The Faces of OVEC

The One Behind the Phone and Checkbook

For more than a decade, Maryanne Graham has worked as the bookkeeper for OVEC. Her husband, Ralph Oberly, and Dianne Bady’s (OVEC’s co-director) husband, Rick, both teach at Marshall University's Physics Department, and that’s how Dianne came to know Maryanne. Dianne called her up one day in 1993 to ask her if she would be OVEC’s bookkeeper, "because she knew that I knew numbers" (Maryanne taught math at Ohio University).

When she began her work with OVEC, there were only two full-time employees, Dianne and Janet Fout, but Laura Forman was about to join the staff.

Maryanne’s seen some pretty major changes in the organization. "It’s grown in terms of outreach; more people are aware that OVEC is here. They acknowledge the power behind us."

She also said that originally she worked out of her house (like all the other staff), and now OVEC has an office. With the growth, she explained, also has come an increase in the complexities of financial accounting. What’s most gratifying about her work? She’s most pleased when the numbers match at the end of every quarter, "knowing that I can account for every penny that goes through the office."

She really enjoys the camaraderie at the office with staff and our volunteers, who for the most part, always get along. While she still teaches at OU (introductory physics), outside of work she likes to spend time with her family (two fantastic kids, Morgan and Graham), digging in her garden, reading, and volunteering with the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts.

She’s not only good at numbers, she’s also the chief "fix the copier/fax machine/phone-person," too. She also has enrolled OVEC in several ink cartridge-recycling projects that bring us funds from time to time – saving the environment in a little way, bringing in additional funds for OVEC’s program work.

You aren’t likely to see Maryanne at OVEC events. She may not be that visible, but she’s invaluable to our work! Rumor has it that she likes good wine and chocolate, just in case you’d like to say "thanks."

The One With Us for the Summer - Scott Straight

I recently joined OVEC as an intern and thought that I’d give you a little background on myself. I grew up in Pinch, WV (about 10 miles north of Charleston). I love all types of music and can play some acoustic guitar.

I read mostly non-fiction, but some good fiction stories can hold my attention. (Right now I’m reading Dharma Bums by Jack Kerouac.) I also enjoy any activity that gets me out of the house, or better yet, out of the city.

I recently received a B.A. in sociology from Marshall University. While at Marshall I helped to found two student organization: MAPS (Marshall Actions for Peaceful Solutions) and White Rose.

I also helped other student organizations including Lambda Society and the MUCLU (Marshall Civil Liberties Union).

I have also had the privilege of being involved in activities organized by local organizations such as OVEC, Patriots for Peace and the Huntington ACLU.

I became interested in politics as a result of my environmental concerns. It will be an honor and privilege to help serve the people of Appalachia in our fight for social justice.