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Literacy Volunteers of South Sarasota County
300 Nokomis Ave. S.
Venice, FL 34285
Phone: (941) 488-8994
e-mail: [email protected]
www.literacychangeslives.org
Literacy
Changes
Lives
Serving the people of
Englewood, Laurel,
Nokomis, North Port,
Osprey and Venice
November 2012
Featured Tutor and Student
The following is a letter from a Czech couple who have been adult learners with LVSSC for 13 years. The letter eloquently expresses their experience and appreciation for LVSSC and their tutor, Mark Cohen.
We, David and Svatka Piskor, immigrated to the United States from the Czech Republic in May 2000. We came to USA to build a new begin-ning and live the American dream. Prior to our arrival, we could not speak a word of English. We learned other languages in our country, but never the one that we needed the most. Some-one recommended Literacy Volunteers to us. There, we met our tutor, Mark Cohen. We started meeting once a week and have continued our meetings for 13 years.
Our son, Jakub, was born in 2004 and our daughter, Adela, was born two years later. Our classes also became important to our children. They are part of each lesson with Mark. We complete and review their home work and test tasks. Jakub is a third grade student at Pine View and Adela is a first grader in the gifted program at Venice Elementary. She has been accepted and will be attending Pine View next year. They are both eager to learn.
Today we are owners of a company called "FL PRESTIGE SERVICES LLC." We are providing services like house watching and cleaning including pressure washing, window cleaning, and carpet cleaning. I, Svatka, was able to pass the Florida real estate license exam, and I'm associated with Premier Sotheby's International in Venice. Our beginnings were very hard because of the lack of knowledge of the English language. We have been able to study and work though it.
Many thanks to Literacy Volunteers and tutors like Mark Cohen who have dedicated themselves to help people like us. We are lucky to have wonderful organization like Literacy Volunteers in our community. When asked for our advice to others who can't speak the language, we reply, "Please, never give up."
Best regards, Svatka and David Piskor
Svatka Piskor, Mark Cohen, and David Piskor
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President’s Corner
I am honored to be your new President! Thank you for choosing me. You may know that I have been involved with the organization for many years, beginning when I was head librarian of the Venice Library in 1987. LVSSC founder Eleanor Byrnes was quite insistent that the library should be the location of literacy services in our area and I was glad we could eventually find a place in the Venice Library for the office, small as it is!
Your Board of Directors has developed a five-year plan. Our goals include making sure people know about our services, enhancing our North Port program, recruiting volunteers to carry out our mission, and expanding our membership.
When we think of “literacy volunteers”, our first thought, of course, is of those dedicated people tutoring students who need to improve their reading and language skills. Our tutors indeed are vital to LVSSC; there would be no organi-zation without them. But other volunteers are also needed for our operation to be successful.
Some of the tasks that volunteers perform in addition to tutoring include maintaining the tutor library, collecting and recording the data we put in various necessary reports, writing grant proposals, keeping our financial records in order, planning and carrying out fundraising events, writing and editing the newsletter, and serving on the Board of Directors. We are grateful for the many hours devoted to these responsibilities.
We have added a column to this newsletter that lists some of the tasks for which we currently need volunteers. If you are interested or you know someone who is interested in finding out more about a job on the list, please call our office at 941-488-8994 or send an email to [email protected]. I would love to work with you on the projects that help support our tutors and deliver literacy services to all of South Sarasota County! -- Nancy Pike
30th Anniversary Celebration
International Dessert and Coffee Reception
Don’t miss it! Tuesday, November 13th, 2:00 PM
If you haven’t reserved yet, call Pat Swindler 941-493-6167 or Sandy McIntyre at 941-412-0107 or e-mail [email protected]. If you would like directions to Jacaranda Trace, 3600 William Penn Way, Venice, contact Sandy McIntyre.
This will be a fun, free event! Bring a friend to learn about Literacy Volunteers. Dressing in an ethnic costume and bringing a dessert are strictly optional; don’t let that keep you away. Please call in your reservations ASAP!
Thanks to everyone who submitted a recipe for the cookbook and/or volunteered to bring an international dessert to share. More desserts are welcome.
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Claudia Daniels
Claudia is originally from Mainz, Germany, but for the last sixteen years has been enjoying life in Florida. She is currently completing her Master's Degree in English and Multimedia at the University of South Florida, sells Real Estate with RE/MAX Platinum Realty in Venice, and has a passion for anything creative - especially graphic design, writing, reading, and photography. Claudia is an avid traveler and believes that “one’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” She appreciates the opportunity to assist those who are learning English as a Second Language and is enthusiastic about her new grant writing and board membership role with LVSSC.
LVSSC is proud to announce New Board Member
LVSSC Volunteer Want Ads
If you would like to be more involved in LVSSC, we need you! Besides being a tutor, here are some of the other jobs you could do as a volunteer. If you find any that interest you, call our office at 941-488-8994. Leave a message with your name, number and which job(s) you want to discuss. Someone will call you back.
