Shared News

Kathy Lussier wanted to share the following news with you and note in the last news feed that Eric Soriano won a travel award from PLA :

Jacksonville Pension Reform

Jacksonville sheriff candidates vow to rely on trims, not new money to improve policing

Jacksonville.com | 02/22/15 21:53

Jacksonville sheriff candidates vow to rely on trims, not new money to improve policing For years, Jacksonville Sheriff John Rutherford said...

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Florida Legislators Weighing Significant Changes to the Pension System

TheLedger.com | 02/22/15 00:01

Florida Legislators Weighing Significant Changes to the Pension System TALLAHASSEE State lawmakers, Cabinet members, judges, school board members ,

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Risking more opposition from the city, Police and Fire Pension Fund considers filling No. 2 job

Jacksonville.com | 02/20/15 19:52

Risking more opposition from the city, Police and Fire Pension Fund considers filling No. 2 job Board members are paving the way to fill the ...

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It's time to act on a pension solution

Jacksonville.com | 02/20/15 16:22

It's time to act on a pension solution There is a huge cloud over the future of Jacksonville represented by its $1.7 billion pension debt to...

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Firefighters' union board chooses Brown over Curry; mayor fails to get enough votes for endorsement

The Daily Record | 02/20/15 12:03

...Mayor Alvin Brown was the choice of the executive board of the Jacksonville Association of Fire Fighters. Mayor Alvin Brown was the choice of...

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Readers seek solutions for $10 million in capital funds

Jacksonville.com | 02/20/15 11:31

...about $10 million that could be used for capital improvements in Jacksonville . City officials have found about $10 million that could be used...

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Out of office, Weatherford lingers near the public stage

Tampa Bay Times Blogs | 02/20/15 09:56

...thought leader on other pro-growth solutions including lower taxes, pension reform, and free market health care solutions. Will is the Managing...

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Weatherford polishes up his resume

Miami Herald Blog | 02/20/15 09:55

...thought leader on other pro-growth solutions including lower taxes, pension reform, and free market health care solutions. Will is the Managing...

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Cheers: George Gabel has been a tireless champion for transparency

Jacksonville.com | 02/20/15 09:00

...the groundbreaking case Brown vs. Denton forced the city of Jacksonville to abandon a proposed pension plan agreement that had been reached under...

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A Beautiful Tribute

We should all salute the young man in the video you can access below and to especially salute our flag that he proudly held so high to honor the brave men who made it possible for us to enjoy our great country and this moving tribute to our fallen heroes.

This is what an 11 year old boy did in Normandy - Amazing!

For those that have served their country and those that have not, you will  appreciate what an 11 year boy did in Normandy--a great video worth watching.

http://swf.tubechop.com/tubechop.swf?vurl=8k9Si28k0Fk&start=0&end=438.55&cid=3753492

A HUGE THANK YOU TO MARK MERRITT FOR SHARING THIS ARTICLE WITH US.

Proud Parents

Guy and Charlene Adkins had a lot to be proud of on February 12 and 13.  Their oldest son, Duncan, completed his last requirement to become an Eagle Scout on Thursday, February 12 and on Friday, February 13, Duncan was accepted to the University of Florida for fall 2015!  (Who said Friday the 13th is unlucky?)

Congratulations to Duncan--and Mom and Dad!

You Did It!

Gretchen Mitchell sent these pictures with staffs holding their congratulatory letters from Mayor Alvin Brown for their years of service.

Charlene Adkins (above), SST's Collection Development and Acquisitions Library Supervisor celebrated 25 years of service with JPL in January 2015.

SST's E-Library Specialists Andrew Coulon celebrated ten years and Donna Peretzman brags on 25 years of service with JPL; both reached their milestones in December 2014.  

All of us add our applause for your faithful years of service.  We REALLY appreciate you.

Kudos From Customers

Main Library:  Called the Main Library…and Stephanie (Miller) was incredibly helpful! Helped me find used car info on one of the available online databases and also told me how to find it in print. I will be scheduling an appointment. with one of the electronic media specialists soon, because I have been missing out on many useful resources! Thanks very much, Stephanie!

