July 10, 2014 at 2:33 PM | Posted in Class, ESOL, Student Stories | Comments Off on LCNV ESOL Classroom Student Essay
Tags: Class, ESOL, student stories
One ESOL Classroom teacher kindly shared one student’s essay (with approval and with the teacher’s corrections). The mission of the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia is to teach adults the basic skills of reading, writing, speaking, and understanding English in order to empower them to participate more fully and confidently in their communities. LCNV students are beginning English language learners who read at or below a sixth grade level.
This student essay serves as a great reminder of why LCNV is here to serve its learners. (Click on each page below to enlarge it.)
Literacy Council of Northern Virginia
2855 Annandale Road
Falls Church, VA 22042
www.lcnv.org

April 8, 2014 at 2:53 PM | Posted in Class, ESOL, Student Stories | Comments Off on LCNV ESOL Classroom Student Essay
Tags: Class, ESOL, student stories
One ESOL Classroom teacher kindly shared one student’s essay (with approval and with the teacher’s corrections). The mission of the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia is to teach adults the basic skills of reading, writing, speaking, and understanding English in order to empower them to participate more fully and confidently in their communities. LCNV students are beginning English language learners who read at or below a sixth grade level.
This student essay serves as a great reminder of why LCNV is here to serve its learners. (Click on each page below to enlarge it.)
Literacy Council of Northern Virginia
2855 Annandale Road
Falls Church, VA 22042
www.lcnv.org

