22 Aug 2019, 12:55pm
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Kate’s 2¢: new blog series

Kate’s 2¢: new blog series

 

I have always enjoyed reading. One of my worries, when I lost my eye sight in 1985, was that I’d never be able to read books, newspapers, or even the junk mail. Technology has come to my rescue and it improves every year.

Not only can I “read” using the Optical Character Recognition (OCR)  scanner, I can access the plethora of printed materials by down-loading articles into my computer. The laptop computer I currently have utilizes NVDA software to “read” what is on the screen. I can, also, access the National Library Services Braille and Recorded Down-loads Library of Congress items  (NLS/BARD/LOC), which I transfer via Humanware Companion to my Victor Stream Reader.

It’s really neat technology and , while it took time and patience for me to learn how to do it  on my own, I can now explore the world and virtually travel everywhere.

   There is a plethora of in-depth biographies of authors and reviews of their books, that state the title, author, published date, and genre; as well as,     describing what the book is about, setting, and character(s), so, Kate’s 2¢ merely shares my thoughts about what I read.

 

14 Jun 2019, 5:57am
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The Walworthians: Knowledge Devise

The Walworthians

 

A collection of telephone interviews published in the Wayne County STAR Newspaper and Wayne County MAIL Newspaper, 1994-209

by Kate Chamberlin

 

 

~Knowledge Device

July 22, 1998

Announcing the new Built-in Orderly Organized Knowledge device (BOOK).

The BOOK is a revolutionary breakthrough in technology: no wires, no electric circuits, no batteries, nothing to be connected or switched on. It’s so easy to use even a child can operate it. Just lift its cover!

Compact and portable, it can be used anywhere‑even sitting in an armchair by the fire‑yet it is powerful enough to hold as much information as a CD‑ROM disc.

Here’s how it works:

Each BOOK is constructed of sequentially numbered sheets of paper (recyclable), each capable of holding thousands of bits of information. These pages are locked together with a custom-fit device called a binder, which keeps the sheets in their correct sequence.

Opaque Paper Technology (OPT) allows manufacturers to use both sides of the sheet, doubling the information density and cutting costs in half. Experts are divided on the prospects for further increases in information density; for now BOOKS with more information simply use     more pages. This makes them thicker and harder to carry, and has drawn some criticism from the mobile computing crowd.

Each sheet is scanned optically, registering information directly into your brain. A flick of the finger takes you to the next sheet. The BOOK may be taken up at any time and used by merely opening it. The BOOK never crashes and never needs rebooting, though like other display devices, it can become unusable if dropped overboard.

The “browse” feature allows you to move instantly to any sheet, and move forward or backward as you wish. Many come with an “index” feature, which pinpoints the exact location of any selected information for instant retrieval.

An optional “BOOKmark” accessory allows you to open the BOOK to the exact place you left it in a previous session–even if the BOOK has been closed. BOOKmarks fit universal design standards; thus, a single BOOKmark can be used in Books by various manufacturers.

Conversely, numerous bookmarkers can be used in a single BOOK if the user wants to store numerous views at once. Only the number of pages in the BOOK limits the number.

You can also make personal notes next to BOOK text     entries with an optional programming tool, the Portable Erasable Nib Cryptic Intercommunication Language Stylus (PENCILS).

Portable, durable, and affordable, the BOOK is being hailed as the entertainment wave of the future. The BOOK’s appeal seems so certain that thousands of content creators have committed to the platform.

Look for “The Night Search” by Kate Chamberlin and a flood of new titles and authors soon.

2019 Up-date: Joining “The Night Search” are “Charles and David”, “Green Trillium”, and “Behind Our Eyes: A Second Look”.

 

5 Jun 2019, 4:07pm
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The Walworthians: Matt Sass

The Walworthians

 

A collection of telephone interviews published in the Wayne County STAR Newspaper and Wayne County MAIL Newspaper, 1994-209

by Kate Chamberlin

 

Wayne Central Class of ‘91

2019Up-Date:

Matthew T. Sass

Webster: Matthew suddenly passed away on June 1, 2019 at age 45.  He is survived by his wife, Malgorzata Sass; children, Mila and Emmett; parents, Ann and Bernard Sass; mother and father-in-law, Halina and Marian Waliszewski; sisters, Amy Sass, Mary Sass and their families; sister-in-law, Aneta Waliszewski and her family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday (June 5), 10:30 AM at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, 5823 Walworth Rd., Ontario, NY 14519.  Interment in Webster Union Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in Matt’s memory may be directed to the Bivona Child Advocacy Center (Bivonacac.org).

