Friday, July 25, 2014

Newport Beach Library: Ask A Leader @ KUCI FM

NMProLiteracy @NMProLiteracy
We were guests today on @KUCIFM "Ask a Leader" The host, Claudia, is a supporter of literacy efforts. Check it out http://bit.ly/1yYICvZ


Ask A Leader
Bill Cook; OC’s Monument Man AND Adult Literacy, Read All About It
KUCI FM: 7.22.2014 by Claudia Shambaugh  PODCAST @26.30 minutes

Second Half:
Cherall Weiss and Minna Donatucci, coordinator and tutor respectively, present the Newport Beach Library’s adult literacy program, initiated in 1986 in Irvine.

First Half:
Bill Cook, district commander of 29th District of the American Legion in Orange Co., advocates for the Veterans Cemetery at the former El Toro Marine Corps Air Base also known as the Great Park. Tonight, 7-22-14, the City Council will be voting on a resolution of whether to designate a specific 125-acre parcel at the Great Park — known as the “ARDA Transfer Site” future conveyance to the State of California in order to establish the Southern California Veterans Cemetery. The agenda item is available on the city of Irvine website: www.cityofirvine.org/council/agenda.

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Huntington Beach Library - Literacy, 30 Year Celebration

Literacy goes "Back to the Future" at 30 year celebration
Open Doors: July 2014


On June 18, Literacy Volunteers went "Back to the Future" at our 1984-inspired 30th anniversary celebration.

In addition to enjoying 80s-themed tables and food & beverages (who else enjoyed the combination of Tab and Cool Ranch Doritos?), official business took place and learner achievements were recognized.

The non-profit arm of Literacy Volunteers is a 15 person Board of Directors, which welcomed four new members at this meeting. The Board of Directors, in conjunction with Program Directors Diane Moseley at Central Library and Amy Crepeau at Oak View Branch Library, determines and implements fundraising events such as Wine & Words and Walk/Run/Read!, develops new and innovative programs such as the Workplace Literacy program, manages community outreach and assists with tutor and learner support throughout the year. Welcome to Wendy Kielsmeier, Jan Murphy, Imelda Tepayotl and Karen Topolewski; we look forward to the continued contributions of the Board over this next year. Thanks also to our "retiring" Board of Directors members, Margarita Castro, Rose Tracy, Vice President Amy Brennan and President Kat Gilmore.

One of the joys of being involved with Literacy Volunteers is when our learners reach the goals they have set for themselves. This year several learners were recognized for their achievements from the past year.

Award of Excellence recipients were:
Consuelo Davila, tutored by Donna Mason
Raquel Guzman, tutored by Susan Shimizu
Marisa Oren, tutored by Chris O.

Award for Outstanding Volunteer Learner of the Year recipient was:
Margarita Castro, tutored by Linda Kimes

In addition, we had a special guest, Huntington Beach City Council member Jim Katapodis, speak about the importance of literacy to the community.

Thank you to everyone involved with the planning of our annual celebration, and especially to our learner Scott Sherman who presided as emcee of the event.

Saturday, July 19, 2014

Literacy Jobs: California :: Azusa :: Santa Clara Co

Literacy Jobs: California

coordinate, implement, monitor, and evaluate learner and volunteer tutor services including one-on-one, small-group and one-time learning opportunities.
DEADLINE: July 23

dynamic and experienced Citizenship Specialist to teach citizenship classes and train volunteer coaches to help adults successfully prepare for naturalization tests.
DEADLINE: July 31


Friday, July 18, 2014

Upland Library - Contract with LSSI Begins August 1

Upland City Council Approves Contract with LSSI
New Public-Private Partnership Will Deliver Improved Library Services While Saving Taxpayer Funds
PRNewswire: 7.10.2014

On Monday evening, June 23, the Upland City Council voted to approve a contract with Library Systems & Services, LLC (LSSI) to operate the Upland Public Library commencing August 1.  Previously, the Upland City Council had approved a proposal offered by LSSI and directed the city manager to negotiate a formal contract.

"We're very excited about the new partnership our city shares with LSSI," said Stephen Dunn, City Manager.  "After a lengthy dialogue with our community and input from a citizens' task force, the City Council was confident moving forward with a solution which provides more opportunities for library patrons, staff and volunteers while conserving taxpayer dollars."

The approved LSSI contract will increase the hours of operation by 24%, enabling the library to serve the public 7 days per week; more than double the current book and materials budget; re-establish vital literacy programming; reduce overall costs of operations, thus saving taxpayers more than $1 million over the 5-year contract; and provide more professional growth opportunities for the existing staff.

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LSSI is no stranger to operating public libraries in the Southern California region.  For the past 17 years, it has successfully managed the Riverside County Public Library System comprised of 35 branch libraries and two bookmobiles serving a population of more than 2 million residents.  LSSI also operates libraries for the Cities of Moreno Valley, Palmdale, Camarillo, Moorpark, Simi Valley and Santa Clarita.  READ MORE !

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Want to Fight Net Neutrality ? July 23rd Rally

Want to Fight Net Neutrality ?
Live in Southern California ?

July 23rd:  4pm-7pm
On July 23, President Obama will return to California for a big fundraiser and FreePress.Net wants to remind him about the importance of an open Internet.

Here are the details:
WHAT: Rally for Net Neutrality
WHEN: Wed., July 23, 4:00–7 p.m.
WHERE: Hancock Park neighborhood (FreePress.Net sends the exact address once you RSVP.)
RSVP: Click here if you can make it.
BRING: Wear orange and bring a big, bold sign to show your support for the open Internet.

Live in Northern Ca and want to rally for Net Neutrality ?
You can sign up @ MoveOn.org Civic Action
July 23, 9:30am
S. San Antonio Rd. and W. Edith Ave
Los Altos, CA 94022
(MoveOn sends the full address when you sign up.)


Saturday, July 12, 2014

Orange Co Library - Congratulations to Pat Tonini! READ/OC Honoree for the 2014 Spirit of Volunteerism Award!

Congratulations to Pat Tonini!
READ/OC Honoree for the 2014 Spirit of Volunteerism Award!
READ Writes: Spring 2014

Pat Tonini has been a volunteer with READ/Orange County, since 2008. She started out as a volunteer literacy tutor, helping adult learners reach their reading and writing goals.

As a tutor, she is patient, supportive, and encouraging.  She shared, “My first student was American born, middle-aged and very motivated.  I saw him really blossom more and more each year.  He was brave enough to go on a trip with a friend to Las Vegas because he was finally able to read the signs and know where he was. He had always been too afraid to travel before.”

“My current learner is an ESL student and it is much more difficult because he doesn’t know our culture and idioms.  He works in a gas station and once a customer asked him to “break a hundred‟ and he had no idea what that meant.”  Pat has been able to help both of these learners make great progress towards their learning goals.

As a volunteer, Pat is prompt, reliable, and involved.  Since 2011, she has helped welcome new volunteers into the program through her role as an assistant trainer. At each training, Pat keeps things running smoothly with her efficient attention to setup, check in, and logistics.  She presents training components with an approachable and kindly attitude. Most importantly, she is always ready to share her extensive experience with new volunteers.  Over the years, Pat has shown herself to be a true asset to the cause of adult literacy in Orange County!

Thank you, Pat, for your commitment of supporting lifelong learning and literacy with READ/OC.