September 25, 2012 at 8:00 AM | Posted in AmeriCorps, Announcements, Class, Development, ESOL, Family Learning, Teaching, Tutoring, Volunteers | Comments Off on Robert Egger – Oprah Angel – Lends LCNV a Hand
Tags: 2012, alumni, AmeriCorps, americorps partners, announcement, Announcements, Basic Adult Literacy, Calypso del Sol, celebrity chef, Class, community, David Baldacci, DC Central Kitchen, Development, 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, literacy, literacy changes lives, literacy council, literacy council of northern virginia, National Coalition for Literacy, October 3, Old Town Alexandria, One for the Books, oprah angel, oprah angel network, point of life, raffle, Ric Edelman, Robert Egger, Spanish Chef, St. John, students, teaching, thank you!, Think Food Group, tutoring, Volunteer, volunteers, Wish You Well Foundation

On October 3, 2012, non-profit leader Robert Egger will be supporting LCNV at its One for the Books gala. Serving as Master of Ceremonies, Robert will highlight the importance of literacy in all aspects of life. Held at the George Washington Masonic Memorial, One for the Books celebrates LCNV’s 50th year of bringing much needed literacy services to Northern Virginia. Read more to learn about Robert Egger and why he’s received the Oprah ‘Angel’ award.
Robert Egger is the Founder and President of the DC Central Kitchen, the country’s first “community kitchen”, where food donated by hospitality businesses and farms is used to fuel a nationally recognized culinary arts job training program. Since opening in 1989, the Kitchen has produced over 25 million meals and helped 1,000 men and women gain full time employment.
Robert’s book, Begging for Change: The Dollars and Sense of Making Nonprofits Responsive, Efficient and Rewarding For All, was published in 2004 by HarperCollins and awarded the 2005 McAdam Prize for “Best Nonprofit Management Book.”
In Washington, Robert is the founding Chair of both the Mayor’s Commission on Nutrition and Street Sense, Washington’s “homeless” newspaper. In addition to this, he was the Co-Convener of the first Nonprofit Congress, held in Washington DC in 2006.
The Non Profit Times list of the “50 Most Powerful and Influential” nonprofit leaders has recognized Robert from 2006-2009. In 2007, he was honored with the 2007 “Lifetime Achievement” by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington. In 2004, the James Beard Foundation presented him with the “Humanitarian of the Year” award. Among his numerous recognitions, Robert has been named a Washingtonian of the Year, Point of Light, and an Oprah Angel.
One for the Books is a unique opportunity to meet and mingle with LCNV supporters like Robert Egger. Celebrity chef José Andrés, best-selling novelist David Baldacci, and top-ranked financial advisor Ric Edelman will also be joining the celebration. Catering will be provided by Fresh Start Catering, and the event menu is inspired by José Andrés.
Purchase your tickets today! Join LCNV, Robert Egger, and fellow supporters on October 3, 2012. Let’s celebrate improving our community through literacy.

Literacy Council of Northern Virginia
2855 Annandale Rd., Falls Church, Va 22042
(703)237-0866 │info@lcnv.org │ www.lcnv.org
June 28, 2012 at 12:14 PM | Posted in AmeriCorps, Announcements, Class, Development, ESOL, Family Learning, Teaching, Tutoring, Volunteers | Comments Off on Making LCNV’s 50th Events Happen
Tags: 2012, 50th anniversary, alumni, AmeriCorps, americorps partners, annandale, anne poad, anne spear, announcement, Announcements, annual meeting, audrey lipps, avis black, Basic Adult Literacy, becca lipps, Beverly M. Newport Memorial Fund, bobby joe small, Class, community, Development, doris addo, elsa angell, Ernst Community Cultural Center, ESOL, family event, Family Learning, Family Learning | Leave a comment Edit this post Tags: give, friends, giving, Golden Reunion, jan auerbach, jean sweeney, jeannie baliles, jessica raines, juana merlo, july 1, karen lezny, LCNV, lcnv learners, literacy, literacy council, literacy council of northern virginia, literacy services, little river turnpike, Loudon Literacy, mary hollinghead, mary hollingshead, northern virginia community college, Posted in Teaching, program and reception, rebekah bundang, recognition meeting, rena baker, ruth hansen, sarah jaggar, student, Sunday, teaching, thank you!, tutoring, virginia literacy foundation, Volunteer, volunteers, Volunteers | Leave a comment Edit this post Tags: 50 years of literacy, Volunteers | Leave a comment Edit this post Tags: 50th
Literacy Council of Northern Virginia Golden Reunion is just days away. This event, which highlights the impact the Council has had on the lives of both instructors and learners, would not have been possible without the help of the Golden Reunion Committee and the 50th Anniversary Planning Committee. The Literacy Council extends a big thank you to the following individuals for all their hard work:
Audrey Lipps, Golden Reunion Committee Chair
Golden Reunion Volunteers: Doris Addo; Rena Baker ; Fatima El Amrani; Ruth Hansen; Mary Hollingshead ; Sarah (Sally) Jaggar ; Karen Lezny ; Becca Lipps ; Juana Merlo ; Jessica Raines ; Bobby Joe Small; Anne Spear ; Robin Walker ; Ron Wise ; and Michael Wolff
Jan Auerbach, 50th Anniversary Events Chair
50th Anniversary Planning Committee: Elsa Angell; Rena Baker; Avis Black; Rebekah Bundang; Mary Hollingshead; Anne Poad; and Jean Sweeney.
