Literacy Coalition Announces New Chair: Joel Delmonico

Joel Delmonico VP and General Manager, Clear Channel Radio, Syracuse

We are proud to announce that Joel Delmonico has been selected as the new Chair of the Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County. Joel is Vice President and General Manager of Clear Channel Radio and is an active member of the CNY community. Under Joel's leadership, Clear Channel has become a major influence in the Regional New York business community and takes a leading role in many local charity efforts, especially those that support and advocate for children of all abilities and needs. Among his many awards, Joel was recently honored by the Syracuse City School District Educational Foundation for his many years of service, contributions and support to the Syracuse City School District and Say Yes to Education.

According to Joel: "There is a growing sense of optimism around this community's efforts to set a new standard for educational reform. A dramatic improvement of literacy levels, starting with early childhood and continuing across the lifespan is a vital component for the success of the strategy. What distinguishes this new community spirit and this Coalition is the determination to take action, commit to measurable outcomes and accept accountability for results. It is an honor to be asked to contribute."

Joel succeeded our "Founding Chair" John Eberle, VP of Grants and Community Initiatives at the Central New York Community Foundation. John had been instrumental in the early work undertaken by the Coalition and has proven to be a truly inspirational leader. Now over a year after our formation, we have progressed from a plan on paper into a reality. John will continue to honor the Community Foundation's long-standing commitment to literacy through his on-going support of the Coalition's efforts. We are deeply appreciative of his dedication and personal passion for literacy. And, we now eagerly look forward to our next chapter and the leadership of Joel Delmonico.

Early Childhood Literacy Infusion Strategy Being Developed with Imagination Library

The Literacy Coalition has convened those non-profits and agencies that provide services, either city-wide or county-wide, to families with children from birth to 5 years old. While our mission seeks to expand literacy across the lifespan, we have strategically focused efforts within the New York State designated Syracuse Literacy Zones in the North and West. Literacy Zones are intended to provide a systemic approach to meeting the literacy needs of communities, from birth through adult. In conjunction with our community partners, we will continue to raise literacy awareness county-wide and encourage celebrations such as the upcoming Read Across America Day on March 2nd on the Birthday of Dr. Seuss. Tell us about your own events and send us your photos too! Learn more.

With our lead partners (United Way's Success By 6, Onondaga County and the Central New York Community Foundation) planning is also underway to bring the Dollywood Foundation's Imagination Library to targeted zip codes as resources allow. Now in over 1000 communities, Imagination Library is an exciting and measurable initiative that mails a brand new age-appropriate book to every child each month, from birth to 5 years old, in a target area. Our intention is to enhance the program by linking to Literacy Zone supports for parents as well. Learn more If you are interested in helping, please contact us at info@onliteracy.org or 428-8129.

Local Program Showcased in Former First Lady Barbara Bush's Newly Released Book

Barbara Bush, Honorary Chair and President of The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy.

"Celebrating Family Literacy For 20 Years - Selected Case Studies 1989-2009" provides an overview of nine family literacy programs, which are representative of more than 700 programs funded by The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy over the past two decades. The Onondaga County Correctional Family Literacy Project, awarded in 1997, was a collaboration between OCM BOCES, Onondaga County Department of Correction and the Onondaga County Public Library. As a result of expanding interest in family literacy, an informal coalition of practitioners also grew into the Family Literacy Alliance of Greater Syracuse (FLAGS) which has since been embedded into the work of the Literacy Coalition. Kudos to all community partners involved, especially project team leaders: Kathy Byrnes and Arlene Zucker, and Dr. Jessica Cohen, District Superintendent, OCM BOCES! Read More »