January 29, 2013

New parking lot and demolition of Ryan home discussed at January library board meeting;

LOUISA, Ky. -- The monthly meeting of the Lawrence Co. library board was held Monday, Jan. 28. The first order of business was to wish a happy birthday to Library Director, Mary McGuire who didn't say how many candles were on her cake..

Minutes were read from December's meeting and accepted.  McGuire stated that the library had received a check from the state for $11,131, and it was noted that this amount is received twice a year.  She also said that they had received a $150,000 construction grant. 

New business was then discussed, beginning with research on a health reimbursement plan for eligible employees.  Health plans will be reviewed and approved by board members at a later date.  

Happy Birthday Mary McGuireBut the major topic of new business was bids for construction of a parking lot and demolition of an adjacent building. The building belonged to John Ryan, who passed away recently, leaving the property to the library. Plans are to have the building torn down and replaced with the new parking lot.  

Three bids were received for the removal of the building, and one bid for the lot work.  It was determined that further discussion needs to take place with the bidders before a decision can be made.

It was reported that forty-one reading programs took place during the month of January, with a total of 1,104 children in attendance.  There were 327 E-Reader downloads during Dec. and Jan.

Regional Library Consultant, Tim Gampp, was present at the meeting, and announced the Summer Reading Conference which will be held February 7-8, in Cave City, Ky.  Over 48 sessions in two days are planned, covering programs for all ages. Participants can earn up to 12.5 contact hours.

Library Legislative Day is February 20, 2013.  It's a time when library trustees, directors, staff and friends can approach legislators with any issues and  the need to maintain the important service that Kentucky libraries provide.

A special library meeting was scheduled for Feb. 4, then the meeting was adjourned by President, Bill Copley.  Members present were  L-R: in photo Bill England, Tim Gampp, George Oberlick, Bill Copley, Mary McGuire, Regina Tackett, Teresa Pigg

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Charles Messmer -- Starting Over to Attain Success!

A few years ago, Charles Messmer found himself to be dislocated from his job in the construction industry and knew nowhere to turn; that is until the local Prestonsburg OET office referred him to the Northeast WIA, Louisa Career Center. 

While visiting the career center office, Charles became a client of Bonnie Conn, who provided intensive career advising, assessment and action planning. He soon became enrolled in Big Sandy Career and Technical College to receive his associates’ degree to become an electrician.  WIA assistance of ITA and supportive service funds helped lighten the load and enable this life transition. But first, was the challenge to receive his GED. Charles did wonderfully in both and passed all classes with flying colors!

Charles attributes much of his success in changing his life for the better and making great strides in his education to the support of his wife, Linda and his career advisor, Bonnie who always offered him encouragement and guidance when he was “down-hearted”.

The economy down-swing offered additional obstacles that Charles found he would have to overcome. The job market was bleak, even with a new degree as an electrician. That is when Bonnie suggested he attend the Louisa Job Club. Once there, Charles says that Job Club was a “reality check” for him. He learned that he must apply great self- initiative to find work in his desired field of employment.
 

Charles and Linda both worked earnestly to apply everything that Bonnie advised them to do toward job attainment. They developed an organized game plan using techniques Bonnie had instructed them to follow in job search, interviewing skills and resume’ crafting while maintaining a positive attitude. He recalls that the leadership of Bonnie and support of the other Job Club members offered him hope and new direction. One member even arranged an interview for him with her new employer.

After applying job search and interview skills that he had learned to utilize confidently, Charles has landed the job he is very happy with. He is enthusiastic about everything that he has come through in these hard times, as he realizes he is blessed with the outcome.

He now works for Mueller Electric in Ashland, KY., applying skills he has learned through education and training. However, the characteristics most applied by Charles have been those that got him where he is today, a WILL of HARD WORK and DETERMINATION!


CONGRATULATIONS AND BEST WISHES FROM YOUR FRIENDS AT LOUISA JOB CLUB!