Roll Your Clock Back One Hour, Saturday Night, 11/2/13

Time changes officially at 2 am, Sunday, November 3, 2013, so if you're not up at that time,

don't forget to set your clock BACK (remember: fall back) one hour before bed time Saturday night.

BELOW: TICKLED PINK!  HE GETS TO SLEEP AN HOUR LONGER THIS SUNDAY!

                                           

What Is Retiree Suzanne Theriault Doing Now?

Suzaanne Theriault was with JPL for 34 1/2 years and managed several branches.  She retired as a Senior Librarian/Branch Manager at Bradham Brooks Northwest Branch in 2009. Suzanne says she misses the direct service to customers, working with children, and our staff.  

Suzanne's "logo" was--and remains, as you see in this photo of her and a freind, Lee--always a beautiful flower in her hair.

RETIREMENT (thus far)

By Suzzane Theriault

Retirement seemed to come at the right time since shortly after the big day my apartment ceiling caved in.  Management offered me a sweet deal on the new lease: no rent increase.  Falling plaster, wet walls and green, blue, and black mold were mine for free. Such generosity! No thanks.

Except for the moving part, things were looking up.  I ended up in a place on Butcher Penn Creek.  Surrounded by trees dripping in Spanish moss, it looks like a scene from Florida’s past.  Blanding Boulevard is down the street, but you’d never know it from the view off my private balcony.

Canadian geese, great blue herons, egrets and pink spoonbills come and go all day while at night I’m serenaded by the most melodious frogs in existence, at least during mating season.  I was as excited as a person who’d never seen a bird or heard a frog before.  That was because I actually never saw a bird or even a tadpole before.  But, the best visitors are the swimming kind.  I’ve seen manatees, nutrias, and things I can’t quite describe.  This place is truly alligator alley.

Besides one great egret, the only other permanent resident was Wilbur, a four-foot baby alligator who always had a little turtle trailing him from behind.  Wilbur’s right eye was missing and his left leg was only a stump.  I would describe him as both gruesome and fascinating.

When my neighbor (who was feeding him) moved away, Wilbur also moved on.  But every now and then he stops by to say hi, or to see if there’s a tasty dog or cat around.  Here kitty, kitty. 

Top Talent In MH Children's Displays

MH's part-timer Amy Davis's daughter, Hannah, created this scarrrry Halloween themed display for Murray Hill Library's children's section.  Hannah Davis is 11 years old and is a 6th grader at James Weldon Johnson Middle School. Children's Librarian Chiquita Powell said, "Hannah's talents are amazing and she is already thinking of something to create for Thanksgiving and Christmas."  

Way to go, Hannah!

KR: Sorry You're Going Away, Hongying

You can't have it all but Library Associate Hongying Song had most of it, October 26, when Mandarin Branch staff showered her with appreciation at a going away party and presented her with presents, a beautiful cake and flowers before she headed off to PCR.                

KR Branch Manager Lynne Baldwin said, "In addition to her regular programming/outreach, public service desk and collection maintenance duties, Hongying was the driving force behind the Crown Point Elementary School Night at the Library in April.  She also created the flyer/calendar template for youth services programming throughout the SE Region for which she received an Innovator Award and a JPL Award for Modeling the Way."  

KR knows a good way to wrap it up:

KR Hosts Lawyers In Libraries

Reference Librarian Stacey van Hoy (right) and Library Associate Frances Wickes attended the Lawyers in Libraries Staff Workshop on Tuesday, October 22, at Mandarin Branch Library.  The workshop was part of the Lawyers in Libraries Pro Bono Week celebration at JPL.  

Willowbranch Fun

Willlowbranch Manager Kathleen Brunner sent these pictures from their

Halloween story time, October 29.  Kathleen was a pirate, Isabelle Pierre dressed as a gypsy, and Grace Fletcher (pictured) was the epitome of Mother Goose. One of the cutest costumes was the ferocious lion.  Babies, kids, and grownups had a fun time. 

October thru December 2013 Innovator Award Nominations

Only six employees (what a *brief list for three months!) were nominted for Innovator Awards in the third quarter of 2013.  Now we are into the fourth and last quarter of 2013 (October, November, and December) and have only one nomination.  If you click on the Innovator light bulb on JPL Neighborhood home page, you can review all the Innovator Award winners.  Why?  You might get a great idea you can use at your location.

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*brief list:  Ain't that a shame!  There is an employee or two you know who deserves an Innovator Award for this quarter (October - December).  GO AHEAD! Take a minute and email your nominations to Leila Wertman (copy Sara Gunter) with the name of the person you want to nominate and the reason why.  Got a question?  Call Leila at 630-7807.

Here Comes The Bride (Soon!)

