Young writers, volunteers honoured at library
By Chris Simon

Photo by Chris Simon Griffin Toplitsky, a Grade 8 student at Killarney Beach Public School, received the Seepe Walters writing contest award, during a volunteer appreciation ceremony at the Innisfil Public Library's Lakeshore branch. Toplitsky submitted Going Nowhere Slowly, a story about people trapped on a bus. The event had a Celtic theme, and featured traditional Irish music and dancing. For more on the event, please turn to Page 13

Griffin Toplitsky loves to go off script.

He writes in his spare time, and prefers a lack of direction in school english assignments. Fitting then, that the Killarney Beach Public School Grade 8 student wants to be a professional script writer, mostly so he can set the creative design of his work. Toplitsky knows how to write, and others seem to agree.

Toplitsky was named the overall winner of the Seepe Walters story writing contest, an annual award given to local elementary school students. He's entered the contest three times, winning the overall award twice.

"I like writing just to entertain people. I don't like writing depressing stories, I like writing stories that will make people happy," he said. "I always do writing on my own time. I do not like stories that are assigned, I just like doing stories that I make my own."

Photo by Chris Simon

Toplitsky's work, called Going Nowhere Slowly, will be published in a book with several other contest entries. The book will be displayed at all branches of the Innisfil Public Library. He says the contest gives feedback, comparing him to other budding student writers.

"It's about a bunch of people who become trapped on a bus, and just what happens. The bus looses power, they can't get out of it and they're in a ravine. It's a bunch of really different personalities," he said. "Sometimes I like losing, because then I can ask people what I did wrong. That way, i know what I need to do for writing in the future."

The award was part of a volunteer appreciation ceremony at the library's Lakeshore branch Sunday afternoon. Over 75 people attended the event, which featured traditional Celtic music and dancing, refreshments and volunteer awards.

Volunteers provide a variety of services for all of the library's branches, including home book deliveries, garden tours, fashion shows, bake and craft sales, children's programs, special events and bursaries, said chief librarian Susan Downs.

They do valuable work, which likely could not happen otherwise, she said.

"Our volunteers have a strong commitment to this community. We're so very fortunate to have so many volunteers that remind us every day that the library is a place for everyone," said Downs. "Library service in this community touches the lives of almost every one of our citizens. Through (volunteer) efforts, we're able to connect to that community."

Some have been volunteering for years. Friend of the Library volunteer Sheila Hall has been participating in library programs since the Lakeshore branch opened five years ago.

She enjoys the atmosphere of the library, and the important role it plays in the community.

"I'm in the library a lot, and I love reading and books," she said. "I'm proud of what the library does in the community. The library's a wonderful thing. There's always things going on." Irish musician Harry Forsythe played the harmonica for a crowd of over 75 people, during a volunteer appreciation ceremony at the Innisfil Public Library's Lakeshore branch Sunday. Participants were treated to traditonal Celtic music, dance and food. Winners of the Seepe Walters contest were also announced.