What’s a small town boy like me doing, publishing another book of stories about Fennimore, Wisconsin, the town I grew up in, then left a long time ago; but can’t quite ever leave in my mind? Thanks to an assignment from the Fennimore Times newspaper, in 2002, I have had the wonderful opportunity to recall friends, acquaintances, relatives, and events in a weekly newspaper column called “Fennimore… As I Remember.”

My latest book, That’s My Story, And I’m Still Movin’ on, is the sixth gathering of a number of yarns and tales from years past. The first book, That’s My Story, And I’m Sticking to It! was followed by, That’s My Story, And I’m Still Sticking to It! followed by third, fourth, and fifth. I trust readers will find this latest account to their liking and that my narratives of Fennimore, past and present, will give you similar affection for my favorite hometown and its history. I caution people that these too could be your stories, merely change the names and your friends may appear on every page.

I recently read that author, Studs Terkel, said, “People are hungry for stories––its part of our very being. Storytelling is a form of history, of immortality too. It goes from one generation to another.” Sounds good to me, for I’m a story teller, not an author.

As for my background, I was educated as a mining engineer, followed by a stint in an Arizona copper mine and then pursued a career in sales and management in mining and construction related industries. After living in eleven locations around the country my wife, Dorothy, and I have settled down in the Ft Myers Fl area. I can be reached at normsson@yahoo.com.

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Joan Heller Winokur graduated from Connecticut College as an art major and has been involved in the arts throughout her life. She discovered the joy of writing poetry in her mature years and it has been her passion ever since. Her poems have been published in numerous literary journals. In June, 2014, Aldrich Press published her chapbook, “The Sand Recognizes My Footprints.” It is available on Amazon.com.

In addition to belonging to GCWA, Joan is also a member of the Poetry Alliance
and the SWFL poets. A sampling of her poetry can be read on her website joanhellerwinokur.com.

When not writing, she can be found ballroom dancing and riding her bike.

Visit her website at: http://joanhellerwinokur.com

Joan Heller Winokur’s books

I am a retired teacher who loves to read and write. I contribute my love for words to my mother, who was, at one time, an editor with a national magazine. While my mother enjoyed writing, my father told stories: therefore, it was no surprise to family and friends that I enjoy storytelling. I’ve been known to embellish my stories a bit, but truth, with added details, makes for a great story.
I was born in Louisville, Kentucky, but was raised in San Francisco, California until we moved back to Louisville when I was thirteen years old. To this day, San Francisco has a special place in my heart.
After graduating from Seneca High School in Louisville in 1966, I attended Cumberland College, located in Williamsburg, KY for two years. While only there for a short time, this beautiful college played a role in influencing my choices in my life.
I married Doug in the summer of 1968 and was hired that same summer to teach in a local school in Jefferson County Kentucky. I was hired on an emergency certificate at the age of 19 years old. This made me one of the youngest teacher ever hired in Jefferson County. I contribute this incredible opportunity to the excellent education I received at Cumberland College.
Following my first year of teaching, our son was born, followed three years later by the birth of our second son. I remained a stay- at- home mom until our boys went to school.
I was a real estate agent for eight years. During that time, I completed my education at the University of Louisville. I received a BS in Education with certification in Elementary Education and Special Education through the 12th grade. Three years later, I received my Master’s degree in Reading with certification as a Reading Specialist. While teaching I presented many workshops to other teachers on topics pertaining to reading and writing. I was trained by the state of Kentucky to score students’ writing portfolios. For many years, I scored writing portfolios for 4th grade students and 7th grade students. After teaching for 19 years I had to retired on disability.
In 2001 I self-published my first book, The Magic in Believing-The Tooth Fairies. This was an eye-opening, fun, experience. I enjoyed being interview on the local morning news, reading articles about my book in several newspapers and have an author –signing at a large local bookstore. My favorite writing experiences included going into classrooms to share my love for reading and writing, and being on a very popular radio show.
In 2002, I became a grandmother. I now have three beautiful grandchildren and two adorable Shih Tzu’s .
My husband and I moved to Fort Myers, Florida 4 years ago. We love the sun, the beach, and the friends we have made here.
My children’s book, 4 Fairies in the Land of Nothing, was published in 2015, and I am working on my next children’s book.
Belonging to GCWA has been inspiring as well as educational. Other organizations that I belong to are Friends of the Lakes Regional Library and the Greeters Club of Greater Fort Myers. I am currently secretary at both organizations. I enjoy being involved with these groups. The secretary’s job is one that I enjoy and feel comfortable doing.

Visit her blog at: dcw0810.wordpress.com

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