WAYNESBORO — Ashley Pontius knows a good punchline when she hears one, but she also knows that adult literacy struggles are no laughing matter.
Pontius, a comedian who has volunteered as a tutor, has concerns about adults who cannot read beyond an eighth-grade level. She worries about the 17,000 Pennsylvanians who drop out of high school every year.
However, she has seen the ripple effects of one adult improving his or her literacy skills, particularly if that person is a parent.
“It’s generational poverty breaking,” Pontius said.
All of this is why Pontius is hosting a comedy show at Waynesboro’s Rough Edges Brewing on Saturday, Nov. 1, at 8 p.m. to raise money for the Franklin County Literacy Council.
It’s the third year for the Read the Room Comedy Show. This year’s line-up features Pontius, Tommy Sinbazo and Nathan Scahill.
The event will combine laughter, good beer and a great cause, Pontius promised.
“One of the things I love is that people can have a good time regardless of their race, religion or education level,” she said.
Tickets are $15 if purchased online or $20 at the door.
A resident of southern Franklin County, Pontius grew up watching “Saturday Night Live” at a young age when she says it may not have been age appropriate. She especially enjoyed cast member Chris Farley’s boisterous nature.
Pontius started writing jokes for others at age 15 before entering competitions and doing sets on her own. One of her favorite memories stems from opening for Matt Braunger in Frederick, Md., shortly before COVID-19 spread in the United States.
She commended Rough Edges Brewing for again providing its venue for Read the Room.
“Expect to laugh until you cry,” she said of the Nov. 1 event.
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