Matt was known for his love for his family, friendship, humor and story-telling.  As we celebrate his life, the family welcomes your memories and stories about Matt.  Please visit www.murphyfuneralservices.com to leave the family an online condolence, memory or story, light a digital candle or upload a photo.  This will provide an enduring memory book for the family and all memories and stories, heartfelt to humorous are welcome.

 

Class of ‘91

January 19, 1995 Wayne County STAR Newspaper     After high school graduation, classmates scatter to pursue many endeavors.  Sometimes the closest of ‘buds’ loose touch with each other as their lives diverge.

Many of the Wayne Central Class of ’91 are about to become the collegiate class of ’95.

I dialed the Mother’s Network”  to find out who is doing what:

 

Beth Bradley is a Senior at Nazareth College.  Her double major is English Literature and Philosophy.  She’d like to attend graduate school somewhere in New England.   One of her part-time jobs is working in Victoria’s Secret.  It sounds like she’s getting a well-rounded education!

 

Will Chamberlin is a Senior in the L. C. Smith College of Engineering and Computer Science at Syracuse University.  He is on the Dean’s List and will be graduated in May, 1995 with a B.S. in Computer Science with Co-Op work experience.  He has stayed active in Volley ball, basket ball and surfing cyberspace. He enjoys living off-campus with 7 housemates and a kitten.

 

Michelle Borkhuis has returned from attending the University of Wollongong, Australia through the University of Massachusetts.  She’ll be graduated in May with a B.S. in Exercise Science.   Michelle found that her experience and work outs with the 8-woman rowing team   at U. Mass. bode her well with all the back-packing, touring and canoeing she did in Australia.  She kept in contact with her parents via E-Mail AFTER returning successfully from her treks.

 

Stephanie Bradford  is doing field work during January for  Keuka College.  She will be graduated in May  with a degree in Hotel/Resort management.  Her  internship experiences have been located in N. Carolina, and portland, Oregon, as well as the Hyatt Downtown

 

Joe Dennie is a Senior at the University of Buffalo.  He’ll be graduated in May with a B.S. in Architecture.   This past summer he worked with his brother and a local contractor framing residential buildings.  Joe found out just how powerful a Power nail driver can be.                               Yes, powerful enough to send a nail through his foot!  He’s OK, but it’s a lesson that won’t have to be pounded into him again.

 

Ian Komorowski   is currently doing a Co-Op block through R.I.T. with the Monroe County Water Treatment Lab.  He lives in Brighten with two other fellows.  He is planning an extended back-packing trip in the spring to tour the U.S.A.  He’s kept in shape by spelunking (cave exploring) on the week-ends.

 

Noel Pollard was also a member of the Class of ’91.  His tragic death took him from us, but, he is not forgotten.

 

MaryKay VanVenschoten is currently working at Bill Grey’s.  She is enjoying being out on her own.  Her future plans might include joining her parents in North Carolina to help with their new restaurant, Speedies Pit Stop.

 

This is just a small sampling.   I’m sure there will be many “official” newspaper notices in the spring.

If you have a Wayne Central or Gananda graduate who you’d like to give a pat on the back, give me a call.  Let’s chat.

 

29 May 2019, 6:07am
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The Walworthians: Ruth L. Miller, obit

The Walworthians

 

A collection of telephone interviews published in the Wayne County STAR Newspaper and Wayne County MAIL Newspaper, 1994-209

by Kate Chamberlin

 

2019Up-Date:

WALWORTH: Passed away at her home on Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at the age of 97. Ruth was born on February 26, 1922 in Webster, NY to the late Earl E. and Elsie “Semmler” Agne. She was also predeceased by her husband Ralph and brother, Arthur Agne.  Survived by her children, Joyce (Howard) Clark of Palmyra, NY, Beverly Flanigan of Ontario, NY, Leona (Donald) Kirby of Newport, NC, Jean (Donald) Gardner of Ontario, NY and Steve (Nancy) Miller of Ontario, NY; 10 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; sister, Virginia Zaso of Ontario, NY; several nieces, nephews and many friends. Ruth had a strong faith and was devoted to her family. Although Ruth received some help from her family, she was able to maintain her independence and lived out her life in her own home. She had a love of flowers and enjoyed gardening through the years. She was loved and will be missed by her family and friends. All are invited to gather for a time of visitation on Friday, May 24, 2019 from 4 to 7PM at the Murphy Funeral & Cremation Chapel, 1040 State Route 31, Macedon, NY 14502 where a celebration of Ruth’s life will take place on Saturday, May 25, 2019 at 11AM.  Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Penfield. Expressions of sympathy may be made in the form of a donation, in Ruth’s memory, to the Walworth Fire Department, or to the Second Baptist Church of Walworth.  To light a candle, leave a condolence, upload a photo, or order a floral tribute, please visit www.murphyfuneralservices.com.

