Mosaics by DeeDee Narrum

July - It must be summertime

July – it might be summertime when the living is easy, but there is plenty of activity at the Aurora Center for the Arts and the Fosston Library. Music on the Porch, sponsored by the Aurora Center and held outdoors at the East Polk Heritage Center, is back, with five concerts during the month of July. These free performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. on Thursday evenings. The lineup includes Annie Humphrey on July 2, the Scott Jasmin Band on July 9, Jordan Messerole on July 16, Aurora Musical Showcase on July 23, and AcoustoFiddle on July 30. Back at the Aurora Center theater, 24 talented young performers in grades three-six will be rehearsing throughout the month for “Olympus; the Greek Rock Musical,” which will be performed July 30 and 31 at 7 p.m. and August 1 at 3 p.m. The story follows a group of Greek gods who interact with a group of mortals out on a hike. There are catchy songs and plenty of humor. It should be great fun. Director is Kirby Vossler. Kirby also taught some summer art classes at the center. Student works are currently featured at the Sorenson Gallery. Stop in and take a look. Meanwhile, at the Fosston Library, the summer reading program continues through the month. There is still time for kids, ages 0-18, to pick up a reading log, do some reading or listening, and have a chance at some great prizes. There are other activities as well. Wednesday, July 8, teens may make a micromosaic pendant from noon to 4 p.m. There is no change for this project although registration is required by calling the library (218-435-1320). The following week (July 15-23) the Learning Express Trailer from Prairie Public TV will be available with lots of fun activities all day. On Wednesday, July 22, “Let’s Make Bread and Butter! This program is held at the East Polk Heritage Center at 2:00 p.m. On Tuesday, July 28, also at 2:00 p.m., “Pint-size Polkas” will be held on the library grounds (or at the elementary school gym if it rains). For the adults, library book club will meet on Tuesday, July 21, at 2 p.m. This month’s book is Sandwich by Catherine Newman. Contact the library to obtain a copy. And, of course, the library will be closed on July 4th. Happy 250th birthday to the USA!

June!

June! All of a sudden, we are in full-blown summer, with green grass, flowering trees and 80-degree temperatures. At the Aurora Center for the Arts and the Fosston Library there are plenty of great summertime activities. Rehearsals are underway for “Sound of Music,” which is scheduled to be performed June 24-28. The show features students in 7th-12th grades, and so many kids turned out for audition, the entire show was double cast. Watch for details about tickets. The roof remodel is still pending, so the new seats will probably not be installed by the time of the show. Chairs are still available for sponsorship. Check auroracenterforthearts.org for more information. The Summer Art Classes will be held during the month. Kirby Vossler will be teaching these classes for ages 5-12. Students will paint, draw and sculpt with a variety of media. Contact Abby Pearson at hello@auroracenterforthearts.org for more info. Meanwhile at the Fosston Library, the summer reading program, “Reading Is Timeless,” kicked off June 1. Kids of all ages (or their parents) are invited to pick up a reading log at the library and track their reading time to be eligible for some great prizes. In addition, there are some free events scheduled throughout the summer. June 8-13 students are invited to pick up a let’s paint kit. Small cement sculptures or sun catchers are available to take home and complete. All materials are included. Staff from Itasca State Park will be at the library on Wednesday, June 24, at 2 p.m. with a presentation entitled “Nature Is Timeless,” and on Monday, June 29, also at 2:00 p.m. Stephanie Frisk of McIntosh, with some help from her daughters, will do a presentation called “Living Like Laura.” That’s Laura Ingalls Wilder (Little House on the Prairie) which should appeal to fans of those books. Preschool storytime will continue at 10:30 a.m. Mondays through June 22. Weather permitting, it will be held at Berge Stafford Park on June 8, 15, and 22. For the adults, book club will continue through the summer, meeting this month on Tuesday, June 16, at 2 p.m. This month’s book is Dear Jacob by Patty Wetterling. Contact the library to obtain a copy. The library has a state park pass that may be reserved a week in advance if it’s available. There is only one, so it may be in use, but it doesn’t hurt to check.