 

Beaches Branch - I wouldn't have been able to read 15 books since November without Gail’s (Blumberg) help. I have bad legs and you always get me what I need.

 

Highlands Branch: Tyneshia Matthews was very helpful and "went above and beyond". It was nice to have someone with a smile help him. Thanks to the branch manager for having her on your crew.

Mandarin Branch: Robert (Moseley) at the Mandarin Library is the best. He truly helped me with my library needs efficiently. Great example of excellent service! Thank you Robert!

South Mandarin Branch: I have been attending Spanish Computer classes for over a year. Luis Terron, Angela Richman and Chris Quijano are great instructors. They are always ready to help us. I like my teachers very much and will never forget these very useful lessons. Gracias!

Rosa Parks Added To WBK's Wall Of Fame

Westbrook's Kimberly McTeer said, "Another collage found a new home! The children at WBK have added another great African American figure to the wall of fame. Last year it was Martin Luther King, this year we have Rosa Parks. The children patiently waited to see who the famous person was this year and there were many guesses; only a couple guessed right. Thanks to Marie Myers, who shared the technique in Art Club."

A Heart Comes In Many Forms

Can you make a Mutant Ninja Turtle Valentine?  Can you make a Valentine using origami?  Well, the children at the Mandarin Branch Library can!!  On Saturday, February 14, 59 kids created Valentine’s cards to share with their loved ones and to display at the library.  Each child received an  “I Love My Library” sticker and fresh baked cookies.  The daylong event was a lot of fun for everyone.  Happy Valentine’s Day from Mandarin.

Mardi Gras At Murray Hill

Chiquita Powell held a school-age Mardi Gras program at Murray Hill Branch recently.  She discussed the history of Mardi Gras and how it was brought to the United States.  The kids and parents learned what the Mardi Gras colors green, purple, and gold mean and told how it is celebrated world wide. Kids played Mardi Gras bingo and the winner won Mardi Gras sunglasses.  Next, the kids decorated and make their own masks and crowns.  Library Clerk Cheyla Scantling is creative and made the crowns.  Children and parents enjoyed the program and took home Mardi Gras coloring pages and beads.  (Pic to right.)

A Supporter Of Supporters of JPL

KR Branch Manager Lynne Baldwin reports a Super Hero at the Library, "Who needs Superman or Batman when there is Donation Man at the Mandarin Branch Library.  Library Clerk Eric Cusaac, better known to all his library fans as Donation Man, is in charge of promoting the Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library Book Sale and making sure all of the generous book donations from the Mandarin community are packed and shipped to the FJPL Warehouse Sale scheduled for March 6-9 at UPK.  Proceeds from the book sale support library programming and activities.  Three cheers for the Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library and Donation Man Eric Cusaac." (See pic to right.)

Joel Thorbs Gets A Bouquet Of Fruit

Kristi Dorney, Librarian III at DU, said "Tyneshia Matthews and Annie Norris arranged for the

Highlands Branch Library staff to thank Joel Thorbs for all that he does. A beautiful fruit bouquet was delivered to Joel, February 11."

AND THE WINNERS ARE:

Alvin (A.J.) Joyner - Winner: Employee of the 1st Quarter - FY 2015, and Winner of the Model the Way Award: 
Library Assistant A.J. assisted when Library Clerical Supervisor Carolyn Woods was out.  Why A.J.?  He has leadership qualities and knowledge of the Books on Belt (BOB) area of SST.  A.J. insured the proper flow of materials, kept others focused on tasks at hand, answered co-workers Q's and knew when to take matters to Charlene Adkins or Jill Haile.
(Read more about A.J. in the February Staff Profile on this blog.)

Margo Crafton - Winner: Encourage the Heart Award
SOM's YS Librarian II Margo brings in goodies to recognize birthdays, retirements, and for staff and volunteer appreciation.  Plus, she has an eagle eye for anything extra to be done and by her consistent willingness to "keep the show running", her actions encourage employees to follow her example.  Margo is a real team member.

