The staff of ILS wanted to give our supervisor Laura a special “60th” surprise birthday party at Palisades.  We wanted Laura to know that we really do appreciate all she does for us and give her a very special birthday to remember.  Jeannie and I had been talking, and since Laura has a “Goat collection” we decided we should come up with a live goat for her party.  Since I have friends who own goats I thought I could get one for the party.  We also thought it would be a great idea to invite Michael and Rachel, Laura’s children, to come to the party as a surprise.   Rachel came and was presented to Laura along with the goat, Daisy.  I think Laura was very surprised and very happy. She loved the goat, but I think Rachel was her favorite surprise!  Jeannie also thought Laura should have a rocking chair and Joyce Hanna made her a beautiful quilt, which we all signed.  Laura knew we were up to something but had no idea what we were really planning.  I think this is a birthday she will long remember!

As prison librarians we serve a population that does not have a lot of options for getting information.  We can provide service with a smile and enthusiasm or with a negative attitude.  Jeannie Remillard is the most positive person I have ever met.  Even as we face budget cuts that could mean the loss of more valuable staff, Jeannie’s continued optimism has been a shining light for all of us.  Jeannie provides a valuable service to the inmates at Stafford Creek Corrections Center, a service that does not always receive the recognition that it deserves. But then a THANK YOU like this one from a patron on behalf of himself and others arrives in the mail and shows her that all her work is not in vain.  The last 20 years in prison has been a time of great change, but with a smile and enthusiasm Jeannie continues to provide excellent service.