Andi Hammond and Chris Kohlskelley plan to become Mr. and Mrs., November 15, 2013, and Admin wanted to celebrate. Director Barbara Gubbin, Deputy Director Carolyn Williams, CR&M Assistant Director Kathy Lussier, Administrative Assistants Kimberly Keen and Sara Gunter hosted a bridal shower for them, October 23rd after work  Andi is Director Gubbin's Executive Assistant.  Chris is a helicopter pilot for the U.S. Navy.  

Chris and Andi are beach lovers so Kathy Lussier designed this appropriate ocean/beach scene for their congrats cake. The surfboards were labeled "Mr." and "Mrs."

The weather was perfect and everyone enjoyed refreshments in the staff room, then onto the porch to enjoy an evening with Chris and Andi and wish them all the best in life.

Beauty Is its Own Excuse For Being

South Mandarin Branch customers, neighbors, and staff enjoy a wonderful city park that is maintained by the Mandarin Rotary Club. Over the years, Rotary members have added benches, trees, fencing, and a pergola. This serene respite affords an opportunity to walk the trail around the pond, sit and read, and enjoy a variety of wildlife--turtles, snakes, woodpeckers, cardinals, herons, and most recently, ibis. 

Often seen around the grassy areas or in the pond, ibis use their long, curved beaks to probe and catch insects or other aquatic creatures. As ibis mature, around the age of two, their brown coloration disappears and they become white.  Ibis were once associated with an ancient Egyptian deity, Thoth, believed to be a patron of wisdom, knowledge, and writing.  

Thanks to Ralph Henderson, SOM Library Associate, who took these pictures and wanted to share this article and beauty of the area with you.  When you have time, visit SOM and then enjoy the park.

Webb Maximizes Use Of E-Classroom

Sharon Kirkes, Webb Wesconnett Branch Manager, is pleased that CW recently increased its usage of the E-Classroom.  Caty Devanny is using it on Tuesday mornings for  ESL classes. Greg Royce has added a series of computer classes on Thursday afternoons and the children's department has conducted three Roblox & More sessions on Saturdays.

Additionally, WorkSource was at Webb an extra day last week, Wednesday October 17, to assist customers with the rollout of the state’s new Reemployment website.

South Mandarin Branch Honored By Mandarin Toastmasters

SOM's Branch Manager, Kelli Likens, is proud of the service her employees give and noted that the Mandarin Toastmasters recognized staffs' dedication to good customer service by presenting SOM this award on October 19 for hosting so many of their meetings.  High five to you, South Mandarin Branch staff! 

Kudos From Customers

Highland Branch:  I hadn't had breakfast and I was feeling a little shaky. I went to the desk and asked Cheron Williams to help me with the copier. She asked the other person to watch the desk for her and went over to the copier.

Main – Non-Fiction: I …have taken books from your library for 20 years and never had a problem until today. Four books seemed to be lost but your employee, Revondolyn DuBois, helped me for 1 hour to find them and finally did! She is the best and friendliest lady I ever found. The library is so lucky to find people like her. Give her my thanks again.

Murray Hill Branch: I wish to give my thanks as a member of the Murray Hill Friends of the Library to Branch Manager Raymond Neal, who gave us excellent support in creating our local history programs in September of this year. He is an excellent branch manager and a wonderful representative of the library system as a whole.

Pablo Creek Branch: Please consider funding for continued story time of music and movement at Pablo. Just be there on a Tuesday to see the amazing turnout of parents and children and the fabulous job Miss Rita (Vernon) does!

Southeast Branch:  Brenda Javier did a great job helping me with a great spirit about her. She is one of the reasons I love this place.

Hats Off To Anita Haller

Community Relations Specialist Olga Bayer just wrote an excellent article for School Library Journal about the SRP brainchild of SE's Senior Children's Librarian Anita Haller. Olga's article tells how Anita's idea developed into a successful partnership between JPL and UNF's Dr. Katrina Hall.  Over eight weeks, Southeast Regional Library drew an average of 75 students to each of the literacy programs for kids K-5. The programs involved 27 undergraduates from UNF who brought their ideas and gained valuable experience and class credit.  The first public tutoring partnership for UNF benefitted their students, JPL, and certainly the children.  Click here to enjoy the article:  http://www.slj.com/2013/10/literacy/a-partnership-for-success-the-jacksonville-public-library-and-university-of-north-florida-summer-tutoring-program 

THANK YOU, ANITA HALLER, for a WIN, WIN, WIN!

Troy Ettreim Wins Awards at JPL & In Art

Above is a work of art created by Troy Ettreim, whose quick response to a customer who collapsed at Willowbranch recently, won him two awards:  Model the Way and Employee of the Quarter (4th Quarter FY 2012).     

Troy is a library clerk at WB and he is a painter and digital artist who has won several art awards. His  work was recently included in the University of North Florida Carpenter Library collection, won first place, Donnie Award 2012 (MOCA – Museum of Computer Art), and Editor’s Choice Award for Art and Beyond magazine. His work has been written about in ArtPapers Magazine, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and the Chattahoochee Review. He has exhibited in Atlanta, Los Angeles, and New York.

