harvey sernovitz embassy information officer · 2017. 8. 14. · storytelling and video screenings...
TRANSCRIPT
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Meet Our New Officers
August 2011 Edition
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We welcome the new foreign Service Officers who have oversight responsibilities for the Lincoln Resource
Center and its network of Lincoln Corners across Malaysia.
Harvey Sernovitz
Embassy Information Officer
Effective July 26, 2011, Harvey Sernovitz took up the position of Information
Officer at the U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur. Previously, Harvey Sernovitz served
as CAO and IO in Dhaka (2007-2010), Consular Officer at the American
Institute in Taiwan-Taipei Office (2005-2007), and Political Officer in
Guangzhou, China (2003-2005).
Harvey‟s previous career was as a attorney focusing on tax and estate planning.
Before joining the Department of State in 2002, he worked for a mid-size law
firm in central Wisconsin as well for the international accounting firms Arthur
Andersen and Deloitte & Touche.
Harvey is married to Jo Ann Sernovitz and has three children, Jack (13), Zoe (9) and Gabriel (13
months). He is a graduate of Nicolet High School in Glendale, Wisconsin. He received his law degree from
the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1999 and a B.A. in East Asian Area Studies and International
Relations from the University of Wisconsin - Madison in 1995.
Rain Che Bian
Embassy Public Diplomacy Officer
Effective July 5, 2011, Rain Che Bian took up the position of Public Diplomacy
Officer at the U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur. Reporting to Harvey, Rain is a first-
tour officer sworn into the Foreign Service on May 2011.
Prior to joining the Foreign Service, Rain served as Community Outreach
Coordinator at a local non-profit organization, The Fresh Air Fund, working with
Chinese and Spanish-speaking immigrant families in New York City. She was
active in immigrant rights advocacy and public outreach through the office of
New York State Senator Jose M. Serrano. As a press intern, she also produced weekly online newsletters
for the House Ways and Means Committee, which exercises jurisdiction over revenue and related issues
such as tariffs, reciprocal trade agreements, and the bonded debt of the United States.
Rain is a graduate of Stuyvesant High School in New York City. She holds a B.A. from Columbia College
in Anthropology and Political Science, with a concentration in Hispanic Studies. She conducted fieldwork
in Puebla, Mexico, in 2008, on the subject of undocumented migration from Mexico to the United States.
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Sarawak—July
U.S. Science Envoy Teaches Younger Generation to Love Earth through Storytelling
U.S. Presidential Science Envoy Dr. Rita Colwell engaged more than 120 children, about 80 parents and
members of the public in a storytelling session at Lincoln Corner Sarawak on July 23. Dr. Colwell read
from Sesame Street‟s Let’s Help Earth, a title selected from the Lincoln Corner collection. The young
audience was charmed with the wonders of the natural world through Elmo‟s wide-eyed look at people,
plants, animals and the environment. More.
Visits
In July Pustaka Negeri Sarawak hosted briefings and tours of the Lincoln Corner for the following groups:
31 students and 4 teachers from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama Sibu on July 16;
20 students and 5 teachers from Kreatif Kindergarten on July 16;
35 students and 15 educators from Dyslexia Association, Sarawak on July 23.
Storytelling and Video Screenings
Moon Shot: The Flight of Apollo 11 was featured in Lincoln Corner Sarawak‟s storytelling sessions in the
month of July in conjunction with the 42nd Anniversary of Apollo II landing in the moon. A Corner
librarian dressed as an astronaut engaged and encouraged the students to participate in reading. These
fun-filled and interactive sessions captivated about 100 students.
Thematic Exhibitions
Throughout the month of July Lincoln Corner Sarawak organized poster exhibits and book displays
featuring Independence Day and The Moon Landing. More than 780 people were attracted to these
exhibitions.
Dr. Colwell posing for a group photo with the children.
