One to One Learning Newsletter - August 2015

IN THIS ISSUE
NEW FRIENDS .....................2
SPECIAL VOLUNTEER ...........2
PROGRAMS .........................3
SOCCER ..............................4
HANDS OF HOPE..................5
STAR-FEST...........................6
THANK YOU .........................7
CALENDAR ..........................8
N E W S L E T T E R
newsletter
one2one-learning.org
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One to One Learning, Inc.
640 North Midland Avenue
Upper Nyack, New York 10960
845.512.8176 Fax 845.512.8178
Sister Cecilia La Pietra, Director
clpangel59@gmail.com and
sr.cecilia@one2one-learning.org
www.one2one-learning.org
5
new friends...
Language Empowers. Language Unites.
New Friends
We had a “getting to know One to One Learning”
gathering at the home of David and Judith
Englander in Palisades on Sunday, June 7th. The
Englander hospitality was most gracious in the
very picturesque setting of their home. Long standing friends, teachers, board members, students, and
alumni were invited to mix with new-comers to
share their experiences of One to One. David
Englander, former teacher and present board
member introduced the short program with his
passion for One to One. Sister Cecilia spoke of her
A SPECIAL VOLUNTEER
From May 18 to June 19 One to One Learning was
graced with the presence of Tessa Biskup, a soon
to be senior at Siena College. During her month
long volunteering
Ms Biskup brought
a lot of energy
and
creativity.
She substituted
for the teacher of
Head Start Moms
and
for
the
teacher of the Preliterate group. Ms Biskup organized materials, prepared lesson plans, set up computer programs, and
was of general assistance to Sister Jeanine and
Sister Cecilia. Ms Biskup has promised to encourage another student from Siena to join us next
year. We will agree only if the volunteer is as
focused and self motivated as Tessa Biskup.
18 years as Executive Director, gave a brief
overview, spoke of needs for teachers and
resources, praised the students, and answered
questions. Ira Lipson, presently a teacher and
board member spoke of his experience of his wonderful learning group. Of course, everyone was very
interested in hearing the experience of a present
student, Eldy Sandoval who is an advanced
student on her way to citizenship. Subsequently,
some of these new friends have responded with
promises to teach, and monetary donations.
DAY-TIME
STUDENTS
Marta C. Gutierrez
Ms Gutierrez came at
1 PM two days a
week. That was a
good time for her since her
children were in school and she was then
free to pick them up at school after class. Joyce
Blossom was her teacher and they enjoyed learning together. Ms Blossom is retiring to Maine and
we will be looking for another teacher for
One to One Newsletter
2
August 2015
programs...
one2one-learning.org
Ms Gutierrez. You may want to volunteer after you
read Ms Gutierrez’ experience.
HELP
I have been in English class for almost a year. I knew
some English before, but now I have improved my
vocabulary, pronunciation, and writing. At the beginning, I couldn’t write a story without repeating the
same words. Now I’m able to write a complete story
without making too many mistakes.
CALL SISTER CECILIA
AT
845-512-8176/845- 216-9799
I feel happy and more comfortable writing. These classes are great because I can tell my teacher what I don’t
understand and she takes the time to explain it to me.
Also at home I try to read and write even though it is
not easy to make time for it, but with a little effort I do
it at least once a week. In class my teacher helps me
review my work and correct the mistakes.
WE WELCOME ALL OUR
WONDERFUL TEACHERS BACK, SAY
GOODBYE TO SOME WHO HAVE
TO MOVE ON, AND INVITE YOU
TO JOIN US IN THIS WONDERFUL
WORLD OF TEACHING.
I am very grateful to Ms Blossom. I will miss her. I thank
Sister Cecilia and everyone who contributes to One to
One Learning.
We need all levels of teaching.
However, one special need that
we have is for our pre-literate
group, who never learned to
read or write in their own
native language. Knowledge
of phonics would help.
Head Start Moms
Maria Bautista, a director at Head Start in Nyack,
asked Sister Cecilia to arrange for English classes at
9 AM every Tuesday and Thursday for mothers of
children. This has been going on for three years with
Sister Cecilia, the first year, Francine James-Gelles,
the second year, and Linda Lopez and Peggy Tracey
this year. Ms Lopez began with a beginner group in
September and as some were more advanced, she
was able to begin Side by Side with her group. Ms
Tracey then began volunteering with the beginner
group. One to One Learning continues to meet the
needs of students wherever they are in convenient
locations. Thanks to Head Start for providing this
service for their Moms.
