Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Dark Tales of Mystery and Intrigue

Dark Tales of Mystery and Intrigue will be explored at the Fosston Library on Tuesday, Oct. 5, at 7 p.m., by mentalist and magician Robert Halbrook. Using a number of relics and antiques from his personal collection, Halbrook will make connections with the lives and stories of such writers as Stephanie Meyer and Edgar Allan Poe. Magic, illusion, telekinesis, mind reading - they’re all part of the presentation, which includes audience participation.
The presentation is aimed towards teens 12 to 18, but my guess is it would be enjoyed by adults as well, especially anyone who enjoys a good spooky story.
The program is free and supported by funds from the Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage fund.

Friday, September 3, 2010

September at the Arts Center

September - the leaves begin to change, school starts and summer comes to an end. At the Fosston Community Library Arts Center, things will be hopping, with music lessons resuming and plenty of activities scheduled for all ages.
If you or your child are interested in piano, voice, guitar or drum lessons, plan to come to the open house sign-up on Sunday, Sept. 12, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Luke Dorman, who has taught guitar at the arts center the past few years, is student teaching this fall. Filling in for him will be Eric Olson of Bagley, who has played bass and guitar for 26 years and has been giving lessons for several years. Eric is the pastor of Grace Community Church in Bagley, as well as being the stay-at -home dad to four boys, ages two to eight. He moved to the area two years ago from Long Prairie. He and his wife have served as missionaries in London, working primarily with the Pakistani and Afghani population there. He also plays the sitar, which he will demonstrate at the open house. For more information about music lessons, you may call me at 435-6710.
Speaking of music, there is a wonderful opportunity to hear the 8th Street String Quartet at a free concert on Friday, Sept. 10, at 7 p.m. at the arts center theater. The quartet is the all-star ensemble of the principal string chairs of the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony. They perform music from the Classical and Romantic periods and well as more contemporary works. This concert is supported by the Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage fund.
Another event made possible by that same fund is a genealogy workshop on Thursday, Sept. 16, from 10 a.m. - 12 noon. Rick Crume, a contributing editor for Family Tree magazine, will show how to use Heritage Quest and the library edition of Ancestry when researching your family tree. Pre-registration is required; please call the library (435-1320).
Grandparents’ Day is in September and in recognition of that event there will be a special story time for grandparents and their grandchildren on Friday, Sept. 10, at 10:30 a.m. Cookies, milk and coffee will be served, and there is a chance to register for prizes.
On Monday, Sept. 20, a traveling coffee shop will be at the library from 11:30-12:30. Sue Thompson, community facilitator for the Parent Community Network and Chemical Free Polk County, will be there to provide coffee, lattes, and cappuccino, along with information about resources available for parents of school-age children.
On Friday, Sept. 24, the second of the “Go, Hounds” game nights will help everyone get ready for the evening’s athletic contest. There will be face painting, banner making and all sorts of fun beginning at 3:30 p.m.
Other activities during September include after school movie matinees on the 20th and 21st at 3:30 p.m. and basic computer training on the second and fourth Mondays at 11 a.m.
September is Library Card Sign-up month, and first time card holders will be eligible for a prize drawing at the end of the month.
Lastly, there is a new part-time employee at the library. Michelle Johnson of Fosston replaces Joyce White, who will still be around as a sub. Watch for more information about Michelle.