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RIFSoCal’s 2009 ORIENTATION Inspires Readers for Tomorrow!

By 9 am on September 30, close to 300 RIFSoCal Program Coordinators, Principals, Board members, supporters and presenters extraordinaire gathered at St. Anne’s Group Home to kick off our 2009-2010 program year and Inspire Readers for Tomorrow.

Diane Namm, author of over 40 books for children and a playwright/director for the West of Broadway theater company, shared her passion to promote literacy by bringing a new generation of children into the theater, introducing them to updated versions of classic stories and letting them take part in the action. Dangerman, a modern superhero, entertained and inspired us with his determination to promote literacy and safety for children in urban America.  The Library Fairy, a magical mascot of books and stories, ignited the love of reading through folklore while captivating the audience with her drum and storytelling magic. Dr. Danny Brassell, our keynote speaker, left everyone motivated and inspired!  An associate professor in the teacher education department at a California State University, Danny filled the room with laughter as he shared his personal trials and tribulations in the classroom as well as why he loves to teach.  His creative solutions to reach the reluctant reader truly left every Program Coordinator invigorated and ready to inspire readers for tomorrow.