Come to the LCNV’s Golden Reunion and join us in honoring students, volunteers, and our exceptional partners. This is one event you won’t want to miss! Event Details follow:
GOLDEN REUNION
SUNDAY, JULY 1, 2012 │ 4 PM to 7PM
Northern Virginia Community College │ Ernst Community Cultural Center
8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22003
Complimentary Program and Reception │ Dress Casual │ Free Parking
RSVP to 703-237-0866 or info@lcnv.org

June 26, 2012 at 1:43 PM | Posted in AmeriCorps, Announcements, Class, Development, ESOL, Family Learning, Teaching, Tutoring, Volunteers | Comments Off on LCNV’s Golden Reunion: Recognizing Exceptional Partners
Tags: 2012, 50th anniversary, alumni, AmeriCorps, americorps partners, annandale, announcement, Announcements, annual meeting, Basic Adult Literacy, Beverly M. Newport Memorial Fund, Class, community, Development, Ernst Community Cultural Center, ESOL, family event, Family Learning, friends, give, giving, Golden Reunion, jeannie baliles, july 1, LCNV, lcnv learners, literacy, literacy council, literacy council of northern virginia, literacy services, little river turnpike, Loudon Literacy, northern virginia community college, program and reception, recognition meeting, Sunday, teaching, thank you!, tutoring, virginia literacy foundation, Volunteer, volunteers, Volunteers | Leave a comment Edit this post Tags: 50 years of literacy, Volunteers | Leave a comment Edit this post Tags: 50th
The Literacy Council of Northern Virginia is hosting its Golden Reunion this Sunday! This is a great opportunity to reconnect with old and new friends, and hear about the impact the Council has had on the lives of both instructors and learners. LCNV will recognize students and volunteers, as well as exceptional partners who have consistently supported our mission.
This year, LCNV is proud to recognize the Beverly M. Newport Memorial Fund and the Virginia Literacy Foundation. Read on to learn how these organizations have impacted LCNV and furthered our mission.
The Beverly M. Newport Memorial Fund has played a critical role in the development and success of the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia. The organization first made a generous gift in 1999, which established the Family Learning Program; this gift was then matched by the Freddie Mac Foundation. This launched what is today one of LCNV’s most sought after adult English language classes for parents of school aged children. The Student Scholarship and Advancement Fund, a restricted account to support exclusively those learners who cannot afford classroom, tutoring or book fees, was made possible by the support of the Beverly M. Newport Memorial Fund, as well as personal contributions from Bill Newport. Operating like a university financial aid fund, this fund provides about 37% of adults financial assistance to LCNV’s programs.
It is evidenced in its history that the Virginia Literacy Foundation believes in partnerships and collaboration. It has long been a partner with the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia for over fifteen years, contributing more than $100,000 to support literacy and language education. In addition, the Foundation provides ongoing support in program improvement, technology and professional development through special grants, training workshops, and the annual Virginia Literacy Leadership Conference. The Literacy Council of Northern Virginia is an active participant in all of their programs.