Aubrey Winship - Winner: Model the Way Award:
Executive Assistant 1 Aubrey has set high expectations for building related issues in JPL's Facilities.  Urgent issues get special attention and follow-ups to ensure satisfactory resolution.  Aubrey was instrumental in helping the Conference Center/Admin team resolve pesky problems during meetings and suggested improvements for Main's Courtyard.

Tammy Hilbert - Winner: Encourage the Heart Award: 
KR's P/T Library Clerk Tammy boosts team morale with her recipes baked to perfection (cakes, pies, cupcakes), balloons and homemade cards for employees' special occasions--all at her expense. She also helps decorate KR for holidays and lifts the spirits and morale of her co-workers and customers alike because she really cares about people.
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Sorry folks; Google has not yet made it possible to save pictures to this side of the blog; however, pictures of each winner receiving his/her award from Director Gubbin and Library Board Chair Erin Skinner are posted on the gadget side to the right.

Happy Valentine's Day

NW's Sheenae Nelson and Gloria Buenavista did a craft program for children on Valentine’s Day. They brought out the duct tape and colored paper and demonstrated how to make flowers with pens/pencils as stems.  The best part, as Gloria reports: no pollen; no sneezing. Enjoy the bouquet! (At right, on gadget side.)

Make Someone Happy

Highlands Branch Manager Kristi Dorney, says "Tyneshia Matthews and Annie Norris arranged for the Highlands Branch Library staff to thank Joel Thorbs for all that he does. A beautiful fruit bouquet was delivered to Joel on February 11."

 

Justin Keiser Wins SST's Owly

Gretchen Mitchell, Assistant Director for Support Services, reports, "Congratulations to Justin Keiser for winning the SST Owly.  Randy Mapanoo passed on the honor to Justin because:
 
Justin 'should be recognized for bringing to reality the idea of digitally preserving family photos at JPL.  It is a big task to research the equipment needed.  It also takes a lot of time and effort to learn about the hardware and software well enough to train customers on it. The amount of requests that have come in is evidence that this is a service that people want, but have little access to.'”
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A picture of Justin Keiser with the SST Owly is on the gadget side.

Staff Profile - February 2015

Library Assistant Alvin (A.J.) Joyner is down to earth, witty, and doesn’t miss much going on around him. A.J. won the Model the Way and Employee of the Quarter Awards for the first quarter of 2015. A.J. will be honored at JPL’s Board meeting, February 11, 2015, along with other winners. A.J. takes his work seriously and, in addition to doing his job well, he filled in for Clerical Supervisor Carolyn Woods for a while recently during her absence. 
 

Q: You’ve been with JPL a long time and worked in several areas.  Where and when did you begin working with JPL and what has been your progress?

A: I started at Eastside Branch as a Page in 1988. I worked in circulation as a part-time shelver until EB began its renovation in 1993 as part of The Better Jacksonville Plan. Then I moved to the Distribution Department, housed at the old Main Library and drove a truck (JPL did its own distribution back then), and delivered materials to all the branches. In 2002, I transferred to the Bookmobile and served as a clerk and drove the Bookmobile from 2002-2004. Six months after transferring, the Bookmobile was discontinued. I moved back to EB and worked there from 2004-2008 and was promoted to Library Assistant there. In 2008, I was transferred to Graham Branch, stayed there eight months, and then on to SST where I have been until now.
 
Q: How does your prior experience help you in your position of Library Assistant in SST?

A: Before coming to JPL, I worked in a warehouse while attending FCCJ. Having worked in different areas of JPL over the years, I met most of the staff when I made deliveries, and I became familiar with the libraries' individual needs and this helps.  Now, I receive and input materials into the computer, making sure items and quantities are correct and that books aren't damaged.  I also distribute circulation supplies throughout the system--stickers, books, etc.

Q:  You filled in for the Clerical Supervisor for Acquisitions, Processing and Linking areas of Support Services when needed recently, in addition to your usual duties.  How did you manage that?

