November - Let Us Be Thanksful

November – let us be thankful for what we have in these uncertain times, and especially that the Fosston Community Library Arts Association is continuing to function, and the Fosston Library continues to be open for its normal schedule. If you have been in the library, you may not even have noticed that there is a new employee. Jill Rose is not new to the Fosston Library, having worked as a sub here (also in Gonvick and Bagley) for seven years. Now, however, she will be here on a regular basis. After growing up in Illinois and living in Missouri, Ohio, Indiana and Wisconsin, Jill and her husband David, who has Rosewood Construction, moved to Minnesota in 2003, hoping to find a place where winter was really winter and not mud season. Apparently, they found what they wanted, as they have lived on their place north of Gonvick since 2006. A graduate of Central Lincoln Christian University in Lincoln, Illinois, Jill worked at Deer Creek Church in University Park, Illinois, as an administrative assistant before her marriage. She homeschooled her five children, who are now all young adults. She enjoys reading and sewing, and her favorite part of working at the library is helping people find what they are looking for. Beginning November 9, the Art of the Dress will be in the Sorenson Gallery. This unique collection of wedding dresses from the late 1800s and early 1900s is sponsored by the East Polk County Heritage Center. The FCLAA winter theater production has seen a change as to the play. “Every Christmas Story Even Told (and Then Some!” will be presented in December. The cast of three has been selected and rehearsals will begin soon. Watch for more information about dates and tickets. Although the library is unable to hold the large scale used book sale normally held in October, there are still many used books for sale. Look for the table in the lobby as well as the shelves right inside the door. Nothing costs more than a dollar. While you are in the library, be sure to notice the new tables and chairs, donated by Ultima Bank. The 30-inch round tables make social distancing easy, and they are quite attractive. Lake Agassiz Regional Library is sponsoring two Legacy events during November. On Friday, Nov. 13, at 10 a.m., Lalo’s Lunchbox will provide comedy and sing-alongs for children aged three and up. Then on Thursday, Nov. 19, at 7 p.m., Professor Emeritus Dr. Mark Chekola from MSUM will share about the Red River Rainbow Seniors oral history project entitled “Breaking Barriers: Harvesting LGBTQ Stories from the Northern Plains. Just a reminder: The library will be closed for Veterans Day on Wednesday, Nov. 11, and for Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26. It will close at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 25, but will be open regular hours on Friday, Nov. 27.

October's bright blue weather?

October is here. I am hoping for a month of bright blue weather and no snow yet, although I seem to remember the last couple of years, winter seemed to start in October. I cannot really predict the weather, but I can tell you about some of the happenings at the Fosston Community Library Arts Center. A theater production is planned for December, with tryouts to be held on Thursday, October 8, at 7 p.m. “Dixie Swim Club” has a small cast of five, all female roles. If you are interested in auditioning, come with a short monologue prepared. You may contact Abby Pearson at 218-280-0595 for more information. Laura Schmeling’s paintings will be in the Sorenson Gallery until the end of the month. There will be a giveaway of one of her prints. Stop by and vote for your favorite, entering your choice in the ballot box. You may be a winner, but not unless you enter. Good news at the library – hours of opening are finally back to normal. To refresh your memory, that means Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Tuesday, 12 noon – 8 p.m.; Thursday, 12 noon – 6 p.m. and Saturday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. If you would like some materials from the library, but are not comfortable coming in to get them, home delivery is available within Fosston city limits. You may request specific books or trust the library staff to choose something for you. Call the library (435-1320) for more information or to make a request. For some years now, the library system has been privileged to offer several author visits, concerts, and other special programs as part of the Legacy series. This fall is no exception, the difference being that this year all the events are available on-line. The first of these is the opportunity to create loop earrings with Sister Beads. Beginning Oct. 13, pick up the necessary supplies from your library, then access the instructional video at larl.org. The instructor on the video is Tawny Trottier Cale, an enrolled member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe as well as a descendent of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa and the Spirit Lake Nation. On Monday, Oct. 19, at 7 p.m. journalist Sierra Crane Murdoch will be available to discuss her book, Yellow Bird: Oil, Murder, and a Search for Justice. It is the story of a murder on an Indian reservation and a portrait of the woman who becomes obsessed with solving it. On Thursday, Oct. 29, at 7 p.m. there is another presentation about a murder: Secrets of the Congdon Mansion by author Joe Kimball, who covered the story as a reporter for the Star Tribune. These Facebook Live events may be found at facebook.com/larlmn/live/ One last bit of information: The library will be closed on Monday, Oct. 12, for a staff workshop (virtual, of course).