February at the Fosston Library Arts Center

After a cold and snowy January, I suspect that most of us are quite happy to turn the calendar to February. Not only does February bring Groundhog Day, a reminder that winter may end in six weeks, but there are also some exciting events scheduled at the Fosston Community Library Arts Center.
Lonnie Dupre, polar explorer and Arctic adventurer, is scheduled to speak on Wednesday, Feb. 16, at 7 p.m. Dupre, who is from Grand Marais, has traveled more than 14,000 miles in the Arctic by dog sled, on skis, on foot and by kayak. The latest report had him coming down from an attempt to scale Mt. McKinley, so hopefully he gets back from there and will be in Fosston to tell us all about it.
On Thursday, Feb. 24, also at 7 p.m., Jim Haney, his wife Bonnie, and Jason Thorstad will present a concert of Irish music. The Haneys are members of Poitin, which calls itself “the band from County Fargo.” Here’s an opportunity to learn a little about Irish history and culture and listen to some enjoyable music. Both these events are supported with money from the Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage fund.
The FCLAA had its annual meeting on January 12 and two new members were elected, Bob Saeter and Wonell Miller. They are replacing Carol Hagen and myself.
While neither Bob nor Wonell have served on the FCLAA board before, they have both been involved in its theater productions in the past, Bob having been music director for several of the early musicals and Wonell appearing in a number of plays through the years, starting when she was in grade school.
Although Bob graduated from high school in Bagley, he as lived in Fosston since 1968, when he came here to be the high school band director, a position he held for 26 years. Since 1995 he has been owner/manager of the Super 8 Motel. He and his wife Lora Lee have been married since 1970. They have four grown children and seven grandchildren. In serving on the board, he hopes to see the music program continue and to bring in more performers.
Wonell grew up in Fosston, but lived elsewhere for a number of years, starting when she attended college at Moorhead State (now MSUM). After some time in Arizona, Fargo, Oakes and Wahpeton, North Dakota, she, along with her husband Ray Miller and their four sons, moved back to Fosson in 2003. She teaches first grade at Magelsson Elementary in Fosston and in her spare time, if she can find any, enjoys writing, sewing, painting and drawing. She said she is honored to be asked to serve on the board and is looking forward to doing that.

Other February events
Facebook workshop - Monday, Feb. 7 , 11 a.m.
Un-Valentine teen party - Monday, Feb. 14 at 4
Family Fun Time - Wednesdays at 4 p.m
Valentine Crafts and cookies - February 9
Bingo - February 16
Toy Story Time - February 23