Katherine S. Lee: Student Story
November 12, 2012 at 8:00 AM | Posted in Student Stories, Volunteers | Leave a commentTags: AmeriCorps, esol classes, student stories, veterans day
Original photo: “Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Maya Ying Lin,” on culturedart.blogspot.com
We honor our veterans every year on Veteran’s Day. My father is one of the millions of veterans who fought and served their country. My father is an Ex-Navy Seal who fought in the Vietnam War in the late 60’s and early 70’s. He was drafted at a young age due to only being a part-time college student. My father never speaks about his time in Vietnam and will never to anyone. No one except for our family even knows he is a veteran. Whether you are a Democrat, Republican, Christian, Muslim, or Atheist you probably know a veteran. Whether you are pro-war or against war, you probably know a veteran. I am proud of my father’s service.
Sometimes we never really see the other side of a war when we are in armed conflict; this can become a pretty ethnocentric experience. One of my students grew up in Vietnam during the war. She is an extremely bright, curious, and amazing student that loves to learn and challenge herself. One day, in class, we were speaking about childhood and she shared her experiences with the class. She told us how she would hear bombs, gunshots, and fields burning every night. Her parents only allowed her to go to school and back home. She never had any friends, she never went out, and she never was allowed to do any activities. It was too dangerous to go outside; she had to stay inside and would complete her homework. On numerous occasions, the front line would get too close and she would have to go in the safe room, which her family had built in their basements. One day, she came home from school and no one was home. She waited for hours for her family to come home, but no one did. Her brother was actually severely injured in a bombing that happened in his work building. Her family was at a hospital because they saw her brother’s building collapse after the bomb. Thankfully, the brother survived. He still has large burns marks and scars down his shoulder and back. My student said that this was her childhood. She would not change it for anything because it is hers; it wasn’t pleasant, but this is what made her what she is today.
This week we honor those who have served; those who have witnessed; those who have experienced; those who have died; those who have survived; and those who have so much to share of their experiences.
Katherine S. Lee, AmeriCorps Instructor
Literacy Council of Northern Virginia
2855 Annandale Rd., Falls Church, VA 22042
(703) 237-0866 x 108
www.lcnv.org
Upcoming ESOL Parent Meeting
November 9, 2012 at 8:00 AM | Posted in ESOL, Family Learning, Uncategorized, Volunteers | Leave a commentTags: ESOL Parent Meeting, ESOL Services, Fairfax County
Fairfax County Public Schools will be hosting its last ESOL Parent Meeting on November 13, 2012
(Tuesday) from 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at Woodson High School in Fairfax. Dinner and childcare are provided, as well as interpreters for Arabic, Farsi, Korean, Mandarin, Spanish, Urdu, and Vietnamese. Fairfax County Public Schools holds these meetings for parents to learn about ESOL services available to their children, the new elementary progress report, advanced academic offerings, preparing for college and career, and other services to support families.
Samantha Poyta, Parent Education Coordinator for SCAN of Northern Virginia & Carisa Pineda, LCNV’s Family Learning Specialist at Hayfield Secondary ESOL Parent Meeting
The Literacy Council of Northern Virginia was present at the first two meetings. The first meeting was held at Hayfield Secondary School in Alexandria on October 10 and the second was at Chantilly High School in Chantilly on October 22. Parents were very interested in LCNV’s offerings and filled out forms to receive information about classes for next semester; they also showed interest in ongoing conversation classes. LCNV will also be attending the Parent Meeting at Woodson. A special thank you goes to volunteer Julia Zurkovsky who attended the Chantilly meeting on LCNV’s behalf and will be attending the Woodson meeting.
To learn more about the FCPS ESOL Parent Meetings, go to http://www.fcps.edu/is/esol/parents.shtml.
Photo: Samantha Poyta, Parent Education Coordinator for SCAN of Northern Virginia
and Carisa Pineda, Family Learning Specialist LCNV
at Hayfield Secondary ESOL Parent Meeting on October 10
Carisa C. Pineda
Family Learning Specialist
Literacy Council of Northern Virginia
2855 Annandale Rd., Falls Church, VA 22042
(703) 237-0866 x 108
www.lcnv.org
Don’t Miss Volunteer Networking Night!
