South Marion Citizen - Freedom Public Library - November 25, 2011

By Carol Jones

What do trains, planes and clowns have in common?

They're all celebrating Terrific Tuesdays!

November 29 is our final-event Terrific Tuesday. Model railroads, jet fighters, and face painting clowns provide something for everyone.

The Ocala Model Railroaders' train layout measures 4' wide by 8' long and includes two complete trains. This folding-leg set was built to be raffled off at this year's "Trains at the Holidays" which runs December 13 - 30 at the College of Central Florida's Weber Center Gallery.




Also on display will be a 3' x 6' diorama depicting a steam powered saw mill during the early 1900s, along with a few smaller dioramas and some railroad themed artist prints.




The International Plastic Modelers Society (IPMS), Region 11, invites you to come and meet their model builders. During this Hobby of Plastic Model Building, visitors can discuss the art of building with members of IPMS Ocala and IPMS/Fast (Florida Auto & Scale Truck). The FAST group builds only cars and trucks and is a newly formed chapter.

Actual model building will be in progress. For anyone interested in the hobby, IPMS offers the "ABC" -- Adult Building Course -- a six-week national course that takes you through the various steps to complete a quality model. Cost is minimal.

Want to try using an air brush? A spray booth will be set up where you can try your hand with acrylic or water base paint.

Make-N-Take will be available to young and old alike. Complete a model plane or car that you'll be proud of. They promise it will look great when you're finished.

Information to join a local chapter will be available. The 2012 IPMS National Convention will be held August 8 - 11 at Disney's Contemporary Resort Convention Center in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.

And clowns. Did I mention clowns? Face painting clowns, of course. Paula Magen, aka Sunflower, and a buddy or two will design special face decoration just for you and the kids. You won't look the same when you leave!

Sponsored by the Friends of Freedom Public Library, Terrific Tuesdays mean terrific events at the library from 2 to 5 p.m., Tuesdays only, throughout November.

South Marion Citizen - Freedom Publc Library - November 11, 2011

By Carol Jones


Terrific Tuesdays are . . . Terrific!

If you missed our first two Terrific Tuesdays, you don't want to miss the rest! Sponsored by the Friends of Freedom Public Library, every Tuesday afternoon brings a different kind of active exhibit throughout November. Join us for terrific events from 2 to 5 p.m. Mark your calendars.

Nov. 15
Freedom Writers Group of Florida Writers Association presents a fascinating lineup of activities.



In the character of "Dolores Cribbs," storyteller Kathy Dobronyi leads off at about2:15 talking about Florida in Cracker style.









H. Lee Helscel presents Too Dead to Die, a Memoir of Bataan and Beyond, on behalf of co-authors Steve Raymond (deceased) and Mike Pride.








Eight of our talented authors will read excerpts from their books, talk about them and answer your questions. Some will raffle signed copies and remain for additional book signings.




Robin Thomas, author of The Petite Gardener, and other stories.






Lucy Tobias, author of Florida Gardens Gone Wild.






Mary Ann Sciavillo-Lopez, author of Sons Rise.







Lyn Hill, author of Breaking Points.




Have you thought that someday you might like to try writing? Our progressive story stands ready for creative thinkers to add a paragraph, so come and see what you can do.

And door prize after door prize will be awarded following each author's presentation, throughout the afternoon.

On hand to sketch your likeness will be Carole Drost Lopez, art instructor at On Top of the World Art Club and the Art Club of Oak Run. Stop by and pose for a quick portrait. Explore her website at www.artdrost.com .

Nov. 22
Art Club of Oak Run - Don't miss the fine array of creations by these talented artists. Water colors, drawings and acrylics, oils, pastels and graphite, they do it all. They've planned a demonstration that you don't want to miss.

Nov. 29
Ocala Model Railroaders and the International Plastic Modelers Society team up for the final-event exhibit that's sure to be enjoyed by everyone.