IN MEMORIAM
SISTER BARBARA JANE FALLOON, OP
We have lost a wonderful friend
and teacher.
Sister Barbara was one of the first teachers
in the Pilot Program for One to One
Learning in l994. Sister would travel from
New Rochelle to Haverstraw two evenings
a week. Later, through her ministry at Holy
Name of Jesus Parish, Sister Barbara
coordinated the toy drive for 13
years that provided Christmas
gifts for our children. When Sister
retired to Sparkill, she taught for a
few months but illness caused her to
stop. During those months Sister Barbara
endeared herself to her students.
Sister Barbara was honored with the
Founder’s Award at the Hands of Hope
Gala in 2011.
One to One Newsletter
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August 2015
programs...
Language Empowers. Language Unites.
Barbara Bedway Shares her Experience
of Teaching our Pre-GED Group
SOCCER TOURNAMENT 2015
Soccer 2015
was held on
the 4th of July.
Our alumni,
students, and
friends were
there cooking
delicious
Salvadorian food, pupusas and pan con orniado. There
were bags of cucumbers, watermelon, choco bananas,
ices, iced milk, salted, lemon corn off the cob, corn pudding, and lots of
soda and water.
Efrain Aguilar
coordinated the
eight teams.
Students of One
to One Learning
began a little
league of young
boys and a team of Moms in Haverstraw. They played
against our boys and our Moms. The Haverstraw boys
won but our Moms won. The Women’s game was very
exciting with a score of 6 to 2. Everyone is looking for a rematch on Labor Day. See you there at the Masonic Park in
Tappan. We’ll be there all day.
You can’t teach a class on writing without learning
a great deal about the lives of your students. Last
year, my first year teaching writing, the essay on
“The person I look up to the most” sparked the
most impassioned writing. This year, many of our
class discussions often involved the difficulties of
navigating life in the United States as an immigrant.
The essays on “my favorite place” brought out the
yearning to feel at home and find peace. The two
sisters in my class, Silvia and Lillian from El Salvador,
have very different ways of expressing this.
Lillian’s sense of humor always buoys the class,
whether she is teaching me the correct Spanish
translation for “pitfall” or wryly recounting why her
couch is her favorite place. Silvia, who wrote movingly last year about her sister Flor, who took care
of her son for eight years in El Salvador (and who
has recently arrived in the United States), finds
music, a kind of sanctuary.
Lillian
My favorite place to be is my couch!
I work eight to nine hours a day helping to
clean six to eight houses a day.
So when I get home, I say to my daughters,
“Excuse me, I have to rest for a little bit, I am
so tired.” And I lie down on my couch with
brown fabric that has been in my living room
for a few years. I feel very comfortable and
sometimes I fall asleep.
Silvia
My favorite place is St. John the Baptist Church
in Piermont, NY, where I have been singing in
the choir for almost two years. There is a group
of people who want to serve in the church; our
name is “Amigos de Jesus”. I gave the choir the
name because every person, who is in the choir,
loves Jesus. I love being in the choir, where I
can share with my friends, and I feel comfortable, happy, and peaceful in my head. Most
important, I feel close with Jesus.
Singing in the choir is my favorite place to be
for the way it makes me feel: calm and relaxed.
I love to sing and I’m sure that Jesus is
my eternal love.
One to One Newsletter
4
August 2015
Hands of Hope Gala
May 1, 2015
One to One Learning celebrated its
18th Anniversary at the Nyack Seaport
by honoring some very special witnesses
to our mission, “To provide English
classes and other supportive services
to immigrants to empower them to
grow to their full potential and to
lead meaningful lives within the
communities in which they live
and work.”
• The Advocate Award was given to
Rev. Msgr. Kevin Sullivan, who
throughout his life and through his
position at Catholic Charities of
the Archdiocese of New York has
been a voice to the powerful for those
with the least options, among them
immigrants.
• The Rotary Club of Nyack was
awarded the Humanitarian Award
for their financial support of One to
One Learning and for their empowerment of the youth and outreach to the
elderly in Rockland.
• The Founder’s Award was given to
Sister Patricia Hogan for embody-
ing the spirit of Mother Catherine Antoninus Thorpe, foundress
of the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill. In the late 1800’s Mother
Catherine called together women to care for the physical and
spiritual needs of women and children. Throughout her life,
Sister Pat has empowered so many through her ministry of
teaching and parish ministry.
• Paul Piperato, Rockland County Clerk, received the
Community Service Award for his special interest in immigrants,
providing Citizenship “Swearing-in” Ceremonies for residents of
Rockland thus making it more convenient for them.
