South Marion Citizen - Freedom Public Library - December 4, 2009

By Carol Jones


Holiday music at the library

Come celebrate the season with Christmas carols and holiday music presented by The Friends of Freedom Public Library.

Kermit and Cindy Clark are back by popular demand to play some of your seasonal favorites on keyboard and guitar. Mark your calendars for 2 to 4 in the afternoons, Thursday, December 10 and Tuesday, December 15.

Then on Thursday, December 17, The Golden Troupers from Ocala Civic Theatre are scheduled to Light Up the Library with holiday song. The Troupers are a traveling branch of the Theatre and generally perform music and light comedy as requested. Several members from their group of twenty-five will sing for your entertainment from 3 to about 4 p.m.

Refreshments will be served at all three events.

The Friends annual meeting

The Friends of Freedom Public Library will hold their annual meeting at the library at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 23, 2010. Candidates for election will be presented and nominations will be accepted from the floor and a new slate of officers will be voted in. The meeting is open to the entire membership of Friends and their guests.

Nominees:
President, Pat Babski
Vice President, Carol (Casey) Edkins
Secretary, Joan (JR) Richard
Treasurer, Janet Wise

Immediately following the meeting, the ever popular Hospice Fashion Show models will bring styles to enhance your wardrobe in today’s economy. You won’t want to miss it!

Please note, The Friends will not meet at the library in December.




Pictures and Paintings

Art Club of Oak Run’s Artist of the Month, Heather Doherty, shows off her many excellent paintings and watercolors for all to admire. Be sure and stop in and visit the artist’s corner of the library. At right, Heather shows her "Wedding Tea" watercolor.

Photography by Annette Ware of the On Top of the World’s ShutterBug Photography Club will be featured in the artists’ section. Annette poses here with her picture of a cheetah taken at the Jacksonville Zoo.

Meeting Room Registration

The new year is almost upon us and many groups have not completed the application forms necessary to maintain their chosen meeting dates and times. Failing to register not only indicates non-renewal of your group’s meeting times but also leave the dates open and available for some other group. See Heather Ogilvie at the library or call her at 438-2580 and bring your information current.

Library Hours

Freedom Public Library is open six days a week, Monday through Saturday, closed on Sunday. Open times are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday. For questions, or to arrange an appropriate time for your group, call Heather Ogilvie, 438-2580.

South Marion Citizen - Freedom Public Library - November 20, 2009

By Carol Jones


Doris Bloodsworth to speak at writers group

On Saturday, November 21, at noon, Pulitzer-nominated writer and award-winning journalist Doris Bloodsworth is scheduled to speak at the regular meeting of the Freedom Writers Group of Florida Writers Association (FWA).



She has reported for The Wall Street Journal, Orlando Sentinel and Bloomberg News. She is the president of Crosswords Communications Co. and is the author of Images of America: Groveland, part of Arcadia Publishing’s popular, regional history series. She has edited several books and is working on her second book. Bloodsworth graduated with highest honors from the University of Florida, majoring in journalism with a minor in creative writing.

Join us for what promises to be a most informative hour.

Mom and Me Play Ocala

A local group of moms have assembled a community playgroup for tots and pre-K children. Led by Kari Coates, interesting programs are planned for Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning Nov. 24 through December, or until the library‘s Storytime resumes in January.

Visitors and speakers are scheduled from the fire department, the sheriff’s office, health department, CFCC’s music department, and for their grand opening on Nov. 24, Mr. Tony, ambassador for the post office, will be on hand to instruct kids how to write letters to soldiers as well as to Santa.

For more information or to join the group, call Kari Coates at 693-3353 or email her at MomandMePlayOcala@yahoo.com

Art in the Library

Black and White with a Splash of Color is the theme for Norbert Sachs’ ShutterBugs exhibit this month. From fish and cats to vampires, this photography display surprises with its unexpected style of “splash.”

The Art Club of Oak Run spotlights Linda Glick, Artist of the Month of November, for her paints and watercolors. One row past the photography exhibit, you’ll find a wide array of her framed artwork.

Relic recovery

Relics and artifacts fill the library’s display case. Using metal detectors, the Mid Florida Historical Research & Recovery Association travels the countryside unearthing pieces of the past and displaying them for all to see.

Says Bill Beardsley, president, “Our club is composed of men and women of all ages who are interested in preserving Florida’s history,” and they use metal detectors to find these often not-so-small connections. Saws and musket balls are found alongside buttons and coins, and all can be viewed at the library.

