Success & Service: Want to serve? Modesto needs planning, zoning commissioners

The city of Modesto is looking for residents to serve on its Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Adjustment. The Planning Commission forms recommendations involving community development and land use. It also reviews and suggests amendments to the city’s general plan, municipal codes, capital improvement, and subdivision and neighborhood plans. The Board of Zoning Adjustment monitors zoning regulations and the general plan. It also hears appeals of decisions made by Community and Economic Development staff.

Those interested in serving in either capacity can apply online at www.modestogov.com, by visiting the City Council office at 1010 10th Street or by calling 209-571-5169.

Groveland postmaster receives national honor

Norma Powell, U.S. postmaster in Groveland for more than a quarter-century, received the 2015 Postmaster of the Year award earlier this month in Washington, D.C. The honor is bestowed by the National League of Postmasters, an organization formed in 1887. This information appeared in the July 26 print edition as well, but with an incorrect photo.

Powell was chosen by her peers for her professionalism, long service in the community and involvement in the league’s California branch.

She has been on the national board of directors, been the California branch president and held numerous positions within the organization.

UC Merced names new dean

UC Merced has named Jill Robbins as dean of its School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts, effective Jan. 1. She spent more than two decades as a professor or administrator at three other American universities, most recently chairing the University of Texas, Austin’s department of Spanish and Portuguese. She replaces Dean Mark Aldenderfer, who ran the department for more than five years. The school includes about 41 percent of UC Merced’s undergraduate student body population with declared majors.

Docent training in Columbia

Columbia State Historic Park is looking for docents, recruiting for costumed interpreters to help teach history to school-age children at the historic schoolhouse; staff exhibits and the museum visitor center; and assist with special events. A costume loan may be available to those interested.

The current docent program includes more than 50 active docents and an additional 100 volunteers from around the state who help on special event days. The deadline to apply is Sept. 5. Training begins Sept. 12 and will be held over six consecutive Saturdays. Call the park office at (209) 588-9128 or visit the museum to pick up an application.

Pizza giveaway at Mission

The Little Caesars Love Kitchen will be at the Modesto Gospel Mission to give out pizza at noon Tuesday to 500 needy people.

The Love Kitchen has fed more than 3 million people in 48 states and four Canadian provinces and received the President’s Volunteer Action Citation from former Presidents Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush.

This story was originally published August 1, 2015 at 2:11 PM with the headline "Success & Service: Want to serve? Modesto needs planning, zoning commissioners."