Page 1

Page 2

Page 3
December 17, 2013 at 4:56 PM | Posted in AmeriCorps, Community, Teaching | Comments Off on LCNV AmeriCorps teachers volunteer at George Mason University’s Alternative Break Program
Tags: AmeriCorps, ESOL, professional development
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
Recently, LCNV AmeriCorps teachers, Tristen Mimiaga, Xavier Munoz, and Shani Brown, agreed to voluntarily host a teaching workshop for the Alternative Break Program at George Mason University. Here is the back-story from new AmeriCorps teacher, Tristen Mimiaga, on how this came to be:
“I was a member of the Alternative Break Program (AB Program) for two years; one year I only served as a member and the following year as a trip leader. The trips within the AB Program are designed and led by students. The theme/focus of the trip vary – not all trips do the same thing. For my trip in particular our focus was, and still is, education. So, I thought of the idea of providing a workshop for them because during both years there was little guidance available on teaching English at the school with whom we were working. I got in contact with a friend of mine – who happens to be a leader for a trip leaving in January about possibly providing a workshop related to teaching methods/how to teach. So, this is how it came to be.
It ended up being a small workshop with three participants, but they were all very eager to learn and highly engaged. We spoke about the qualities of good and bad teaching (and how to avoid bad teaching), the importance of modeling, how to use different types of dialogues within the classroom especially with various learning levels, and how catering to different learning styles can motivate students and prevent boredom from the sense of repetition.”
Click here to see more photos from the workshop.
Interested in finding out more, email info@lcnv.org or call the office at 703-237-0866.
Literacy Council of Northern Virginia
2855 Annandale Road
Falls Church, VA 22042
www.lcnv.org
October 23, 2012 at 8:29 PM | Posted in Class, ESOL, Family Learning, Teaching, Tutoring, Uncategorized, Volunteers | Comments Off on POSTPONED – Volunteer Open House in Lorton
Tags: 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.
October 12, 2012 at 3:29 PM | Posted in AmeriCorps, Announcements, Class, Development, ESOL, Family Learning, Teaching, Tutoring, Volunteers | Comments Off on Race for a Cause is this Sunday!
Tags: 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, 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
The Literacy Council still needs runners and walkers on its team. Will you run or walk for LITERACY?
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:
- Friday, Oct. 12th (4-8 PM)
- Saturday, Oct. 13th (11 AM – 4 PM)
- Sunday, Oct. 14th (6:30 – 7:30 AM)
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
October 5, 2012 at 1:51 PM | Posted in AmeriCorps, Announcements, Class, Development, ESOL, Family Learning, Teaching, Tutoring, Volunteers | Comments Off on Thank You for Making One for the Books a Success!
Tags: 50th anniversary, Alexandria Masonic Temple, alumni, AmeriCorps, americorps partners, announcement, Announcements, barbara favola, 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, jim moran, Jose Andres, Jose Andres Puerta, LCNV, lcnv learners, literacy, literacy council, literacy council of northern virginia, Mark Keam, Old Town Alexandria, One for the Books, raffle, Ric Edelman, Robert Egger, Spanish Chef, St. John, students, teaching, thank you!, tutoring, Volunteer, volunteers
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
On October 3, the Northern Virginia community came together to honor LCNV’s 50th year of providing much needed literacy services. The evening was filled with a festive and energizing spirit. LCNV held a raffle for a week-long stay in St. John, which raised nearly $10,000 to help our students. Steve Beggs was the lucky winner! Attendees also had the unique opportunity to hear from a LCNV student, Fatima, and learn how literacy has changed her and her children’s lives.
The Literacy Council extends a big thank you to Robert Egger who served as Master of Ceremonies, and José Andrés, David Baldacci, and Ric Edelman for sharing how literacy has impacted their lives. State Senator Barbara Favola presented a proclamation to LCNV, and Congressman Jim Moran and Delegate Mark Keam shared their support.
Highlighting the partnership between LCNV and Wish You Well Foundation, Baldacci stated: “I would urge all of you to do as much as you can. Quite frankly, there could be no higher purpose in the nation.”
During the event, LCNV announced that an anonymous donor challenged the Council this year to raise gifts from new donors, as well as increased gifts from existing donors. The challenge will match these gifts dollar-for-dollar up to $25,000. Andrés was the first to answer this call for support by making the first contribution to LCNV’s challenge grant. Will you join him in helping LCNV meet this challenge?
Lastly, thank you to the following individuals who were instrumental in making this event a huge success: Mark Troppe, One for the Books Chair; Jan Auerbach; Avis Black; Cathleen Donnelly; Sally Jaggar; Misty Jones; Sarah Kenney; and Robin Walker.
Literacy Council of Northern Virginia
2855 Annandale Road
Falls Church, Va 22042
(703)237-0866
www.LCNV.org
September 28, 2012 at 2:19 PM | Posted in AmeriCorps, Announcements, Class, Development, ESOL, Family Learning, Teaching, Tutoring, Volunteers | Comments Off on Win a Week at Calypso del Sol in St. John – for just $50!
Tags: 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, 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
September 28, 2012 at 12:19 PM | Posted in AmeriCorps, Announcements, Class, Development, ESOL, Family Learning, Student Stories, Teaching, Tutoring, Volunteers | Comments Off on It’s not too Late to Register for Class!
Tags: alumni, AmeriCorps, americorps partners, announcement, Basic Adult Literacy, best practices, Ceci, Children, Children's Books, Development, english classes, ESOL, Family Learning, friends, it's not too late to register, James Lee Community Center, late registration flyer, late registration schedule, LCNV, lcnv learners, learn english, literacy, literacy council, literacy council of northern virginia, literacy services, lorton senior center, Loudon Literacy, networking, register for classes, september 29, student stories, students, teaching, Volunteer, volunteers

