Library honors generous doctor; Children's room named after literacy promoter.

Byline: Anna L. Griffin

LEOMINSTER - An afternoon filled with activities for children seemed only appropriate after the dedication of the Leominster Public Library's children's room to the memory of Dr. Martin T. Feldman.

Approximately 500 people attended the ceremony yesterday at the library to dedicate the Dr. Martin T. Feldman Children's Room.

Dr. Feldman was a longtime pediatrician in the city, practicing for 32 years. He died July 30, 2006, after a battle with cancer. He was 61.

"The rest of the day we will have activities for children," said Gilbert P. Tremblay, chairman of the library trustees, after the ceremony.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Tremblay praised the commitment of Dr. Feldman and his wife, Dr. Geraldine Feldman, to literacy, not only through donations to institutions such as the Leominster Public Library, but by making certain that every young patient who visited Dr. Martin Feldman's office would leave with a book.

"The Feldmans have made a lifelong commitment to the city. Thank you, and thank you for sharing him with us," Mayor Dean J. Mazzarella said.

Susan T. Shelton, library director, said Dr. Geraldine Feldman was among the first to welcome her to the library when she started working there. She also mentioned the many books donated to the library as a result of the work of the Feldmans.

Also speaking at the event was the Feldmans' son, Joshua; Jonathan Jacobson, husband of the Feldmans' daughter Sarah; and Dr. Geraldine Feldman.

"Dad was a crusader for the children of this community," Mr. Feldman said. In some cases, he said, his father took care of three generations of one family.

Joshua and his wife, Wendy Feldman, unveiled the sign over the doors to the children's library. Also attending the ceremony were Sarah and her husband, and their sister, Riva, and her husband, Darren Wolkow.

Sophia Jacobson, 4, and Andrew Jacobson, 2-1/2, the children of Sarah and Jonathan Jacobson, participated in a ribbon cutting.

Shortly after the Feldmans moved to Leominster in 1973, Dr. Martin Feldman formed Medical Associates Pediatrics, a practice that grew from two pediatricians in 1974 to eight pediatricians and three nurse practitioners in 2006. He was president of the group until 2003, when illness forced him to cut back on his duties.

The library recently reopened at 30 West St. after several months of renovation and construction.

Activities were held for children both inside and outside, under tents in the parking lot. The afternoon's celebration included balloon art, magic, face painting, music and refreshments.

ART: PHOTO

CUTLINE: Alex the Jester juggles for children at the library yesterday during part of the festivities honoring the late Dr. Martin T. Feldman.

PHOTOG: T&G Staff/RICK CINCLAIR