Joan Muyskens Pursley
This final feature on the wonderful residents who work in our library introduces seven women who responded to our late-fall call for new volunteers to fill open time slots and help us extend library staff services into the early evenings and weekends. They are Beth Di Tommaso, Phyllis Formhals, Judy Gillespie, Judy Ison, Kay Matzer, Susan Schlueter, and Dana Snider.
Beth Di Tommaso spent her childhood as an Air Force dependent and most of her adult life in the Dallas Metroplex. “I’m a retired CPA with over 40 years of tax experience,” she tells us, “and am an avid bridge player and reader.”
Phyllis Formhals was born in New Jersey but considers herself a Midwesterner, having spent some years In Illinois and Wisconsin. “I was a licensed broker in Wisconsin and, later, in Arizona,” she says. Phyllis has done a lot of volunteering in the past, and now enjoys serving in our library, as well as playing bridge and golfing.
Judy Gillespie is a registered therapeutic riding instructor. She moved to Robson two years ago with her husband of 50 years. She calls time with her husband, three children, and grandchildren, traveling, hiking, and reading “a few of my favorite things.”
Judy Ison moved here after living in Heritage Ranch (another adult community) for 17 years. “I like to read, play Mah Jongg and Samba, and draw,” she tells us.
Kay Matzer was a federal employee in El Paso, Denver, and Houston for 23 years. She retired in 1984 and moved here last year. “I make use of the library, as I enjoy reading and jigsaw puzzles,” Kay says, so when volunteers were needed, she stepped up. However, as much as she enjoys our library, she admits that bocce is her “favorite activity at RR.”
Susan Schlueter taught language arts in sixth, seventh, and eighth grades. “I was a reading specialist,” she explains. “I spent my childhood in a library. Books have always fascinated me.” Besides her library work, Susan is active in her church, Denton Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. Here at Robson, she is a member of the Singles Club, the Democrat Club, and Voices United. In addition, she has worked many elections as a judge and as associate judge.
Dana Snider, a graduate of Wichita State University, lives here with Pat, her husband of 38 years. The couple has three daughters in Carrollton and three granddaughters, with a fourth arriving this month. She and Pat moved to Robson in 2019. Dana is active in the Women’s Club and the Garden Club and takes Tai Chi classes.
The library can still use new volunteers, especially people willing to work weekdays from 5 to 7 p.m., on weekends, or as substitutes. If interested, ask the volunteer on duty for the sign-up sheet to fill out and return. Doris Koenig, who trains new volunteers, will follow up with you.
For more on our library and on Friends of the Library, speak with the volunteers on duty or go to www.RobsonLibrary.org.