Come to the LCNV’s Golden Reunion and join us in honoring students, volunteers, and our exceptional partners. Event Details follow:
GOLDEN REUNION
SUNDAY, JULY 1, 2012 │ 4 PM to 7PM
Northern Virginia Community College │ Ernst Community Cultural Center
8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22003
Complimentary Program and Reception │ Dress Casual │ Free Parking
RSVP to 703-237-0866 or info@lcnv.org

April 17, 2012 at 12:39 PM | Posted in AmeriCorps, Announcements, Class, Development, ESOL, Family Learning, Teaching, Tutoring, Volunteers | Comments Off on Dinner & Movie Night – Celebrate National Volunteer Week
Tags: 2012, a new life in suburban america, alumni, american culture, AmeriCorps, americorps partners, announcement, April 20, award-winning documentary, Basic Adult Literacy, community, culture shock, darfur, dinner and movie night, getting to know your students, helping students read, immigrant experience, James Lee Community Center, journey to the United States, LCNV, lcnv learners, learning english, literacy, literacy council, literacy council of northern virginia, lost boys of sudan, Loudon Literacy, movie night, national volunteer week, northern virginia, students, sudanese refugees, teaching, teaching strategies, thank you!, tutoring, Volunteer, volunteer appreciation, volunteer week, volunteers
In honor of National Volunteer Week, the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia will be hosting a screening of Lost Boys of Sudan, followed by a group discussion with Staff and Volunteers. Pizza and refreshments will be provided. Details follow:
WHEN: April 20, 2012 at 6:30 PM
WHERE: James Lee Community Center
2855 Annandale Rd.
Falls Church, VA 22042
MOVIE SYNOPSIS: Lost Boys of Sudan is an award-winning documentary that follows two Sudanese refugees through their intense journey to the United States. The immigrant experience – whether by choice or by force – is shared by a majority of LCNV learners. As volunteers, you serve a critical role in helping your students to not only learn English, but to familiarize them with American culture and norms that will enable them to participate more freely and openly in their new home. Join us and your fellow volunteers to see how this experience played out for two young men facing the daunting challenges of starting a new life in suburban America. Then share your experiences and ideas to better support your students who are dealing with similar challenges.
RSVP: volunteers@lcnv.org
Literacy Council of Northern Virginia
2855 Annandale Road
Falls Church, VA 22042
(703) 237-0866
www.lcnv.org
March 14, 2012 at 3:09 PM | Posted in AmeriCorps, Announcements, Class, Development, ESOL, Family Learning, Teaching, Tutoring, Volunteers | 1 Comment
Tags: 2012, alumni, AmeriCorps, americorps partners, announcement, barbara effron, Basic Adult Literacy, bob brown puppets, celebrate literacy, Children, community, family, family event, family fun, Family Learning, friends, gary lloyd, groovy nate, jacqueline jules, James Lee Community Center, Kalavaridhi, Kalavaridhi Dance School, LCNV, lcnv learners, literacy council, Loudon Literacy, march 24, NOW THIS!, performance art, RAFA, reading a family affair, reading is fun, students, teaching, thank you!, tutoring, voices from the glen, Volunteer, volunteers, Writing, zurii conroy
The Literacy Council of Northern Virginia will be bringing books to life at its sixth annual Reading: A Family Affair (RAFA). Come to the James Lee Community Center this March 24, 2012! Families will have an opportunity to experience the joys of storytelling by visiting a variety of venues that promise to take children (and adults) to far-flung places:
• SEE a Book (on stage performances by puppeteers and musicians)
• HEAR a Book (storytellers)
• BECOME a Book (audience participation)
• READ & WRITE a Book (reading/writing activities; book giveaways)
• CLICK a Book (guided computer activities)
Reading: A Family Affair is a free event that promotes the value of family reading activities, and nurturing children’s imaginations. This family literacy day is a great opportunity to introduce kids and their parents to the literacy activities available throughout the community; it is also a wonderful way for the Literacy Council to get the word out to potential volunteers, students, and businesses looking for a great mission to support.
A family-friendly event, RAFA offers live performances from some of the area’s most sought after children’s entertainers. Performers include:
• Bob Brown Puppets, a major children’s theater company for the past fifty years.
• Zurii Conroy, a master storyteller who began storytelling professionally in the sixth grade.
• Barbara Effron, a master storyteller who has entertained children and adults since 1983.
• Groovy Nate (Elnathan K. Starnes), a working musician and song-writer for over thirteen years.
• Jacqueline Jules, an award-winning author of 23 children’s books.
• Kalavaridhi Dance School, founded by Sheela Ramanath, performs Bharatanatyam, an Indian
classical dance form.
• Gary Lloyd, a renowned storyteller who has entertained hundreds of thousands of individuals
from Vermont to South Carolina.
• NOW THIS!, an improv group that has delighted audiences since 1990.
Come out and experience storytelling through dance, theater, and music. Join LCNV at Reading: A Family Affair, and celebrate literacy.
