Library group chooses new president

Donna Miller is the new president of the Friends of the Patterson Library. She started her duties Nov. 9 at a special meeting at the home of Marilynne Allen, who was president for 10 years.

Miller, who has been a member of the group for 1½ years, will also revise the bylaws.

“I believe all I am is an overseer or director of the meetings and will try to find out from the members what we can do to improve the library,” Miller said. “Because of the budget cuts, we are doing a lot of supplementing to keep stability with our library. We’ve been doing quite well.

“Another thing I want to do is try to build capacity in our membership. It means forming more committees and seeking out more intergenerational membership. I have a mentor, Marilynne, who believes I can do it.”

Miller, who moved to Patterson in 1993, is retired after 40 years with the airline industry. When she left the airlines, she was elected union representative for the Association of Flight Attendants. Miller is also a member of the Patterson Garden Club, and she has served on the Stanislaus County Advisory Board on Substance and Alcohol Abuse for 2½ years. She recently finished her degree in labor studies from the National Labor College in Silver Springs, Md.

The Friends of the Patterson Library sponsors two book sales a year to raise money for library needs, including children’s and teens’ craft days and books for the library that are not covered by the county budget.

Special guests at the Nov. 9 meeting were county librarian Vanessa Czopek and Patterson branch manager Kelly Thompson. The 23 people in attendance shared refreshments after the meeting.

The club meets at 1:30 p.m. the second Monday of each month at the library, 46 N. Salado Ave. New members are welcome.

For information: Donna Miller, 892-8179.

Orestimba 50-Plus prepares for Christmas

The Orestimba 50-Plus Club will meet at 1:30 p.m. Dec. 4 at L.J. Newman Hall, 649 Orestimba Road, in Newman. Millie Moudry, Rosemary Bettencourt, June Spaulding and Lorraine Mendonca will provide refreshments.

Members are urged to make reservations for the upcoming Christmas Party, which will be at noon Dec. 13 at L.J. Newman Hall. The catered dinner will be $10 for members and $15 for guests; for tickets, call 862-2030.

Dave Reed, vice president, conducted the Nov. 20 meeting. A moment of silence was observed for charter member Rita Borba. A sunshine card was sent to Jeannie Madenwald, and the group sang the birthday song to Vangie Rose. Morris and Geri Deason were guests.

Poinsettias will be given out at the Dec. 4 meeting and the Christmas Party.

Serving on the December kitchen committee are Angie Snowdall, Mary Gonzalez and Marlene Terry. Kathy Vogel won the 50-50 prize, and Wanda Thompson won the sign-in prize.

For information: Barbara Tosta, 862-2063.