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Sheri Fink promotes RIFSoCal

Sheri Fink, one of our favorite writers and author of The little Rose, recently had the privilege of talking with Tameri Etherton about Reading Is Fundamental of Southern California (RIFSoCal) and how others can help out. You can read the interview on her blog: http://tamerietherton.com/2011/11/21/thanksgiving-with-sheri-fink/

May We Present: Osvaldo Lopez

RIFSoCal is ever so lucky and ever so proud to welcome - and thank - our new volunteer extraordinaire, Osvaldo Lopez. Osvaldo is one of those rare people who turn their beliefs into action.  And fortunately for RIFSoCal, Osvaldo’s passion parallels our organizational passion to create a world where children have books because literacy is of prime importance. In Osvaldo’s words… “I grew up in a household where no one went to college. Even with community college being an option, my siblings did not pursue a career and were not strong role models for me. Having raised two older children, my parents had few resources to provide for me and they paid little attention to my literacy and education needs. But I wanted to be different.  Despite my family’s expectations and lack of resources, I still want to attend a University. I graduated from Schurr High School and my goal is to be admitted as a transfer to UC Berkeley, one of the world’s top-ranked centers for research and teaching, to establish a career in Sociology. If I am admitted to UC Berkeley, I will be the first in my family to attend a University and pursue a strong career. As a sociologist, I intend to help improve literacy and educational opportunities for children who have a social disadvantage in their community. As a volunteer at RIFSoCal, I feel I have started my career!

Osvaldo is now part of the RIFSoCal family! He comes in several times a week and generously shares his ever so refreshing idealism with us. Bravo, Osvaldo! We depend on your generation to make our world a better place.

       

CHARITABLE LIVING Group Reinvents the Spirit of RIFSoCal’s Historic “BOOKS IN THE PARK!”

It’s 1970 in Santa Fe Springs Park.  Imagine children running off to have fun - and finding Mother Goose playing her harp on the lawn!  Then imagine the children’s delight when Mother Goose gathered them into a circle, read them a story and encouraged them to choose a wonderful new book to keep as their very own.  “Books in the Park” was the creation of Santa Fe Springs Librarian, Ruth Grams – alias Mother Goose – one of RIFSoCal’s founders.

It’s 2011 in North Weddington Park in North Hollywood.  Again imagine children running off to have fun – and finding a clown, a balloon artist/twister creating swords, jet packs and almost anything else a child could dream up, a face painter, music, kids doing the limbo, story time, and a bookmark creation zone.

All to raise awareness and funds for Reading Is Fundamental of Southern California! 

“Books in the Park’s” joyful tradition remained as vibrant and colorful as its 1970 inception thanks to Charitable Living’s belief in the magic of bringing books and children together.

What a beautiful way to spend an afternoon – listening to the sound of children giggling as they delighted in the park’s wonderful surprises!

A huge thank you to Charitable Living members and the amazingly talented artists who volunteered their time to ensure the success of “Books in the Park”:

Charitable Living members, Kendra Castleberry, Erin Cahill, Jackie Geary Haase, John Curtis, Tymberlee Hill, Todd Sherry, Jen Berthelot, Aimee Parker, Yaani King and Amir Talai

Sean Edwards, balloon artist; www.theballoonguyla.com

Emily Stuver, face painter

Celedon Wood, dance teacher from Twinkle Toes Dance; www.twinkletoesdancela.com

Gigi The Clown; 818-231-7676

Elle Febbo, a Powerful Force for GOOD

“There is no greater sense of Spiritual Accomplishment than to live and work from the heart with purpose, and embrace life’s highest potential.  Never let anyone stop you from living your mission”

~Elle Febbo

Elle Febbo is fast becoming a RIFSoCal hero! 

As a best selling author, globally published journalist, speaker, and feminine leader, Elle encourages parents to read to their children to bond, to inspire an enjoyment of reading, to promote good self esteem, to improve critical thinking and problem solving skills, to increase vocabulary, and to enhance positive social behavior.

Her message to “Pick a book-ANY BOOK!” parallels what we do every day – let children choose a new book to keep as their very own!  Her message that creating an age appropriate at home library is a gift offering shelf after shelf of imagination parallels our mission to promote literacy and motivate children to read by building at-home libraries for underserved children. 

“What Love Is: A to Z,” Elle’s best selling children’s book, is a colorful and inspiring journey through the ABC’s of Love. Produced to serve as a tool for creating lasting, positive change for our children, it is also a resource to support and strengthen non- profit organizations - like RIFSoCal! - as they serve and support our youth.
 
Please visit Elle’s website for more information regarding her speaking engagements and books. http://www.WhatLoveIsA-Z.com.