Susan Read is the newest staff writer at The News Review assigned to cover Ridgecrest City Council meetings. Susan is a native of Rhode Island and arrived in Ridgecrest with her husband Reg and their children in 1983. Both Susan and Reg worked at the Naval Weapons Center, now the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, holding positions on the technical and administrative side of the mission. It was a privilege and the experience of a lifetime to spend the next 28 years supporting the warfighter, Sailors, Marines, scientists, and engineers. Upon retirement, Susan and Reg moved out of state to be near extended family.
While in Ridgecrest, Susan volunteered and served on the boards of the American Cancer Society and the former Sage Medical Clinic. She volunteered with Sierra Academy of Dance and the High Desert Hockey organization. She served as the first president of the China Lake Business Women’s Group, chaired the Combined Federal Campaign, and was chair of the 1993 All-Night Graduation Party. She was the last civilian crew member of the U. S. Navy Hot Air Balloon Team.
Susan and her family were active members of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, where she was a Christian Education teacher and superintendent, vestry member and clerk, and was Junior Warden and Lay Eucharistic Minister of the All Souls Episcopal mission. Susan continues to be an active lay leader in the Episcopal Church, and is a member of the Village Genealogy Society, having served on its board. She is the published author of a children’s rhyme book and is currently writing a second book for young readers.
Susan and Reg’s children, their son-in-law, and two grandchildren attended and graduated from Ridgecrest schools. Daughter Amy Read Self is the principal of James Monroe Middle School, and son John Read is an IT specialist and real estate agent in Texas. The Reads have six grandchildren ranging from high school to college to the workforce.
Giving back to the community that has given so much is important to Susan. She is grateful for the opportunity to represent The News Review and provide effective, informative reporting with integrity to the citizens of Ridgecrest and the Indian Wells Valley.
