Bureau of Braille & Talking Book Library Services: 2008 Address Change

From the Florida Department of Education:

The Bureau has a new mailing address as of July 1, 2008. Mail sent to our old address will be delivered until 2010. Our new address is:

Bureau of Braille & Talking Book Library Services
421 Platt Street
Daytona Beach, FL 32114-2803

The web address for the Bureau has also been changed. The new address is:
http://dbs.myflorida.com/library/index.php

The address for the web catalog & ordering system is:
http://www.klas.com/talkingbooks/florida.com

Our phone number remains the same:
1-800-226-6075

2 Cool 4 School : 2008 Summer Program for the School-Age Crowd

Marathon Public Library Presents 2 Cool 4 School : 2008 Summer Program for the School-Age Crowd

Thursday Mornings, 10-11 A.M.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

* July 17 – LAND OF THE INCA, AZTEC, AND MAYA
Stories from Central and South America.


* July 24 – AFRICAN ODYSSEY
Journey up the Nile! Explore the world’s greatest continent through its stories, myths, and legends.

* July 31 – THE JOURNEY OF CHONCEY CONCH
A program of instruments, books and music from the Caribbean with author Bryan Mays and illustrator Mary Jo Seagrist. Enjoy this tale of the Caribbean as you sing and dance to reggae and calypso music.

* August 7 – MOVIE: THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS
An award-winning, animated adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s classic book. Enjoy the wacky adventures of Toad, Mole, and Badger on the big screen!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

It’s cooler at the Library. So please join us!

Marathon Public Library is located at 3251 Overseas Highway, mile marker 48.7.

Questions? Call us at (305) 743-5156.

Marathon Library still in business, at least for the next year

Now that the July 2nd BOCC meeting has come and gone, we can all let out the collective breath we were holding--at least until the next time. The uproar created by the entire Keys’ community made a difference. Unless, of course, the threat of Libray and Social Services closures was a feint, a figurative pail of cold water in our “taxpayer” faces to wake us up and make us deal with real-life facts.

As citizens, and voters in Monroe County, we must understand that a certain amount of tax money must be collected to cover the County’s provision of services. Otherwise, we’ll lose things such as our libraries, veterans’ services, and the like. All the things that make life worth living here -- all part of the Community Services Division in Monroe County -- must be paid for by us.

By our reactions to the threat of library closures, we showed the BOCC that we’re willing to pay for services we, the citizens, hold dear. But did they, and the new County Administrator, also understand that we’re tired of being taxed for unneeded, and sometimes grandiose, projects that THEY dream up? I wonder.

Do the BOCC and County Administrator understand that the ordinary citizens of Monroe County -- and the U.S. in general -- are desperately trying to deal with the economy-wide inflationary tidal wave caused by the constantly increasing prices of all petroleum-based products? At the same time, recessionary forces are at work, too. Folks are afraid of losing their jobs, or if they keep their jobs, of not being able to meet all of their much higher living / working expenses.

Please BOCC, don’t start any new buildings or things of that sort. If you spent less on Capital Expenditures (is that what it’s called?) wouldn’t there be more money for the rest of the budget, for the services the County NEEDS to provide for its citizens? We need the police and emergency folks. We need the courts. We need the teachers. We need the Community Services, but you, BOCC, also need us.

You need us to bag your groceries, to fix your cars, to wait on you in stores and restarants, to check out your library books. If you take care of us by using our tax monies wisely so we don’t have to leave the Keys, then we’ll be here to take care of you.

Thanks.


[The opinions expressed in this posting were submitted by one of gobbysml.blogspot.com readers. It wasn’t approved by the Marathon Library staff or any other Monroe County employee.]

UPDATE on the January 25, 2008: BOCC Special Meeting

We just found out that the January 25, 2008: BOCC Special Meeting will be held in Marathon, NOT in Key West. It will be at the EOC Government Center on Overseas Highway.