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Sarawak— June
Lincoln Corner Sarawak Promotes Playaways
Lincoln Corner Sarawak attracted more than 300 people including government officials, university and
high school students in their effort to promote Playaways prerecorded audio player during their Pustaka
1Malaysia launching on June 31.
Visits
In June Pustaka Negeri Sarawak hosted briefings and tours of the Lincoln Corner for the following
groups:
11 students and lecturers from Kolej Universiti Perguruan Ugama Bandar Seri Bagawan, Brunei
Darulssalam, on June 8;
15 students and 12 teachers from Kelab Pusat Sumber Sekolah Menengah Matu on June 9;
5 students from Arkib Negara Sabah on June 17;
15 members of Perak State Library Board on June 25;
11 officers from Majlis Kebajikan Sosial Sarawak on June 27; and
16 librarians from Perpustakaan Malaysia Kumpulan Timur, Universiti Sains Malaysia on June 28.
Storytelling and Video Screenings
Every Saturday in June, Lincoln Corner Sarawak organized storytelling sessions for about 80 young
children and selected Three Billy Goats Gruff, a colorful, humorous, classic tale from the Corner
collection.
Lincoln Corner Sarawak attracted about 150 people during their DVD screening sessions in the month of
June. The titles of DVDs that were screened include America’s Most Scenic Drives; A Life Among Whales;
American Wonders: National Parks of the West; Hoosiers.
Thematic Exhibitions
More than 680 people attended the Lincoln Corner Sarawak poster and book exhibitions on Father‟s Day
and International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in June.
Guests Exploring the Use of Playaways
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Sabah — June & July
The Lincoln Corner in Sabah has moved from its former location in the city center to the Sabah State
branch library in Penampang. The former building which housed the Corner is being demolished.
Successful U.S. Technopreneur Empowers Students in Sabah through Social Media
Ms. Cornelsen Engages Participants on the Impact of Social Media
Ms. Adrienne Palmer Cornelsen InSite Interactive President and CEO gave an impressive talk on
Pleasures, Perils and Pitfalls of Social Media at Lincoln Corner Sabah on June 27. More than 100
students, parents and teachers came to listen to Ms. Cornelsen speak on various social media tools and
the impact of social media. Participants who attended the program gained valuable insights in many
areas including the use of social media as an effective and efficient tool for networking.
Sabah State Library Promotes Lincoln Corner Products and Services
Students “scavenger hunt” at Lincoln Corner Sabah
Lincoln Corner Sabah organized a fun “scavenger hunt” activity to promote Corner products and services
on June 27. The participants explored and familiarized themselves with the rich collection at the Lincoln
Corner. The participants “hunted” for answers to questions prepared by the corner librarians by
exploring the print, multimedia and digital resources located in the library.
Lincoln Corner Sabah Roadshow in Penampang
On July 25, Lincoln Corner Sabah hosted an exhibition and educational activities to promote services and
products using Lincoln Corner materials. More than 200 students actively participated in the exciting
activities including coloring contests, storytelling and quizzes led by Corner librarians.
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Malacca — July
Imam Mohamad Bashar Arafat Speaks on Interfaith Engagement in the United States at
Lincoln Corner Malacca
On July 25, Lincoln Corner Malacca organized a program on “Interfaith Engagement in the United States”
at the Merlimau Branch of the Malacca State Public Library. In his first-ever program in Malacca, Imam
Mohamad Bashar Arafat, Founder and President of Civilizations Exchange and Cooperation Foundation
(CECF), spoke to 50 government officers and high school students. More
U.S. Fulbrighter Dr. Sean Foley at Lincoln Corner Malacca: “How Islam and Malacca Shaped the
West and the Modern World”
On July 23, in a presentation entitled “How Islam and Malacca Shaped the West and the Modern World”
at the Lincoln Corner in Malacca‟s State Public Library, U.S. Fulbright scholar Dr. Sean Foley spoke on the
positive contributions that Muslims and Islam have made to the West to a group of 50 academicians and
college students from around Malacca. More
DVD Screenings
For the month of July Lincoln Corner Malacca screened the following movies during their weekly video
screening sessions on Saturdays: How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Cat in the Hat, The Journey to the
Edge of Universe and The Catwoman.