LVSSC Community Ambassadors Attend community events and meetings as a member of LVSSC, share information about us, distribute brochures, and give a face to the organization. Report to President/Board of Directors. Community Connections in Venice (Quarterly) North Port Interagency Council (Monthly) North Port Newcomer Day (Quarterly) Venice Chamber of Commerce North Port Chamber of Commerce Nokomis Chamber of Commerce Venice Main Street
Special Event Teams Help plan and carry out a major event for LVSSC. These are either public fundraising events or membership activities. Report to Board of Directors. Annual Card and Game Party (March) Walk-a-Thon Venice (February) Walk-a-Thon North Port (March) Annual Meeting (April)
Historian/Scrapbooker Help compile LVSSC’s collection of photos and articles into a scrapbook to document our activities over the past couple of years.
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Facebook can be a critical tool for non-profits since it offers a convenient and constructive way to connect with other organizations and supporters. It provides us with a great venue to quickly broadcast a message to you plus it allows us to advertise upcoming events easily and efficiently—and best of all, it's free!
If you have a Facebook account, please type “Literacy Volunteers of South Sarasota County” in the Search box and take a look at our page. If you like what you see, click on LIKE. You can share and comment on photos, articles, news, quotes, thoughts, etc. We look forward to seeing you online to read, view, share, and comment on each other’s input.
Tutor Training Opportunities
NOVEMBER 28: LVSSC is presenting “Tutor 8,” a Florida Literacy Coalition workshop, at Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library on Wed., November 28, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This full day symposium will cover three areas of the updated tutor resource book, Tutor 8, written by Ruth Colvin (LVA founder) and learning disabilities expert Corrine Smith, Ph.D.: Intro to Tutor 8 with emphasis on goal setting and lesson planning Learning Disabilities - how to identify learning differences and create a learner profile Multisensory techniques to encourage writing For more information or to register for the class, call the LVSSC office at 941-488-8994. Space is limited.
DECEMBER 1 AND 8: The next Tutor Training session for new tutors is scheduled for two Saturdays, Dec. 1, beginning at 10:30 a.m. and Dec. 8, 10:00 a.m., at Jacaranda Library. To sign up, please call Leslie in the LVSSC office. You must be registered to attend.
2013: Additional continuing education opportunities are being planned for the new year. Topics include “Improving Pronunciation Skills” and “Tutoring Resources”.
“Tutors Talking to Tutors” will resume after the holiday season is over.
If there is a training area you would like see featured in a workshop, let us know! Contact us by phone or send an email to [email protected] We also accept messages delivered by the U. S. Postal Service!
For "Make A Difference Day," Oct. 27, the Venice Gondolier Sun recognized a volunteer from Literacy Volunteers -- Robin Blair. The article quoted Leslie Yard as saying, "Blair is one of those dedicated volunteers who takes the time to tutor others and also provides help and resources for other tutors as well. This organization is close to her heart, and we are happy she will be getting a pat on the back. It is so much deserved."
This was followed by a nice article which is posted on our Facebook page which can also be accessed from the right side of the home page of our web site. The article included three color photos of (1) nine new tutors from the September classes, (2) Leslie Yard with new tutor, Jean Ozimek, and (3) Robin Blair with adult learner, Trang Nguyen.
Recognition for a Literacy Volunteer
WHY FACEBOOK?
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Recent Events
Tutor Training Classes
Special Training Class Three women who are members of the Seventh Day Adventist Church contacted the Literacy Volunteers Office to request a special training class because they could not attend tutor training normally held on Saturdays. They were motivated by a desire to “give back to the community”.
Pictured at right are Dorcas Gray, Sheila Clarke, and Eve Lawrence-Henry.
July Training Class
Participants in the July Tutor Training Class are pictured to the left. They are, from left to right: Mike Cushman, Dee Kennedy, Stephen Fox, Gail Johnston, Nancy Brinkman, Bob Leadbitter, Jim McCamphill, Sue Tyger, John Rummery, Jean Ozimek, and in front, Don Kennedy.
September Training Class
Pictured at right are the participants in the September Tutor Training Class. From left to right, back row are Joyce Cerny, Bonnie Boynton, Olga Stasiuk, David Jack, Jack Yueng, Bill Cabana, and Dan Smith. In the front row are Paula Gray and Anna Crimi.
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Coming Events
Financial Statement of Activities
The following is a summary of LVSSC's revenue & expenses for
the year ended June 30, 2012:
Revenue:
United Way of South Sarasota County $5,017
Grants 11,022
Memberships 3,790
Contributions 3,559
Fundraisers 3,217
Total revenue $26,605
Use of Sarasota County Libraries' facilities and the
skilled services provided by our wonderful volunteers PRICELESS!
Expenses:
Salary/Payroll Tax $9,615
Training & Training Materials 4,803
Office Supplies & Expense 2,678
Community Outreach 1,445
National & State Dues & Fees 324
Directors Insurance 776
Annual Meeting 397
Total expenses $20,038
Change in Net Assets $6,567
Donor Restricted Revenue for Grants $3,781
Unrestricted Revenue 2,786
$6,567
Betty Black, Treasurer
30th Anniversary Celebration - International Dessert & Coffee Reception:
Tues., Nov. 13; 2:00 -3:30 PM, Jacaranda Trace, Venice. Please reserve.