• Teacher Service Awards were given to Rita Callan and
Beverly Houghton for teaching their students, empowering
them for their life in the United States.
• Sharon Mullin was the recipient of the Youth Award for her
four year commitment to her students.
• Sonia Garcia and Henry Ramirez received Student Awards
for their active participation in classes, representing so many
students who take full advantage of the learning experience at
One to One Learning.
You can view the 2015 Hands of Hope Journal on line at one2one-learning.org
One to One Newsletter
5
August 2015
50/50
DOOR PRIZES
star-fest...
Language Empowers. Language Unites.
STAR-FEST VI
Sunday, September 20th at 4:00 PM
Benefit for One to One Learning at Marydell Faith and Life Center
Each year for the past five years, the hills of Hook Mountain have been alive with the sound of beautiful music, echoing
from the lawn of Marydell Faith and Life Center, 640 North Midland Avenue in Upper Nyack. This year artists will again provide
their time and talent with a benefit concert for One to One Learning on September 20, 2015 beginning at 4 PM.
Come this year to see JP Schutz, host and cabaret star, Robert Mattern, operatic star, Sue Matzuki, jazz vocalic, Jan Lynch
and Tommy Dunn, Irish Pop Stars, Brian Walters, accompaniest and singer, Rita Harvey, vocalist, and Suzanne
DuCharme, Shakesperarean Stage, and introducing Carolyn Montgomery and Richard Skipper.
We will also host a mini-taste of Rockland, featuring Avispa, Bourbon Street, Brady’s Fox Hunt Inn, Del Arte, Gino’s Bagels,
La Fontanella, Milano, Munno, Nyack Seaport, Pasta Cucina, Posa Posa, Rocco’s State Line, Turiello’s, Union, Valley
Cottage Deli, World of Food, and Restaurant X, and others.
Reservations: $30 in advance; $35 at the door
When you register, your name will be placed on a list. You will check-in as you arrive.
Use the form below to make your reservation.
For information 845-512-8176 clpangel59@gmail.com www.one2one-learning.org
STAR-FEST V– Sunday, September 20, 2015
Name ___________________________________________________________________________
Address _________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
Phone___________________________________________________________________________
Number of Tickets __________@ $30 each. Total Enclosed $__________.
I would like to make a general donation to the work of One to One Learning. Donation $__________
Please make your check payable to: One to One Learning, Inc., 640 North Midland Avenue • Upper Nyack, New York 10960
One to One Newsletter
6
August 2015
a special thank you...
one2one-learning.org
RESPONSE FROM OUR BENEFACTORS
We are grateful to you as you assist us in paying our monthly bills. Since our last
newsletter we received the following donations totaling $5,005. We remember
our friends and benefactors each morning in prayer.
Robert and Beverly Houghton
Gertrude Schlachter
Susan and Dallas Dillon
(Memory of Sr. Barbara Jane OP)
Sister Mary Dunning
(Gratitude to Richard and Elisabeth
Voigt, Memory of immigrant parents, Thomas and Elizabeth
Dunning)
Christine Ellis
Maryann Biller Fischetti
(Memory of immigrant parents,
George and Katherine Biller)
Rust Gilbert
Regina and Bob Giacobbe
Mike and Sabrina Greco
Nicholas and Cassandra Luddington
John and Mary McCoy
Therese McSherry
Sister Catherine Moran
Sister Nancy Richter OP
(Memory of Sr. Barbara Jane OP)
Mark and Mary Ann Aaron
(Matching Times Square
Management)
Anonymous
(Memory of Sr. Barbara Jane OP)
Mary Armstrong
Millie and Paul Bebick
Carlo and Joan Costanzo
Sister Mary Dunning
(Honor Jubilarians)
Margaret and Paul Mapelli
Marty Nealon and Richard Aellen
Robert and Paula Novak
Blake Tovin
Mary Ann and Peter Turrise
Dr. and Mrs. Raymond Bernick
Maurice Bibeau
Noreen Brady
Frances Breer
Walter Cabrero
Sister Mary Casey
Jo Capone
Dianne Devanzo
Sister Eileen Donavan
Kara Donsky
(Honor2015 Jubilarians)
Dolores Fontana
Mary Ann Gentile
(Memory of Sr. Barbara Jane OP)
Alice Gerard
Judy and Roger Gerth
Maureen Hatch
(2015 Jubilarians)
Sisters Rose Mary Kelly and
Catherine Rose Quigley
Yury Lemus
Jean Looney
Nicholas and Loretta McCauley
Sister Peggy McPartland
(Honor Diamond Jubilarians)
Diane Mena
Martha Monitto
Sister Marianne Morelli
(Honor Jubilarians)
Patience Morgan-Irigoyen
Sister Ann Matthew O’Shea
Sharon Jersey
Sister Barbara Paul
Sister Mary Jo and Pius
(Honor Diamond Jubilarians)
Jacklyn Spring
Sister Catherine Tahaney
(Honor Diamond Jubilarians)
Sister Anne Tahaney
Wilhelmina Van Ness
(Memory of Judy Platt)
Sister Agnes Bernard Waugh
(Honor Diamond Jubilarians)
HANDS OF HOPE
GALA PRIZE
WINNERS
$
4, 400 Orange and Rockland
2, 500 RBC Wealth Management
$
500 Rockland Country Club
$
500 Nyack Rotary
$
Late donations Hands of
Hope Gala May 1, 2015
Terry Siracusano
Paul and Una Fitzpatrick
(matching Ridgewood Savings)
Ridgewood Saving
Eileen Murray
Lucille Levine
David and Phyllis Sirois
Sister Joan Beairsto
Carol Bernheim
Meg Ferrick
(Congratulations Sr Pat Hogan)
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Knoebel Jr.