 

Ruth L. Miller, Grandma

June 19, 1996

Ruth L. Miller is one of the people in our neighborhood.

She grew up in West Brighton and attended   Monroe High School until her parents moved to a farm in Webster.

Ruth met her husband, Ralph, when he hired on as a tenant who helped with the farm work. It must have been true love, because last March 15th they celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary.

About 40 years ago, they moved to their 21-acre farm on Ontario Center Road. It used to be part of the larger Tabor farm.

It had cherry and pear trees on it, but Ralph wanted to raise pigs, cows and the grain to feed them. The orchard was cut down to make room for his new venture.

Farming didn’t pay all the bills so Ralph delivered feed for Anna B. Youngs’ Feed Mill until he began working at Garlock. His tenure at Garlock lasted over 30 years.

Ruth and Ralph have five children: Joyce Clark, Beverly, Leona Kirby, Jean Gardner and Steve.

“I’ve been real lucky with my kids,” Ruth said proudly. “They never got into any serious trouble while they were growing up in Walworth.”

Each year in the fall, Ruth makes evergreen wreaths to sell at the road side stand next to her driveway. She also puts out pumpkins grown in her back field and sometimes, home-made goodies.

I remember the first time I took my young sons over to let them choose their own pumpkins. We were standing in the yard looking around. We heard a loud putt-putt-chugg before we saw what made the sound.

Ralph was driving an old tractor up the lane from the east field. As he got closer, we noticed something small and white on his lap.

It was Peachy, a little white poodle that went everywhere with him. Ruth said that it was Peachy’s tractor. It didn’t go anywhere without Peachy at the wheel.

Years later, I was standing at the end of Orchard Street listening to the Festival in the Park Parade pass. I heard an old Putt-putt-chug pas and a hearty voice holler, “Hi, Kate. It’s Grandma Miller!”

Peachy had been gone a long time, but his tractor still chugs on. Ruth assured me she’ll be driving it in the parade this year, too.

Thirteen years ago Ruth and I bowled on the same team in the Thursday Morning Women’s League. The enthusiasm she put into bowling is typical of her zest for doing so many things.

She became my Cub Scout Den’s adopted grandmother. We took cookies to her on holidays and sang Christmas carols in her kitchen.

She came to our pack meetings and bid on goodies at the annual Scout Auction.

One year my husband and Grandma Miller vied back and forth on a cake until Dave had to pay almost $20 for it. He surprised her by giving her the cake.

Ruth hasn’t let last year’s mild stroke slow her down. She is warm, friendly and caring with strong feelings and out-spoken thoughts. For example, she feels that the Town Hall has too much unused space in it.

“At first, I thought they were going to put another room or floor in,” she said referring to the large vaulted ceiling of the entrance hall. “And, they said they’d fix up a room for us Senior Citizens to use. That kitchen across the hall from the big room is too dinky for our pot luck suppers!”

I promised Ruth I wouldn’t print the story she told me about a mouse running up her pant leg, so the next time you see her, ask her about it.

Thank you, Ruth Miller. You are a Walworthian with the accent on worth.

 

17 May 2019, 4:46pm
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The Walworthians: Knowledge Device

The Walworthians

 

A collection of telephone interviews published in the Wayne County STAR Newspaper and Wayne County MAIL Newspaper, 1994-209

by Kate Chamberlin

 

 

Knowledge Device

July 22, 1998

 

Announcing the new Built-in Orderly Organized Knowledge device (BOOK).

The BOOK is a revolutionary breakthrough in technology: no wires, no electric circuits, no batteries, nothing to be connected or switched on. It’s so easy to use even a child can operate it. Just lift its cover!

