Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Reading is still a vital ‘R’

Ruthe Deskin

Thursday, May 10, 2001 | 8:13 a.m.

Ruthe Deskin is assistant to the publisher. Reach her at deskin@ lasvegassun.com.

"I can't read."

How well I remember the tears of the young lad as he looked up at a teacher at Child Haven and admitted his problem.

The boy was 13 years old and had been in trouble with authorities from the age of 8. Somehow he had been able to conceal is inability to read and had been lost in the crowd.

This young lad was lucky. He became a special-education student and proved to be very bright and resourceful once he could read.

Think of it. There are many adults today who cannot fill out routine forms, read road signs, or understand their children's report cards.

They can't vote because they can't read. A simple thing like a water bill is beyond their comprehension.

Of the three "Rs," I believe reading is the most important.

Our schools need books to teach children to read, and the supply of books is woefully inadequate. I have known conscientious teachers who buy books for their classrooms because the supply is so limited.

Some time back, I suggested if every adult citizen in Southern Nevada would contribute at least $1 to a "Buy Books" campaign, it would add up to a sizeable amount.

It is gratifying that the Clark County School District, the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and the Clark County Public Education Foundation is sponsoring a literacy program called READS.

The goal is to provide books and tutors in Clark County schools.

Clark County Commission Chairman Dario Herrera, also chairman of the READS program, is urging everyone -- parents, educators and businesses -- to participate in the efforts to provide new books to replace those that are out of date or no longer usable.

Is there a better way to help our children succeed than to give them the tools for success?

I don't think so and would urge everyone to do whatever possible to support READS. *

The Clark County Library District has some excellent programs celebrating Asian-American heritage.

Check with your local library for events and times. The programs will go through May 30.

Of special interest to me is the May 30 program at Sunrise Library, which will feature the story of the highly decorated 442nd Regimental Combat Team and the 100th Infantry Battalion.

Both are Japanese-American units who fought in World War II with great distinction. They served at great cost, while many of their families were detained in camps. *

Mark on the calendar May 20, when the Southern Nevada Musical Arts Society will perform Guiseppe Verdi's "Manzoni Requiem" at UNLV's Artemus Ham Concert Hall.

Tickets may be purchased at UNLV Performing Arts Center Box Office; call 895-2787. *

How time flies. Who would have thought Harry Belafonte was old enough to be on the cover of AARP's magazine Modern Maturity.

Belafonte says: "The problem with life is all of its problems don't hit when we're 18 and know everything."