Judy Savela
A Michigander, Judy Savela taught high school English and journalism in the Warren Woods and Utica Community School systems. She wrote a humor column for the Sterling Heights Advisor newspaper, where interviewing Erma Bombeck was among her favorite assignments. A five-year member of Utica’s St. Lawrence Elementary School Board, she eventually served as president. For 11 years she served as secretary-treasurer of her HOA.
Judy worked at the Sterling Heights Public Library for 18 years. As reference librarian and Programs Coordinator, she compiled and edited Michigan Municipalities; founded the library’s newsletter; served as library publicist; wrote LSCA and other grants; and coordinated the SHPL volunteer program. A Michigan Library Assn. Conference workshop presenter and co-founder of Librarians Using Computers, she established the library’s public access computer program. Judy is a recipient of the Michigan Library Association’s Loleta D. Fyan Award for innovation in library programs and services and is a biographee in Who’s Who of American Women.
In retirement, she has volunteered as tutor/mentor of middle school special needs students in Evart, MI; the children of migrant workers in Arcadia, FL; and neighborhood children of varying ages. In 2017 she and her husband Alan became full-time North Port residents, joined FOSSPL, and work in its FriendShop. A Board member since 2018, Judy is tasked with grant writing and for four years served as secretary. She is a charter member of ChoirPlay, a local choral group.