Focal Point: 2014 to 2018 History

2014

2014 marked the 50th anniversary of Literacy Volunteers of Rochester (LVR). Throughout the year, the organization celebrated 50 years with the community in many special ceremonies and events. Celebrations took place around town including places such as the Country Club of Rochester, Frontier Field (now Innovative Field), and the LVR office. The organization was recognized by local and state governments, businesses, and other dignitaries. 

2014 Annual Report
Ruth Colvin

2015

  • Digital Literacy Program continued to grow as LVR partnered with community organizations to expand services. A full-time Digital Literacy Coordinator was hired to help with the expanding site locations and managing volunteers. Digital literacy volunteers – named navigators at the time – helped the community with computer skills, creating resumes, and completing online applications and forms.
  • In part to a generous donation from Katherine and Wesley Bahler, LVR was able to establish the Bahler Fund at the Rochester Area Community Foundation. LVR also dedicated the resource library in their name.
  • A new logo was unveiled for LVR and the first time our iconic asterisk and “eggplant purple” color were used to represent the organization!

2016

Annual Awards - The Rickard Family
Brain Game Champions - 2016
Tabling event at Barnes & Noble
Digital Literacy Navigators

2017

  • Record-breaking Brain Game raised $45,000 and brought in the largest number of teams and 300 people to the downtown Holiday Inn.
  • Lit Bits began to release digitally as subscribers would receive an emailed copy of releases. With the rise in popularity for electronic communications and the mission to reduce paper waste, the transition was fitting for the time. The newsletter continued to share student/volunteer stories, upcoming events, and updates.
Annual Awards - Colvin Award

2018

  • Received grant money from Spectrum for Digital Literacy program resources and opening of the Learning Center (renamed the Queenie Zuehlke Learning Center in 2023) in the LVR office!
  • LVR joined Instagram! The new page hoped to gain the interest of younger audiences and spread the mission of the organization to new audiences. Previously, LVR had been running a Facebook since the late 2000’s and a Twitter account since the early 2010’s
  • Lucy the Literacy Llama was introduced! Lucy made stops around town to many community events including the Barnes & Noble book fairs! 
"Lucy the Literacy Llama" mascot
Left - Jeanne Townsend & Right - Rose-Marie Klipstein
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Learning Center

Want to hear more stories? Over the years, thousands of subscribers received updates about the organization through LitbitsWe welcome new LitBits subscribers! Sign up now – Click Here or refer to the “Contact Information” section on this page. 

Sharing is caring!