PEG AND FRIENDS OF SOUTH COMMUNITY LIBRARY
by Janis D. Froelich
Peg Ditchen, my former neighbor, and her story about working for the “Joy of Cooking” world famous cookbook is real. But her experiences in Cincinnati are used fictitiously in this novel. I like to think “Recipe Workers, Finding Joy and Then Some” is a work of fiction but the scaffolding is based upon fact. My personal thoughts and experiences creep in throughout this book. So I do need to make clear that all errors, exaggerations or misstatements are entirely my fault. But let’s proceed to the fun part. Peg loved her volunteer efforts for Friends of South Community Library. The library, a quiet but vital asset to many neighborhoods on St. Petersburg’s south side, is at 2300 Roy Hanna Drive South.“Peg certainly was an example of the dedication and support that allows the Friends of South Community Library to reach out to our community and bring all ages together to share our love of books,” wrote Polly Higgins, president of Friends of South Community Library. Polly answered my note stating that I planned to donate $5 to the Friends from each book sold at $15. I’m excited about raising this money from my self-published book, “Recipe Workers.” Sandra Allen, branch coordinator, also noted the upcoming donation will be “a wonderful way to remember Mrs. Ditchen and to support the Friends.” I also can’t wait for others to read versions of the tales Peg told me through the years. Many stories about her cookbook experiences are humorous and relatable so this fictional account can also be quite inspirational! Thank you so much. Contact Janis D. Froelich at janisfroelich@yahoo.com.