A:  Our employees are deft in their everyday responsibilities. When necessary, they would report any problems/needs to me.  If I could handle something, I did, and as needed, I referred matters to Jill Haile, Librarian III, or to Charlene Adkins, Library Supervisor for Collection Management, and one of them would get back to me as to what to do. Our staff and I have learned good organizational skills, which helps when you juggle different tasks.  Our team is reliable and works well together.  They made it much easier to stay on schedule, and everything was caught up when the Clerical Supervisor returned to work. 

 Q: Name a change you have seen in your area that is beneficial to JPL?

A: The Books On Belt (BOB) area where I work is, in part, efficient because Carolyn Woods, the Clerical Supervisor, listens to suggestions and incorporates them whenever possible.  

Q: What is your favorite pastime?

A:  Spending time with family and friends and watching basketball.

Coaches Score Win At KR Story Time

KR Manager Lynne Baldwin said, "Coach Adam and Coach Mike from My Gym took the reins for our January 29, 11 am story time at the Mandarin Branch Library. The kids had a blast learning new songs, watching a puppet show, and playing fun games; 64 children and parents attended and are excited for a return visit in April."
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See group shot to right on "gadget" side of this blog.

SE Region News

The SE Region has partnered with the Alden Road Exceptional Student Center on several projects.  SOM’s Bryan Thomas represents the Region at the monthly SAC Meetings, Mandarin hosted a student art show and reception in November, South Mandarin will be hosting another student art show and reception in February and San Marco is a volunteer work partner with the school.  On Thursday, January 29, the Region showed their support of the school and their students at their bi-weekly meeting by combining business and good food.  The SE Region Branch Managers and Region Manager Michael Sullivan enjoyed a delicious lunch of soup and salad prepared by Alden Road students as a part of the school’s Community Based Vocational Education program (CBVE) and their on campus School Based Enterprises, which operates businesses that produce and sell products made by the students.  Students are taught skills including business operations, crayon and homemade paper making, gardening, furniture refurbishing, soap and accessory creations, crafts and candy making, baking and short order cooking, thrift store operations, video production and recycling. 

Big thanks to Michael Sullivan and Anita Haller for organizing the lunch and their ongoing support of the Alden Road Exceptional Student Center.
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Please see picture on right, "gadget side" of this blog.

New Idea Helps NS Customers

Pat Morrisson and Betty Williams are proud of Part-time Clerk David Stevenson.  David received an Innovator Award for his work with the DVD’s at the Brentwood Branch, January 27.  Betty said, "After noticing that customers often preferred to look on the pre-shelving cart for DVD’s to check out, David decided to “merchandise” them along the top shelf.  Many customers look there first.  He is always trying to think of solutions to challenges.  Great work, David! "

JB's International Day Program A Success

JB Branch Manager Tamera Branam, brags on Padma Subramanian's latest program, Saturday, January 24th,  "In the past Padma created a program called Experience India to share her culture and country with customers. It occurred to her that it would be an interesting program to expand and include other countries, and she suggested having an International Culture Day program.  Padma contacted volunteers to represent other countries, and let them share their culture, customs, food, and history. USA, Japan, Italy,  England, Africa and India were represented.   Each country held a mini talk, craft, demonstration or dance native to their country.   The local Boy Scout troop began the program with an American flag ceremony and the Pledge of Allegiance, and our National Anthem was performed on piano by Eli Miles.  Food samples were also given out. This program was a resounding success, thanks to Padma’s hard work and vision--290 attended!

Thanks to Terry Welch for the timeline:  "During the day, each country was highlighted:

• Native American Bookmark Craft by Library Associate Gail Blumberg and her teen volunteers (USA)
• Pasta Making Demonstration by Flavia Bowling (Italy)
• Indian Dancing by members of the Indian Cultural Society and Tamil Manram of Jacksonville (India)
• Origami Demonstration by Elsie Oishi (Japan)
• Video and Discussion by Richard Crook (UK)
• Talk by Deloris Hicks (Africa)"

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NOTE: Please see pictures on the right ("gadget") side of the blog.  We still cannot get pictures to post on this left side and the blog owner has not addressed the problem yet.

