LITERACY DIRECTOR WELCOMES BABY GIRL    

LV-UC Executive Director  Elizabeth Gloeggler and her husband Jan Eggers, welcomed baby Genevieve Elizabeth on July 15.  Genevieve weighed in at 9 lbs. 11 oz. and according to Mom and Dad has a strong set of lungs!  The new baby gets a loving hug from two and a half years old big sister Ettie. Mom, Dad, big sister and the new baby are doing great! Congratulations! 

 

 

LV-UC WINS STATEWIDE AWARDS

Literacy Volunteers of Union County and its partner Literacy Volunteers of Plainfield Public Library were big winners at this year's NJ Literacy for Life Conference.  LV-UC was named NJ Affiliate of the Year for its work with Basic Literacy students.  Under the guidance of Dawn Harrison (Basic Skills Field Services Coordinator), LV-UC tutors started meeting with small groups of Basic Literacy students.  This model has traditionally been used with ESL students and Dawn believed that, while a group setting might at first be daunting for Basic Literacy students, the benefits would quickly become apparent as students begin to learn from their peers and realize that they are not unique in their struggle with literacy.  In 2008, Dawn also launched GED preparatory classes (and taught part of the program).  Fifteen of our students enrolled in the GED program and two have completed the course and are now the proud holders of high school equivalency diplomas.  Since 2005, LV-UC's Basic Literacy program has doubled in size, a remarkable feat in a time when most affiliates' programs are shrinking.  (Pictured: Paul Gessner, Bettina Hoey and Dawn Harrison)

Next on the (virtual) dais was the winner of the NJ Award for Student Excellence (ESL), Paula Mejia.  Paula came to the United States from Colombia in 1996 but did not begin working in earnest on her English language skills until she came to LV-UC in 2008.  Since she began her work as a student, Paula has moved two levels on the BEST test, used her English to run support groups and advocate for parents of children with special needs and become a student representative on LV-UC's Board of Directors. Paula was unable to attend the conference in person but, in her indomitable style, gave her acceptance speech to the luncheon via Skype.   

Last, but certainly not least, our own Stella Segura (LV-Plainfield Public Library) was given the NJ Award for Tutor Excellence for her progression from ESL student to ESL tutor extraordinaire.  Stella is one of the co-founders of the Los Amigos Club, a group of students who want extra practice on their English skills, and many of her students came to the Literacy for Life Conference to celebrate her award.  Their support for Stella really says it all.                                                                                                                                            

 Congratulations to Paula and Stella--it is great to see their hard work being recognized!  And while we're at it, we'll give ourselves a big pat on the back for our Affiliate of the Year award.   The big winners, though, are the students whose lives are incrementally changing and improving with their enhanced literacy skills.  Literacy does change lives!  

 And We're Off to the Races! 

  

  

Friends of Literacy Volunteers enjoyed a great night at the races on May 15 at The 2010 Readers Cup Benefit, the second year of LV-UC's fundraising event at the Pegasus Restaurant located at the Meadowlands Racetrack. Tutors, staff, board members and sponsors began the evening with a delicious buffet and celebrated big winnings as the night wore on.  Thanks to all our supporters for making this a wonderful evening!  Special thanks to all our sponsors and advertisers!

LITERACY VOLUNTEERS WELCOMES NEW TUTORS

Twenty-one new volunteers recently graduated from the 2010 Spring New Tutor Training Workshop held at the Presbyterian Church in Westfield. Congratulations and welcome to Literacy Volunteers!

 

LORD & TAYLOR'S BENEFIT BASH

Tutors, friends and families of Literacy Volunteers enjoyed a day of shopping Tuesday, May 4, at the Westfield Lord & Taylor Benefit Bash.  The $5 proceeds of each admission ticket sold directly benefited Literacy Volunteers.  In return, each supporter was entitled to 20% off a single item and 15% off all other purchases for the day. Promotional gifts were given with purchases in several departments, and special events and appearances took place throughout the day.                

Special thanks to Liela Bernstein for coordinating the event for Literacy Volunteers, and many thanks to our loyal supporters!

Photo: Liela and Susan Petrow enjoy their cosmetic makeovers after meeting with make up artists from Clinique and Lancome. 

CONGRATULATIONS, DAWN HARRISON,  NEW U.S. CITIZEN!

Dawn Harrison, Basic Literacy Field Services Coordinator, became a citizen of the United States on March 25, 2010.  Dawn had prepared and studied for the test, and like the 49 other hopeful new citizens, was nervous the day of her interview.

First, she was asked about the information on her application form and then some civics questions. Who is the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court?  For how long do we elect each member of the House of Representatives?  Who wrote The Star Spangled Banner?  Then Dawn had to read a question aloud, "Who was the first President?" and write the answer in a sentence.

To become a citizen, an individual must renounce allegiance to any other country and pledge allegiance to the United States. Their certificate of citizenship is presented at a formal Oath of Allegiance ceremony.  Dawn says, "It was an emotional moment when I repeated the Pledge of Allegiance for the first time as an American."

That day was just the beginning.  Dawn now has an American passport.  She voted on the budget proposal and can participate fully in the democratic process.  "These experiences reaffirmed how important democracy is - how lucky we are to live in a democracy.  I am proud to be an American."

Tutors who have students who want to become citizens should contact the LV-UC office for information about Steve Kilduff's citizenship classes or check out his blog for citizenship resources. The blog address is http://americancitizenshiptutor.blogspot.com/. It's also on the Tutor Resources page of this website. 

LV-UC CELEBRATES LITERACY DAYS  

Literacy Volunteers of New Jersey celebrated the New Jersey Legislature's declaration of March 19th and 20th as Literacy Days with book fairs at Barnes & Noble stores across the state.  LV-UC's own celebration took place at the store located in Clark, New Jersey. The highlight of the weekend was a book reading and signing by award-winning author (and former improvisational comic) Chris Grabenstein.  Chris regaled the audience with the story of his career transition from stand-up comic to ad exec to writer of adult thrillers set at the Jersey shore.  The author also writes horror stories for middle school readers.  Chris' reading from his upcoming release Rolling Thunder kept us on the edge of our seats.

LV-UC maintained a table at the store with information about our programs during the book fair. It was a great opportunity to raise awareness about the issues of adult illiteracy in community. Thanks to everyone who attended the event as a volunteer or as a patron. Your support is directly responsible for the success of the book fair and making LV-UC the top fundraiser of the event!