Thematic Exhibitions
In July, more than 200 library users viewed the Lincoln Corner Malacca poster and book exhibition on
Muslims in America.
Imam Bashar with Malacca students who listened to his experiences as an American Muslim.
Dr. Sean Foley engages college students.
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Malacca — June
Peter Pan and Snow White tales
On June 1, Lincoln Corner Malacca organized a storytelling session. A retired school teacher volunteered
and lead a group of 40 young learners to an informative and interactive storytelling session using „Peter
Pan‟ and „Snow White‟, two colorful, classic tales from the Corner collection.
DVD Screenings
In the month of June, Lincoln Corner Malacca screened the following movies during their weekly video
screening sessions on Saturdays: The Rosa Parks Story, The Squeakquel, Shrek 2 and Alice in
Wonderland.
Thematic Exhibitions
In the month of June more than 200 library users viewed the Lincoln Corner Malacca poster and book
exhibition on Father‟s Day.
A Volunteer actively engaging participants during Peter Pan Storytelling session.
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Kedah — July
Imam Arafat Presents “Islam in America” at Lincoln Corner Kedah
On July 21, Imam Mohamad Bashar Arafat, President of the Civilizations Exchange and Cooperation
Foundation (CECF), spoke on “Islam in America” to 182 college and high school students at the
Lincoln Corner Kedah in Alor Setar. He discussed the history of Islam in the United States and
current issues concerning Muslims in America. The college students were interested in the theology
of Islam, while the high school students were captivated by the activities of Muslim youths in the
United States.
Lincoln Corner Kedah Roadshow at Sekolah Kebangsaan Darul Aman Height
On July 18, Lincoln Corner Kedah organized educational activities at Sekolah Kebansgaan Darul Aman Height during their library roadshow at schools. Students actively participated in various educational
activities, namely word search and word scramble on United States symbols and the Lincoln Corner
collection.
Visits
In July, Lincoln Corner Kedah hosted briefing and tour of Lincoln Corner for the following group:
25 students and teachers from Maktab Rendah Sains Mara, Pedang on July 25.
DVD Screenings
In July, Lincoln Corner Kedah screened the following movies during their weekly video screening sessions
on Wednesdays: Shrek the Third, The Wiz, Wallace & Gromit: the Curse of the Were-Rabbit and Vantage
Point.
Thematic Exhibitions
More than 300 library users viewed the Lincoln Corner Kedah poster and book exhibition on Moon
Landing in the month of July.
Imam Arafat and PDO Rain Che Bian with college students in Alor Setar.
Participants engaged in the book detail activity. Participants engaged in the United States Symbols
word search activity.
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Kedah — June
Lincoln Corner Kedah Hosts U.S. Embassy English Enrichment Program
In partnership with the Kedah State Public Library, the Lincoln Resource Center organized yet another
popular English Enrichment Camp at Lincoln Corner Kedah on June 20. About 100 students
accompanied by nine teachers from 14 local schools in the vicinity of Alor Star, Kedah, participated in
this program. More
Lincoln Corner Kedah School Holiday Activities
In the month of June Lincoln Corner Kedah hosted several
school holiday activities.
On June 7, 35 children from around Kedah participated in
the Father‟s Day coloring contest and listened to a story,
The Gingerbread Man.
On June 11, 20 children from Kelab Bayan Budiman
participated in Father‟s Day coloring and craft activities led
by Corner librarians.
Visits
In June Lincoln Corner Kedah hosted briefing and tour of Lincoln Corner for the following group:
60 students and 4 teachers from Pokok Asam Primary School on June 9.