And bring the kids for some clown-style face painting, fun and laughter.

Mark your calendar so you don't miss a single Terrific Tuesday!

South Marion Citizen - Freedom Public Library - October 28, 2011

By Carol Jones


Come celebrate Terrific Tuesdays!

Sponsored by the Friends of Freedom Public Library, Terrific Tuesdays are happening every Tuesday afternoon in November. Join us for terrific events from 2 to 5 p.m.

Nov. 1
Quilters Group - These talented ladies do more than quilting. Their various crafts include flip-flop decorating, coaster creations, counted cross stitch and Brazilian embroidery, knitting, and of course their specialty, chicken scratch quilting. Take a walk around the tables while they're working in the library meeting room and see who is doing what. At least eight members of the Quilters Group will be on hand from 2 to 3 p.m. Questions are welcome.

The Quilters gather regularly on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. in the library meeting room. Anyone involved in handcrafts is welcome to join them.

Grannie Annie, aka Anne Stumpf, is setting up her spinning wheel for a live demonstration of its use. She will also tell a story for the youngsters at 2 p.m. for about half an hour. Adults, please be present with your children.

Nov. 8
The Ocala Barnstormers and Flying Models Club have an exhibit planned in the meeting room. And, weather permitting, they will conduct a radio controlled outdoor demonstration on the library lawn.

Nov. 15
Freedom Writers Group presents Florida history storyteller Kathy Dobronyi at 2:30 p.m. Six authors will talk about their books during the afternoon, a progressive story or two stand ready for creative thinkers to add a paragraph, and door prizes will be awarded throughout the afternoon.

Nov. 22
Art Club of Oak Run - These wonderful artists have a display planned that you won't want to miss.

Nov. 29
Ocala Model Railroaders share the room with the International Plastic Modelers Society for the final-event exhibit that's sure to be enjoyed by everyone. One more thing, bring the kids for some clown-style face painting, fun and laughter.

Mark your calendars for all exhibits so you don't miss any of it. See you there!

South Marion Citizen - Freedom Public Library column - September 3, 2010

By Carol Jones

Library to mark 10th anniversary

On Thursday, September 9, from 2 to 6 p.m. the Friends of Freedom Public Library honor our library's tenth birthday with an open house. Come and help us celebrate!

In September 2000, when the library’s doors first opened, 3 employees were on hand with about 24,000 books. The books were not on shelves. They were arranged on long panel boards and planks placed across sawhorses because the shelving did not arrive in time. A couple weeks later when the shelves did come, the library closed temporarily for installation. The wood planks and boards had to be dismantled and the books totally rearranged on the shelves.

By the end of that first month, the small library had circulated 4,145 books. At the end of the first fiscal year, circulation was 118,676. For this current year, Oct. 1, 2008 to Sept. 31, 2009, the count reached 230,940. From the time it opened, Freedom has circulated more books every year than any other branch in Marion County.

Items available at the library currently total 52,973 with little space for anything more. This very busy library operates with a staff of 9 and 25 volunteers.

Heather Ogilvie, library supervisor, is pleased to note the library's phenomenal growth. "The children's programs alone, funded by the Friends, are exciting, informative, and heavily attended,” she says. “We are so proud of the many fun activities for learning here at Freedom."

In the year 2000, the then Friends organization held their opening celebration on September 9. Following in their footsteps, today's Friends decided to honor that tradition and hold the 10-year birthday party also on September 9.

Joan Francis, past president of the Friends and current co-chairperson of the Celebration Committee, explains, "The reason for this celebration is to recognize the tremendous number of services provided by the library and staff for the community. Freedom Public Library is the second busiest library in the county. It offers free public access to computers for children's homework. For adults, it provides access to various government sites and social assistance programs, such as job application filing, food stamp application, unemployment filing, etc. Wi-Fi wireless capability and free Internet access are available here at Freedom. The county provides and maintains these computers, and the library staff provides assistance when needed."

