Simply through the luck of the draw, I ended up sitting next to Wendy Phillips, Carmel Clay Library Director, at a recent meeting. My good fortune is a columnist’s dream come true. I know I should have been paying attention to what the meeting was about, but I could not help myself. The temptation to distract Wendy was as strong as back in the day when my mouth engaged as soon as the teacher turned her back to the class and faced the blackboard. But, I knew Wendy had the scoop. The details. The information my readers have a right to know, and I was determined to extract every detail from Wendy that I could; without getting caught.
You see, the Friends of The Library had just held their major fundraiser of the year; one of the most successful events in their history raising a whopping $8,500. But, unknown to anyone in the media, except me of course, I knew Wendy had the name of the Friends of The Library $1,000 Scholarship winner. Coaxing as best as I could, I learned Ann Mozina is this year’s winner. Ann has spent a good portion of her young life at the Carmel Clay Library serving as a member of the Teen Library Council and as a student page. When Ann plays her violin at Carmel Farmer’s Market, she always donates her tip jar proceeds to the Library. How about a pinkies in the air woot woot for Ann!
Mrs. Phillips did not stop there. Turns out there is a vast number of worthy volunteers who give of their time to help things run just a little more cost efficiently. Sharon Landis logged more than 20 unpaid hours per week for a total of 1,100 hours during the last year. Joining her as volunteers credited with donating at least 200 hours are Brenda Audritsh, Debbie Truitt, Kathleen Zelner, Jane Lynch, Victoria Stern, Connie Waltz and Dena Stirn.
Although you just missed the big book sale, do not fret as the next one is right around the corner. October will be here before you know it and that’s when the three-day literary extravaganza offers all you can jam in a bag for just $8. But, to get the jump on the massive crowd, become a member of the “Friends” for just $15 or a $25 family membership and shop early.