And Now It's February

February is here, which means that winter should be over in a couple of months, with luck, that is. The Aurora Center for the Arts board has reorganized and is gearing up for lots of great things in 2025. The board officers are Kirby Vossler - president, Kip Fontaine – vice president, Maggie Stewart – treasurer, and Karen Norland – secretary. Other board members are Kate Moore, Mike Mulry, Carrie Carlin and Margie Illies. Abby Pearson is executive director, replacing Bonnie Stewart, who has been involved with the arts center for 20 years. Programing for the coming year includes art classes for adults and children, summer theater, a Scott Jasmin concert on March 7, and Music on the Porch in June and July. Watch for more information. New board members Carrie Carlin and Margy Illies replace long-time secretary Joanne Papke and Mike McColl, who stepped down to work with his newly-formed non-profit in Lengby. A Fosston native, Carrie Carlin currently teaches second grade at Magelssen Elementary School here in Fosston. She is a graduate of Bemidji State University and has lived in Fosston all her life except for a stint as a nanny out east. She and her husband Danny have two children. Tony is a sophomore at BSU, and Allison a junior at Fosston High School. Allison’s involvement in drama led to Carrie’s interest in the art center. She is impressed with the wonderful opportunities the Aurora Center offers and looks forward to serving on the board. Meanwhile, at the Fosston library, the Book Blizzard continues through the month. Pick up a form, read four books and have a chance to win a prize. Hopefully that will be the only blizzard we have this month. Book club meets Tuesday, Feb. 18, at 2 p.m. This month’s book is From Somalia to Snow. The author Hudda Ibrahim is a faculty member at St. Cloud Technical and Community College. The book is her attempt help the reader understand the lives and culture of the Somali population in central Minnesota. I haven’t read it yet, but I am looking forward to learning something. Anyone is welcome to attend – there will be coffee and goodies. Bingo for the kiddies will be Wednesday, Feb. 19, at 3:30. There are prizes so it‘s a popular event. One final reminder – The library will be closed on Monday, February 17, in observance of Presidents Day.