Monday, July 2, 2012

Read! And get free rides at the Monterey County fair!

Monterey County kids in grades 1 through 6 who read extra books during the month of July, 2012. This is a great opportunity for kids to get summer reading done and earn a treat at the same time.

To enter, kids should read the required number of books listed below and fill out the entry form found here. A parent or guardian must sign the entry form and then return it to the fairgrounds office by August 10, 2012 or send the completed entry form via fax to 372-8248. Upon receipt, the Monterey County Fair will send a ribbon and two free carnival ride tickets to be used at the Monterey County Fair, between August 29, 2012 – September 3, 2012. The book reading requirements are:

Three books for 1st & 2nd grades (can be picture books)
Four books for 3rd & 4th grades
Five books for 5th & 6th Grades

The “Very Berry Extraordinary” 2012 Monterey County Fair will be held on August 29-September 3, 2012. For more information, contact the Fair Administration Office, at 2004 Fairground Road in Monterey, by calling (831) 372-5863 or click here.

More literacy tutors needed

There are over 70 adults in Monterey County waiting for a tutor to help them learn how to read, write, speak and understand English better. Language skills are crucial not only for people to navigate the labor force, but also to help their children thrive in school and become productive members of society.

One in four adults in Monterey County read below the 4th grade level. Administrators with the Monterey County Free Libraries want to change this statistic.

Become a literacy tutor. Volunteers with the program provide one-on-one tutoring to help learners read, write, speak and understand English better. New volunteers may join the program at any point during the year by registering for the new tutor training. Make a commitment of just two hours per week for six months or longer if you wish.

The next orientation and training will be held at the Seaside Branch Library at 550 Harcourt Ave, Seaside, CA 93955

Part I on Tuesday, July 17, 6:00-8:30 pm

Part II on Thursday, July 19, 6:00-8:30 pm. Would-be volunteers are asked to attend both sessions.

For more information or to register for training, call 831-883-7597, or email andrewscs@co.monterey.ca.us

Plaza Rotario: a community triumph















A big applause to all the Rotary Clubs that participated in the revamping of Closter Park in Salinas. The ceremony on Saturday, full with pony rides, races, Aztec Dancers and community participation was very special, an example of what can happen when people come together for a common goal. Particularly touching was to see many people who would not normally go to the Alisal enjoy of a sunny day, paletas, and Mariachi music on the East side.
A big shout out to the Rotarios, and a plea to the community - like the Rotarios said -- let's keep it up. Let's make it even more beautiful.