Dimond Neighborhood Newsby Daniel Swafford |
Devoted Librarian Leaves Dimond Leadership |
After eight years serving the community as the Branch Manager of the Dimond Public Library, Catherine Nichols was sent off with laughter, love, and thundering applause at her retirement party June 28. Mary Schrader, a colleague and friend from library school, will "miss her dearly," as will others. Catherine began in the Main Library's Children's Room and continued her commitment to educating young people through her tenure at the Dimond Library. Catherine created the AdventuReaders program to encourage older children to pursue reading. Her passion and ingenuity for children's learning led in part to her being awarded Oakland Library's Employee of the Year in 2002. A constant in her career has been a commitment to growth and learning in the branch and in the community. Mentoring was a familiar role. Catherine modeled "appreciation for public service," hiring local young people and assisting others to make public service through the Oakland Library a career. Catherine will continue to volunteer at the Dimond Library, while her retirement allows her to spend more time with her beloved grandchildren. Neighborhood Coalition for Positive Change (NCPC)Traditionally labeled a Neighborhood Crime Prevention Council, the newly formed 22x NCPC ratified bylaws at the June 2 community meeting and will be referred to as the 22x Neighborhood Coalition for Positive Change. In recent months, area volunteers have established working groups and initiated projects to improve the safety and quality of life in the community. The July 14 meeting featured the new Web site Oakland22xNCPC.com.'Principal designer Josh Vermette donated his expertise to build the foundation of a powerful online resource for Beat-specific information. The site allows visitors to easily find phone numbers, maps, forms, or event dates. Your content additions are welcome. Sign up for the 22x email list to receive general announcements and meeting minutes. Each working group—Public Safety, Economic Development, Traffic, and Beautification now has a dedicated email list. Interested in a specific topic? Join through Oakland22xNCPC.com. The Beautification Group conducted their first in series of community cleanups on Saturday, July 26. The Group is applying for resources from Keep Oakland Beautiful and will need more volunteers for future events, look for announcements online. Join In OktoberfestThe July 2 Dimond Improvement Association General Meeting featured a planning session for Oakland's Oktoberfest, October 4, at Fruitvale & MacArthur in Dimond.'Oakland Events founders Helen Wyman and Tina Ayer detailed event logistics and facilitated discussion on what community volunteers can contribute.' Volunteers are needed for this great day in Dimond. Contact Helen Wyman at helen\@Oaklandevents.net, or visit OaklandOktoberfest.com Dimond Family PicnicThe Fourth Annual Dimond Picnic and Open House on July 27 celebrated Dimond Park and the great sense of community we share. Thanks to Abdo Alwadi, owner of two Star Market and DIA Board Member, for sponsoring the barbecue and serving again as head cook. And thanks to many volunteers.' |
