Dear Friends,
Our final General Meeting for this fiscal year was held on May 17, and we all truly enjoyed Hee-Jin Choi's Scrapbooking Seminar. Thanks to Phil Binderman, our outgoing Program Chair, for organizing such a unique program.
Exciting events are already scheduled for fall. Incoming Program Chair Sue Strickland has arranged forMozart Chamber Concerts to be heard on Saturday afternoons in September, October, and November. Also in October, Ellen Pangarliotas from the League of Women Voters will be presenting a review of the November ballot measures. Be sure to mark the dates on your calendar now.
The May meeting also focused on the presentation and election of officers for the 2006-2007 fiscal year. A rundown on the complete slate of officers appears on page 8. I certainly add my congratulations to each newly elected Board member.
This farewell letter to you is bittersweet. I've had the pleasure and honor of serving you for two terms. Now I must vacate this most rewarding position. However, I am leaving you in good hands. My successor, Sharon Schuster, is more thanworthy of this office, having organized and presided over our first Friends Board.
Many accomplishments occurred during this administration. All required a great deal of team effort, so I want to take this opportunity to thank my dedicated Board.
First Vice President – Fundraising Mary Ann Ostrom organized the 2004 Boutique and the Central Library Excursion. She also graciously stepped in to fill the Hospitality Chair. Thank you, Mary Ann.
Second Vice President – Membership Millie Berger is knowledgeable about and involved in every facet of the Platt Friends’ operations. Diplomatic to a fault, she alsomakes intelligent decisions. I value your expertise, your dedication, and your guidance, Millie.
Recording Secretary Kathy Cromar took copious notes to keep us abreast of all the proceedings. You will be missed, Kathy.
Corresponding Secretary Eileen O'Neill “stepped up to the plate” to fill in when Kathy was away, in addition to handling our correspondence with grace and efficiency. Thank you, Eileen.
Treasurer Annie Haas encouraged the library to SPEND, SPEND, SPEND, but she also excelled at monitoring expenses. You are much appreciated, Annie.
Past President Terry Haney was always there to keep me grounded and offer sound advice. I am grateful for all you taught me, Terry.
Newsletter Editor Therese Hearn and Webmaster David Perrell work for weeks on each issue to give members a newsletter (and webletter) unlike any other library publication. I thank you both.
Hospitality Chair Paula Russo catered each meeting so tastefully that it was a real blow when she couldn't continue. Kudos to you, Paula.
Publicity Chair 2004 – ’05 Charlene Montante's effort to reestablish media contacts was just one facet of her support. We've missed you, Charlene.
Publicity Chair Carol Roseman strove mightily to “spread the word” about Platt Friends activities in every venue. Thank you for your perseverance, Carol.
Program Chair 2004 – ’05 Joan Vos's enthusiasm and attention to detail made it possible for Platt Branch to accommodate huge audiences without a hitch. Thanks again, Joan.
Program Chair Phil Binderman treated us to some wonderful educational programs. Thank you, Phil, for your effort in obtaining such varied and informative speakers.
Mailing Chair Joan Wagner didn't miss a single appointed round. Thank you for your continued dedication to the Friends, Joan.
Civic Affairs Chair Stanley DeCovnick helped us petition the Board of Library Commissioners and Councilman Zine's Office for book sorting space. Thank you for support as my “sidekick”, Stan.
Bookstore Manager Shel Schuster continues to manage donations so that we achieve the greatest return for our library. His tenure since Platt Branch's inception is truly amazing. Without his efforts, our Bookstore would not function half as well. Our dealings with the Library Administration would be less effective. Your dedication is an inspiration, Shel, and your contribution invaluable.
Bookstore Volunteer Coordinators Elaine Corman and Harriet Strauss also put a great deal of effort into ensuring thatthe bookstore is continually mannedand efficiently run. My gratitude to both of you for a well-done job.
Historian Ellie Haney keeps our legacy lively while assisting wherever she's needed. I commend you, Ellie, for your help and continued interest in the Friends.
Support Member Sue Strickland co-produced and directed our gala 10th Birthday Party. This year, she mastered the volunteer database and took charge of honoring all of Platt's many volunteers. I look forward, Sue, to your contributions as Program Chair.
My deepest gratitude and appreciation for the untold hours and contributions of my Board and the volunteers of the Friends of Platt Library.
Frona DeCovnick, President
The Friends of the Platt Library Newsletter is produced and maintained by Hearn/Perrell Art Associates. Editor: Therese Hearn
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