A Note from Mary Lou Russo

Hi Everyone!

As most of you have heard, RIF’s Founder and Executive Director, Al Magid, has retired

and moved with his wife, Sally, to be closer to their daughter in Minneapolis. While we

will miss them deeply, we wish them every happiness in this next chapter. Their 

departure came sooner than any of us expected, and RIF’s Board of Directors voted for me to

take over that role. I have been fortunate to work alongside Al since the very beginning of The Reading Is Fun Program. That partnership has shaped me, and it has shaped the program we all care so deeply about. Because of that shared foundation, I am committed to ensuring that RIF’s mission—and the spirit behind it—remains strong. Like Al, I believe wholeheartedly in inspiring Schenectady’s young readers to become lifelong learners.

The stories we hear from teachers, parents, and Reading Partners remind us that one-on-one mentoring changes lives; that a single book brought home can spark joy; and that helping a child read on grade level opens doors that last a lifetime.

Thirteen years ago, Al had a dream. What began with five volunteers and five students has grown into 93 volunteers working with 247 students recommended by 85 teachers. My goal is to invite even more of our volunteers into the planning and shaping of programs that help our youngest scholars build the tools they need to succeed. RIF is

powered by volunteers—people filled with knowledge, creativity, and a deep love of literacy. I hope each of you will continue not only mentoring your students each week but also lending your voice and ideas to the programs that make such a difference.

Thank you for everything you do. RIF is its volunteers. Your enthusiasm, your commitment, and your belief in our mission are what allow us to reach more students, develop new initiatives, and change lives.