The end of another GREAT year is almost upon us. Committee Chairpersons are completing the yearly reports and the time has come to put forth a new slate of Friends and Volunteers of the Ocean City Free Public Library officers!

The Nomination Committee consisting of Jeanne Pless, Babs Stefano, and Pauline Kretzu prepared the following slate:

President—Debbie Moreland
Vice President—Pam Hepner
Recording Secretary—Tina Moschella
Corresponding Secretary—Angel Smith
Director At Large—Elaine Wilson

Nominations may be made from the floor at the November meeting with the permission of the person nominated. Voting will take place in November.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Book Room—Jeanne Pless announced that the Holiday Book Sale will be held on Friday, December 2 from 3-8 PM and Saturday, December 3 from 9 AM to 1 PM.

Luncheon—Barbara Weber thanked everyone who helped with the Author’s Luncheon.

Membership—On roll—69 members with 33 present. There were 3 first time guests—Chris Wilson, Cecilia Gallette-Keyes, Marilyn Heck—and Doris DiCorcia was in attendance for the second time.

First Day of Kindergarten—Carol DeMill reported the delivery of 90 book filled bags to the Ocean City Primary School. Extra bags not used will be picked up and saved for next year. Linda Robie and Mary Ann Mozzo agreed to co-chair this committee next year. We received thank you letters and an email from the teachers.

Hospitality—Joan Sambucci announced National Friends Week will start October 17. Becky Green from the library will get goodies to hand out during our time in the Atrium. October 26 is Welcome Night at the Civic Center. EVERYONE is encouraged to attend.

Third Grade Reading Club—The first meeting of parents and children was held Wednesday, October 19 at 6:30 PM. The Embroiderers Guild of America made bookmarks that will be given to each student.

Reading Trees—Dot Johnson reported the trees were decorated by Angel Smith and Carol DeMill. One tree is for Halloween and one for Fire Prevention Week with a reminder to replace smoke alarms.

Read Across America—Barbara Riggione explained the work of this committee. Both she and Pam Hepner are giving up the chairmanship and need to have someone take over. Barbara will be available to help with planning for this event on March 2.

Special Ops—Cheryl Kelchner acknowledged Bill Dotts who shared his collection of porcelain dogs. Cheryl is looking for collections to feature in the glass case for coming months.

Baby Bags—were filled by Barbara Lalli and Carole Candy. They will be delivered to Shore Medical Center Maternity Department by Pauline Kretzu.

Publicity—Linda Robie alerted everyone to the need for at least 3 ½ weeks for information to be featured in publicity outlets.

OLD BUSINESS

Barbara Riggione—Middle School Speaker, Lisa Willover, will speak at the Ocean City Intermediate School on October 17 to the 4th grades starting at 8:15. There will be three sessions. On October 18 she will speak to 8th grades. Members are invited to attend.

F&V computer has been purchased. John Ruban, OCFPL Library, will install the needed programs.

NEW  BUSINESS

Connie Boens presented the following, new proposal:

• The Friends and Volunteers will put a coupon in the First Day of Kindergarten bags for 1 child’s book value up to $10 to be redeemed at the Sun Rose Book Store by December 1. This will allow children to choose a book and will support a local business. This program is to be tried for one year. The membership approved the literacy and business supporting program!