Wednesday, December 20, 2000

I received the very disheartening news today that Shellie Reed - Main Street Director - has resigned her position. What a loss to the City of Fayetteville and the Main Street Program. Shellie brought a level of enthusiasm, professionalism, and dedication to the Main Street Program that had not been previously achieved.

As a member of the Fayette Friends and Neighbors, we began our volunteer efforts several years ago while the program was under the direction of previous individuals. The program was not well coordinated and there was no follow through to commitments made. We decided to end our involvement with Main Street.

I was later contacted by Shellie Reed when she took over the position as interim director, asking for our help. What a difference! Even though she was thrust into her first event with little time for preparation, she handled it with style and grace under fire. I was most impressed by her organization and the level of energy she put forth. And she was always so gracious and generous in her recognition and thanks to all of us who volunteered.

Because of her vision for the Main Street Program, Jane Johnson, Dianne Herring, and I agreed to head up the Volunteer Program for Main Street. We looked forward to working with Shellie and had already begun to formulate plans for the future.

I am so very disappointed in the seeming lack of support the board of directors and the city has chosen to give to someone who gave their all to make our city a better place for all of us. I doubt you will ever find an individual who will bring forth the expertise and willingness to give 200 percent to this program again.

Since the board appears to have so little regard for those who work so hard and care so much, we will no longer be heading up the Volunteer Program. This will also remove the Fayette Friends and Neighbors as a source of volunteer efforts.

I wish you much luck with the Main Street program because you will truly need all the help you can get.

Vicki L. Richards

Fayette Friends and Neighbors

Fayetteville

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