Since the meeting will start at 9AM, you'll have to be there earlier if you want to sign up to speak to the Commissioners, during the meeting, for 3 minutes. (Some folks show up very early in order to speak to individual commissioners before the meeting convenes.)

Whatever you decide to do, try to watch the meeting. They'll be deciding the future path of our county. By the way, one of the newspapers said we were $20 million in the hole. If that's correct, our county's financial situation is much worse than we all thought it was. Bottom line? Greater cuts will have to be made. Ouch!

Happy New Year

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year. Please stay safe and sober, and may this new year be even better than 2007,

gobby

COMMUNITY : Winter Season Concerts 2008

We have brochures announcing the Middle Keys Concert Association, Inc’s plans for this winter’s concerts. Come on in & get one—they contain much more detail about each performance than the listing on the web does. But, be sure to double-check its information against the Middle Keys Concert Association, Inc website for updates about artists and dates.

“The Middle Keys Concert Association, Inc. will bring a six concert series to Marathon in 2008. All performances will be held at San Pablo Church, 122nd Street-Ocean at 7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 7:00 p.m.)

“Young people under 19 are admitted free. Subscriptions to the six concert series are only $75.00. (Please use the attached form.) Individual tickets at the door or at Food for Thought are $25.00.”

For information, phone Lynda Berrigan at 743-4687

The six concerts are:
• Monday, 1/14/08: Philadelphia Brass
• Monday, 1/21/08: Jupiter String Quartet, Clarinetist: Jose Franch-Ballester
• Friday, 2/8/08: Jacksonville Lyric Opera: La Boheme – Giacomo Puccini
• Monday, 2/18/08: Ji – Yong: Piano
• Monday, 3/3/08: Camerata Bariloche, Argentina’s acclaimed Chamber Orchestra
• Monday, 3/10/07: Stanislaw Drzewiecki: Piano

Very, very Special Note:

Monday, 1/28/08: Vienna Boys' Choir – These tickets cost extra. They’re NOT part of the “Subscription to the six concert series.”

The Vienna Boys' Choir tickets will go on sale to the public Jan 5th at:
• Food for Thought
• D'Asign Source
• Marathon Visitors Center
• or by mail (mail must be received by Jan 20 and tickets will be picked up at the door) $35.00 each

Mail to (This is the mailing address on the flyer):
The Middle Keys Concert Association, Inc
P.O. Box 522636
Marathon Shores, FL 33052-2636

January 25, 2008: BOCC Special Meeting

As you know, a $5 million shortfall was discovered in the County budget last year. All libraries had their budgets cut by 20% in January, 2007.

As a result, we had very little money to spend on new books, audio books, and movies. And, we lost Sharon, one of our part-time employees.

Another $10 million MUST BE CUT from the new County budget as soon as possible, but nothing was decided at the November 7th meeting. It seems as though the final budget decisions for all Monroe County Divisions, including us, will be made at the Special BOCC Meeting set for January 25^th which will be held in Key West.

The Special BOCC Meeting is open to the public, please attend if you can. Get there early, so you can fill in the required forms, if you wish to be heard by the BOCC members. Otherwise, you can watch it on television, or on a computer with a broadband feed from our County’s Web site at:
www.monroecounty-fl.gov. Click on the link for “Watch MCTV Live.”

We'd like to thank everyone who's gone to bat for us since these budget cuts and consequent cutbacks in service became an issue. It’s heart-warming to discover how much we mean to so many of our loyal patrons. We hope that your phone calls and letters to the County Commissioners, plus your letters to the newspapers have made the commissioners aware of how important the libraries are to our community.

On a lighter note, please don’t forget that we’ll be closed Monday and Tuesday for Christmas. Plan ahead, and grab your holiday reading and/or entertainment goodies no later than tomorrow.

We’ll also be closed on Tuesday, January 1st for New Year’s Day.

Please have a happy and safe time during this year-end holiday season.