Relics and artifacts on display


Anyone interested in attending meetings or obtaining more information is invited to contact Bill Beardsley, 352-873-9953.

South Marion Citizen - Freedom Public Library - November 6, 2009

By Carol Jones


Friends presents Crime Prevention seminar

Presented by the Friends of Freedom Public Library on Thursday, November 12, at 1 p.m., in the library’s meeting room, the Metro Crime Prevention of Florida seminar provides information that may save your life.

With the holidays fast approaching and today’s economy providing an excuse for many to steal, or worse, this seminar may help you avoid becoming a victim. Learn how you should react to a purse snatching, how a cell phone can save your life, how a burglar learns the so-called secret password for your home security system.

Can you be arrested for speeding? Do you know when a woman is most vulnerable and what to do about it? Most of us don’t, so come for this most informative session. It’s free and open to the public.

Heather’s Hi-Lites

November is here and the time has come to register for the use of the Freedom Public Library meeting room in 2010.

Registration forms are now available online at our library website, www.library.marioncountyfl.org. From the Programs and Services tab, select Meeting Room Policy. You will be able to read the Meeting Room Policy and Patron Code of Conduct, and select the application format of your choice. You can also apply by fax to 436-2582, or hand deliver your registration form to the library. Please call our Reference Desk if you have questions or need more information.

When the meeting room is not in use by the library or a library-related organization, it is available to non-profit organizations for the purpose of informational meetings that are free and open to the public. We support the use of our meeting space especially to provide educational and recreational opportunities for our community.




Authors on Exhibit

Left to right: Margery Mitchell, Colleen Gould, Roseann Galeazzo, Mary Ann Sciavillo-Lopez, Tricia Pimental, Carol Jones, writers group leader. Not shown are Delight Kilyan and Diane Podkomorski.


The Freedom Writers Group of the Florida Writers Assn. (FWA) welcomed a steady stream of visitors to their event on Tuesday, October 27. Five of the eleven exhibiting authors offered their books as door prizes and winners were drawn at the end of the day.

Two award winners in the FWA’s Royal Palm Literary Award contest showed their work and their trophies: Tricia Pimental, First Place winner in the Autobiography Unpublished category for “Rabbit Trail: How a Former Playboy Bunny Found Her Way,” and Sylvia Fiorello, Second Place winner in the Young Adult Published category for “My Best Friend Ever.”

Two members’ short stories appeared in the FWA’s first ever collection, “From Our Family to Yours”: MaryAnn Sciavillo-Lopez’s “Scents of Heaven,” and two by Carol Jones (that’s me!), “Picture of Old Zeb” which was featured in the anthology’s top ten, and “Specter of Sam.”

From the Freedom Writers Group, “Thank You to the Friends of Freedom Public Library for inviting us to share in their Art in the Library experience.”



ShutterBugs and Ocala Decorative Artists

Daisy Pena Rowell, Ray Christian, John Ware, Gary Uhley of The ShutterBugs, Oct. 20.


On Tuesday, October 20, the ShutterBugs Photography Club shared the room with the Ocala Decorative Artists and presented an outstanding array of creativity.

The ShutterBugs display monthly at the library. You’ll find their pictures toward the back and just outside the Computer Lab. They also show in many places about town, often including On Top of the World’s Master the Possibilities building.

Bea Petersen of Ocala Decorative Artists, Oct. 20

Ocala Decorative Artists work with many different media, from plates to purses and all surfaces in between. They paint Memory Boxes for various hospitals for the parents of premature babies, and Treasure Boxes for kids in the Shriner’s Hospital in Tampa.

The Art Club of Oak Run and Freedom Quilters

The many fascinating paintings and watercolors shown regularly in the library are all done by ACOR, or the Art Club of Oak Run. On October 12, their colorful creations filled the meeting room.

Freedom Quilters showed what their nimble fingers could do the first Tuesday, October 6. Jeannine Sirkoch, group president, displayed three of her quilts and demonstrated the intricacies of Brazilian embroidery. Victoria Jandreau revealed the trick to detachable padded coasters.

Thanks again from all the groups to the Friends of Freedom Public Library for the opportunity to participate in their Art in the Library event.

Library Hours

Freedom Public Library is open six days a week, Monday through Saturday, closed on Sunday. Open times are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday. For questions, or to arrange an appropriate time for your group, call Heather Ogilvie, 438-2580.

South Marion Citizen - Freedom Public Library column - October 23, 2009

By Carol Jones




Jeannine Sirkoch, president of Freedom Quilters, demonstrates the complicated Brazilian embroidery at the Quilters exhibit Oct. 6







Anna Kern and Bonnie Wallace show their work at the Art Club of Oak Run exhibit on Oct. 13.








