Public Thanks!

Greetings SCASL Members.  My name is Cathy Jo Nelson, and I am currently on the SCASL Board of Directors, serving as the Regional Network Director. I have assumed these duties by appointment. This position has been held a number of years by a beloved, long-time SCASL member, Frances Lee O’Neal. She has served in many roles in SCASL over the years, is a charter member, a past president, is a veteran of numerous committees and task forces, and is held in the highest esteem by many. She is my esteemed mentor and friend, and has been a tremendous help to me as I  have transitioned into the position of Regional Network Director. I wanted to publicly thank her for helping me get my feet wet and getting the Regional Network off the ground at the beginning of this year. She laid the groundwork for a strong group of librarians who serve as the liaison to the Board of Directors, and I must give credit to her cultivating and growing this group of volunteers. I did make this statement publicly at our SCASL Business Meeting at our annual conference this past week.  Franki, you are irreplaceable. I only hope I measure up half as much as you do still. Thanks for setting the standards so high–FLO, Frankie, Frances Lee O’Neal. You have left me huge shoes to fill! You are a true southern lady, jewel, gem, and treasured friend who embodies all things S-C-A-S-L.

 

100% – Nine Districts 

At our business meeting, one of my responsibilities is to recognize all the districts in South Carolina who have all their schools served with SCASL Member Librarians. What a joy to discover that nine school districts in our state can brag about this achievement. It gave me immense pleasure to announce that at conference.  They are:

• Allendale School District
• Barnwell District 45
• Calhoun County Schools
• Florence 4 Schools
• Dillon 3
• Dillon 4
• Dorchester 4
• Fairfield County Schools
• Richland One Schools

 

SCASL Committee Exploratorium 

All committee chairs were asked by Heather Loy, SCASL President to create displays for a “committee exploratorium” that would line one side of our conference exhibit hall.  The displays were to show visitors initiatives that our committees are working on, our “advocacy-themed” activities, and draw interest to encourage nonmembers to join, and inactive members to get involved.  I must say the displays knocked my socks off. After seeing some of them I felt mine did not necessarily measure up.  But my goal was to put a face-to-face connection with those serving the individual regions outlined by SCASL, as well as educate viewers of what the Regional Network does (or should be doing.)  I did have three people sign up to volunteer in some way, so I’ll take that as a success.  In the business meeting I reminded attendees to be sure and visit this area of the exploratorium and to find a way to actively plug in.

Open to Suggestions

I am open to suggestions from any and all in our state, and will make it a personal effort to work for the membership. As my mentor Franki pointed out, our 100% districts should not just be recognized now, but in mutliple places, and particularly in our first organization publication that every librarian AND principal receives, no matter their membership status. It’s a great idea, and I plan to do exactly that.  I am taking this to heart, and going ahead and publishing it here.  See, I told you she is a great mentor who can teach me a lot of things.  Love that woman!!