Friends of the Marathon Library Books and Coffee Series 2008

The Friends of the Marathon Library cordially invite you to attend the Winter 2008 Books and Coffee series. All programs will be held at Kirk of the Keys, 8877 Overseas Highway, Marathon. The programs will be on Thursdays from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Coffee, tea, ice water and cookies will be served at 1:00 p.m. The speakers will start at 1:30 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.

January 10th
Sloan Bashinsky, denizen of Key West and astute, honest political commentator, writes a fascinating blog, GoodMorningKeyWest.com. A colorful, brilliant man, Sloan will not bore you!

January 17th
Keynoter Editor Larry Kahn will regale us with his take on Keys politics, fishing and life in general. An award winning journalist, Larry is one of Marathon’s luminaries and is sure to entertain.

January 24th
Author Tom Corcoran, the quintessential Key Wester and creator of the Keys-based Alex Rutledge mystery series, will bring us his new photo book, Key West In Black and White, which offers a collection of photographs taken in the 1970s capturing the unique nautical spirit of Key West.

January 31st
Marathon Librarian and poet Mark Giffen along with Key West poet Rosalind Brackenbury will each read a selection of their favorite poems.

February 7th
Henry James scholar, Professor Mary Cross of Key West will tell us about her new biography of Madonna. Formerly a professor at Fairleigh Dickinson University, Professor Cross is an excellent speaker.

February 14th
Key West playwright and screenwriter Ben Harrison will present his film and book about Count Von Cosel and his love for the fair, albeit deceased Elena. Undying Love, The Musical was performed in Key West, directed by Tom Murtha. The film is a campy production that reminds some of a Key West version of Rocky Horror Picture Show.

February 21st
Marathon photographer Larry Benvenuti has traveled to Cuba scores of times and will present his matchless pictures of this beautiful country. This is a unique opportunity to see Cuba though an independent eye.

February 28th
Eighty-nine year old Islamorada historian Irving Eyster, a Keys treasure, will speak on his recent book about his grandfather, Dr. Jeremiah Reade Explores Florida. Born in 1850 in Indiana, Dr. Reade made his way to Florida by offering an Indianapolis newspaper a daily column if it would pay his way.

March 6th
The undisputed dean of Marathon historians, Dan Gallagher will present his latest book, A New Look At Marathon and Its History. Dan’s previously published books on Marathon’s history are: Marathon Matures; Marathon 1906—1960; and Marathon: Heart of the Key West Extension.

March 13th
Nationally recognized historian Gail Swanson will speak about her fourth and fifth books on Keys history, Connecticut Seafarers at Key West and Place Names of the Florida Keys; Our Ancient, Dramatic History Discovered!!!

March 20th
Our beloved Jo Lee Scarborough will fly in from Iowa with "Sweetie" to regale us with her thoughts on Marlo Thomas' best seller, The Right Words At the Right Time. A book for "those in need of hope, a hero, or a healthy dose of inspiration,” this is a heartwarming collection of personal revelations from such luminaries Doris Kearns Goodwin, Steven Spielberg and Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg.

March 27th
Key West writer Michael Haskins will entertain us with his soon to be published Keys-based mystery, Chasin’ The Wind, a mystery novel featuring Mad Mike Murphy. Tom Corcoran calls the book "a genuine winner...Haskins knows that a razor's width separates life and death at the end of the road. No one guards the gate to Key West. No island law exists that isn't, quite simply, a target."

BOCC Budget Cut Workshop, November 7, 2007

As you know, a $5 million shortfall was discovered in the County budget last year. All libraries had their budgets cut by 20% in January, 2007.

As a result, we had very little money to spend on new books, audio books, and movies. And, we lost Sharon, one of our part-time employees.

Another $10 million MUST BE CUT from the new County budget as soon as possible. Find out WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO YOUR LIBRARY as a result of these cuts.

On Wednesday, November 7th, there will be a BOCC Workshop at the Key Largo Library at 10 A.M. where the possible options will be proposed and discussed.