DVD screenings
For the month of June Lincoln Corner Kedah screened the following movies during their weekly video
screening sessions on Wednesdays: The Grinch Stole Christmas, The Dark Night, Bee Movie, The Twilight
Saga New Moon and Mickey’s Great Outdoors.
Thematic Exhibitions
More than 300 library users viewed the Lincoln Corner Kedah poster and book exhibition on International
Day Against Drug Abuse and Moon Landing in the months of June and July respectively.
American Interns Sarah Pak and Colin Rapson engage Malaysian students in English conversations.
Children from kelab bayan Budiman wearing their Father‟s Day crown.
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Penang - June & July
Students Echo “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” at Lincoln Corner Penang
Penang State Library for the first time hosted the fun-filled
English Enrichment Camp in collaboration with the Lincoln
Resource Centre at Lincoln Corner Penang for 90 students and
2 teachers on June 30. The two presenters, U.S. Embassy
Cultural Affairs Officer and Lincoln Resource Centre librarian,
engaged the students in lively activities ranging from
presentations on American sports, idiom expressions and
music; and group activities which includes creating team
cheers, storytelling, and games. More.
Visits
On June 10 Penang State Library hosted a briefing and a tour of the Lincoln Corner for about 50 students
from Sekolah Kebangsaan Sungai Kechil, Permatang Keling.
Storytelling and Video Screenings
Lincoln Corner Penang attracted about 100 people during their DVD screening sessions in the month of
June. They selected Enchanted, Avatar, Astro Boys and Pink Panther from the Lincoln Corner collection.
Thematic Exhibitions
Lincoln Corner Penang organized poster and book exhibitions on Father‟s Day and International Day
against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in June.
Penang State Library Showcases Lincoln Corner in “Merdeka” Campaign
On July 30, Lincoln Corner Penang reached out to more than
400 people through the “Merdeka” campaign, launched by the
Chief Minister of Penang, Mr. Lim Guan Eng at KOMTAR, the
famous landmark of Penang. Lincoln Corner Penang seized
this opportunity to exhibit corner materials including books,
multimedia, and periodicals at the booth. People who visited
the booth received brochures and flyers promoting products
and services of Lincoln Corner Penang.
Visit, Storytelling and Movie Screening
About 235 preschoolers from kindergartens in Permatang Binjai, Kampung Pelet, Sungai Dua and Kepala
Bukit visited Lincoln Corner Penang on July 28. The Lincoln Corner librarian engaged them through
various activities including storytelling, a coloring contest, a puppet show, and a Tom & Jerry DVD
screening.
Students enlivened during the rock, scissors, papers, game.
The Lincoln Corner booth at the “Merdeka” campaign.
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Kuala Lumpur -July
Public Diplomacy Officer Rain Che Bian Pays Courtesy Call on Lincoln Corner Staff
On July 8, the U.S. Embassy‟s new Public Diplomacy Officer Rain Che Bian and Lincoln Resource Center
Director Gerard George paid a courtesy call July 8 on Puan Norizam Abdul Ghani, the Senior Librarian of
the Kuala Lumpur Library, and Mr. Khairul Adly, the Librarian in charge of its Lincoln Corner. Rain was
impressed with the Corner‟s collection and the programming facilities available at the KL Library. She
indicated that the U.S. Embassy looks forward to working with the KL Corner in reaching out to as
many Malaysians as possible, especially given its close proximity to the Embassy and its central
location in downtown Kuala Lumpur.
Other Programs
Supported INTI College Subang with “Picturing America” photos to commemorate American
Independence Day on July 6; and
Supported the Raja Abdullah Secondary School (Kepong) with American costumes in celebration of
School Library Day on July 20.
