every hour worked raises money for our tutoring program. Volunteers will meet for coffee at Maple Theater Cafe on Wednesday, March 11th,  beginning at 9:30 am and then sort books for Bookstock at Congregation Beth Ahm from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm (or however much time you can give). You can also meet us at Beth Ahm at 10:30 am. Every hour you give means dollars to support our shared mission.

We encourage you to bring book donations, too! We will also accept books at Oakland Literacy Council through March 10th. (Please call ahead for large donations.)

Please RSVP to Sue Klunk at sue.k@oaklandliteracy.com or call 248.253.1617. If you are interested but cannot join us March 11th, there are volunteer times every Tuesday and Wednesday and at the upcoming sale. Please contact Sue for more details.