The Workshop is open to the public, please attend if you can. Otherwise, you can watch it on television, or on a computer with a broadband feed from our County’s Web site at:
www.monroecounty-fl.gov. Click on the link for “Watch MCTV Live.”

You can find out what proposed options will be suggested to deal with the $10 million shortage our County is faced with this fiscal year. Please become informed because these options will DEFINITELY affect you and your library.

Thank you.

Marathon Public Library Presents 2 Cool 4 School

2007 Summer Program for the School-Age Crowd

Thursday Mornings, 10-11 A.M., June 14th through August 9th

It's FREE, and you don't have to sign up in advance. So come on down and get ready for FUN!

* June 14 - SNIP! SPLASH! CREATE!
Cut-and-paste like Eric Carle! Join in the fun and create your own paper collage illustrations with local artist Alison Shaeffler-Murphy.

* June 21 - SUPER SCIENCE
Explore the amazing world of science with these hands-on experiments and activities.

* June 28 - BIG AND BAD: FOX AND COYOTE
Some of the scariest, funniest and best-loved stories feature Fox and Coyote as the tricky "bad guys." You’ll HOOOWWWLLL with laughter!

* July 5 - LIARS’ CLUB
The stories you are about to hear are absolutely true. No laughing is allowed. The no-smiling rule will be strictly enforced. I’m serious!! Join us for a wacky, wild adventure as we tell the biggest lies ever told.

* July 12 - IT’S SHOWTIME!
Let the world be your stage! Discover the fun of creative dramatics with local actor Earl Hallbee.

* July 19 - LAND OF YO
Do you yo-yo? Beginners and experts are welcome! Have fun and learn new tricks with Robert and Stephanie Baybrook, the Masters of Yo.

* July 26 - BIG AND BAD: LIONS AND TIGERS AND CROCS (OH MY!)
Big and small cats, alligators, crocodiles... they’re hungry and on the prowl! Join us for a ferocious feast of tales!

* August 2 - HAIRY AND SCARY: MONSTERS, GHOSTS, AND OTHER CREEPY CHARACTERS
Not for the easily scared or faint-of-heart! These horrid, hair-raising stories will creep you out... if you don’t die laughing!

* August 9 - CLICKETY-CLACKETY, CREAKY-SQUEAKY STORIES
These stories will tweak your ears, tie your tongue in a knot, and fill your belly full of laughs.


It’s cooler at the Library. So please join us!

Marathon Public Library is located at 3251 Overseas Highway, mile marker 48.7 (right next to Fisherman’s Hospital).

Questions? Call us at (305) 743-5156.

Winter Residents—Please Read

The Big Pine Post Office has posted the following sign:

“As Spring approaches and our Snowbird residents prepare to head North, please remember our food drive collection barrel when you are closing up your home for the Summer.
All items collected are donated to the Big Pine Food Bank.
Thanks for your support and have a Great Summer…..”

If you’d like to donate your non-perishables, but don’t wish to drive down to Big Pine, we’re willing to collect your goodies here at the Library. Lynne lives on Big Pine and will gladly deliver your gifts to the Big Pine Post Office for you.

The needy folks on Big Pine who go to the Food Bank will surely appreciate your kindness. (Marathon Post Office is NOT having a collection like this.)

Thank you.

Books and Coffee 2007 : CANCELLATION of March 13th program

Due to unavoidable circumstances, The Friends of the Marathon Library announced that the March 13^th program by Jay Saporita of the Marathon Free Press must be canceled.

2007 Board for the Friends of the Marathon Library (FOML)

As scheduled the Friends of the Marathon Library (FOML) Board met for the 2007 Annual meeting on February 20^th at the Kirk of the Keys Church at 3:00 PM.