Compact and portable, it can be used anywhere‑even sitting in an armchair by the fire‑yet it is powerful enough to hold as much information as a CD‑ROM disc.

Here’s how it works:

Each BOOK is constructed of sequentially numbered sheets of paper (recyclable), each capable of holding thousands of bits of information. These pages are locked together with a custom-fit device called a binder, which keeps the sheets in their correct sequence.

Opaque Paper Technology (OPT) allows manufacturers to use both sides of the sheet, doubling the information density and cutting costs in half. Experts are divided on the prospects for further increases in information density; for now BOOKS with more information simply use     more pages. This makes them thicker and harder to carry, and has drawn some criticism from the mobile computing crowd.

Each sheet is scanned optically, registering information directly into your brain. A flick of the finger takes you to the next sheet. The BOOK may be taken up at any time and used by merely opening it. The BOOK never crashes and never needs rebooting, though like other display devices, it can become unusable if dropped overboard.

The “browse” feature allows you to move instantly to any sheet, and move forward or backward as you wish. Many come with an “index” feature, which pinpoints the exact location of any selected information for instant retrieval.

An optional “BOOKmark” accessory allows you to open the BOOK to the exact place you left it in a previous session–even if the BOOK has been closed. BOOKmarks fit universal design standards; thus, a single BOOKmark can be used in Books by various manufacturers.

Conversely, numerous bookmarkers can be used in a single BOOK if the user wants to store numerous views at once. Only the number of pages in the BOOK limits the number.

You can also make personal notes next to BOOK text     entries with an optional programming tool, the Portable Erasable Nib Cryptic Intercommunication Language Stylus (PENCILS).

Portable, durable, and affordable, the BOOK is being hailed as the entertainment wave of the future. The BOOK’s appeal seems so certain that thousands of content creators have committed to the platform.

 

Look for “The Night Search”, “Charles and David”, and “Green Trillium” by Kate Chamberlin and a flood of new titles and authors soon.

 

25 Apr 2019, 7:31am
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The Walworthians: Descriptive Voice Service

The Walworthians

 

A collection of telephone interviews published in the Wayne County STAR Newspaper and Wayne County MAIL Newspaper, 1994-209

by Kate Chamberlin

 

Descriptive Voice Service

January 28, 1998

I went to the public library to borrow a video with DVS. DVS is a Descriptive Voice Service that provides a narrator who describes the action.

Some sighted folks find the talking disruptive, but us blind folk find it imperative if we’re going to get anything out of the video.

The DVS videos are marked with braille on the spine and kept in with the regular videos. I ran my fingers over all the tapes, but they were all checked out. You can imagine my disappointment and frustration.

Since my motto is: When life rolls you a lemon, make lemonade, I went over to the books-on-tape section. No braille here, but my husband read the titles to me and I made my selection.

The Talking Books I get through the mail from the National Library for the Blind and Visually Impaired are all marked with braille. It is quick and easy to find tape one/side one, etc.

The commercial tapes aren’t marked with braille, so the first thing I have to do in preparation to listening, is to have a sighted friend check to be sure the tapes are in order with side one up and where the first tape is located in the carton or “book”. And, woe be unto me if I drop the carton and the tapes fall out!

I was pleasantly surprised to find that my current selections have paper (albeit, print) on side one which I could feel. Side two was smooth. This saved me a lot of time and frustration from losing continuity when changing tapes and sides.

The next difference I noticed was when I started to listen to “The Personal History of David Copperfield” by Charles Dickens.

It was like an old radio program! There were horses clopping, knocks on the door, the crackle of a blazing fire and lots of personal characterizations through voice inflections and style.

My first thought was that students listening to this book being read wouldn’t get any literary value out of hearing this. There were no “he said” or she said”; no tag lines. How would the student know what was really written in the book and what was put there by the reader? Forget about spelling!

However, by the end of the first tape I found tears streaming down my cheeks at the funeral of David’s mother and then laughing out loud with the clumsy, good-natured attempts of the cabby to capture David’s nurse maid’s heart.

I found the cockney accent a lot easier to understand when it was spoken rather than if I’d had to read the print. Here the voice inflections emote better than the print could have. Perhaps it is precisely that emotional factor that will keep the story in the student’s mind longer.

The second tape I “read” was Dickens’ Great Expectations. This one was a more accurate reading of the printed text. It included tag lines, descriptions and other mechanics of the printed text. While there were no crackling fires, the reader did excellent voice identification for each character. It was easy to tell who was talking, where they were and a sense of the times.