November 2, 2012 at 8:10 AM | Posted in Volunteers | Leave a commentTags: charles beatley library, tutoring, volunteer communities, volunteer networking, volunteers
The Literacy Council supports its volunteers with events at the main office. Now, LCNV would like to try this at a local level and foster volunteer communities. Come to the Volunteer Networking Night! This event in Alexandria is our pilot attempt to do this. We hope you’ll come and share your experiences, challenges, and successes as a teacher, tutor, or class aide with the Council.
When: Nov. 5, 6:30-8:30 PM
Where: Charles Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St., Alexandria, VA 22304
Hope to see you this Monday!
Literacy Council of Northern Virginia
2855 Annandale Rd., Falls Church, VA 22042
(703) 237-0866
info@lcnv.org
http://www.lcnv.org
LCNV Office Closed on 10/26/2012
October 24, 2012 at 2:37 PM | Posted in AmeriCorps, Announcements, ESOL, Tutoring, Volunteers | Leave a commentOn Friday, October 26, 2012, LCNV’s main office will be closed all day due to the installation of a new HVAC system at the James Lee Community Center. Staff will be working from home and will be accessible by email. The AmeriCorps Launch is not affected by this closure and will take place as planned. This closure is unexpected, and we apologize for any inconvenience.
POSTPONED – Volunteer Open House in Lorton
October 23, 2012 at 8:29 PM | Posted in Class, ESOL, Family Learning, Teaching, Tutoring, Uncategorized, Volunteers | Leave a commentTags: English, ESL, ESOL, learn, literacy, Lorton, Volunteer
* Due to the expected severe weather, this event is postponed. We will announce a new date soon!
Open House: Learn about Adult Literacy & ESOL Volunteer Opportunities!
Monday, October 29, 2012, 7:00 pm
Lorton Library, 9520 Richmond Hwy, Lorton, VA
Come hear about how you can make a difference as a Literacy Council volunteer!
LCNV’s mission is to teach adults the basic skills of reading, writing, speaking, and understanding English, so they are empowered to participate more fully and confidently in their communities. LCNV’s approach is to involve volunteers as the English instructors for our adult learners. With LCNV training and support, volunteers help their neighbors directly. The Council has a dire need for more volunteers in and around Lorton.
Volunteers can serve as tutors, who work one-on-one with a learner, or as classroom teachers or aides who work with groups of 10-15 adults at a time. The Council also offers many non-teaching opportunities, from helping out in our office, to supporting special events and outreach. If you are interested in promoting adult literacy in Lorton, we’ll find something that fits your interests!
Join us on the evening of the 29th to learn about the Council’s work and how you can help someone in your neighborhood develop the English skills necessary to succeed!
If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Ruba Afzal, LCNV’s Director of Volunteers, at 703-237-0866 x 111 or volunteers@lcnv.org.
Last Chance to Register for RACE FOR A CAUSE!
October 9, 2012 at 10:30 AM | Posted in AmeriCorps, Announcements, Class, Development, ESOL, Family Learning, Student Stories, Teaching, Tutoring, Volunteers | Leave a commentTags: 1 Mile Fun Run, 8k, acumen solutions, alumni, AmeriCorps, americorps partners, announcement, Announcements, arlington race, Basic Adult Literacy, Boy and Girls Club, Children, community, Fairfax Education, family event, family fun, Family Learning, for love of children, friends, give, giving, Greenbrier Learning Center, James Lee Community Center, literacy, literacy council, literacy council of northern virginia, local superheroes, north quincy street, October 14th, Our Daily Bread, race for a cause, run for local charities, run or walk, select the non-profit of your choice, students, The Reading Connection, the women's center, the women's centert, united for d.c., Volunteer, volunteers, you get to be a superhero too, young playwright's theatre
Don’t miss your chance to sign up to support the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia for the Acumen Solutions™ Race for a Cause 8K and 1 Mile Fun Run, which takes place this Sunday, October 14, 2012, in Arlington.
This a great event with a “super” post race event, which includes yummy food from Anita’s, Chidogo’s, and Whole Foods, as well as fun kids activities AND awesome raffle prizes for “big” kids (must be present to win)! Come support our local Superheroes. We encourage you to sport your favorite “superhero” attire! Don’t have a cape? Acumen Solutions will also be providing capes to all youth registrants!