At this meeting a new slate of officers was voted into the following positions to serve for one year:

* President : Brad Trout - 289-8234
* Vice President : Fran Showerman - 289-7532
* Secretary : Lore Grob - 743-4984
* Treasurer : Joan Manges - 743-6078

Community : FCCLV Scholarships available for blind and/or low vision students

A 2007 Florida Council of Citizens with Low Vision scholarship application, for $750.00, is now available online.

Applications and all supporting documents MUST be postmarked no later than March 20, 2007.

In case you have a slow Internet connection, the following quotes are from the Florida Council of the Blind, Inc. site:

FCCLV SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

The Florida Council of Citizens with Low Vision scholarship is awarded to an outstanding student who is enrolled in academic, professional or technical training beyond the high school level. The $750.00 award will be given for either academic excellence or to an eligible applicant who is enrolled in a course of study which will increase advancement potential in his/her chosen field. This scholarship may be awarded to a full or part-time student. However, special preference will be given to low-vision applicants, as this is a Low Vision organization.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Applicant must be legally blind. That is, the applicant must have vision in the better eye of no more than 20/200 with corrective lenses or vision greater than 20/200 in the better eye but with a restricted field of vision of no more than 20 degrees.

Applicant must be a resident of the state of Florida. However, college or university doesn't necessarily have to be in Florida.

Applicant must have a high school diploma or a high school-equivalency diploma. (High school students who are graduating this term may also apply.)

Applicant must either be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a college, university or trade school.

Applicant must have at least a 2.5 grade point average.

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS WHICH MUST ACCOMPANY THIS APPLICATION:

A narrative statement regarding vocational objectives and outlook for employment in your chosen field. Please include any awards or scholarships you have received or that are pending.

Two letters of recommendation.

Official transcript from school currently attending or most recently attended.

Application must be postmarked no later than March 20th, 2007.

Please forward application package to:
Barbara H. Grill
2030 Preymore Street
Osprey, FL 34229

All applications will be reviewed by the Florida Council of Citizens with Low Vision Executive Committee. The recipient of this scholarship will be notified prior to our state convention each year.

For more information about the FCCLV Scholarship, contact Barbara Grill at (941) 966-7056.

(Please print out and complete the following application.)

Good luck and ENJOY!

Community : Scholarships available for legally blind students

The 2007 Florida Council of the Blind scholarship applications are now available online.

Applications and all supporting documents MUST be postmarked no later than March 20, 2007.

In case you have a slow Internet connection, the following quotes are from the Florida Council of the Blind, Inc. site:

FCB SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

The Florida Council of the Blind scholarships consist of awards totaling $6,250.00, which are offered to outstanding students who are enrolled in academic education or professional training beyond the high school level. There are two $2,000.00 awards for academic excellence; a $1,500.00 award available to an eligible applicant who is enrolled in a course of study which will increase advancement potential in his/her chosen field; and a $750.00 scholarship to be awarded to an eligible applicant who is enrolled in a college or university as a part-time student.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

1. Applicant must be legally blind. That is, the applicant must have vision in the better eye of no more than 20/200 with corrective lenses or may have vision greater than 20/200 in the better eye but with a restricted field of vision of no more than 20 degrees.
2. Applicant must be a resident of the State of Florida.
3. Applicant must have a high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma. (High school students who are graduating this term may also apply)
4. Applicant must be enrolled in an accredited college or university or be accepted for enrollment.
5. Applicant must be seeking a college degree.
6. Applicant must have at least a 3.0 grade point average.
7. Applicants who are full-time must carry at least 12 credit hours per semester/quarter to be eligible for the $1,500.00 award. Those who are part-time must carry a minimum of 6 credit hours per semester/quarter to be eligible for the $750.00 award.

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS WHICH MUST ACCOMPANY THIS APPLICATION

1. A narrative statement regarding vocational objectives and outlook for employment in your chosen field. Please include any awards or scholarships you have received or that are pending. Part-time students must include an explanation for part-time status (e.g., employed student, family responsibilities, etc.).
2. Two letters of recommendation
3. Official transcript from school currently or most recently attended

Application must be postmarked no later than March 20th, 2007.

