Reading Is Fundamental (RIF)

The Volunteer of the Year Award is given in memory of Anne H. Richardson, shown here with RIF kids.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The nomination process is now open for the 2010 Anne Hazard Richardson RIF Volunteer of the Year Awards (VOYA), sponsored by Macy’s. If you’ve been waiting for the perfect opportunity to recognize an outstanding RIF volunteer in your community, now’s your chance. In a change to the VOYA criteria, VOYA 2010 will recognize the inspiring work of three important individuals — a RIF coordinator, a parent volunteer, and a community volunteer who have donated their time, talents, and energy to help children discover the joy of reading.

This prestigious award is a tribute to Anne Hazard Richardson and began in 1998 through a gift from her husband, the late U.S. Attorney General and Ambassador Elliot L. Richardson. Through her deep commitment to children, reading, and the RIF volunteers who bring the two together, Anne Richardson exemplified the mission and spirit of Reading Is Fundamental. A former teacher, Richardson was invited by RIF’s founder, Margaret McNamara, to visit RIF’s national office in 1971 and learn about the organization’s goals. She volunteered for RIF from that day on and would serve as RIF’s Chairman from 1981 to 1996. Years later, she said, “I had the good luck to have the perfect cause find me.”

The three VOYA winners and their nominators will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. in May to be celebrated at RIF’s Gift of Reading Gala. The awardees will also each receive a $500 grant for their RIF program.

Nominations are due by February 15, 2010. If you know of an outstanding RIF volunteer in your area — whether it’s a parent, community member, and/or RIF coordinator — go to the VOYA website and nominate them today!

Happy Reading!
Carol

Posted at www.rascofromrif.org on January 5, 2010.

Happy New Year to all our Rasco from RIF friends! I hope each of you had a wonderful holiday period and are energized to start a great 2010 for children and great literacy experiences for each child you know!

Is the title of this book for preschool age children telling us ”new clothes” are a custom for a particular population or part of the world? I like the clean and colorful lines, especially the curving lines of the illustration on the cover…let’s read what it says.

And by the way, can you recommend other books on the topic of the “New Year” for various ages of students?

Happy reading, Happy New Year!
Carol

Published at www.rascofromrif.org on Monday, January 4, 2010.

Cover Story is a feature every Monday on Rasco From RIF where I share with you the “face” of a book that has caught my eye or that readers have submitted. Cover Story does not discuss the content of the book. I hope you will share your favorite “cover story” with me now and then!

Twitter: @RascofromRIF