DOWNLOAD the Late Registration Flyer
Every LCNV ESOL Learning Centers or Family Learning class turns into its own little community, and every community is like a family. Lorton Senior Center is one of our healthiest class sites, and I’m certain it’s because of the strong sense of community among the students. This past Monday, we had a really great registration, students were lined up outside the door an hour before start time. Luckily, several of our volunteers arrived a few minutes early to help with forms, testing, and payment.
I believe that sense of community starts with a smile and an inviting gesture to join and share. One students, who I had taught when I was an AmeriCorps Instructor, arrived at registration with two of her beautiful brown-eyed little boys in tow. The student’s name is Ceci, and I remember her as the family stone of our class when I taught at Lorton’s former site, Grace Bible Church. Ceci is an avid smiler, hand-shaker, team-worker, and laugh-sharer. She constantly stretched her English speaking skills to communicate with classmates from different countries and on many occasions arrived at class with a new student to recruit for classes.
Ceci demonstrates exactly what kind of student our programs work for. Monday was her first time back at class in years, but this is because she took on new opportunities to work, birth a new son, and help her family through some adjustments. She still has a complicated life and a limited budget, but we’re still here to help her. Now, she’s back because she still needs low-level English and LCNV still meets that need. I know she’ll probably test out of our classes soon and be able to move on to new opportunities, but for now, I’m excited to see her grow and progress and help other students in her class.
You can help us meet the need of other learners and fill all of our other classes, too. Take a look at our website to share our late-registration information at a grocery store, library, or other community location near you! Late registration will be held at LCNV’s headquarters located in James Lee Community Center, 2855 Annandale Rd, Falls Church, VA 22042 on Saturday September 29nd from, 3-6pm.
Katie Beckman
Program Assistant
Literacy Council of Northern Virginia
2855 Annandale Rd., Falls Church, VA 22042
(703) 237-0866 x 116
kbeckman@lcnv.org
www.lcnv.org
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
September 24, 2012 at 10:00 AM | Posted in AmeriCorps, Announcements, Class, Development, ESOL, Family Learning, Teaching, Tutoring, Volunteers | Comments Off on Meet Ric Edelman at One for the Books
Tags: Alexandria Masonic Temple, 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, no nonsense system for building wealth, Old Town Alexandria, One for the Books, raffle, rescue your money, Ric Edelman, riCorps, Robert Egger, Spanish Chef, St. John, students, teaching, thank you!, the truth about money, the truth about money with ric edelman, Think Food Group, top financial advisor, tutoring, Volunteer, volunteers
The One for the Books gala event is just around the corner! On October 3, 2012, the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia (LCNV) will celebrate its 50th year at the George Washington Masonic Memorial. Ric Edelman, top-ranked financial advisor and host of The Truth About Money with Ric Edelman, will be celebrating with us. Celebrity chef José Andrés, best-selling novelist David Baldacci, and non-profit leader Robert Egger will also be joining the celebration and advocating for literacy. Readon to learn more about LCNV’s special guest, Ric Edelman.
Barron’s has three times named Ric Edelman the #1 independent financial advisor in the nation (2009-2010, 2012) and nine times (2004–2012) among America’s 100 top financial advisors. He is a #1 New York Times best-selling author. With more than 1 million copies collectively in print, his seven books on personal finance have been translated into several languages.
He is the chairman and CEO of Edelman Financial Services, which was named by Inc. magazine as one of the fastest growing privately held financial planning firm in the country for three years in a row in the late 1990’s.
Ric’s weekly personal finance talk radio show has been on the air for more than 20 years, and is heard in dozens of markets throughout the country, enjoying more than 1 million listeners every week. In 2012, the show was ranked #2 as the most important weekend-only talk-radio show in America by TALKERS magazine. Ric’s television show, The Truth About Money with Ric Edelman, can be seen on more than 200 public television stations across the country and has won 8 Telly Awards.
In 2004, Ric was inducted into the Financial Advisor Hall of Fame by Research magazine. He also taught personal finance at Georgetown University for nine years and publishes an award-winning monthly newsletter.
Come meet and mingle with Ric Edelman and fellow LCNV supporters! Catering will be provided by Fresh Start Catering, and the event menu is inspired by José Andrés, LCNV will also hold a raffle for a week at a beautiful villa – Calypso del Sol – on St. John. To learn more and purchase tickets visit http://www.lcnv.org/events/one-books.
Note: Biographical information for Ric Edelman first appeared on his website: http://www.ricedelman.com/

Literacy Council of Northern Virginia
2855 Annandale Rd., Falls Church, Va 22042
(703)237-0866 │info@lcnv.org │ www.lcnv.org
Next Page »
Race for a Cause is this Sunday!
October 12, 2012 at 3:29 PM | Posted in AmeriCorps, Announcements, Class, Development, ESOL, Family Learning, Teaching, Tutoring, Volunteers | Comments Off on Race for a Cause is this Sunday!Tags: 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, 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