Please forward application package to:
Florida Council of the Blind
c/o Barbara Grill
2030 Preymore St.
Osprey, FL 34229

For more information about our Scholarship Program, you may contact Barbara Grill (941) 966-7056 or via E-mail at grillbh@comcast.net.

All applications will be reviewed by the Education and Leadership Committee and the recipients of these awards will be notified prior to our State Annual Convention each year.”

It is recommended that this application be copied and pasted into a document editor then completed and printed afterwards.”

Good luck and ENJOY!

UPDATE : Friends of the Marathon Library Books and Coffee 2007

The Friends of the Marathon Library cordially invite you to attend the Winter 2007 Books and Coffee series. All programs will be held at Kirk of the Keys, 8877 Overseas Highway, Marathon. The programs will be on Tuesdays from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Coffee, tea, ice water and cookies will be served at 1:00 p.m. The speakers will start at 1:30 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.

February 13^th
Brilliant, irreverent radio personality and Key West columnist, Bill Hoebee will make us laugh with his trenchant perceptions about life in Key West. Who else do we know who judges bikini contests at the Hog's Breath saloon?

February 20^th
Noted Keys historian, John Viele will talk about his research into the lives of the early Keys pioneer women. He will also sign his many previously published books on the history of the Keys.

February 20^th
Friends of the Marathon Library
Annual Meeting, 3 p. m. at the Kirk of the Keys

February 27^th
Charming, witty poet, writer and editor of L'Attitudes, Jessica Machetta will regale us with her columns and poems.

Rosalind Brackenbury, an English novelist & poet who resides in Key West & is a regular contributor to Solares Hill, will read from her new novel, Windstorm & Flood. “The book attempts to deal with chaos and mess and new beginnings, along with the question of how do you connect with the young person who is yourself.” It is published by John Daniel & Co., with release expected in February for $15.95.

March 6^th
"Gonzo Girl" Sammie Mays, Keynoter columnist and party girl extraordinaire, will make us envy her free spirit and adventurous life, and roll with laughter as she tells stories from her career as a reporter for many publications including The National Enquirer.

March 13^th
Witty, wise and downright smart, Marathon Free Press writer Jay Saporita will give us his incisive, courageous opinions about our wonderful, always lively, and more than a little bit crazy Florida Keys.

March 20^th
Our most-loved performer, the warm, witty, perceptive Jo Lee Scarborough from the great state of Iowa will enthrall us with her review of Marley and Me.

March 27^th
Famed Marathon historian, Dan Gallagher, PhD., will present his soon to be published Marathon Matures, a collection of photographs from the 1950’s and the present day. This exciting collection captures the buildings and businesses of Marathon, “then and now”.

April 3^rd
Songwriter, performer & playwright, Ben Harrison, is also the author of Undying Love, the true & bizarre story of Count von Cosel’s after-death love affair with the lovely Elena Hoyos which took place in Key West during the 1930s. He will read from that work & from the musical comedy he co-authored, “Clouds Over Sunshine Inn,” which will be performed this May by the Marathon Community Theatre.

Friends of the Marathon Library - Books and Coffee Series 2007

Friends of the Marathon Library
Books and Coffee Series 2007

The Friends of the Marathon Library cordially invite you to attend the Winter 2007 Books and Coffee series. All programs will be held at Kirk of the Keys, 8877 Overseas Highway, Marathon. The programs will be on Tuesdays from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Coffee, tea, ice water and cookies will be served at 1:00 p.m. The speakers will start at 1:30 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.

January 23^rd
Always entertaining, Solares Hill writer and Key West denizen, Mark Howell, will fascinate us with his detailed knowledge of the many Keys characters involved in the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the Bay of Pigs and other attempts to overthrow the Castro regime launched from our very own neighborhoods.

January 30^th
A brilliant, gifted writer, the knowledgeable Solares Hill editor, Nancy Klingener will talk about her adventures in South Florida journalism.