Download the Reading: A Family Affair poster. Spread the word about RAFA.
Literacy Council of Northern Virginia
2855 Annandale Road
Falls Church, VA 22042
(703) 237-0866
www.lcnv.org
March 7, 2012 at 1:03 PM | Posted in AmeriCorps, Announcements, Class, Development, ESOL, Family Learning, Teaching, Tutoring, Volunteers | 1 Comment
Tags: 2012, alumni, AmeriCorps, americorps partners, announcement, Basic Adult Literacy, bear books, berenstain, berenstain bears, berenstain series, brother bear, child education, Children, Children's Books, community, doing chores, Family Learning, family of bear books, family reading, February 24, first day of school, good manners, jan berenstain, lcnv learners, Leo Berenstain, Library, literacy, literacy council, Loudon Literacy, mama bear, memorial to Jan, Mike Berenstain, papa bear, RAFA, reading a family affair, reading as a family, ready to learn, sibling rivalry, sister bear, Stan Berenstain, teaching, teaching strategies, The Berenstain Bears and Too Much Junk Food\, The Berenstain Bears' Dollars and Sense, The Big Honey Hunt, Theodor Geisel, WETA’s Ready to Learn

(Mel Evans/AP) *Picture Appeared in The Washington Post
The world of children’s literature lost a familiar friend with the passing of Jan Berenstain at age 88 this past February 24, 2012. Jan Berenstain created the series The Berenstain Bears with her husband, Stan Berenstain, who passed away in 2005. The duo authored and illustrated hundreds of books for the series which features a humanlike bear family who experiences the day-to-day joys and challenges of everyday life. After her husband’s passing, Jan’s son collaborated with her to continue writing for the series. The family also wrote a number of parenting books.
Children and parents have avidly supported the Berenstain series for fifty years. The Berenstains credited their first editor, Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel) with guiding them to success. As with any series, especially such a prolific one, some titles are more popular than others. Most of the stories have teachable moments for both children and parents which strike chords with families. Many of the books have included topics relevant to families with young children such as sibling rivalry, manners, good habits, and much more. In my opinion, the more successful of the storylines show scenarios that families recognize and are peppered with humor, particularly at the expense of Papa Bear. Some titles, as is often the case with stories with a moral to them, can sound a bit didactic. But overall, the familiar illustrations and characters warm the hearts of the child in all of us, young or old.
The Berenstain Bears have been no stranger to LCNV’s Family Learning Program. Some class sites have used the book The Berenstain Bears’ Dollars and Sense during the Finance and Employment session. We also have a partnership WETA’s Ready to Learn which presents a workshop for parents on responsible TV viewing and literacy. During one of these presentations a clip from an TV adaptation of The Berenstain Bears and Too Much Junk Food was shown. Two students who were from the same state in Mexico were delighted because they remembered watching the show as children in Mexico. They were also surprised to discover that The Berenstain Bears were not Mexican. I believe this says a great deal about their universal appeal.
The Berenstain Bears have a website which also includes a memorial to Jan https://www.berenstainbears.com/parents/index.htm
Carisa Coburn Pineda
Family Learning Specialist
Literacy Council of Northern Virginia
2855 Annandale Road
Falls Church, VA 22042
(703) 237-0866
www.lcnv.org
February 21, 2012 at 1:30 PM | Posted in AmeriCorps, Announcements, Class, Development, ESOL, Family Learning, Teaching, Tutoring, Uncategorized, Volunteers | Comments Off on Groovy Nate: Musical Inspiration at LCNV’s Reading: A Family Affair
Tags: 2012, alumni, americorps partners, child entertainer, Children, Children's Books, Class Sites, community, couger club, edutainment, Elnathan K. Starnes, family, family fun, Family Learning, friends, groovin with groovy nate, groovin with nate, groovy nate, Kisha Kenyatta, LCNV, lcnv learners, literacy, march 24, Meet Groovy Nate, music together, National Capital Puppet Guild, Oktbrwrld, puppeteers of america, RAFA, reading a family affair, teaching, teaching strategies, the water story, training, tutoring, Volunteer, volunteers

Come see Groovy Nate at Reading: A Family Affair
Join Groovy Nate, his guitar, puppet friends, and other creative instruments for a musical adventure! Groovy Nate will perform at LCNV’s Reading: A Family Affair (RAFA), which will bring books to life through performance art. The RAFA festivities will take place Saturday, March 24, 2012, and run from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM at the James Lee Community Center.
