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USCIS TRAINING FOR LCUP VOLUNTEERS

Date: September 16, 2018
Author: admin
Categories: Adult Literacy

Volunteers from the Literacy Council of Upper Pinellas attended a training seminar for adult educators, directors, volunteers, and representatives from immigrant-serving organizations.? The seminar was offered by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, a division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, on September 13, 2018, in Tampa.

Instruction was designed to enhance the skills needed to teach U.S. history, civics, and the naturalization process to immigrant students and to administer a comprehensive adult citizenship education program.

Standing, from left: Sandra Reyes, Daise Castillo, Claudia Gonzalez, Vicky Obando, Gaye Staskiel, Pat Bauer; Seated: Eileen Smith, John Troesser

Free Citizenship Classes at Clearwater East Community Library

Date: June 16, 2018
Author: admin
Categories: Adult Literacy

Claudia Gonzalez

The Clearwater East Community Library has restarted the Citizenship Class that had been on hiatus during the library’s move to its new location.

The meetings are held in the small study room
on the ground floor of the new
Clearwater East Community Library
on Mondays at 5:00 p.m.?

Started by Claudia Gonzalez in 2017, the class continues with John Troesser conducting drills on the 100 questions needed for the Naturalization test.? In addition to the questions, explanations are given so that attendees fully understand the history and civics behind the questions.

Within its limited run, there have been two “graduates” of the program, the latest being Flor Rodriguez who became a U.S. citizen on May 9, 2018.

In the past, the citizenship program has had guest speakers to address any questions.? The class has played host to a representative from Gulf Coast Legal Services and a non-profit organization that grants low-interest loans to prospective candidates to cover expenses and fees.? Now that the program has restarted, these invitations will go out again, and personnel from the Tampa USINS office will also be invited.

Mr. Troesser says he feels privileged to have been asked to participate in this citizenship class.? “Claudia does most of the heavy lifting,” he says.? “Keeping up with the students, updating their status and whereabouts is a Herculean task.”? Claudia has recommended several students to John for tutoring and according to John:? “She hasn’t sent a bad one yet.”? They have all been exceptional.

 

Date: February 19, 2018
Author: admin
Categories: Adult Literacy

FAREWELL, SISTER MERITA, AND THANK YOU!

Sister Merita has returned to Ohio, and the students and tutors of the Literacy Council of Upper Pinellas attended her farewell party.? Her friend, Sister Renetta, also attended. ? Here’s the story of her life of dedication and love:

Sister Merita (left) with her friends at her LCUP farewell party.


Sister Merita Strahler

Sister Merita Strahler, SND (Sisters of Notre Dame), a resident of Dunedin for 17 years, has been a longtime teacher, advocate, and volunteer helping refugees and immigrants make a new start in this country.

Read More…

Date: November 27, 2017
Author: admin
Categories: Adult Literacy

Cornflake-breaded Chicken and Orange-glazed Carrots. Yum!

HOC adult English learners pay close attention to the cooking demonstration given by Chef Donna

We had another awesome night at the Hispanic Outreach Center! We made cornflake-breaded chicken and orange-glazed carrots. It was a hit!

 

Chef Donna introduced us to some great money-saving tips like using canned juice concentrate rather than fresh fruit juices and buying the whole bird rather than just the breasts, tenderloins, etc. One of our students taught us how to properly carve a whole chicken in preparation for Thanksgiving.

Of course, the class was taught in both English and Spanish so our students bettered their comprehension skills while learning a new recipe.

Thanks again to our students and volunteers for a wonderful evening of fun learning!

HOC COOKS!

Date: November 21, 2017
Author: admin
Categories: Adult Literacy

In this photo, Chef Steve explains the food groups to the students while they stir-fry the vegetables.

We kicked off our second Cooking Matters for Parents class at the Hispanic Outreach Center in Clearwater. We learned how to make healthy Chinese chicken and veggies, use proper cutting techniques and choose the proper portions for the food groups. It was scrumptious! Our students LOVE the hands-on instruction provided by Chefs Donna and Steve with the UF IFAS Pinellas Extension!

Here is the best part… the class is taught in both English and Spanish to accommodate our students and help them expand their food vocabulary!