Tutor Symposium on “Tutor 8” tutor resource book
Wed. Nov. 28, 10:00 - 5:00, Jacaranda Library, Venice. Call LVSSC Office.
Tutor Training - Introductory Training for New Tutors
Sat. Dec. 1 & Dec. 8, Call the LVSSC Office for details and to register.
7th Annual United Way Venice Walk-A-Thon
Feb. 23, 2013, 8:30 - 10:30 AM, Downtown Venice, Centennial Park.
Annual LVSSC Card & Game Party Fundraiser
March 12, 2013, 1:00 - 4:00 PM, Jacaranda Trace, Venice.
3rd Annual United Way North Port Walk-A-Thon
March 30, 2013, 8:30 – 11 AM, Dallas White Park, North Port.
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$1,000 or more
Dollar General Literacy Foundation
Heron Creek Community Foundation
Plantation Community Foundation
United Way of South Sarasota County
$500-$999
Roberta Blair
The Kathleen F. Cellura Fund at CFSC
Lorraine & George Cooper
Priscilla Miranda Memorial Fund
Venice-Nokomis Rotary Club
Women of the Moose
Women's Sertoma
$100-$499
Liz Bruckman
Barbara & Dennis Gahry
Sandra & Chuck McIntyre
Nancy & David Pike
Polly Skinner
$50-$99
Olive & David Calvert
Marybeth Catizone
Mr & Mrs M. C. Hollenbeck
Frank & Margaret Kaprive
Judith Lindauer
Myakka Chaper DAR
Lenee & Konrad Owens
Pat Swindler
Jean West-Walker
Margaret & John Woods lll
Leslie & Rick Yard
$49 or less
Irma Arroyo
Eleanor Barth
Alan D. Johnson
Diane Kivari
Sheila McClintock-Fraser
Jim O'Hara
Ruth Toms
Mattie Watson
Nancy & George Wettlaufer
Ruth Williams Thanks to everyone who donated to the Venice and North Port Walk-A-Thons, including the team from King's Gate Club and the Manasota Key Book Club.
The "Deal Me In" Card and Game Party in March raised $3,216. Thanks to Jacaranda Trace for hosting this event. And thanks to these businesses for donating prizes:
AAMCO Transmissions of Venice
Albertson's Grocery
Avenue Hair Design Company
Barbara's Hair Salon
Basix on Dearborn
Blarney Stone
Bobcat Trail Golf Club
Café Evergreen at Warm Mineral Springs
Ciao Bella
Classy Claws
Cleopatra's
Dick's Shoes
Glitz Jewelry
High End Hair Salon & Spa
Jacaranda West Country Club
Jean Marquis Massage
Joe Cracker Restaurant
Kilwin's Chocolates & Ice Cream of Venice
mi Pueblo Mexican Restaurant
Nancy Holmes Skin Care
Ophelia's Fish and Pasta House
Paper Pad
Scarlet Macaw of Venice
Sharky's on the Pier
Shear Heaven
Silpada Jewelry
Snook Haven Restaurant
Surfside Styling Salon
Thai Bistro
The Table Top
Venice Art Center
Venice Community Center
Venice Day Spa
Venice Holistic Center
Venice Olive Oil Company
Venice Stationers
Venice Theater
Venice Wine and Coffee
Venice Yacht Club
Vino Loco
Warm Mineral Springs
Zaks Thank you to Sheryl Corgan of Nautilus Computing for technology consulting services.
LVSSC Contributors
Thank You for your Financial Support from July 2011 - June 2012:
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Florida Department of Agriculture
and Consumer Services Registration No. CH8274
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION
AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE
OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF
CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING
TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE
STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT
IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR
RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
FIRST CLASS
Literacy Volunteers
of South Sarasota County
300 Nokomis Ave. S.
Venice, FL 34285
Officers
President Nancy Pike
Vice Pres. Janita Wisch
Secretary Sandy McIntyre
Treasurer Betty Black
Directors
Esther Bird
Carolyn Conte
Claudia Daniels
Polly Skinner
Ruth Toms
Nan Winans
Conversation Class -Venice (Saturday)
Robin Blair
Conversation Class- N. Port
Joe LaDu
Staff
Program Coordinator
Leslie Yard
Volunteers
Database Manager
Polly Skinner
North Port Coordinator
Sheila McClintock-Fraser
Tutor Trainer
Esther Bird
Newsletter Editor
Nan Winans
Literacy Volunteers of South Sarasota County An Affiliate of ProLiteracy America
Venice Public Library, 300 Nokomis Ave. S.
Venice, FL 34285 Phone: 941-488-8994
Literacy Changes Lives
Yes, we will mail printed copies
to members who do not have an
e-mail address or who request
paper copies.
