Readin' 'n' Writin'

To the Editors of The Crimson:

It's 5 a.m., I'm sitting on a stool in the "Dunk 'n' Dip" doughnut shop on Third Street in East Cambridge. I'm reading the morning paper 'n' I'm reading a story that refers to Ted Kennedy. Seem like the senator wants to create a national literacy corps of college kids who'll earn course credits for teaching youngsters and adults how to read. Senator Ted wants to set up pilot tutoring programs at fine Massachusetts colleges to form the model for a national campaign. Bank of Boston has offered $5,000 grants to each of five schools to start up the programs which will offer students up to six credits a term to work as tutors in schools and community agencies. Me think its a very good idea. Our school kids need a little help with their "readin 'n' writin' 'n' 'rithmetic" too. The Story got me to thinkin' about all the money problems 'n' red tape the kids up in Phillip Brooks House (Harvard) have to go through each spring. They always get caught between Harvard College 'n' City of Cambridge with their budget. Always "sweatin' it out" to get a few extra bucks to carry on their summer programs for the kids in the one and many housing units. The Cambridge PBH has been tutoring kids for many years. When are the "big-wigs" in Harvard College 'n' City Hall goin' to wake up to the fact that kids up at PBH are doing just what Senator Kennedy is tryin' to do. I suggest that Senator Kennedy and Bank of Boston get in touch with officials in the Phillip Brooks House at Harvard and they will learn a "thing or two" on tutoring kids with their "readin' 'n' writing'." VIVA PBH! Al Vellucci   Vice Mayor of Cambridge