It was Olga's Day in Freeport
Congratulations to IWPA member Olga Carlile on being honored last fall by the newspaper where she began her journalism career right out of college—The Freeport Journal Standard —and by the whole community.
No, she’s not retiring, but her amazing career in several roles at the newspaper, including writing a daily column since 1993 and all the food features,has won her a special place in the hearts of her employer and the whole community.
A party in her honor was attended by many co-workers, business leaders, friends and local dignitaries, including Freeport’s mayor, Jim Gitz, who declared Nov. 17, 2000, "Olga Gize Carlile Day" and presented her with his first-ever "Key to the City."
The newspaper insert, "A Freeport Treasure," on Oct. 26 gave readers a taste of Olga’s talents, reprinting some past "Around the Table" columns and feature stories. Local firms ran ads congratulating her and Olga credited the Freeport community for being her inspiration. "I can only report what you do. I can only supply the words. You provide the spice," she said.
What’s kept her going through all the changes in the newspaper
business?
It’s not like she didn’t have a full life outside work, raising a family with
husband Bob and volunteering for IWPA, NFPW and community activities. "It’s my
life! Like breathing out and breathing in. I still find my job as exciting as the first
day I started pecking away at my typewriter. Now — at my computer like a kid with a
lollipop, I savor each day."