David Baldacci Talks About the Need for Adult Education and Literacy Services

David Baldacci spoke during the 2012 VLLC Conference awards luncheon about the need for literacy services in the 21st Century. This 15-minute video highlights his excellent speech on the topic. Video taken by Michael Frontiero, Public Relations Director with Virginia Commonwealth University.

Feel free to embed this video on your websites and social media accounts.

2012 VLLC Conference in Images – Getting Acquainted

Bill Crowder from Anthem was our opening speaker. His workshop was about networking and getting to know each other. His efforts started our two-day conference on a positive note!

These images show that we did! Click on individual photos to see details. Help us identify who’s in the images!

Nancy Jiranek, Literacy Champion, Dies

Each year during the VLLC Conference, the Nancy Jiranek Award for Outstanding Director in an Adult Literacy Program is given to an Executive Director who embodies all the qualities that Nancy Jiranek pioneered when she founded the Danville Reading Center in 2004. In honor of Mrs. Jiranek, her family donated a substantial amount of money to the Virginia Literacy Foundation in 2008 to award an E.D. deserving of the honor.  One week before her stroke, Mrs. Jiranek requested directions to the Sheraton Park South. She did not want to miss the ceremony! Nancy was able to attend 3 of the 5 ceremonies, and for that we are grateful.

Last year, Dr. Bill Jiranek, her son and Board member of the Virginia Literacy Foundation, spoke eloquently about his mother and her work on behalf of the adults who needed literacy services in the Danville region. Mrs. Jiranek’s determination and enthusiasm spread beyond the boundaries of her region, influencing directors statewide. What a legacy she has left us! Her absence will create a vacuum in our quest to address illiteracy in the Commonwealth, and her role will not easily be filled.

Thank you Nancy Jiranek for all you have done on behalf of a more literate Virginia and the adult students for whom you worked so eloquently and so hard. You will be missed by us all.

• Read the article about her life and work at GoDanRiver.com.
• Read the criteria for the Nancy Jiranek award at this link. 

Carolyn Meeks, Lynchburg Literacy Council, after receiving the 5th annual Nancy Jiranek Award for Outstanding Executive Director

Nancy Jiranek Award Recipients:

• 2012: Carolyn Meeks, Lynchburg Literacy Council
• 2011: Kim Sells, Literacy Volunteers of Prince William County
• 2010: Janet Booth and Linda Richardson, Eastern Shore Literacy Council
• 2009: Annette Loschert, Literacy Volunteers of Roanoke Valley (Now Blue Ridge Literacy)
• 2008: Patricia Donnelly, Literacy Council of Northern Virginia

2012 Conference in Images

Some of our presenters! From left, clockwise, Emily Ferlis, Annette Loschert, Betsy Wong, Lauren Ellington, Hillary Major, and Bill Crowder.

Randall Mullins came all the way from Bristol to teach a math workshop

Look Who Came to Lunch!

Jeannie Baliles, David Baldacci, Troilen Seward, and Randy Stamper at the VLLC luncheon

David Baldacci did not disappoint conference participants with his graciousness and excellent speech. Jeannie Baliles opened the awards portion of the lunch with her outstanding comments. When she named Carolyn Meeks as Outstanding Director for the Nancy Jiranek Award, no one was more surprised than Carolyn.

After receiving the VLLC’s award for Outstanding Support of Adult Literacy Programs in Virginia, David Baldacci gave an outstanding speech regarding the need for literacy in the U.S. Troilen Seward serves as VAACE’s (Virginia Association of Adult Continuing Education) lobbyist and on the VLF Board of Directors. Randy Stamper is the Director of the Office of Adult Education and Literacy at the Virginia Department of Education. More images are coming your way soon!

Safe Travel, Everyone!

See you at the conference in Richmond tomorrow!

Prizes at the Conference

Each year, participants can expect surprises in their goody bags. This year, we will be handing out a few select prizes to those who stay until the end of the conference and fill out a conference evaluation form.  They are a Kindle e-reader and three David Baldacci books, including one entitled Wish You Well.

All you will need to do is be present when your number is drawn!

See you in six short days. For those who are still on the fence about coming, there is still time to register!

David Baldacci signing his books