PDO Rain Che Bian (center) with KL Corner staff
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Kuala Lumpur -June
U.S. Performing Arts Fulbright Mentors Kuala Lumpur Students
Forty-five secondary school students from the Victoria Institution (VI) attended a half-day seminar led
by U.S. Fulbright Scholar Jaki Bradley on the basics of drama on June 17 at the Lincoln Corner in Kuala
Lumpur. Jaki, a scholar and practitioner in the performing arts inspired the young students to consider
drama and the performing arts both for entertainment and as a career. She demonstrated, through the
use of short skits, the basics of acting, voice projection, and how to tell a story “with your body.”
Many of the young attendees found Jaki‟s advice, “be natural, relax and have fun” a new approach to
pursuing drama as a career.
U.S. Social Media Expert Adrienne Palmer Cornelsen Speaks to Students and Parents
On June 20, Adrienne Palmer Cornelsen, President and CEO of InSite Interactive, an emerging
information and communications corporation in the U.S., spoke to about 30 students and parents at
the Lincoln Corner about the “pleasures, perils and pitfalls of social media.” She promoted the learning
and use of social media among Malaysians for chat and for networking with people and organizations,
and gave sound advice on how to avoid dangers lurking in cyberspace. In her concluding remarks,
Cornelsen said that children should have the freedom to explore new technologies and advised parents
to be vigilant about their children‟s foray into social media platforms.
Other Programs
The KL Corner held a poster and book exhibition on National Parks on June 20;
Received the Director of the Goethe Institute and visiting librarians from Germany on June 21.
U.S. Fulbrighter Jaki Bradley (center) with VI students
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Kelantan — May, June & July
Lincoln Corner “Wheel of Knowledge” Program Captivated Young Learners
On June 25, Lincoln Corner Kelantan organized a program
titled “Pakat Maghi Pustakan Ramai-ramai”. The Corner
librarian hosted several educational activities, which included
“You are Smart” and “Wheel of Knowledge” using Lincoln
Corner resources.
Lincoln Corner Joins 1Malaysia Reading Campaign at Kota Bharu Teacher’s Training Institute
On July 13 and 14, Lincoln Corner Kelantan participated in
the Kota Bharu Teacher‟s Training Institute 1Malaysia
Reading Campaign. The campaign was launched by the
Director of the Kota Bharu Teacher‟s Training Institute.
Lincoln Corner Kelantan exhibited Corner materials
including books, multimedia, and periodicals at the booth.
Librarians distributed brochures and flyers promoting the
products and services of Lincoln Corner Kelantan to the
students and college teachers who attended the campaign.
Visits
On May 24, Lincoln Corner Kelantan hosted a tour of the Corner and
screened movie for 50 children from Tadika IQ Islam Taska Rohana.
Lincoln Corner Kelantan Knowledge Sharing Campaign with Orang Asli
On May 31, 150 Orang Asli participated in a knowledge
sharing program hosted by Lincoln Corner Kelantan at Pos
Gob, Gua Musang. The activities include motivational talk,
traditional dance and video screenings.
Participants engaged with the Wheel of Knowledge activity
Visitors browsing through the Lincoln corner collection
Children watching the video screening
Orang Asli at Pos Gob enjoying their outdoor movie screening
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ELECTRONIC PUBLICATIONS
eJournal USA: Educating Women and Girls | July 1, 2011
This issue of eJournal USA explores how international organizations, state
governments, the private sector and individuals in many different countries are
promoting education for women and girls and are improving people‟s lives. Read more
Full Text: PDF (2MB)
Global Water Issues | July 18, 2011
Global Water Issues explores the political, social and economic challenges
presented by threats to Earth‟s most vital natural resource. With a foreword by
U.S. Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs Maria Otero,
Global Water Issues describes how this ecological emergency affects population
centers, human health, climate and food security. Read more
Mosques in America: A Blending of Cultures | July 1, 2011
There are 1,900 mosques in the United States, representing many
different cultures and traditions. This is a sampler of that diversity.
More
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Ramadhan Mubarak and Selamat Hari Raya to all our Muslim Readers
Essay Contest: Celebrating Diversity
Please share this information with as many youth as possible via your websites, social media
platforms and print copies.
