Please join us in congratulating Karen Archer - Words Alive Volunteer of the Month for February 2018!
Karen is a newer member of the Words Alive volunteer team, and in her first program year with us has helped pilot our Read Aloud Afterschool Program in Oceanside!
Karen has been a real superstar in this important expansion to Oceanside. She has always remained positive and committed as we have found our way with a new initiative, delivering in an after-school site, and delivering a new curriculum for 4th and 5th graders. I could not have wished for a more flexible and passionate volunteer, who clearly shares in our mission to bring a real love of reading to our young readers.
Karen is also an avid participant in the organization’s volunteer events. She makes an effort to attend each monthly Cookies and Conversation hour, contributing to great discussion. We are very appreciative of the huge commitment in the classroom she honors each week, and we enjoy working with Karen. Thank, Karen!
Check out the Volunteer of the Month Interview with Karen Archer below:
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’ve been married for almost 38 years. My husband, Bob, and I have two boys and six grandchildren. Unfortunately, half are in Connecticut and the other half are in Italy. We moved from Connecticut to Carlsbad in 2003. It only took one winter to fall in love with Southern California. I retired from my Family Law Paralegal position in June of 2016. Then waited for Bob to retire from Pfizer in April 2017. When I’m not reading to the “wigglers,” as we refer to the children in the Read Aloud Program, I read on my own, do counted cross stitch and “clean” cook. (I stay away from any processed foods, so I make my own vegetable broth, mayo, ketchup, BBQ sauce, ice cream, etc.) Bob is a member of the Carlsbad Senior Volunteer Police. We started our own business, Archer Woodcraft, so on weekends we sell household items such as hardwood cutting boards, wine caddies, tissue boxes, and custom furniture at the College of the Desert Street Fair. We are busier than ever doing all the things we love.
How did you get involved with Words Alive?
I never managed to make the time to volunteer while I was working. One of my "after retirement" goals was to find a way to help my community by doing something I’m passionate about. I found the Words Alive posting on Volunteer Match and couldn’t wait to start. To be able to help young children find the joys of reading is perfect.
What is the most rewarding part of your volunteer role(s)?
I absolutely love to watch the emotions roll across these young children's faces as a story unfolds. They can’t wait to find out what book I’m going to read. When I begin, they sit back, relax and come along for the adventure.
What have you been reading lately?
I recently finished reading Daughters of the Night Sky by Aimie K. Runyan and am currently reading The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd. Both are wonderful reads.