Welcome back to the NCBC Facilitator Spotlight. Our next Spotlight features long-time NCBC member-turned-facilitator, Bob Boddorf. Bob is among our most steadfast Facilitators, as well as a wonderful person to get to know if you ever have a chance. Bob was featured in a 2017 Columbus Dispatch article celebrating NCBC’s 15th anniversary. Be sure to click on the links at the end of the interview to read the Dispatch article!

NCBC Facilitator Bob Boddorf

How long have you been co-facilitating your Next Chapter Book Club?

I’ve been part of this book club for almost 16 years. I joined as a member in 2009, and then became a facilitator in 2024. (Note: With his calm, steady presence and unassuming leadership style, Bob had been “unofficially” co-facilitating his book club for many years before it became “official” in 2024. All parties agree that asking Bob to become a co-facilitator of this club was a no-brainer.)

How did you hear about NCBC?

My case worker told me about the Next Chapter Book Club. At that time, she told me there was a 6-month wait list to get into this particular group. Then in the fall of 2009, she said there was an opening.

How would you describe your book club?

Quite diversified. When Jay first started, he was hesitant to read aloud. When he read, it might be a sentence or two, and then he’d pass. Now we can’t get him to stop! Then we’ve got two brothers Kevin and Zach, who are sometimes at odds with each other, but we’re always glad they’re here. Then we’ve got Bek, who we all call “our actress”, which is awesome. Tay has become a better reader and come a long way with pronunciations. And our newest member is Patrick. It’s a great group.

This book club pulled me out of what [a friend] called “my shell”, as it was, when I was first getting sober. I’ve been sober for almost 18 years now, and I’ve been with this club for almost 16 years.

What part of this experience is different than you expected?

When first I heard of book clubs, you were assigned to read so many chapters ahead of time. Then you meet to discuss what you read, what you like about it, what you didn’t like about it, good guys, bad guys, etc. When I found out we read out loud, I thought it was awesome because you can help each other with the words that are being read. Reading aloud enhances the experience of reading.

What do you enjoy most about facilitating an NCBC?

I don’t know if there’s really a difference from when I wasn’t facilitating. I was a little bit of a leader even before I became a facilitator, because I tried to help out when Nichele wasn’t here, and when she was here.

What is the most challenging part of this role?

Helping new members learn the ropes.

Have you learned anything new as part of this experience? If so, what?

Like I was saying, this book club has meant so much to me. In some of the meetings I’m in, we have to do what’s called a “lead”. [Book club] has helped me in public speaking, and my vocabulary has gotten a lot better. I love to read, and it continues my joy of reading.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering in NCBC?

Do it. It will be the best thing you’ve ever done. I’m speaking as a member first, but the joy of listening and watching people become better readers is insane.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

This book club, I honestly don’t know what I’d do without it.

B. Boddorf Dispatch Article p.1

B.-Boddorf-Dispatch-Article-p.2

Welcome to the first Facilitator Spotlight!

We are switching gears from the Rate & Review Books with NCBC series to get to know one of our fantastic book club facilitators each month. What a treat to start with one of our newer, though no less devoted, volunteers, Savannah Meinen.

NCBC Facilitator Savannah Meinen

Please tell our readers a little about yourself.

I’m originally from the Chicagoland area and moved to Columbus a few years ago. I work full-time as a research project manager at OSU. I live with my partner and our two cats, Mittens and Muffin, and in our free time we enjoy traveling and hiking. We are trying to visit all the national parks! Personally, I enjoy reading, crafting, Pilates, walking, plants, and sweet treats!

How long have you been co-facilitating your Next Chapter Book Club?

I started in January 2025.

How did you find out about NCBC?

I saw a post on the Nisonger Center’s Facebook page.

How would you describe your book club?

I feel like there’s a lot of camaraderie and socializing in our club. We don’t come here just to read, we come here to be friends and support each other.

What part of this experience is different than you expected?

I didn’t expect that we were going to popcorn read [take turns reading]. I thought we’d read at home and come back and discuss, but I feel like this is much better for comprehension.

What do you enjoy most about facilitating an NCBC?

I keep coming back to the social piece; getting to know each other and supporting each other in our learning. So much happens in a week, we always have something to talk about!

What is the most challenging part of this role?

We give members the opportunity to find their place naturally and determine if our club is the right fit for them, and it can be challenging if it is not a good fit.

What is something you have learned from this experience?

I’ve learned about the strengths of each participant, as well as who might need help with certain vocabulary, for example. It’s important to get to know the strengths and support needs of each participant.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering in NCBC?

Other people should be a volunteer!