LCoM Literacy Blog- February 2015

LITERACY CENTER NEWS


February
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, stores are flooded with candy hearts, chocolates and stuffed animals. In the US, shelves brimming with teddy bears and boxes of chocolate are typical Valentine’s Day fare, but not every country turns to greeting cards and heart-shaped candies to declare love. Some exchange wooden spoons and pressed flowers, while others hold a special holiday for the loveless to mourn their single lives over black noodles.
Here is a look at how 10 countries celebrate Valentine’s Day traditions all around the world.

Meet our Board of Directors
We are very lucky to have such a great
Board of Directors guiding the Literacy Center.

L-r Deb Coelho, Robyn Singer, Tim Cashman, Maria Hernandez, Jack Gleason, Martin Oneill, Marcus Sopher, Dawn Murray. 
Missing Ivan Tirado, Tracy Edwards.

  Ambassador of the Year

Tami Jackson will be awarded Ambassador of the Year at the Milford Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Meeting on Friday.  
    
Tami Jackson was born in Sacramento, California, but moved to Milford when she was 2 years old.  She attended public schools in Milford and completed her studies from Sacred Heart University with a dual degree in Psychology and Art Illustration.  Graduate studies continued at SHU and Quinnipiac University in Business and Interactive Communication.

As a lifelong resident of Milford, Tami has spent most of her adult life volunteering for many non-profit organizations.  Giving back to her community has been an important part of her life.  She has served as PTA President, PTA Council Board, Boys and Girls Village Advisory Board, member of Devon Rotary, president and honorary member for Junior Woman’s Club of Milford and is currently the Milford Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Chair.  As past president of the JWCM, she became familiar with the Literacy Center of Milford’s mission.  She joined the LCoM Board of Directors in 2002.  

Tami was hired to be the Executive Director of the Literacy Center in 2010 after Joy Stonier announced her retirement.  Working in the non-profit world is always a challenge, yet in the last 4 years the Literacy Center has grown to hire a part time program coordinator, added a computer class, extended it’s outreach to West Haven and Stratford, donates books to 400 children and families a year and we read to middle school children after school.   

“I am very excited to receive the Ambassador of the Year award.  Being an Ambassador is a fun but important job in getting new members to feel comfortable and engaging them to interact with other members in the Chamber of Commerce.  I love being an Ambassador,” says Tami.

Tami is married to husband, Todd and is proud mother to Ryan, Devin, Nolan and stepmother to Kelsey.



Looking for some ideas to help with your student.  Check back regularly for tips to help with your teaching.


New Report Sheds Light on the Impact of Immigration in Greater New Haven

New Haven, CT (January 20, 2015)  As an important step in its effort to enhance the civic and economic participation of immigrants in Greater New Haven, The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven released a new report on the impact of immigration in Greater New Haven.

The report, entitled Understanding the Impact of Immigration in Greater New Haven, compiles data from federal, state and local government agencies, as well as information generated locally by  DataHaven and The Community Foundation.

On March 9, Special Assistant to President Obama, Felicia Escobar will be leading a discussion in New Haven about immigration in our nation. 

Click to register.

UPCOMING EVENTS

February
14- Valentine’s Day
25- Family Literacy Night- West Shore Middle School

March
9- Convening: The President’s Action on Immigration Integration
11- Family Literacy Night- Harborside Middle School
21- Leprechaun Leap– Walnut Beach 

April
Volunteer Appreciation Month
8- Tutor Round table Meeting
15- Computer Class  begins for 6 weeks
29- Multicultural Celebration

July
11- Neon Night Run– Milford Rotary/Fowler Pavilion

November
6- Masquerade Ball, Aldario’s Restaurant

English Classes
Monday, 7:15 pm- Conversation Class
Tuesday, 9:00 am- Advanced Class
Tuesday, 6:30 pm- Intermediate Class with child care
Wednesday, 12:30 pm- Intermediate Class
More information on tutoring.

Computer Classes
April 15, 22, May 6, 13, 20, 27
Call to sign up, 203-878-4800


MEET OUR NEW TUTORS

Betty Gerner (left) teaches new tutors in a 5 week tutor trainer class.  They are matched with their new students and ready to start helping those who need English support.
Help me WELCOME (l-r) John Keramis, Joan Keramis,
Karen Hoang, Judy Salemme, Susan Velky, Eileen Cohen,
Mark Jordhamo, Noreen Palumbo, Elizabeth Greenspan,
Jane Evans and Deanna Margius. Missing is Jennifer Driscoll

THANK YOU MILFORD BANK FOUNDATION,
DELUCA FOUNDATION and MILFORD OYSTER FESTIVAL COMMITTEE!


Executive Director, Tami Jackson accepts a donation from the Milford Bank Foundation (above) along with many other local organizations.
Below, Joanne Rohrig delivers a check from the Milford Oyster Festival Committee to the Literacy Center of Milford. 
Many thanks for continuing to remember the LCoM!
You’re support is literally making a difference!

 

 Ways to Support our
Literacy Programs!

Consider choosing the Literacy Center of Milford
on Amazon Smile
A donation is made to the Center with
every purchase you make!  WOW, How easy is that?



Or visit Helping Hands in Orange when dropping off your donated items and choose the Literacy  Center of Milford.  A donation will be made from the sale of your donations when you choose LCoM.


Or go to Chari Deal and save big with great
Coupon Deals and support the
Literacy Center of Milford.