Read Across America Day:
Celebrating the Power of Books
REC employees shared the power of reading in local elementary classrooms, celebrating Read Across America with eager young listeners.
As Jeff Henry sat down to read to students at Rappahannock County Elementary School, he told the children that one of his favorite activities is relaxing outside in a hammock while reading a book.
One of the books they read was “Go Dog Go,” and one of the illustrations is of a dog in a hammock under a tree, reading a book. One of the kids pointed and shouted, “That’s just like you!”
“I had a great time reading to the kids,” explained Henry, Director of Member Services and Community Relations. “It was meaningful to me because I love reading and it’s fun to share that joy with kids.”
Jason Skaggs, a Member Service Representative, also read to students at Rappahannock Elementary School.
Amelia Wright, Member Service Representative II and Team Lead, and Public Relations Specialist Lindsey Edwards read to students at Bowling Green Elementary School. Wright was joined by Member Service Representative Rebecca Sullivan and Member Service Field Representative Allyson Sharpe to read to students at Lawson Marriott Elementary School in King and Queen County. Through the Rappahannock United Way, Kris Sieber, Managing Director — Member Services — read to students at Courtland Elementary School and Departmental Assistant Linette Kasper read to students at Cedar Forrest Elementary School, both in Spotsylvania County.
“Reading is such a vital part of a students’ growth,” Edwards said. “As REC employees, we were all excited to spend a few hours reading in our communities’ classroom.”
Fighting Hunger: One Can at a Time
In an effort to help families struggling with food insecurity, REC was a proud sponsor of Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank’s Canstruction Fundraiser. Director of Member Services and Community Relations Joanie Griffith participated as a judge for the event, which allows groups to construct a design from nonperishable food items. They are then put on display at the Spotsylvania Towne Center. All the food and funds raised are used to further the mission of the food bank to reduce hunger.
