Many local individuals, businesses and organizations shine when it comes to supporting the Stanislaus County Library and all its branches. Every year the library recognizes a few of those whose volunteer efforts, advocacy, special programs or financial contribution really made a difference with the Shining Star Awards.
The 2011 appreciation event honoring both Shining Star winners and Stanislaus County Library volunteers will be held at 2:30 pm. on April 16 at the Nick W. Blom Salida Regional Library, 4835 Sisk Rd., Salida.
The 2011 Shining Star Award winners: - Stan Cunningham - Individual Category
Stan has been a tutor for Bridges to Technology since July of 2001, tailoring computer classes to meet the needs of his students. He is very committed and enthusiastic about the program, offering ideas on how to keep the curriculum up to date and actively recruiting others to dedicate their time to this much needed program. Students appreciate his teaching techniques and can do attitude.
- Marye Martinez - Friends Group
As a member of Friends of the Empire Library these last two years, Marye has been extremely instrumental in coordinating three major events including: The Friends Used Book Sale, the annual Library/Empire School PTA Halloween Event and the on-going Empire Elementary School Art Competition co-sponsored by the Friends. She planned out each event from start to finish with outstanding results. Each month during the school year she and her husband also coordinate a recognition tea at the library for contest participants and their families, praising children with awards on behalf of the library, further bringing the community to the library. - The Stanislaus Civil War Association – Organization
This organization was actively involved in the planning and execution of the Modesto Library's 2010 Lincoln Exhibit and related events. The SCWA provided information and materials for display. Numerous members assisted with library events, dressed in period clothing, provided a camp tent set-up and served as an honor guard for our "Abraham Lincoln" look-alike. - Petrulakis Jensen and Friedrich – Business
This Modesto law firm has been a Library Foundation supporter for many years. Judy Jensen served on the Foundation board for six years, two as president, spearheading the Library Foundation's Adult Spelling Bee raising $13,000. She has also provided estate planning seminars for many years at several library branchesGeorge Petrulakis was instrumental in obtaining and executing the Lincoln exhibit at the Modesto Library in June 2010. He brought the idea to the Library initially and did much of the grant writing. Throughout the planning process, George was intimately involved, judging the bookmark design contest and essay contest, securing prizes for both.The firm has also provided significant administrative support for the Spelling Bee, Estate Planning Seminars, meeting rooms for the Foundation and other community outreach efforts.
The Joan Patterson Stellar Achievement Award This special award named in honor of Joan Patterson, who has been a life-long library supporter dedicating her time and talent to both the Friends of Modesto Library for 30 years and The Stanislaus Library Foundation for 16 years, will be given to:
- Patricia Hickman - Friends of the Turlock Library
Patricia Hickman is a founding member of the Turlock Friends Group, and is currently the group’s secretary and the historian and has been for many years. She's worked tirelessly to keep up all historical data on the Turlock Friends group and has been instrumental in opening the Friends bookstore this past fall. She is always willing to help in any way possible whether to schedule volunteers or make presentations on the group’s behalf. 
