He said she welcomed him and invited him to Holland Park to show him the planned improvements and the work underway there. Her willingness to introduce him to the community helped him understand local needs and feel at home in his new role.

“When I first came on the scene, you welcomed me with open heart,” Tompkins told Reid.

The proclamation notes that Reid has lived in Albion for 68 years. She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Michigan State University and continued her studies at Western Michigan University. She taught in Albion and Battle Creek public schools.

Her community involvement includes serving as chairperson of the Holland Park Transformation Committee and as a past president of the NAACP. She has also mentored Albion College students and contributed leadership through the Calhoun County Land Bank and the Albion Planning Commission.

The proclamation also describes Reid’s vision for Albion as a community that values its young people and seniors, encourages residents to work together and respects differences of opinion.

Tompkins acknowledged the challenges of serving in public office, including difficult decisions and phone calls. He said council members share a central purpose of making Albion a better place.

During the presentation, Tompkins expressed his admiration for Reid’s contributions to Albion, saying he hoped his own public service could have even a fraction of the impact hers has had.