by Lesley McCullough McCallister
While August marked the start of school for many students in West Virginia, it also marked the end of an era for the Read Aloud West Virginia state office when Program Administrator Nancy Reed retired on August 31.
Reed has been one of three staff members tasked with guiding and assisting local Read Aloud chapters during her five-year tenure with RAWV. When asked to describe Nancy, it was clear everyone agreed she was meticulously organized, unequivocally reliable, extremely compassionate and has been a tremendous asset.
“Nancy has given us a friendly, consistent voice to the public and our volunteers,” RAWV Executive Director Mary Kay Bond said. “She is the consummate professional and cares about our program to her core. She has such a way with people, and her concern for accuracy makes me confident we can supply our chapters with the information they need in a timely manner.”
Berkeley County Read Aloud President Marsha Dodson recalled a time when she called to request some information and Nancy was leaving the office to go on vacation. When Reed realized Dodson needed the information right away, she stayed at the office to accommodate the request.
“Nancy’s contribution and dedication made a significant impact on this program,” Raleigh County Volunteer Reader Coordinator Patty Farley said. “It is evident by her hard work that she truly believes in the benefits of Read Aloud to children of West Virginia. I will certainly miss her and the support and dedication she has given to this program.”
Greenbrier County Chapter President Sally Parker echoed the others’ sentiments saying, “I knew Read Aloud was in good hands with Nancy in the main office, and I really don’t know how they will replace her.”
When asked what she will miss most, Reed said, “The people!” Then she added, “From all over this beautiful state to locally here in Charleston there are so many wonderful, helpful, creative people involved with Read Aloud, and Mary Kay and [Communications and Development Director] Lynn lead the way.”
Reed added that her favorite thing about working at RAWV has been witnessing the tremendous growth in the program and its impact on counties, communities and families, “from the number of readers who attend an orientation to the number of schools and counties that enroll,” Reed explained. “It is so wonderful to be a part of an organization that is encouraging and motivating children, our future, to read!”
While Reed is looking forward to spending more time with her family, especially new grandson Cooper who was born in June, she still plans to be involved with RAWV in retirement. Reed agreed to be the volunteer chairperson for the newly created Kanawha County Read Aloud Board, which will begin later this fall.
Lesley McCallister is a Read Aloud supporter, volunteer and newsletter contributor and a freelance journalist.