Friends

Watercolor Artist Freddie Baker Combs

Winter Haven artist, Freddie Baker Combs, was born and raised in Baton Rouge, LA, Freddie settled in Winter Haven, FL in 1975. Completing her education, she began teaching in the Polk County Schools in 1976. After raising three children and attaining the title of school principal, she began the study of watercolors and pastels as a means of relaxation. Encouraged by her teachers, she has competed and shown her work in several Southern galleries and competitions.

After a trip to New Orleans, Freddie was inspired to begin a series of watercolors that reflect the sights and character of the city and its people. After completing several works, she contacted Bill Szarowicz at New Orleans Images.

His interest in her work resulted in an agreement to market her work at his gallery.

Freddie has shown her work locally at the Ridge Art Association. Locally, her work can be seen and purchased at My Gallery, The Gallery Connection, Art and Framing on the Park, and at John Wolfe Contemporary Gallery in Deland, FL. Freddie's work has been featured in North Light Book club's catalogue and in "Art Clinic" in The Artist Magazine. She is a signature member of the Florida Watercolor Society.

If asked to describe her work, Freddie would choose the words "art with character." "When selecting my subject matter, I look to express a story with mood and feelings. That's why I am drawn to the human figure or portrait work. I am rarely motivated to paint a landscape, floral, or building unless it has special meaning to me," relates the artist. Usually Freddie poses family, friends, and students for photographs to be used in planning a painting. "On some occasions I am lucky enough to snap a photo of local characters such as musicians or street people in New Orleans that really motivates me to paint. But usually, I have an idea and I then as my models to cooperate to get the best shot."

While portraits or the figure may not be the best to market, Freddie continues to paint what appeals to her. "Every individual is unique with their own story to tell. I want to be an artist as well as a story teller," explains the artist.

Freddie has painted our annual bby calendar image for the last two years. Look below for those great paintings!

2003 Calendar 2004 Calendar 2005 Calendar

Meet our hero, David Coffey. We first met David at Floral Avenue Elementary School in Bartow, Florida. Dressed fit to kill, in a tie and starched shirt, he extended his hand in greeting and welcomed us to the campus with a smile that melted our hearts! Before long we discovered that David is THE MOST dedicated school volunteer one could ever hope to meet.

For four years this reliable and caring young man has devoted five days each week to volunteering at Floral Avenue Elementary School. Each morning is sparked with optimism, particularly at the car pickup area where David assists. As he opens the doors for the children, he meets every student, parent, and teacher with a prize-winning smile and a wave. How many children and teachers do you know who have a personal valet waiting to assist them when they arrive at school?

Zeal is combined with an overwhelming sense of personal responsibility in any service David performs. Each morning he travels the campus collecting every attendance sheet for the office…and if a teacher just happens to not have the attendance ready, he persists until the job is complete! Needless to say, the ladies in the attendance office REALLY love David!

While intent on his responsibility he gives pleasure as he goes by greeting each class of students and dishing out “high-fives”.

Always a gentleman, David is frequently called upon to move or carry heavy objects. “Let me do it!” is a phrase that is often heard around the school.

Problems with discipline…not for David! Some of the teachers at Floral Avenue have joked that they are going to start wearing a tie, because David’s discipline is so very effective. If David speaks, the child listens. If David corrects, the child stops. Oh to be so consistent…oh to be more like David!

David’s listening skills are superb! He gives each and every person his full attention as they speak to him. In fact, he has the ability to make you feel that you are the most important person in the world at that time! David’s most valuable assets are clearly apparent when he interacts with the children at Floral Avenue. He plays simple games, helps with art projects and retells stories by looking at pictures in books. He nurtures imagination by engaging in creative play with young children during center time.

While at PE, he envisions himself an assistant coach…and even has his own whistle…which his mother regularly hides. (Of course, the teachers keep replacing his whistle!)

Not feeling well…not a problem! Students who go to the clinic are made to feel safe and secure as he walks hand in hand with them exuding sympathy and concern.

Going on a Walking Field Trip? YOU NEED DAVID! He stops traffic during field trips so his children can cross the street safely. Barney Fife could not have done it better…or have enjoyed it more!

To David, volunteering is a job that he enjoys and does well. And he does a good job…just ask him! David is the first paid volunteer that we have ever met. Payday came! The announcement came over the speakers, “Teachers, come pick up your paychecks!” David went up to the office to get his check saying, “I’m a teacher, too!” Ginger Garner told David that his check was not ready, because he was new. Then she scuttled all around school collecting one-dollar bills from the teachers…so David could be paid. Ever since then, on payday, teachers go by the secretary’s desk and drop off dollar bills for David’s paycheck. David counts those dollar bills! And guess what!?! He can now count to twenty! Watch out, teachers! He may be wanting a raise soon!

David is a dreamer. However, his dreams often come true. One dream was that he would someday meet Dolly Parton in real life. Since David has been honored several times in the last couple of years for his volunteerism, he was invited to spend the morning with Dolly Parton at Dollywood. Looking and smelling good, she hugged him and sat on his lap. She told him he was handsome, too. David’s version of the story ended with “My heart was happy!”

If any of you have pull with Rosie O’Donnell, please pass along that meeting her is another of David’s dreams. In fact, he carries a cell phone at all times, just in case she calls. Come on Rosie…don’t let this gentleman down.

David is an award winner in more ways than one! He goes to the governor’s mansion in Tallahassee this fall to receive a Points of Light award from Florida Governor Jeb Bush.

In addition, he has been awarded the JC Penney Golden Rule Award, the Polk County Volunteer of the Year, the State of Florida Region 5 Volunteer of the Year.

Oh, by the way, David’s most unique trait is that he was born with Downs Syndrome. However, his exceptionality is NOT what makes him truly exceptional. Even though he cannot read, Downs Syndrome has not hindered his ability to care for and teach children.

The greatest service that David gives us is INSPIRATION and HOPE...for that he is our hero.

We love to hear from our old friends ...and we especially love to make new ones!