Art in its many forms adorn the library throughout, changing monthly for patrons’ enjoyment. Then we have the meeting room, free of charge and currently used by 29 groups, plus the library's own scheduled programs.

Yes, in these 10 years, our little library has grown in service to the community. We look forward to the next 10 years. Let's see what growth the future holds.

Happy Birthday, Freedom Public Library!

South Marion Citizen - Freedom Public Library - July 9, 2010

By Carol Jones


County to receive library petitions

No question about it, the patrons of Freedom Public Library are in favor of the long-overdue expansion of this facility. During the last of May and early June, The Friends presented petitions for expansion to every patron entering the library. We collected over 80 pages, totaling over a thousand signatures since some pages contained more than others. Thanks to each of you from The Friends and the library staff for your continued support.

But it's not over yet. Please come and add your physical support when the Friends present all these signed petitions at the Commissioners budget meeting on Monday, July 12, at 2:30 p.m., 601 SE 25th Avenue (McPherson Complex).

This library serves a growing community and extra space is sorely needed to support this growth.

--We are running out of space for books. More space for more books means a better variety of books for the use of our patrons.
--An additional, larger community room means more children can participate in the children's programs, and the continued availability of the current room allows for simultaneous adult activities.
--We need more space for computers and other equipment so necessary in today's world.

This library was considered too small the day it was built. It’s even more inadequate today. We need to meet the demands of our patrons and provide the additional space.

Also, --and you don’t want to miss this-- in honor of Freedom Public Library's tenth anniversary, The Friends have scheduled an open house celebration for Thursday, September 9, 2010, the actual date the library opened its doors to the public in 2000. This celebration is still in the planning stages and further information will be available as the time draws near.

South Marion Citizen - Freedom Public Library - June 4, 2010 issue

By Carol Jones


Dressing Up Freedom Public Library

New acquisitions proudly adorn the library's premises. A picnic table sits to the side of the building in the cool shade of an oak, and two outdoor benches affixed to the front columns provide a welcome break for patrons. A third bench will soon be added and a portable microphone for use at various library events will also be purchased.

Using the proceeds from the raffle of the Chicken Scratch quilt made and donated by Freedom Quilters, The Friends of Freedom Public Library purchased and installed the benches and table last week. A wall hanging in the Chicken Scratch design, also made and donated by Freedom Quilters, will soon be on display inside the library for all to enjoy.

"We are so fortunate," says Heather Ogilvie, library supervisor, "to have the enthusiastic support of our family and Friends. Staff and visitors alike are thrilled with the new benches and the picnic table. Now the outside of the library is as friendly as the inside! We are proud of the Freedom Quilters, a dynamic group of creative individuals committed to art and community. Thank you to all of the members of the Freedom Quilters and Friends of Freedom Public Library for your generosity."

Jeannine Sirkoch, Freedom Quilters group leader is so proud of her group's participation. "The quilt and wall hanging were designed and stitched by most of our 32 members. We wanted to do something that would benefit the library and we're very pleased with the items the proceeds from our quilt raffle have made possible."

From the Friends president, Pat Babski, "The kindness of Freedom Quilters and the resulting purchases for the library have brought our groups closer. Everybody working together as a unit is what it's all about and none of us could have done it without each other. Thank you, Freedom Quilters. What wonderful creators you are!"

In recognition of the Freedom Quilters' generosity, a plaque in their honor hangs in the library's lobby.

South Marion Citizen - Freedom Public Library - March 26, 2010 issue

By Carol Jones

Meet the Authors
at Freedom Public Library


Left to right: Susan Rowan-Masters, Sylvia Fiorello; seated, Lyn Hill


Three local authors are scheduled to appear on Saturday, April 3, from 1 to 3 p.m. Sponsored by the Friends of Freedom Public Library, this program provides an opportunity to hear and speak with not just one, but three published authors: Sylvia Fiorello, Lyn Hill, and Susan Rowan Masters.