October Art on parade at Freedom Public Library

If you missed the first three art shows at the library, you can still catch the last one. Tuesday, October 27, features the Freedom Writers Group of Florida Writers Association, and Creative Memories Scrapbookers.

Several of the Writers Group authors will have their books on display while others will be on hand to sign books and personally discuss their projects. Fill out a door prize ticket and drop it in the writer’s box. You could win one of their books.

Creative Memories Scrapbooker leader and library historian, Karen David, plans to display, among other things, the library’s Heritage Album history books which she organized and assembled. The project is in its third volume and growing.

Sponsored by the Friends of Freedom Public Library, admission is free to these Art at the Library exhibits and all are open to the public.

Heather’s Hi-Lites

Are you wondering what to do on Wednesdays? Here at the library, S.U.R.F.’s Up every Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. Children of all ages are welcome to join us for Super Ultimate Reading Fun. We are experimenting with all sorts of crafty combinations created from the materials you find in a library -- paper, crayons, yarn, tape, paste, and other sticky things. And, of course, books! We’ll show you what’s new and what we are reading right now. Come in and find out, just for the fun of it.

Our September adventure in sleuthing was so much fun that we’re doing it again. We are seeking detectives to join our top level team of secret agents in solving a mystery. Students in grades 4 thru 6 are invited to join us in cracking the code on Wednesday, November 4, at 3 p.m. Requirements: clear thinking, careful planning, dedication to truth, and an open mind. Secret resources will be revealed as we unravel the mystery.

Registration is not required; questions are welcome. Call David, Erin, or Heather at 438-2580 for the inside scoop.

Top secret information for parents: Students will learn to navigate the vast electronic resources available at your library. Ace detectives may become Homework Experts.

Book Club Selection

The Freedom Book Club that meets the second Friday (November 13) at 1 p.m. will discuss “Glass Castle” by Jeanette Walls. The meeting’s second half will be devoted to the continuing discussion of Guns, Germs and Steel by Jared Diamond. For information, contact Lee Staiger at leestaiger@embarqmail.com

Ask Arnold, the Computer Coach

Q: -- Some emails I receive contain pictures but sometimes a little red “x” appears in place of the picture. Why? Also, when forwarding emails that include pictures, I sometimes get a dialog box saying ‘No pictures can be included.’ But they were already included in the email I received, so why can’t I forward them?

A: -- The little red “x” means the picture is supposed to be there but couldn’t be found, so a place for the picture was saved even if the picture wasn’t. When writing web pages, a place on the page must be reserved for the picture, but then the picture file must also be included. If the original writer of the page forgets to do that, the page shows the space without the picture.

The “x” can also occur when the picture format is one you can neither open nor send because you don’t have the supporting software program.

Some pictures may be protected and cannot be forwarded. A lot depends on how the picture was inserted into the email.

Library Hours

Freedom Public Library is open six days a week, Monday through Saturday, closed on Sunday. Open times are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday. For questions, or to arrange an appropriate time for your group, call Heather Ogilvie, 438-2580.

South Marion Citizen - Freedom Public Library - October 9, 2009

by Carol Jones

Art in the Library

The Friends of Freedom Public Library invite you to celebrate Art in the Library. Each Tuesday in October from 3 to 7 p.m. several groups who meet at the library will display their creations for all to enjoy.

Oct. 6 - Freedom Quilters
Oct. 13 - Artist Club of Oak Run
Oct. 20 - The OTOW ShutterBugs Photograph Club
and Ocala Decorative Artists
Oct. 27 - Freedom Writers Group of Florida Writers Association
and Creative Memories Scrapbookers

You won’t want to miss this fine art display in its many varied forms.

Friends say “Thank You”

A large number of readers attended our book sale with one purpose in mind: obtain good books at unbeatable prices, which is exactly what we offer. All three days were busy, busy, and we thank all who participated in helping make this sale another great success.

All proceeds go toward purchasing items needed by the library that are not covered in the county’s budget.

Master Gardeners

Marion County Master Gardener, Madeleine Braisted, will give her popular “Gardening for Butterflies” presentation on Tuesday, October 13, at 2 p.m. inside the library toward the back. This informative presentation includes the life cycle of the butterfly and how to choose nectar and host plants for attracting butterflies to your garden.

Victor Di Genti comes to Ocala

On Wednesday, October 14, at 2 p.m., author of the adventure/fantasy Windrusher novels, Victor Di Genti, is scheduled to speak at the downtown Marion County Public Library, Meeting Room C. Presented by the Friends of the Ocala Public Library, the program is free and open to the public. Mark your calendars and plan to attend for an entertaining afternoon.