February 6^th
Ever popular and humorous Key West columnist, poet and cabdriver Michael Suib will entertain us with his perceptive observations about life in Key West.

February 13^th
Brilliant, irreverent radio personality and Key West columnist, Bill Hoebee will make us laugh with his trenchant perceptions about life in Key West. Who else do we know who judges bikini contests at the Hog's Breath saloon?

February 20^th
Noted Keys historian, John Viele will talk about his research into the lives of the early Keys pioneer women. He will also sign his many previously published books on the history of the Keys.

February 27^th
Charming, witty poet, writer and editor of L'Attitudes, Jessica Machetta will regale us with her columns and poems.

March 6^th
"Gonzo Girl" Sammie Mays, Keynoter columnist and party girl extraordinaire, will make us envy her free spirit and adventurous life and roll with laughter as she tells stories from her career as a reporter for many publications including The National Enquirer.

March 13^th
Witty, wise and downright smart, Marathon Free Press writer Jay Saporita will give us his incisive, courageous opinions about our wonderful, always lively and more than a little bit crazy Florida Keys.

March 20^th
Our most-loved performer, the warm, witty, perceptive Jo Lee Scarborough from the great state of Iowa will enthrall us with her review of Marley and Me.

March 27^th
Famed Marathon historian, Dan Gallagher, PhD., will present his soon to be published Marathon Matures, a collection of photographs from the 1950’s and the present day. This exciting collection captures the buildings and businesses of Marathon, “then and now”.

April 3^rd
Famous Key West photographer, Rob O'Neal will return by clamorous demand to show us more of his fabulous slides of Cuba.

Parent's Permission Slip for Child's Library Card

If your school-aged child DOES NOT have a library card for the Monroe County Libraries, print this form and fill it out. The next time you, or your child, comes to the Marathon Library, give us this form and we’ll immediately make a card out for your child.

Monroe County Public Library
George Dolezal Branch
3251 Overseas Highway
Marathon, FL 33050
743-5156 / 289-6098
fax: 289-6093
Gloria Goodman, Branch Manager

TO BE FILLED OUT BY PARENT OR GUARDIAN

Please give a library card to my SON or DAUGHTER so they can borrow books from the Public Library. I promise to pay for any damage or loss my child causes. I will pay any fines justly charged.

Date: ________________
First name of child: _______________________
Middle name of child: _______________________
Last name of child: _______________________
Birth date of child: _______________________

First name of ADULT: _______________________
Last name of ADULT: _______________________
Phone # of ADULT: _______________________

Mailing address of ADULT:
Street: __________________________________
City: __________________________________

Adult’s signature:___________________________

http://gobbysml.blogspot.com/2006/12/parents-permission-slip-for-childs.html

Yesterday, two lovely ladies from the Marathon Garden Club decorated a real Christmas tree for us. The theme this year is very “Keysie”—sea shell shapes, tropical fish, star fish, real sand dollars, fish netting, etc.

Come on down & see it.

COMMUNITY: SHIP Program applications have arrived!

“The Monroe County State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program announces the availability of funding for State of Florida FY 2006-2007. The SHIP program serves very low, low and moderate –income residents throughout Monroe County, including incorporated areas….”

“…SHIP local housing distribution may not be used to purchase, rehabilitate, or repair mobile homes.”

We’ve received the applications for:

· Homebuyer Assistance

· Wastewater Improvement

· Housing Rehabilitation

Please check with the SHIP Program Coordinator, Marie, at (305) 292-1221, if you’re looking for forms about:

· Disaster Mitigation (Homeownership)

· Rental Construction/Rehabilitation (Rental Strategy)

· Disaster Mitigation Rehabilitation (Rental Strategy)

You MUST return the completed application NO LATER THAN December 15, 2006. Please pick-up your application as soon as possible & fill it in. Marie says she’s very happy to answer any questions you may have. Give her a call & good luck!