I suspect listening to classics and other stories on tape will not and should not replace reading the printed or brailled text for yourself if you want to learn about writing mechanics and spelling, but there is no denying the impact of listening to a good book.

Maybe our subconscious is remembering the good feeling of when our Mommy held us on her lap and read to us.

‘“The Personal History of David Copperfield” by Charles Dickens

BBC Radio Presentation, 1994, Bantam, Doubleday, Dell Audio Publishing, NY, NY.

‘”Great Expectations” by Charles Dickens

read by Gene Engene, Books In Motion, Spokan, Washignton,

recording copyright 1990.

2019 Up-Date: I rarely use the library tapes these days. I down-load books and magazines directly from the National Library Service, using the BARD system, then, transfer the down-loads to my Victor Stream Reader. Once I learned how to do it, it’s fast and abosolutely fabulous.

 

18 Apr 2019, 6:51pm
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The Walworthians: Elizabeth M. O’Toole

The Walworthians

 

A collection of telephone interviews published in the Wayne County STAR Newspaper and Wayne County MAIL Newspaper, 1994-209

by Kate Chamberlin

 

Elizabeth M. O’Toole

April 30, 1997

 

Elizabeth M. O’Toole is one of the people in our neighborhood. She is the newest Children’s Librarian at the Walworth-Seely Library.

“I’m in seventh heaven,” Liz said during our telephone interview. “I love doing the bulletin boards, crafts, stories and being with the children.”

If Liz is in the “children’s room” when the clerks leave in the afternoon, they know something special is in store for everyone in the morning!

“Liz creates such an exciting ambiance that it’s infectious,” said one of the clerks.

Liz has been working at the library ever since her friend Mary Perry, then head librarian, mentioned they needed another clerk. Liz applied and got the job. When the opening came for a children’s librarian, she was a natural shoo-in and hasn’t been sorry yet.

She has a degree in Early Childhood Education. She taught in the Cleveland area for a year and is applying that Montessori training to her library program. Liz would like to continue the current programs of Book Jammers for the 4th through 6th graders and the Story Hours for the Preschoolers.

She’s beginning a K-2 Program to encourage more library use. The children will be reading about such things as kites and pin-wheels. Then, they’ll make what they’ve read about to take home.

She’s been practicing on her own children for years! Kimberly is 13, an active Girl Scout and will be attending Our Lady of Mercy. She’d like to become “some kind of doctor”.

Tom, is 10, a Boy Scout in Troop 260 and active in sports. I met Tom several years ago when I did a Guide Dog Puppy program for the Book Jammers. He is friendly, out spoken and a real nice guy.

Colleen is 7 years old, an active Brownie and attending St. Joseph’s School in Penfield. She is fascinated with all kinds of “creatures”.

Caitlyn is 4 and attending Wee People Nursery School in Walworth and looking forward to attending kindergarten at St. Joseph’s in September.

The kids share their home with G-man, a one year old Golden Retriever, and Emmy Lou, a 7 year old Yellow Lab.

Last, but not least, (or should I say: first and foremost) is Liz’s husband John. He is an ex-Navy man who moved his family to the Walworth area 8-1/2 years ago when he came to work on the Gannett Nuclear Power Plant.

Liz met John when she was in college. She and several girlfriends decided it would be exciting to go into Milton to a tavern. It just happened to be the same tavern that was popular with the off duty Navy men from the nearby shipyard. Need I say more?

John is active in the Walworth Volunteer Fire Department and was a Den Leader for Tom’s den.

This summer, Liz is initiating a program for young adults in grades 6 through 8. The theme is On The Wild Side.

I know the cartoonist who is coming to do her thing on July 30 from 11 to Noon and she is definitely on the wild side!

“I like living in Walworth,” Liz said. “Gananda is kid oriented. I feel the children and I are safe. People in general are friendly and there are lots of baby-sitters available during the day.”

“I’d like to see the new Y come to our area,” Liz said. “If a kid isn’t sports oriented, there isn’t much for them to do.”

I suspect Liz is going to do her part to provide more for these children by and through her work at the library.

Thank you, Liz. You are a Walworthian with the accent on WORTH.

