September 2020

September 2020 – it has been a year to remember so far, so who knows what is in store as we move into autumn. I do know, however, that the Fosston Community Library Arts Association has a couple of good things to look forward to. Beginning September 1, the Sorenson Gallery will be reopening. The guest artist for the month is Laura Stewart Schmeling of Bemidji. Originally from New Haven, Indiana, Laura has lived in Bemidji since 2009. She has taught classes in the area as well as exhibiting her works in group and solo art shows. Her most recent endeavors include works painted on homemade paper derived from natural materials, including banana, pumpkin, pineapple, and asparagus pulp, which sounds interesting to say the least. You are welcome to enjoy the gallery during regular library hours. Please comply with the posted safety guidelines. On Friday, Sept. 18, the FLCAA will sponsor an outdoor concert by singer/songwriter Michael Rendahl, a Fosston native now living in Bemidji. The concert will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the East Polk County Heritage Center grounds in Fosston. There will be limited seating available with spaces for chairs marked. Bring lawn chairs or blankets – family members can be seated together. There may be a food truck set up prior to the concert so watch for more information on that. There is a charge for this concert, and tickets must be purchased ahead of time. They are available at Nord’s Pharmacy and Gift or online at www.fclaa.org. September usually brings the start of music lessons at the art center, and that will again be happening on somewhat of a limited basis. Jeff Menton will again be available to teach violin, viola, cello, mandolin, upright bass, and guitar. If you are interested, give him a call at 218-255-0087. There will be no piano lessons during September. I am still undecided as to what I should do, but may start lessons in October. Molly Peltier will be having a baby quite soon but indicated to me she might be ready to do some piano lessons in November, so watch for more information. At the library, the summer reading program is over, and the prizes have been awarded. Also, eight Monarch butterflies have hatched and been released. Now every time I see a Monarch, I wonder if it might have come from the library. Just a reminder – the library will be closed on Monday, September 7, for the Labor Day holiday.

August - heading down the homestretch to fall!

August – summer is two-thirds over, which means we are heading down the home stretch to fall. Yikes! While things are opening up somewhat, the coronavirus pandemic is far from over. However, if you need some diversion to take your mind off it, the Fosston Community Library Association has just the thing for you. On Thursday, August 20, there will be an online concert by Jeff Menten, who teaches violin and guitar lessons at the art center, and his collaborator Paul Nye. Their mix of funky folk, punky polka, cool classical, caffeinated Celtic, grassy blues, and gypsy jazz will be performed online through a blend of social media platforms including Zoom, Facebook video and You Tube. The concert will also be available for viewing later if you have a conflict. Keep your eye out for details and the link to the concert. The Fosston Library’s open hours have continued to increase and are now nearly back to normal. The schedule is currently as follows: Monday – 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Tuesday – 12 noon – 7 p.m.; Wednesday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Thursday – 12 noon – 6 p.m. and Friday – 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Curbside pick-up of library materials is still available if you wish. Remember, you are requested to wear a mask when in the library (most everywhere else too, I guess), and asked to use the provided hand sanitizer before you enter. Computers are available for public use. You may wish to call to reserve one. The library number is 435-1320. When you do come into the library, look at the Monarch butterfly caterpillar to see how that transformation is progressing. It was just a hungry caterpillar last time I looked. The summer reading program continues through August 15, so kids still have a chance to win some great prizes. Contact the library for more information. One other bit of information – MN Link interlibrary loan is once again available. This means you can request materials from any library in the state. Contact the library for more information or look at the LARL Website at larl.org. There is lots of other good information about what the library has to offer on the Website.