While you're there, remember to fill out a ticket for a door prize. You might win one of their books. Drawing will be held during the last half hour of the event.

Spruce Creek resident and snowbird Sylvia Fiorello talks about her first book set in Central Florida . "My Best Friend Ever (Infinity Publishing) was a 2009 winner in Florida Writers Association's (FWA) prestigious Royal Palm Literary Awards contest, in the published young adult category. It's a fact-filled novel that chronicles the lives of two young 'tweens' who set out to change their body shapes and get healthier. They quickly find their success riddled with roadblocks, such as cookies, fast food, junk food and lack of exercise." Dr. N. H. Jones Elementary here in Ocala has purchased a classroom set of books to use in their wellness and reading programs.

Sylvia Fiorello has a background in teaching, counseling, and prevention education. She wrote this how-to book "For kids and their families who want to be healthier," she says. "Olive and Amy O, the book's main characters, challenge the fast food chains, the CDC, and unhealthy school menus." This is a fun and informative read and complements First Lady Michelle Obama's battle against childhood obesity by advocating fresher foods and more activity, not only in schools, but our daily lives. Sylvia is currently working on her second book of this series with the same characters, called The Green Game of Golf Which is an Oxymoron. Visit her website at www.mybestfriendever.com

On Top of the World resident Lyn Hill introduces her newly published novel, Breaking Points (Infinity Publishing). "This fast paced saga involves two families in the late Depression era of the thirties in upstate New York," she explains. "The Mafia-connected Bommeritos meet the corrupt banker Roberts in a struggle for domination of the city. Members of both families are challenged to the breaking point and the choices they make change their lives forever."

Lyn Hill has written six books in the last seven years. They are mostly historical fiction: Dynamo, about her grandfather's obsession as a young boy with all things electrical; A Viking's Tale, which takes place in the ninth century Viking Scandinavia; and Enduring Spirit, a story of adventure and survival, all published by Infinity. She wrote a non-fiction book on pain and stress management, Some Days I Wish I was a Turtle (Infinity), and a handbook on organizing writing called Take Another Look (Runaway Press). She enjoys helping new writers organize their writing and has taught classes at On Top of the World's lifetime learning center as well as workshops in Freedom Public Library and the Recreation Plantation in Lady Lake.

Hill is a teacher, lecturer, researcher and writer. She is an Emeriti Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy from Utica College and is on the Editorial Board for the Occupational Therapy Journal of Mental Health.

Susan Rowan Masters, Oak Run resident and snowbird, is the author of numerous short stories and articles and four novels for young readers: The Secret Life of Hubie Hartzel, (J.B. Lippincott) a tale about the trials and tribulations of a fifth-grader; Libby Bloom, a plucky fourth-grader; Summer Song (Clarion Books), about a young teen taking on adult responsibilities, and Night Journey to Vicksburg (Silver Moon Press), an 1863 historical fiction about three slave children before the battle of Vicksburg. Visit Masters' website at www.srmasters.com

Masters was nominated for the Rhode Island Book Award and was chosen for inclusion on the Sequoyah Award Master List. She is a national winner of the "Writers' Digest Magazine" Writing Contest.

"Recently," Masters tell us, "New York State Council for the Arts awarded me an Individual Artist Grant to adapt my anti-bullying novel The Secret Life of Hubie Hartzel into a readers theatre radio play. The adaptation will be completed by the fall of 2010 and will be given a pilot production with a cast of children on radio station WRFA-LP (Radio for the Arts)." Plans are in progress to develop it for distribution on public radio and made available to schools for in-school readings/broadcast.

All three authors are active members of the Freedom Writers Group of FWA which meets the third Saturday at Freedom Public Library. For information about the writers group, email Carol Jones: cjones314@cfl.rr.com . For information about the Friends, contact Pat Babski, president: cbab@embarqmail.com .