2019 Up-Date: none

 

11 Apr 2019, 7:13am
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The Walworthians: Library Banned Books

The Walworthians

 

A collection of telephone interviews published in the Wayne County STAR Newspaper and Wayne County MAIL Newspaper, 1994-209

by Kate Chamberlin

 

Banned Books

October 23, 1996

My curiosity was piqued by the display of banned and challenged books in the Walworth-Seely Library. Several were even on tape cassettes, so, I checked them out.

The first one I read was a children’s novel titled Julie Of the Wolves by Jean George.

It told of the tragic death of a young girl’s mother, the separation from her father due to modern laws about attending school, the arranged marriage, her running away, her befriending the wolf pack, the sport killing of the leader from hunters in an airplane and the reunion with her father.

As the tape ended, I tried to think of why the book would have been banned: The pre-arranged marriage? Inaccurate descriptions of Eskimo customs? Slaughter from the airplane? A girl living with wolves?

I finally called my friendly librarian and asked if she knew why Julie of the Wolves had been banned.

There was a weak description of the retarded, 14-year old husband attempting to mate with his 13-year old wife.

The list the librarian sent me put it this way: “George, Jean Craighead. Julie of the Wolves Harper. Challenged in the classrooms and school libraries in Palmdale, Calif-. (I 995) because the book de-scribes an attempted rape. Source: Mar. 1996, p. 45.”

One of the other tapes I listened to was Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. I didn’t have much trouble understanding why it would be banned for use in a high school. The students don’t or shouldn’t have the experiences to fully appreciate the ribald humor and lusty escapades of the pilgrims as they share their tales enroute to Canterbury.

Canterbury Tales are just not age appropriate for high schoolers.

“Chaucer, Geoffrey. Canterbury Tales. Bantam; Bobbs-Merrill; Doubleday; Penguin; Raintree Pubs.; NAL; Univ. of Okla. Pr. Removed from a senior college prepara­tory literature course at the Eureka, 111. High School (I 995) because some parents thought the sexual content of some of the tales was not appropriate for the students. Source: Nov. 1995, P. 185; Jan. 1996, P. 14.”

I was surprised to find James and The Giant Peach on the list of banned and challenged books.

Wayne Central had that title on its required reading summer list. Our daughter had been reading it before she ran away from home and subsequently away from boarding school.

“James and the Giant Peach. ABC-Clio; Knopf. Challenged at the SEafford County, Va. Schools (1995) because the tale contains crude language and encourages children to disobey their parents and other adults. The book was removed from the classrooms and placed in the library, where access is restricted. Source: Sept. 1995, P. 160.”

Maybe banning books isn’t such a bad idea after all.

2019 Up-Date: Have you ever checked the list of banned books?  I suspect the criteria has changed in the last 20 years.

 

3 Apr 2019, 6:55am
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The Walworthians: Wendy Cunningham

The Walworthians

 

A collection of telephone interviews published in the Wayne County STAR Newspaper and Wayne County MAIL Newspaper, 1994-209

by Kate Chamberlin

Wendy Cunningham

April 17, 1996

Wendy Cunningham is one of the people in our neighborhood. She is the Children’s Programming Specialist at the Walworth-Seely Public Library. Actually, we call her the Children’s Librarian!

“I’ve always been interested in library work,” Wendy said. “I was a Girl Scout for 10 years and my very first badge was the Library one.”

During her Senior year in High School, she did volunteer work in the school library. She also volunteered in the public library. During her college years, she had a paid position in the Roberts Weslyan College library.

Wendy’s degree is in Social Work, but the lure of the library won her heart.

Future and I first met Wendy when she was a volunteer in the Macedon Library. She was surrounded by what seemed to be a thousand preschoolers!

In the fall of 1995, Wendy was hired as our Children’s Librarian. It is a part-time position.

She might be at the library for part-time, but her mind is always thinking of interesting things for the children and the Book Jammers Club to do.

Wendy lives with her husband, Robert, two daughters and two cats.

Her daughters Beth, a 7th Grader, and Amanda, a 3rd Grader, attend the Gananda Central School System.

“My husband is currently ‘economically challenged’, but we hope that will change soon.” she said referring to his recent unemployment.

Robert’s expertise is as a Nursing Home administrator. Jobs at his level are hard to come by, but he has several irons in the fire. They are hopeful that something will come to fruition. (see KUDOS for an up-date on this situation.)

“One of my dreams for the Children’s Library Program is about to become a reality,” Wendy said. “We’re starting a Lap-sitting Story Time.”

