2010 BOARD OF TRUSTEES

James E Barnhill President

James E Barnhill (Jim) comes from a newspaper career that spanned 46 years and concluded when he retired as the fourth publisher of the Yakima Herald Republic. Jim had a dual military career, beginning with enlistment in the Kansas Army National Guard while he was a junior in high school and ending with retirement as a Colonel in the United State Amy Reserve. Jim and his wife Dee have been married 56 years and have two daughters (both in the Yakima school system) and four grandchildren. Jim and Dee love to travel. They have enjoyed 17 cruises to different parts of the world. Jim is an avid reader, clicking through four to five novels a week: mysteries, suspense, and recently Westerns. His favorite novel is Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett (who is also on his list of fifty favorite authors). Jim hikes twice weekly with the Cascadians, combining his love of digital photojournalism with his love of the outdoors.

Jim's service on the YVL board of Trustees is a culmination of a variety of volunteer boards and commissions in six states. He states that "it has been most challenging as well as most exciting and rewarding in these first two years on the Board." Jim is serving his first term which will expire December 31, 2012.

Melba Fujiura Vice President

Melba Fujiura moved to Sunnyside in 1990 from Moses Lake. Her son, Pearce, was in the first grade at the time. One of their first visits was to the Sunnyside Library. While Pearce was in elementary school, Melba would go to the bus stop and read to the children there until the bus came. As a family, the library maintained an important role in their lives.

Melba worked in radio and medical records for many years. She now cares for her mother-in-law at their home. She also operates a home based company, MelbaLynn's Barbecue Rubs. Melba is an active member of the Sunnyside Lion's Club and served as their District Governor from 2008 - 2009. She is now a Melvin Jones Fellow. Melba also serves as a commissioner on the Sunnyside Housing Authority, is active in the local AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary, and is a life member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. Melba has been appointed to a second term on the Yakima Valley Libraries' Board. Her term will expire December 31, 2014.

Carolyn E. Calhoon Dillahunt Secretary

Carolyn Calhoon Dillahunt grew up in Tieton, WA. When she was young, she often talked her parents into letting her sit and read in the Downtown library while they shopped at the mall. She read every single horse related book on the shelves during those years. After attending Washington State University, she returned to the Yakima Valley to teach. Carolyn is currently an English and public speaking instructor at Yakima Valley Community College. She was recently elected to a four year term as Chair of the National Two Year College Association of English teachers.

Carolyn lives in Zillah, WA with her husband Brett, two horses, and too many cats. Although they both enjoy traveling within and beyond the US, they always come back to the Yakima Valley for the weather, the produce, the wine, the outdoor activities, and the arts. When asked about her book recommendations, Carolyn replied, "There are so many good books, so that's a pretty tough question." As a teacher, she loves to teach A Lesson Before Dying (Ernest J. Gaines). The Awakening (Kate Chopin) is another personal literary favorite. Carolyn has served two times as President of the Board of Trustees. She is on her second term, which will expire December 31, 2012.

Richard E Ostrander Trustee

Richard E Ostrander is a retired Director of Yakima Valley Libraries. He was the director from 1973 through 1997. Richard has a very full career background, beginning as a page at his local hometown public library in Holyoke, MA when he was 14 years old. He received his Master of Library Science from Syracuse University in Syracuse, NY; He served as Assistant Director of Lincoln Public Library in Lincoln, NE; a Library Branch Coordinator (Free Public Library in Woodbridge, NJ); and as a librarian at Yonkers Public Library in Yonkers, NY. He was also appointed to the Washington State Library Commission.

In an article in the Yakima Herald Republic in September 1988, Richard said

A library is a special place. It could be likened to a supermarket of information, knowledge and entertainment. It's everything you want it to be. It's a school. It's a library. It's a university. It's a community center. It's a place for people to come in. It's your library.

Richard E Ostrander is serving his first term on the Board of Trustees. His term will expire December 31, 2013.

H. E. Jerry Maggard Trustee

Howard "Jerry" Maggard grew up and attended school in Selah. He graduated from Selah High School in the Class of '51. Jerry spent four years in the Navy, attended Marine training in New London, CT, and then was transferred to Pacific subfleet until 1955 when he was honorably discharged. In 1956 Jerry went into business for himself by purchasing a service station and mechanical shop. In 1966 he became a realtor specializing in commercial real estate. In 1968 he opened Advanced Real Estate, now one of the oldest real estate firms in Yakima. Jerry's hobbies include motorcycles, race cars, fishing, horse racing, and the library. Jerry Maggard is serving his first term on the Board of Trustees. His term will expire December 31, 2011.