Featured Volunteer: Edwenna Werner
As many of you already know, Edwenna Werner, passed away unexpectedly on September 11, 2019. She was one of our longest serving volunteers, and most recently the Secretary of our Board. A memorial service was held Saturday, October 26 at 2pm at Neighborhood Church in Pasadena where more than 300 people honored her memory.
Edwenna began working with San Gabriel Valley Literacy Council learners in the 1980’s and continued that service until her death. Her energy and enthusiasm were an inspiration to her students and colleagues alike.
Most famous of her many talents as an English teacher were her TPR (total physical response) breaks. Midway through each class, everybody stood up, stretched, formed a circle, and responded to rapid commands such as point to your nose, bend your left knee, pass the ball to the right, pass the ball across the circle, and concluded with a rousing rendition of “head, shoulders, knees and toes!”
In addition, anyone who worked with Edwenna will remember her encyclopedic emails describing exercises and activities she covered in class, along with her table- top map of Pasadena to practice giving and taking directions. She gave us all roadmaps designed to engage our students.
Her generosity extended well beyond the classroom. She provided killer cookies and cupcakes for training sessions and teacher gatherings. Board meetings at her house were accompanied with delicious spreads of food. Those meetings were highlights of our social season.
We know that we shared her leadership, service, and hospitality with other boards, committees, and organizations. In that sense, we are losing a good friend and colleague, but the San Gabriel Valley is losing a valued citizen.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Michael, her children, and grandchildren.
Ave atque vale, Edwenna,
Lyssa Axeen, SGVLC President and friend
Edwenna began working with San Gabriel Valley Literacy Council learners in the 1980’s and continued that service until her death. Her energy and enthusiasm were an inspiration to her students and colleagues alike.
Most famous of her many talents as an English teacher were her TPR (total physical response) breaks. Midway through each class, everybody stood up, stretched, formed a circle, and responded to rapid commands such as point to your nose, bend your left knee, pass the ball to the right, pass the ball across the circle, and concluded with a rousing rendition of “head, shoulders, knees and toes!”
In addition, anyone who worked with Edwenna will remember her encyclopedic emails describing exercises and activities she covered in class, along with her table- top map of Pasadena to practice giving and taking directions. She gave us all roadmaps designed to engage our students.
Her generosity extended well beyond the classroom. She provided killer cookies and cupcakes for training sessions and teacher gatherings. Board meetings at her house were accompanied with delicious spreads of food. Those meetings were highlights of our social season.
We know that we shared her leadership, service, and hospitality with other boards, committees, and organizations. In that sense, we are losing a good friend and colleague, but the San Gabriel Valley is losing a valued citizen.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Michael, her children, and grandchildren.
Ave atque vale, Edwenna,
Lyssa Axeen, SGVLC President and friend
Featured Volunteer: Sara Kelman
One of our recent volunteer teachers, Sara, is moving abroad with her husband to Thailand. Both will get jobs teaching English and although we are sad to lose her as a teacher we are very excited for her journey.
What did Sara have to say about her experience volunteering with SGVLC?
"Everyone was a good team. I was able to talk to and share information with other teachers at my site. I loved the students! I was always so concerned about not wasting their time and making the lessons worthwhile, but they were always so grateful! No one in the program doubted me and I got 100% support, while at the same time I was allowed to figure things out for myself. If I ever had a question, I could e-mail and get a very quick response."
She also noted that the teacher training she attended will help her in a country where she doesn't know the language, as one of the highlights of the training was how to use gestures to communicate when you can't understand the language. In Thailand, Sara will teach in either a public school, private school or a language school. While she is excited about the opportunity to travel, she is even more excited about the chance to integrate into a culture as someone who lives there.
Thanks to Sara for her time and energy and best wishes to her on her journey!
What did Sara have to say about her experience volunteering with SGVLC?
"Everyone was a good team. I was able to talk to and share information with other teachers at my site. I loved the students! I was always so concerned about not wasting their time and making the lessons worthwhile, but they were always so grateful! No one in the program doubted me and I got 100% support, while at the same time I was allowed to figure things out for myself. If I ever had a question, I could e-mail and get a very quick response."
She also noted that the teacher training she attended will help her in a country where she doesn't know the language, as one of the highlights of the training was how to use gestures to communicate when you can't understand the language. In Thailand, Sara will teach in either a public school, private school or a language school. While she is excited about the opportunity to travel, she is even more excited about the chance to integrate into a culture as someone who lives there.
Thanks to Sara for her time and energy and best wishes to her on her journey!