We still need 40 registrants to be eligible for race proceeds. YOU can help us reach our goal! Join our walking literacy team?
Not in town? Sponsor a friend or family member as a runner! Every donation – big or small – helps support our cause. Please call or email Suzie Eaton (seaton@lcnv.org) with any questions and go to www.theraceforacause.com to sign up!
Registration Costs
- 8k: $35 through October 13
- $40 Race Day
- 1 Mile Fun Run: $20 Youth (no shirt; gift will be provided!);$35 Adult (8k technical T-shirt)
Registration Packet Pickup @ Potomac River Running Store, Arlington:
- Friday October 12, 4-8 pm
- Saturday October 13, 11 am – 4 pm
- Sunday October 14 (Race Day), 6:30 am – 7:30 am
Literacy Council of Northern Virginia
2855 Annandale Road
Falls Church, Va 22042
(703)237-0866
www.LCNV.org
Tonight: One for the Books Gala!
October 3, 2012 at 1:14 PM | Posted in Teaching, Student Stories, Tutoring, ESOL, Volunteers, Class, Announcements, AmeriCorps, Development, Family Learning | Leave a commentTags: announcement, volunteers, community, thank you!, alumni, americorps partners, students, Volunteer, AmeriCorps, Basic Adult Literacy, lcnv learners, literacy, literacy council, literacy council of northern virginia, LCNV, 50th anniversary, Announcements, Jose Andres, celebrity chef, DC Central Kitchen, Robert Egger, Ric Edelman, David Baldacci, Fresh Start Catering, One for the Books, 50 years of literacy, gala event, St. John, Calypso del Sol, raffle, George Washington Masonic Memorial, Alexandria Masonic Temple, Old Town Alexandria, financial advisor, Jose Andres Puerta, Spanish Chef, gala
Please join the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia this evening for our One for the Books gala!
Join LCNV, celebrity chef José Andrés, award-winning author David Baldacci, top-ranked financial advisor Ric Edelman, and nonprofit leader Robert Egger in celebrating 50 years of improving our community through literacy!
DATE: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012 │ 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
LOCATION: George Washington Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Dr., Alexandria, VA 22301
ACCESS: Free parking is available. Closest Metro station is King St.
ATTIRE: Business
TICKETS: Event tickets can be purchased in person tonight at the event, starting at 6 pm.
OPPORTUNITIES THIS EVENING INCLUDE:
- A raffle drawing for a week-long stay in St. John! Please consider purchasing a $50 chance in person this evening! The lucky winner will be announced tonight.
- Book signing by José Andrés, David Baldacci, Ric Edelman, and Robert Egger at the end of the event. Books will be available for purchase on site that evening.
- Adding a leaf on LCNV’s Giving Tree. Leaves on the tree can be purchased for various dollar amounts. Each leaf contains an item that will aid the Literacy Council in its effort to enrich the lives of those who wish to understand, speak, read and write English.
- And, finally, there will be a “bookshelf” where you can write the title of your favorite book and put it on the bookshelf. What an opportunity to reminisce about all the favorite books you have read and try to figure out the best one! And you can get ideas for future reads from books listed by other attendees.
Thank you for your participation! We look forward to seeing you tonight at One for the Books!
2855 Annandale Rd., Falls Church, Va 22042│ (703)237-0866 │www.lcnv.org
Win a Week at Calypso del Sol in St. John – for just $50!
September 28, 2012 at 2:19 PM | Posted in Teaching, Tutoring, Student Stories, ESOL, Volunteers, Class, Announcements, AmeriCorps, Development, Family Learning | Leave a commentTags: alumni, AmeriCorps, americorps partners, announcement, Announcements, Basic Adult Literacy, Calypso del Sol, celebrity chef, Class, community, David Baldacci, DC Central Kitchen, Development, Edelman Financial Services, ESOL, Family Learning, financial advisor, Fresh Start Catering, gala, gala event, George Washington Masonic Memorial, Jose Andres, Jose Andres Puerta, Jose Mini Bar, LCNV, lcnv learners, lies about money, literacy, literacy council, literacy council of northern virginia, Old Town Alexandria, One for the Books, raffle, rescue your money, Ric Edelman, riCorps, Robert Egger, Spanish Chef, St. John, student stories, students, teaching, thank you!, the truth about money, the truth about money with ric edelman, Think Food Group, top financial advisor, tutoring, Uncategorized, Volunteer, volunteers, Volunteers | Leave a comment Edit this post Tags: Alexandria Masonic Temple
LCNV’s raffle drawing will take place this October 3, 2012. Grab 5 of your close friends or family members, and jump at the chance to spend a week in the Caribbean – together! Only 106 tickets have been sold, which means your chances at winning are very high!