English Essay Competition for Malaysian Youth
August 1 – August 31, 2011
The United States is often called a “melting pot” because it is “a nation of immigrants” who have
come from all corners of the earth to pursue the “American dream.” The United States and
Malaysia share many common characteristics, including diversity of its peoples and cultures. To
celebrate this concept of diversity, the Lincoln Corners in Malaysia (PDF 398KB) have created a
special essay competition for Malaysian youth to participate in and share their original thoughts,
expressed in English, on the subject. The winners will receive an iPod Shuffle for their English
essay based on library materials available at the Lincoln Corners. There are two categories,
Kennedy and Lincoln, in which youth may participate. More Information about this contest visit:
http://malaysia.usembassy.gov/essay_diversity-aug2011.html
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
Forthcoming Programs
An Invitation to Join a Webchat Promoting EducationUSA and the U.S. Visa Application
Please encourage the students in your cities and library patrons to join a three panelist webchat
featuring Malaysian-American Commission on Educational Exchange (MACEE) Coordinators of
Advising Services, Doreen John in Kuala Lumpur and Barbara Nichols in Penang, and Vice-Consul
Neil Phillips representing the Embassy‟s consular section. The three panelists will discuss various
opportunities available for undergraduate studies in the U.S. and the procedures for applying for a
U.S. visa.
Details are as follows:
Date: August 24, 2011 (Thursday)
Time: 2.30 p.m.
How to join:
Click on this website: https://statedeptasia.connectsolutions.com/malaysia.
"Enter as a visitor" by simply typing in your name and selecting "Enter Room". You may login from
any Internet-ready laptop or personal computer, and from any location.
We would like to invite you to observe International Peace Day with us. International Peace Day
provides an opportunity to promote peace and to recognize the efforts of those who have worked
very hard to end conflict or war. The UN General Assembly in 2002 set September 21 as the a
permanent date for the International Day of Peace.
We encourage that you organize a creative and fun art or collage project for students and visitors of
your library beginning September 5, and ending by September 21. Invite the students or the
visitors to express “What is Peace?” by drawing, writing, or spray painting on a long piece of white
cloth or a piece of paper. Please consult this link for reference on event planning for International
Peace Day: http://internationaldayofpeace.org/your_peace_day.html.
Share your event with us by sending us a few pictures with a short blurb.
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REMINDERS
THEMATIC FOCUS
Lincoln Corner partners are reminded to support each month‟s theme by organizing posters and
exhibits of books and other library materials (including “playaways” and DVDs where relevant). In
addition please continue to schedule regular storytelling and video/movie screenings at the Lincoln
Corners. Speaker programs and webchats will be offered to you as they become available and we
look forward to your help and cooperation in using these initiatives to enhance Lincoln Corner
activities and library attendance. These programs are part of what we discussed at the December
2010 workshop in Kuching. You are welcome to add on any other initiatives. The thematic calendar
listed below will be useful in this regard.
August
Women‟s Equality Day (August 23)
Ramadan/Muslim Life in America (August 1-31 )
September
Labor Day (Sept 6)
International Literacy Day (Sept 8)
International Day of Peace (Sept 21)
October
Columbus Day (Oct 10)
Halloween (Oct 31)
November
Native American Heritage Month
Veteran‟s Day (Nov 11)
American Education Week (Nov 15-21)
Thanksgiving (Nov 26)
December
World AIDS Day (Dec 1)
Human Rights Day (Dec 10)
Christmas Day (Dec 25)
LINCOLN CORNER WORKSHOP
This will be held Oct 2-4 in Sabah. Please mark your calendars. Suggestions for the Agenda are
welcome.
LRC Newsletter Archive: LRC Newsletter Archive
L I N C O L N R E S O U R C E C E N T E R
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W E B S I T E : H T T P : / / U S E M B A S S Y M A L A Y S I A . O R G . M Y / L I N C O L N / L I N C O L N . H T M