Kathryn Mayer
Mary and John McCoy
Msgr. John T. Mulligan
Jennifer and Daniel Sullivan
500
Carlos Ortega
One to One Learning is a recipient of a TWO YEAR UNITED WAY
COMMUNITY IMPACT GRANT for $23,000 each year. The
collaborating organization is Catholic Charities Community
Services of Rockland who will provide information on social
services, financial management, and immigration counseling,
with a case manager and immigration personnel for students of
One to One Learning. Other organizations providing services
will be Hudson River Health Care with health and nutrition
classes and blood pressure screening and the Mental Health
Association of Rockland with parenting classes.
One to One Newsletter
You can view the journal online
www.one2one-learning.org
Sister Barbara Paul
(Honor 2015 Jubilarians)
WE ARE GRATEFUL TO THE INSTITUTIONS
THAT SUPPORT US WITH GRANTS
$
HANDS OF HOPE GALA
Thank you for supporting our raffle,
Dominican Sisters, Newsletter
recipients, students, teachers and
those present at the gala.
7
$
200
Mary Ann
Biller-Fischetti
$
100
Hilda Lemus
Sisters Maureen and Pat Conway
(Honor Sr. Pat Hogan)
Sophie and Larry Dolce
Carole Davide
(Honor Sr. Pat Hogan)
Sister Margaret Harrison
(Honor Jubilarians)
Sister Ursula McGovern
Michael Shilale
August 2015
One to One is a sponsored ministry of The Dominican Sisters of Sparkill
175 Route 340, Sparkill, NY 10976
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
OUR
MISSION
To provide
English Classes
and other
supportive
services for
immigrants to
empower them
to reach their
full potential
and lead
meaningful lives
within their
communities.
TRUSTEES
Sr. Irene Ellis
Sr. Eileen Gannon
Sr. Lorraine LaRocca
Sr. Mary Murray
Sr. Margaret Palliser
Sr. Carolyn Wolfbaurer
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Ms. Yolanda Aguilar
Sr. Joan Beairsto
Ms. Adriana Bernal
Ms. Dorothy Cox
Ms. Andrea Dolce-Singer
Mr. David Englander
Sr. Grace Hogan
Sr. Virginia Johnson
Dr. Theresa Lewis
Mr. Ira Lipson
Mr. John Murphy
Mr. Paul Piperato
Ms. Grace Marie Ranallo
Sr. Anne Schwartz
Mr. Hank Whittemore
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Labor Day, September 7, 2015
All day Soccer Tournament
Masonic Park, Tappan
September 9, 2015 6:00 PM
MEMORIAL CARDS
In our list of donations you
may notice names noted
with
“in memory of”
or
Teachers’ Meeting and Welcome Dinner
“in honor of”
September 14, 2015
“in the name of”.
Evening English Classes resume
September 20, 2015
Star-Fest VI 4:00 PM
or
We now have cards for your
use on these occasions.
When such a donation is
made, if requested,
a card will be prepared.
INTERESTED IN
JOINING US?
CONTACT
Sister Cecilia La Pietra,
Director
clpangel59@gmail.com and
sr.cecilia@one2one-learning.org
www.one2one-learning.org
Be a friend of
One to One Learning
on Facebook
one2one-learning.org
Language Empowers. Language Unites.