This raffle is a fun opportunity to help the Council raise funds for its literacy programs. The more tickets you buy, the better your odds get. The Winner does not have to be present to win. Enter today! Only 600 total tickets will be sold.
Calypso del Sol is a picturesque and idyllic villa on St. John. Beautifully appointed to offer every comfort in a very private location, Calypso makes the most of its Caribbean setting. After a day at the beach or pool, the villa is a short drive to one of the many fine restaurants for which St. John is known.
- Raffle tickets are $50 each and are not tax deductible. Purchase tickets now!
- Prize: 7-night stay for 6 people at Calypso del Sol, on St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- Winner may select a 7-day period: October 3 – December 22, 2012, or between April 6 – December 21, 2013, excluding Thanksgiving week. SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY.
- Airfare is NOT included. All costs for food, transportation, and other expenditures while traveling to or on St. John are the responsibility of the winner and fellow travelers.
- The raffle drawing is being held in accordance with Virginia laws.
- For additional information: www.CalypsoDelSol.com.
One for the Books Tickets Still Available: Buy Now!
Participate in the live raffle drawing. Meet Celebrity chef José Andrés, best-selling novelist David Baldacci, top-ranked financial advisor Ric Edelman, and non-profit leader Robert Egger. Celebrate the Literacy Council’s 50th year!
Value of prize: $3,850
THIS RAFFLE PRIZE IS DONATED BY Joe and Mary Ann Nocerino, and Franz and Sally Jaggar.
Literacy Council of Northern Virginia
2855 Annandale Rd., Falls Church, Va 22042
(703)237-0866 │info@lcnv.org │ www.lcnv.org
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Race for a Cause is this Sunday!
October 12, 2012 at 3:29 PM | Posted in AmeriCorps, Announcements, Class, Development, ESOL, Family Learning, Student Stories, Teaching, Tutoring, Volunteers | Leave a commentTags: 1 Mile Fun Run, 8k, acumen solutions, alumni, AmeriCorps, americorps partners, announcement, Announcements, arlington race, Basic Adult Literacy, Biggest Loser, Boy and Girls Club, Children, Class, community, Development, ESOL, Fairfax Education, family event, family fun, Family Learning, Family Learning | Leave a comment Edit this post Tags: give, for love of children, friends, giving, Greenbrier Learning Center, James Lee Community Center, literacy, literacy council, literacy council of northern virginia, local superheroes, north quincy street, October 14th, Our Daily Bread, race for a cause, run for local charities, run or walk, select the non-profit of your choice, Sione Fa, student stories, students, The Reading Connection, the women's center, the women's centert, tutoring, united for d.c., Volunteer, volunteers, you get to be a superhero too, young playwright's theatre
Online registration is closed BUT you can still sign up in person at the Potomac River Running store in Arlington; don’t forget to select the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia as your charity. If you go to Potomac River Running today and sign up, you could meet Sione Fa from The Biggest Loser!
Packet pickup and registration times follow:
The race will be just off Quincy Street at the intersection of Quincy and Wilson Blvd; use the Potomac River Running Store (3924 Wilson Blvd) as your “address”. Participants will warm up at approximately 7:40 AM, with guest Sione Fa. The 8k race starts at 8:00 AM. The Fun Run will start at approximately 8:06 AM. There will be a fun post event, which includes good food and a raffle prize give away.
Come support local Superheroes like the Literacy Council – costumes are encouraged! Acumen Solutions will provide capes to all youth registrants!
Hope to see you this Sunday.
Literacy Council of Northern Virginia
2855 Annandale Road
Falls Church, Va 22042
(703)237-0866
www.LCNV.org