Letters to the editor

Observer helps resident find birth mother

I am writing to you today in an effort to recognize the work of staff writer Brittni Johnson, for she paved the way that led me to fulfill my lifelong dream. For 20 years now, I have questioned the whereabouts of my biological family, especially since I have been raised in the same town in which I was born (Winter Park/Maitland). A little over a year ago, I met with Brittni, who wrote an article about me in The Observer (“Social modeling” published March 24, 2011) that mentioned my yearning to meet my birth mother.

In July, I received an email from a woman living in Michigan claiming to be my biological cousin. It turned out that she was correct, and she has introduced me (via the Internet) to my other blood relatives and even led me to learn that my birth mother has lived within minutes of me all of my life! I write to you to recognize Brittni's article, and her compassion for helping me, because my cousin said she probably wouldn't have contacted me if she didn't read that article first and learn that I wanted to be found.

Editor’s Note: Read Brittni Johnson’s 2011 story about Victoria Kundinger at http://bit.ly/RPLxmX

I know that it was not Brittni's intention for me to find my biological family, but she helped me open the door for that possibility, which she should be proud of. I cannot express my gratitude to Brittni and The Observer enough. I hope this event reminds everyone that sometimes small acts of compassion really do impact others in big ways; who knows, maybe The Observer will help solve another 20-year old mystery!

Thank you again.

—Victoria Kundinger

Maitland

Winter Park Library has its own bookstore

Good evening, when I read the interviews you (Clyde Moore) did with local Winter Park people (Sept. 6 column “Favorites of yours”), I was astounded that Didem Isik-Widener did not know that there is a bookstore in Winter Park. She also said that you did not know of one.

You have not done your homework. If you go to The Winter Park Public Library you will find The New Leaf Bookstore within the library itself! It has been in existence for more than 20 years, starting without door sales and then progressing to the room they now occupy!

It’s staffed fully by volunteers. The hours are different from the library, but the bookstore is open seven days a week. All of the books carried in the store are donated. The ladies open all the boxes given, sort the books, price them, look some up on the Internet to see their value if needed, and follow many other steps before the books are put on the shelves.

Most of the books donated look like they have never been read. Those sold in other bookstores for $29, the store might sell for $6. Older ones have a standard price. We have paperbacks and hardbacks in many categories. Overflow books are given to several local companies that benefit the community.

All of the money raised from the bookstore goes back to support the library. Since the library is owned by the city of Winter Park, it is a struggle for them to buy books for patrons to check out or buy new computers for public use.

Editor’s note: Visit www.wppl.org/info/NewLeafBookstore.html or call 407-623-3300, extension 110, to learn more about The New Leaf Bookstore in the Winter Park Public Library.

You do not have to be a member of the library to come to the bookstore and buy a book — it is for everyone, regardless of city or county where they live. I could go on and on.

I volunteer on Thursdays from noon to 3 p.m. I would love to give you a tour and show you just how great a bookstore we have right here in Winter Park. Come in and look around, and then jot down any questions you might have.

Polly Seymour — name you might recognize — is one of the original founders and also the bookstore manager.

You may not have time to take a tour before your column goes print, but let’s make a date for next week, Sept. 20, and see how you can let the folks in this area know what they are missing out on by not coming to The New Leaf Bookstore at the library.

Thanks for helping to support a local store.

—Patricia A. Johnston

New Leaf Bookstore volunteer