After watching the Groovy Nate show, Sheryl Leeds, a Supervisor at Arlington Public Schools, stated: Groovy Nate’s show engaged children in an innovative and creative approach that incorporated literacy, music and movement, and had the participants rocking and reading!
Elnathan K. Starnes, known as Groovy Nate, has been a working musician and song-writer in the Washington Metropolitan Area for over thirteen years. Elnathan is a featured guitarist on several CDs and has performed with several Washington DC-based groups. In 1997, he founded the award-winning soul band, Oktbrwrld, with whom he made four CD’s. Elnathan wrote the film score and co-wrote the film short The Water Story, which appeared on BET. Two of his songs are featured in the major motion picture Cougar Club. He is now a member of both the National Capital Puppet Guild and Puppeteers of America.
As Groovy Nate, Elnathan has performed at various venues in the DC/MD/VA area including: The Children’s Inaugural Ball; Source Theater Washington DC; Art on the Avenue, Del Ray,VA; The Children’s Inn, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD; Arlington Title I Mailbox Books Program, Arlington,VA; DC National Association for the Education of Young Children; and Imagination Stage in Bethesda, MD.
Nate is a certified Music Together teacher, and teaches Music Together as well as Groovy Nate Music and Movement classes in the Northern Virginia area. Elnathan and his wife, Kisha Kenyatta, along with their two young children, combine talents to create meaningful and educational performance art and edutainment for children and families. They produced the first Groovy Nate CD, Meet Groovy Nate, in 2009.
Groovy Nate will give two performances at LCNV’s Reading: A Family Affair; the first performance begins at 10AM, and the second will take place at 10:45 AM. Adults and children get ready to explore various musical genres such as Reggae and Hip Hop. Come prepared to laugh and play together, and be inspired to bring music and imagination into your everyday lives.
Literacy Council of Northern Virginia
2855 Annandale Road
Falls Church, VA 22042
(703) 237-0866
www.lcnv.org
Making LCNV’s 50th Events Happen
June 28, 2012 at 12:14 PM | Posted in AmeriCorps, Announcements, Class, Development, ESOL, Family Learning, Teaching, Tutoring, Volunteers | Comments Off on Making LCNV’s 50th Events HappenTags: 2012, 50th anniversary, alumni, AmeriCorps, americorps partners, annandale, anne poad, anne spear, announcement, Announcements, annual meeting, audrey lipps, avis black, Basic Adult Literacy, becca lipps, Beverly M. Newport Memorial Fund, bobby joe small, Class, community, Development, doris addo, elsa angell, Ernst Community Cultural Center, ESOL, family event, Family Learning, Family Learning | Leave a comment Edit this post Tags: give, friends, giving, Golden Reunion, jan auerbach, jean sweeney, jeannie baliles, jessica raines, juana merlo, july 1, karen lezny, LCNV, lcnv learners, literacy, literacy council, literacy council of northern virginia, literacy services, little river turnpike, Loudon Literacy, mary hollinghead, mary hollingshead, northern virginia community college, Posted in Teaching, program and reception, rebekah bundang, recognition meeting, rena baker, ruth hansen, sarah jaggar, student, Sunday, teaching, thank you!, tutoring, virginia literacy foundation, Volunteer, volunteers, Volunteers | Leave a comment Edit this post Tags: 50 years of literacy, Volunteers | Leave a comment Edit this post Tags: 50th
Audrey Lipps, Golden Reunion Committee Chair
Golden Reunion Volunteers: Doris Addo; Rena Baker ; Fatima El Amrani; Ruth Hansen; Mary Hollingshead ; Sarah (Sally) Jaggar ; Karen Lezny ; Becca Lipps ; Juana Merlo ; Jessica Raines ; Bobby Joe Small; Anne Spear ; Robin Walker ; Ron Wise ; and Michael Wolff
Jan Auerbach, 50th Anniversary Events Chair
50th Anniversary Planning Committee: Elsa Angell; Rena Baker; Avis Black; Rebekah Bundang; Mary Hollingshead; Anne Poad; and Jean Sweeney.
Come to the LCNV’s Golden Reunion and join us in honoring students, volunteers, and our exceptional partners. This is one event you won’t want to miss! Event Details follow:
GOLDEN REUNION
SUNDAY, JULY 1, 2012 │ 4 PM to 7PM
Northern Virginia Community College │ Ernst Community Cultural Center
8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22003
Complimentary Program and Reception │ Dress Casual │ Free Parking
RSVP to 703-237-0866 or info@lcnv.org