JPL Staff Association Kick Off Held 1/25/15

JPL Region Manager, Marshelle J. Berry, reports, "The Staff Association Kick-off social at Latitude 360, Sunday, January 25, 2015, went well.  There were extra game cards so attendees (especially the kids) played an abundance of games.   There were lots of cake and prizes.  COMING SOON:  The election of officers!"

2015 Retiree Reunion At SE, 2-4, 2/20/15

Elsie Oishi, former JPL Senior Librarian announces, "The 2015 reunion of JPL retirees and former long-time staff will be held on Friday, February 20, 2015, at the Southeast Regional Branch Library from 2:00 to 4:00 pm.

"This will be a time to chat with old friends from the library system in an informal atmosphere.  Light refreshments will be served. Please RSVP by Friday, February 13, 2015, to Carole Schwartz Moore (dorieblu@gmail.com,  or phone 234-4533), or Elsie Oishi (ejoishi@aol.com, phone 249-6025).

"At the 2014 JPL Reunion "Tea" there were 50 former library colleagues in attendance, and it was great to see everyone there. This year we look forward to add to this number with those who could not make it last year in addition to the newly retired during the past year.  Hope to see you there!"

CW Hosted Kids Who Made A Winter Wonderland

The children from the Cedar Hills Elementary Cathedral Arts program made the children’s department at Webb Wesconnett a little brighter this holiday season.  A multidisciplinary project was created by children in the after school arts program. Children in the program read the story “Night City” by Monica Wellington and talked about city planning. They used inspiration from the book and their own experiences to create their own recycled city featuring pet motels, hotels, rest homes and houses. While they were creating, they also incorporated their math knowledge by creating arrays to display multiplication knowledge. To populate the city, the children created figures inspired by Guatemalan worry dolls. For the backdrop of their city, the children created a painting inspired by the whirls and swirls of Vincent Van Gogh’s iconic painting, Starry Night. (NOTE: please see gadget side for picture since blogger server will not save pics on this side at present.)

The city shows a lot of attention to detail and dedication. Visitors to the department were very impressed to see the hard work of the children.

Also enhancing the department in December were some recycled paper Christmas trees. The trees were folded by the children’s staff and then decorated by children throughout the month.
 

Clarice the Reading Reindeer (a delightful stuffed reindeer) spent time at the Children’s Desk at CW, encouraging children to read. Kids were very excited to see her in the department. We were sad to see Clarice leave after the holidays but she'll be back next year--and maybe a replacement friend will be found to keep the children’s staff company.

Thanks to Michelle Petrin for the article.

They’re Here: Black History Month Calendars

The 2015 Jacksonville Black History Calendar was presented January 15) in an evening program at Main Library.  More than 200 people braved the inclement weather to witness the unveiling.  Ms. Gubbin brought greetings and board member Dr. Brenda Simmons-Hutchins presided.  Special thanks to the JPLers who helped either in the production  of the calendar or helped manage crowd control and distribution on the day of the event – Cranston Burney; Arthur Finley; Denise Thomas, CAL; Theresa Bascom, Main-Circulation; Evelyn Rockwood, Main-Non-Fiction; and Melony Kerr, Special Collections. 

Calendars should arrive at the branches by the end of this week or early next week. Thank you, Arthur and Cranston, for packing and labeling the shipment.  The same rules of distribution apply – your supply of calendars should last through the end of February.  Use your discretion for requests greater than five or ten copies.  Contact Arthur, Cranston, or Pat if you need more.  We will do what we can while supplies last.  Feel free to redistribute within your region.

 

The calendars will be available at area Burger King restaurants by February 1^st.  

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PLEASE NOTE: Presently the blogger server to transfer pictures to this side of the blog is not working.  Pics will post on the gadget side and a pic of the calendar is there.

JB Is Winner of Random House Prize Pak

Terry Walsh brags a bit, "The Beaches Branch was a lucky winner of a Random House prize pack in honor of Jane Austin’s birthday!  We are currently plotting  our own contest for a patron to win the prize pack. "