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News about Staff and Libraries in the Region

When Boxford's Town Department Head's monthly meeting was schedule for April 17, 2008, Diane Giarrusso, Director of the Boxford Town Library, mentioned that the date fell on the Academy of American Poets, "Poem in Your Pocket Day" . She vowed to bring a poem to read during the meeting. Little did she know that Alan Benson, Town Administrator, would assign "homework" for all Department Heads to attend the meeting with a poem in their pockets! Many did, including one department head who wrote his own poem titled "Ode to a Finance Committee"! About a dozen poems were shared at the end of the meeting with poetry ranging from Shel Silverstein to Ezra Pound to Emily Dickenson. Diane notes that it was one of the most delightful department head meetings she's ever attended!

Steve Levin is the Library Media Specialist for the new NMRLS member, Memorial Elementary School, in Burlington.

In honor of April being National Poetry Month, the Beebe Library, Wakefield, displayed original poetry written by 3rd and 4th graders from one of Wakefield's elementary schools. This collaboration was proposed by a new energetic school principal and we were delighted to comply. We hope it's the beginning of many more collaborations with the schools involving children's writing and artwork.

Stephanie Tournas, Children's Librarian, Lucius Beebe Memorial Library

The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women is proud to announce its 287 Community Unsung Heroines of 2008. These Unsung Heroines come from cities and towns across the Commonwealth and each will be recognized for their outstanding contributions to their organizations and communities in a ceremony on Wednesday, May 14, 2008, at the State House in Boston. Library Director, Tina Stewart is the 2008 Heroine for Wilmington. These 286 Unsung Heroines were carefully selected from nearly 600 nominations to be honored for selflessly making a difference in the lives of others.

"Our Unsung Heroines are women who don't make the news, but make the difference in their communities, businesses, or volunteer endeavors. They are the women who quietly, without fanfare or recognition and usually behind the scenes, use their time, talent, spirit and enthusiasm to enrich the lives of others," said Linda Brantley, MCSW Executive Director. "We are awed by the fabulous work women across the Commonwealth are doing and thankful to the many nominators who brought these incredible women to our attention."

The 2008 Unsung Heroines event will be held from 1 - 4 p.m. at the Massachusetts State House. The ceremony will include a speaking program with a keynote address delivered by Attorney General Martha Coakley, certificate presentations, a collective photo of all Heroines in attendance and a "Just Desserts" reception featuring pastries from some of the best female pastry chefs in the state. For a complete list of 2008 Unsung Heroines please visit .

The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women is an independent state agency that was legislatively created in 1998 to advance women of the Commonwealth to full equality in all areas of life and to promote their rights and opportunities. The MCSW provides a permanent, effective voice for the women of Massachusetts.

For the full press release, please visit: http://www.mass.gov/women/media/UH08_Honorees_Announcement.pdf