Presidio Sentinel San Diego, May 2013
If you can read this – consider yourself lucky.
Today, one in five adults in our county can’t – limiting their ability to perform daily, essential tasks that the rest of us take completely for granted.
Some illiterate adults can’t fill out a job application, follow medical instructions, pass a driver’s license test, write a note to their child’s teacher or read a bedtime story. Their job options – and earning power – are limited.
Moreover, illiterates spend their lives “hiding out,” faking it, in the dark, under-achieving in every aspect of their lives. Yet, the change they undergo when finally learning to read is remarkable and inspiring.
Illiteracy is the situation that challenges the S.D. Council on Literacy (SDCOL) in its “Eat. Drink. Read., A Culinary Event for Literacy” fund-raiser, Wed., May 22, and why I’m chairing it. The event presents the creativity of our noted chefs, with dishes inspired by their favorite books…to raise awareness and funds to support 26 free programs.
I share my passion for helping to end illiteracy with committee members, participants, learners and tutors. Get to know a few:
Mark Albertazzi,
artist/graphic/marketing man extraordinaire. Mark doesn’t hold back helping SDCOL, clients and
non-profits in his imaginative productions – most notably now: his cheery invitations and designs for
“Eat. Drink.Read.”
Cody Morris:
He’s tall, good-lookin’, tatted;
he’s quiet – and deadly. At the
SDCOL, he
oversees all web and social media.
He’s got the skinny on legalities and facilities, and he’s up for
whatever’s needed – even if outside his purview. Oh, yes: we
like a guy who never fights, never falters, never says “no!”
Executive Chef Miguel Valdez, The Wellington Steak and Martini
Lounge, chose “The Mayan
Prophecy,” a detective story by 6th grader Miguel Angel Aldrete, to
inspire his “Eat.Drink.Read.” dish (a shortrib tamale, corn, raisins, Queretaro
mole - pasilla and ancho peppers, bitter chocolate, cumin, native coyote mint).
The proceeds from the young author’s
book’s sales support “Kids 4 Our World,” an environmental awareness
organization. “Perfect,” says the
Chef, “as it dovetails with our mission to buy products and grow organic
produce that will help … sustain the environment and the health of our guests.”
Josh Kopelman & Jacqueline Silverman: in Josh’s ten years of publishing
“DiningOut San
Diego,” who could better corral our restaurants and chefs? And who better than Jacqueline
Silverman, his team-mate for the event, to be the “go-to” person for nailing
the details? This development
consultant for not-for-profits knows coordination, and has the insight and
strategies that ensures a powerful party.
Former learner, present tutor: Gilbert Sandoval is a member of the National City (N.C.)
Host Lion Club, where he performs community service. He also coaches and
manages teams for the N. C.’ Little League and Girls’ Softball League.
Mr. Sandoval loves bass fishing,
golf, and camping. For the past seven years, he’s been a team captain for
“Relay for Life, National City.”
For too much of his life, he was illiterate; but no more.
He tells it:
“In the fourth
grade we moved to Fullerton, where my cousin lived - he was so happy that I was
going to be in the same school! He
asked the teacher if I could read to the class like he did - he didn’t know
that I couldn't read! I
became ‘the big dummy!’
Later, in the
family concrete company, I learned all aspects of the business - except the paperwork! And, I
eventually worked for 17 years as a cement mason for the S. D. Unified School District. Whenever they
opened a new construction department, I recognized a possible opportunity for advancement; I had all
the skills - except reading
& writing!
Here’s how I got
by: my wife, Frances, was my
‘secretary.’ She read and wrote for me.
Finally, my son
told me about the Chula Vista Literacy Team Center - where you could learn to
read. I was skeptical, scared - I
tested there at a third grade level! Now I call it the ‘house of miracles.’
I learned to
read! I’ve tutored there since
2003! I give my learners the
highest respect and kindness. I
tell them, most of all, you need patience - if I can do it, anyone can!!!”
Chef Scott Mickelson, at The Lions Share, chose, “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs,” by Judi Barrett, and
conjured up “Wild Boar meatballs with spring peas, arugula blossoms, white Miso
& a cherry reduction.” Here’s why:
“This story takes place in the tiny town of ‘Chewandswallow,’ where
anything is possible when it comes to food – even meatballs raining from the
sky!”
When you show up at this celebration of
literacy, you’ll be intrigued and charmed by the Chefs’ books and cuisine,
you’ll salute the sponsors, toast the committee, explore the silent auction
gifts, and take a chance to win “35 bottles of wine,” for a $35 raffle ticket,
and more. Kudos here, too, to Jose Cruz, SDCOL’s leader, before whom
the buck bows, before it comes to a stop. ###
Purchase your
“Eat.Drink.Read.” tickets www.eatdrinkread.com
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