This month’s exhibits

As you enter the library, stop at the glass case on your right. Model shipwright Norman Johnson has on display three intricate ship models, including a two-masted Pinky schooner called “Glad Tidings.”

Wander further into the library, beyond the carousels of books, to ShutterBug member Charlie Smith’s “Impressions of Yellowstone.” The Fire Hole geyser is an eye-catcher as is the serene vista of Jackson Lake.

Still further back, you’ll find an art exhibit by Carol Hall, the Art Club of Oak Run’s Artist of the Month. Enjoy her watercolors and the lifelike pastel of a snow-sprinkled Gray Wolf.



Coloring Contest winner

The Miami Dolphins football team sponsored a county-wide coloring contest in August, open to grades K thru 9 and divided into three categories.

We have it on good authority that judging was not easy. We waited and wondered for weeks after the contest closed at the end of August, and at last the winners were chosen. One of our young library patrons emerged a winner.

Ten-year-old Omar Kasem, a fifth grader at Hammett Bowen, Jr. Elementary School, colored his entry in superhero costumes. The “Super Football Players” never looked more “super” than clothed as Spiderman, Superman, Batman, etc.

Omar’s mother, Alia Kasem, said of his planned submission, “I wasn’t sure superhero costumes were a good idea, but Omar was excited about it.” Now in her last year of studies at University of Central Florida, Alia plans to become a teacher.

Omar’s creative and colorful submission won the Grades 7 thru 9 category, and this wasn’t his first win. In May 2008, the South Marion Citizen and West Marion Messenger co-sponsored “Read on the Green,” the library and Friends’ festival held in Liberty Community Park. Omar’s glittery entry won the coloring contest in the 8-to-10-year age group.

Congratulations, Omar! And thanks, Miami Dolphins, for a terrific contest.

Library Hours

Freedom Public Library is open six days a week, Monday through Saturday, closed on Sunday. Open times are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday. For questions, or to arrange an appropriate time for your group, call Heather Ogilvie, 438-2580.

South Marion Citizen - Freedom Public Library column - September 25, 2009

By Carol Jones

Photo of Brent and Colleen Bailey with son Ryan at their home in East Texas. Taken by brother-in-law Scott Smith.

Ryan Bailey personal appearance at Open House for the Disabled

On Friday afternoon, September 25, attend the book sale and then come inside the library where you can meet 5-year-old Ryan Bailey and his mother, Colleen. A bright, outgoing youngster with Down syndrome, Ryan not only reads but he also memorizes and recently recited the 23rd Psalm at the College Park Church of God.

Keys to Access - Windows to the World open house is from 2 to 4 when the Freedom Scientific representative will be on hand to explain and demonstrate the new Onyx magnifying camera and SARA (Scanning and Reading Appliance). These marvelous machines designed to facilitate reading for the visually impaired are now available free of charge at Freedom Public Library.

Colleen Bailey will be happy to talk with you and sign books. She will read an essay from the book, Gifts 2 - How People with Down Syndrome Enrich the World, to which she is a contributing author. Published by Woodbine House, this special collection heralds the approaching Down Syndrome Awareness Month (October). For book details, go to www.woodbinehouse.com

Skill Builders: Adaptive Toy Materials will also be on display and sign language interpreters will be available.

Fall Book Sale in progress

The Friends 3-day Fall Book Sale runs Thursday, September 24 through Saturday, September 26. If you haven't yet gone, there are plenty of bargains available and, of course, special offers on both Friday and Saturday.

While you're there, pick up a Friends application and become a member who actively supports our Freedom Public Library. Forms will be available at the sale and inside the library.

Arts & Crafts Tuesdays

Don’t forget the October Arts & Crafts show presented by the Friends of Freedom Public Library. All four Tuesday afternoons from about 3 to 7 p.m. are scheduled to bring you the best the library’s display groups have to offer. Don’t miss it!

Computer Classes

Registration for November classes begins Monday, October 5. The two-part sessions are popular and will continue into November. If you didn’t get the chance to sign up for September/October, here’s another opportunity. The two-part sessions: Computer Basics and Introduction to the Internet, must be completed in two consecutive weeks. Classes will be held on Thursdays at 2 p.m. Call or stop at the Reference Desk and sign up. Seating in the computer lab is limited. Walk-ins will be accepted but only if there are cancellations or no-shows.

