Melinda Mock

By EMILY SCOTT Staff writer

As a founding member of the Friends of the Howland Library, Melinda Mock has given 32 years to the organization, of which she has been president for 25.

Growing up, Mock said she was always in the library and has had a lifelong love of reading, so the Howland Library was a natural choice to spend so many years.

“My group is wonderful,” Mock said. “I have loyal members that started with us years ago who are still coming back and everyone pitches in. It’s a small but active group.”

Mock is one of this year’s Community Stars. The pro gram, co-sponsored by the Tribune Chronicle and Trumbull 100, recognizes the brightest examples of community service and the people who do those good deeds.

The Friends of the Howland Library is responsible for sup porting the library. Mock has been involved in setting yearly goals for the group, organizing and conducting meetings, writing the newsletter, planning fundraisers, organizing special events several times a year and decorating for the holidays, among other things. Since the group’s founding, the Friends of the Library have appropriated more than $100,000.

Throughout the years she has been involved, Mock has seen libraries evolve with technology. She said it’s been wonderful to see.

“I’m drawn to the kids. I’m drawn to enjoying and sharing and making it special for the children. That’s what keeps me here,” Mock said.

Mock was a fulltime substitute teacher for Howland schools for many years and still works for the district part time. She moved to Warren in 1977 and started volunteering immediately.

Since moving to Warren, Mock has been involved with a multitude of organizations, including Warren Women’s

Panhellenic Association, Warren Junior Crafts, Howland Schools

PTO and Blessed Sacrament Church.

“To me, sometimes the biggest hero is the unsung hero,” said Andrea Mock, Melinda Mock’s daughter, who nominated her mother for the honor. “Not the one with the microphone in her hand and spotlight on her face, but the one who works tirelessly and quietly. That is my mother.” escott@tribtoday.com

Mock also works to support the American Cancer Society after being diagnosed with melanoma in 2007. She has tak en part in Relay for Life at least 10 times combined, both in Warren and South Carolina, where Andrea lives.

Mock and her husband, David, have two daughters, Andrea and Amanda, and three grandchildren. Mock said their lives have greatly enhanced her own.