Troy invites his coworkers to the opening reception of his latest art exhibit at FSCJ's Kent Campus, 3939 Roosevelt Boulevard, 6-8 pm, October 29, 2013. To view some of his evocative, computer generated and colorful art, click here:

 http://troyeittreim.wordpress.com.

Troy's art will be exhibited at FSCJ through November 19.

Remembering Lucy Harris

The old adage, "A thing of beauty is a joy forever" seems to describe Lucy Harris, who closed out her career as a Library Clerk at University Park Branch Library after serving at other locations.  A valued employee of JPL for 25 years, she has a special place in the hearts of many of her coworkers.

UPK's Midge Roton said,“Lucy Harris was a good friend and coworker. She was loved by many. Always kind and fun to be around. Lucy will be missed very much. I worked with Lucy at Regency and University Park for just a few months but long enough to know the type of person she is.”

Theresa Rooney,  UPK's Manager, offered this remembrance, " Lucy was assigned to UPK in late May, just a few weeks after I was transferred, so I only had a few months to get to know her.  I noticed immediately that Lucy had a great sense of style ... She was always very poised, beautifully dressed -- in an understated way -- with great shoes, great hair and a great smile.  I even overheard several customers complimenting her hair during her first weeks in the branch. In addition to looking great, Lucy was always willing to pitch in wherever needed. She helped me with delivery numerous times and never, ever complained about book drop. Lucy was simply not a complainer. In fact, her new badge was delayed for over a month, but she didn’t want to complain to me, even though she had problems getting into the building. When I figured out how long she had been waiting for the badge, I decided we would expedite the process and drive downtown immediately to get it taken care of. From our chat in the car, it was clear that she had a great sense of perspective, of what’s important and what’s not.  I had no doubt that she had broken in many branch managers prior to me and could probably run the branch without batting an eye. Lucy, it was a privilege to know you."

JPL employees extend our sincere sympathy to Lucy Harris' family and friends. 

Lucy Yvonne Walton Harris, born January 26, 1943, and home to the Lord, October 15, 2013, left good footprints in our hearts.

3rd Quarter Innovator Award Winners

Just click below and you can see the reason why David Foster, Jackie Spiritas, Stacey Van Hoy, Robert Moseley, Jessica Jones, and Kris Snider won Innovator Awards during the third quarter (July - September)  of 2013.

http://jplstaff.coj.net/archive/admin/innovator-award/index.html

Do you know someone who deserves an Innovator Award?  If you do and you are a Librarian Senior or above, you can grant the award by emailing Mary Heaney (please copy Leila Wertman and Sara Gunter).  If you are below a Librarian Senior, you can nominate a person to your Senior Librarian or staff with a higher rank, and if they concur, your nomination can be emailed with their approval to Ms. Heaney (copying Leila and Sara).  

Simple to do and encouraging to staff that deserve it.

Who's 75 & Fresh As A Daisy?

This month the Jacksonville Farmers Market celebrates 75 years of being an integral part of downtown and Northeast Florida's thriving business engine.  You could highlight your cookbooks and do a congrats poster to our successful neighbor that offers up to 25,000 visitors a week many vendors' fresh goods, such as Mayport shrimp, local ethnic, organic and specialty produce, plants and flowers.  

The Eyes Of The Pumpkin Are Upon You

Kelli Likins, SOM Branch Manager, shares this picture made of their Teen Advisory Group’s Pumpkin Painting Party, October 10, facilitated by Margo Crafton.

Buying Cheap Books at November Friends Book Sale = Support For JPL

Your favorite titles at CHEAP prices and you help support JPL.  Is that a sweet deal or what!    Friends of JPL President Harry Reagan said their volunteers have restocked the gigantic warehouse and are ready to hold another sale.

Members of the Friends of the JPL Only (You can join there.) Buy-one-Get-one free November 7 - Thursday - 4:00 pm-7:00 pm Open to All November 8 - Friday - 4:00 pm-7:00 pm November 9 - Saturday - 10:00 am-4:00 pm The popular $10 Bag Days All the books you can stuff into a brown grocery bag November 10 - Sunday - 12:00 pm-5:00 pm November 12 - Tuesday - 4:00 pm-7:00 pm November 14 - Thursday -  4:00 pm-7:00 pm November 16 - Saturday - 10:00 am-4:00 pm

Where:  University Park Library, 3435 University Boulevard North (a few blocks down from JU on the right). 

Friends of the Beaches Branch October Book Sale

Be a friend to the Friends of the Beaches Branch and promote their October 2013 Book Sale.  Dates are:

Thursday, October 24, 2013 - Members Only Preview Sale - You can join at the door

Friday, October 25 - 10 AM - 5 PM - Book Sale

Saturday, October 26 - 10 AM - 5 PM - Bag Day