2nd Annual Pajamas and Books for Bedtime

Last year, this community’s response to the need for pajamas and books was remarkable. Over 1400 pairs of pajamas and over 1000 books were collected by the Freedom library branch.

The need is ongoing. This year, the Success By 6 Initiative, in partnership with the Marion County Public Library System, will be collecting and distributing Pajamas and Books to children during the holiday season.

All donated pj’s must be new/store bought; books can be new or gently used. Needed are both boys and girls pj’s in sizes from infant to adolescent, and books for children of all ages, infants through 18.

Please bring your donations to the library’s main desk before December 1, 2009.

Book Club Selection

The next book under discussion by the Freedom Book Club on Friday, October 16, at 1 p.m. will be A Girl Named Zippy by Haven Kimmel . During their meeting’s second half, discussion will continue with Guns, Germs and Steel by Jared Diamond. For information about the group, contact Lee Staiger at leestaiger@embarqmail.com

South Marion Citizen - Freedom Public Library column - September 11, 2009 issue

By Carol Jones

The Library Detective Agency wants YOU!

Freedom Public Library invites all tweens, grades 4 thru 6, on a Magical Mystery Tour of the new virtual library and “Break the Code” Wednesday, September 16 and November 4, from 3 to 4 p.m. in the computer lab.

According to library supervisor Heather Ogilvie, “We are seeking a select group of students to participate on a team of Research Detectives and unravel a library mystery.”

This is a fun opportunity for all tween-agers meeting the requirements of clear thinking, careful planning, dedication to truth, and open mindedness. Training will be provided and Secret Resources will be revealed.

Inside information for parents: Students will learn to navigate the vast electronic resources available at your library. Please be aware that ace detectives may become Homework Experts.

The number of workstations is limited which means registration is strongly recommended. Walk-in participants may join the team only as space permits. For further information, stop at the Reference Desk, or call Erin, David, or Heather, 428-2580.

Altrusa Read-In

ALTRUSA International of Ocala will hold its 21st Annual Read-In for Literacy on Wednesday, September 16. Every classroom in every elementary school in the county will have a volunteer reader on the morning of September 16, reading at the same time. If you would like to volunteer to read at Hammett-Bowen Elementary School or any other, contact Peggy Haworth at 237-8418.

Organic Vegetable Gardening

On Saturday, Sept. 19, at 2 p.m., Marion County Master Gardeners present Organic Vegetable Gardening by president Josephine Leyte-Vidal. Ms. Vidal has extensive knowledge in gardening organically and has raised her own organic vegetables for many years. Her excellent presentation was given last month to a full house at the library’s Central branch and we are honored to have her at Freedom Public Library. Come with paper, pencil and questions, and be prepared to learn the ins and outs of growing vegetables in Marion County.

Reading equipment for the visually impaired

Equipment and technology to assist persons with disabilities has come to your library. Attend the Keys to Access - Windows to the World open house from 2 to 4 p.m. on Friday, September 25, when the Freedom Scientific representative will be available to demonstrate the new Onyx magnifying camera and SARA (Scanning and Reading Appliance). These marvelous machines designed to facilitate reading for the visually impaired are now available to the public, free at Freedom Public Library.

Skill Builders: Adaptive Toy Materials will also be on display and sign language interpreters will be available.

This project is provided as a Public Service by the Marion County Board of County Commissioners. The assistive technology materials and equipment have been funded under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, administered by the State Library of Florida.

Fall Book Sale

Mark your calendar for the Friends’ fall book sale at Freedom Public Library: September 24, 25, and 26. Sale begins when the library opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 8 p.m. on Thursday, 6 p.m. on Friday and 1 p.m. on Saturday. Book donation pick-up is still available; call Kermit Clark at 861-0353.

Art on exhibit

This month’s fine display by The Shutterbugs of On Top of the World features their winners in the Modified category. Don’t miss Norbert Sachs’ 1st Place photo “Withlacoochie Dream” and Roger Foley’s 2nd Place “Horse of a Different Color.”

The Art Club of Oak Run’s Artist of the Month, Helen Harrell, has been busy with her brush. From flowers to landscapes, her watercolors are displayed for patrons’ enjoyment.

And check out the first appearance of Oak Run Photography Club’s exhibit in the display case. Mike Baker’s three Advanced Category winners are guaranteed eye-catchers, and don’t miss the Intermediate and People’s Choice selections.

Library hours

Freedom Public Library is open six days a week, Monday through Saturday, closed on Sunday. Open times are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday. For questions, or to arrange an appropriate time for your group, call Heather Ogilvie, 438-2580.