Teri Vance: Literacy space and reindeer lights needed

The Carson City Literacy Volunteers and Literacy Volunteers for Children is in need of a new home.

The literacy volunteers, who have been on Jeanell Drive since 2011, need to be out by Nov. 1.

“We don’t have any place to go,” said Director Jan Whitemore.

During my years at the Nevada Appeal, I wrote several stories about Whitemore, who suffers from dyslexia herself, and the students she helps.

The program tutors students who struggle with reading and adults who never learned to read or never learned to read well.

I interviewed a 62-year-old man whose world was opened up after spending his whole life illiterate.

“When I went to school, they didn’t know what dyslexia was or what my problem was,” he said. “They didn’t want to deal with me.”

He dropped out of school in the ninth grade.

But, encouraged by the bowling students, he coached, he decided to finally learn to read.

“I might be old, but I’m not done learning,” he said at the time.

Another woman, who was a teacher in her native Nicaragua but couldn’t find a job in Carson City, took her first step toward her GED by taking classes from the literacy volunteers.

Those are just a couple of the many students who have gone through the program.

“We want to continue our program because it’s so needed,” Whitemore said. “We help adults and children.”

Their current space, which they have rented from FISH for $150 a month, is going to be demolished.

Whitemore said space is needed for about four tutors and students.

“It really takes one-on-one tutoring,” she said. “That’s the strength of our program.”

For more information about the Carson City Literacy Volunteers or to help, call Whitemore at 885-1010.

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It must be fall … Willow Bill is back in town.

Willow Bill Goulardt returns every year to make willow reindeer with the elementary school students in the area.

The reindeer are then displayed along Highway 395 from Gardnerville to Reno, as well as around the State Christmas Tree at the Capitol.

However, before the reindeer can be displayed, they must be wrapped with lights. Some reindeer from years past that have already been wrapped in lights, may be in need a new string of bulbs.

Willow Bill is asking for the community’s help 10 a.m.-6 p.m. today at the Stewart Indian Complex.

Call him at 842-3594 to lend a hand.