It is for young children and a parent. Each session will run one day a week for 10 weeks. Registration can be done at the library.

“Another dream is to bring the Kindergarten, First and Second Graders back into the public library with an after-school story time,” she continued. “There seems to be a lot for the preschoolers, but once they enter the school, we don’t see them until 5th or 6th grade when they start research reports.”

Wendy explained that the Public Library has a different emphasis on their library collection than the schools.

She’d like to see the primary children using the public library all the time, year around.

Wendy has a good start on making that dream a reality, too.

Good Luck, Wendy, and thank you. You are a Walworthian with the accent on worth.

2019 Up-Date: I wasn’t able to locate Wendy for an up-date. Have you seen her lately?

20 Mar 2019, 1:28pm
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The Walworthians: Walworth-Seely Library

The Walworthians

 

A collection of telephone interviews published in the Wayne County STAR Newspaper and Wayne County MAIL Newspaper, 1994-209

by Kate Chamberlin

 

Library

 

Walworth-Seely Public Library

March 30, 1995

Walworth-Seely Public Library; 3600 Lorraine Drive, Walworth, New York 14568; Telephone: (315)986-1511; FAX: (315)986-5917.

*January 27, 1960: the Walworth Reading Room opened with an all volunteer staff. The first librarian was MaryJane Bowdy.

*October 5, 1961: the Walworth Town Board passed a resolution establishing the Walworth-Seely Library to be managed by an appointed board of 5 trustees.

The first trustees of the library were: Lorraine B. Finley (1961-72), Doris D. Gardner (1961-64), Ethel Henning (1961-79), Esther Wesenberg, and Jay Taber.

*February 23, 1962: the New York State Board of Regents issued a provisional Charter  detailing specifications  of its operation

*March 16, 1962: the library contracted with the Wayne County Library System for exclusive service.

*August 19, 1962: the library officially opened its doors to the public.

*January 29, 1969: NYS Board of Regents issued an Absolute Charter.

*March 5, 1969: the building was sold by the Walworth Chamber of Commerce to the library for $3000. The addition was made in 1970 increasing the square footage to 1490 sq. feet.

*December 6, 1989:  the library endorse the system plan of service of the Pioneer Library System. The Geneva Free Library is the central point of the system.

*November, 1992: the library moved to the newly built Town Hall Complex. The area was increased to 3200 sq feet of space.

Here are some interesting facts about our library the happened during 1994:

*42,600 items were checked out in 1994. This represents a 55% increase during the previous 5 years.

*The Busiest day was June 7, 386 items were checked out.

*The Slowest day was January 4th when only 23 items were checked out and then they closed because of a bad snow storm.

*As of December 31, 1994, there were 3,139 registered borrowers.

16,541 items of which 1,770 are books, 105 magazine titles, as well as a multi-media computer featuring the Encarta Encyclopedia and color printer. There is also an Ellison letter maker for patron use.

*The card catalogue was replaced in 1994 with a computer keyboard system that uses a light wand to scan information into its files.

*Book Jammers is a library club especially for children in grades 4 and up. They share reading interests, help with children’s story hours, explore the many multi-media facts of the library and assist in library duties such as gluing on labels and due date stickers.

*One evening a week, COMMUNITY PARTNERS: The Homework Place meets in the library. A homework coach is available to assist students with research projects or homework.

*The Current Trustees are George Schaller, Elaine Leasure, Tom Ormsby, Loren Rachow and John Cojan.

*Mary Perry is our energetic Head Librarian.

*Our friendly, experienced Staff:  Candace Komorowski/ Clerk, Lorel Madden/clerk, Alice Reynolds/Sr. Clerk, Susan Hermann/clerk and *Children’s Librarian, Anthony Volpe/Page.

On the personal side, I was writing a ladybug story and needed some information. I phoned the library and they not only looked up the correct spelling of the Latin name for ladybugs but counted spots so I’d have the correct name and bug!

*The new Library hours are: Mondays and Wednesdays AM – 8PM, Tuesdays 10AM – 6PM, Thursdays and Fridays 1PM – 6PM, Saturdays 10AM – 1PM.

2019 Up-Date: The library has a strong presence with lots of information. Walworth – Seely Public Library Board of Trustees

Jessica Vance    President

Drew Britt    Secretary

Carol Dame   Financial Officer

David Teetsel   Vice-President

Vacant   Trustee Position

 

 
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