It's May

It’s May and once again at the Aurora Center for the Arts, that means music, as my piano students and Jeff Menten’s string and guitar students have a recital coming up on Sunday May 10, at 3 p.m. However, there is a change of venue this year. Because the Aurora Center theater is currently without seats as it awaits repairs to the leaky roof, the recital will be held at Kingo Lutheran Church. The program is free and open to the public and will be followed by light refreshments. There are some exciting events scheduled for the summer. “The Sound of Music” will be presented June 24-28 by youth seventh through twelfth graders. Tryouts were scheduled for Monday, May 4. The younger students (3rd-6th graders) will have their turn July 30-August 1, with “Olympus (the Greek Rock Musical). Tryouts will be held on May 17 at 2:00 p.m. Also coming up are summer art classes for K-6th graders to be held in June and a kids’ drama camp for ages 7-14 to be held August 17-21. Meanwhile, at the Fosston Library, there will be a special program on Friday, May 8, at 2 p.m. Minnesota author and historian Steve Hoffbeck will talk about Colonel William Colvill, a Civil War hero from Red Wing. Hoffbeck’s book, “Colvill Smiled,” brings the legendary deeds of the First Minnesota Regiment to life. This program is funded by the Clean Water, Land & Legacy Amendment’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund so there is no cost to attend. Library Book Club will meet Tuesday, May 19, at 2 p.m. This month’s book is “The Lost Story” by Meg Shaffer. Described as “a fairy tale for grownups,” the book features best friends Jeremy and Rafe and their time in a magical realm. Contact the library for a copy of the book. For the younger set, bingo for the kids is scheduled for Wednesday, May 20, after school. “Reading Is Timeless,” the 2026 summer reading program, is scheduled to begin June 1. Kids can stop by the library to pick up a reading log and view some of the great prizes on display. Watch for information about programs on the schedule as well. One more thing: the library will be closed on Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day.

April fool, April showers

April Fool, April showers, April love – What will it be? I guess we will find out as April is here. I can’t predict the future, but I can tell you what is coming up at the Aurora Center for the Arts and the Fosston Library for the month of April. The third-grade musical will be held in the theater the first week of April. Hopefully we won’t have too many April showers – I don’t think the roof is completely waterproof yet. There is usually a full house for that event with all the parents and grandparents, but if you want to watch there may be a spot for you. On Thursday, April 9, DeeDee Narum will be teaching participants to create a beautiful glass suncatcher. Anyone 15 or older is welcome. Materials are all provided. Learn layout, adhesive tehniques, and finishing methods. Leave with a completed piece readyto hang in a sunny window. Register at the Aurora Center for the Arts website. There is a fee. Narum is a mosaic artist living in Bemidji. Her work is often inspired by her garden and the natural world. It has been showcased at Minnesota galleries in Bemidji, Grand Rapids, Brainerd, and Aitken. She will have an exhibit at the Sorenson Gallery at the Aurora Center coming soon in the newly repainted gallery. If working with glass sounds too intimidating, and painting a little less so, the Fosston Library is hosting a barn quilt painting workshop on Tuesday, April 7, from 2-5 p.m. Mary Jo Schmid from Crooked Lane Farm Folk School is the instructor. At this point, the class is filled. However, if you would like to take a chance on the waiting list, call the Fosston Library at 218-435-1320. Materials are provided for this free workshop. The library book club will meet Tuesday, April 21, at 2 p.m. This month’s book is The Stolen Child by Ann Hood. I haven’t read it yet, but apparently it features secrets, love lost and found and the nature of forgiveness. Contact the library to obtain a copy of the book. Everyone is welcome. No waiting lest. Bingo for the kiddos is scheduled for Wednesday, April 15. It’s always a popular event because everyone loves a chance to win a prize.

March is Here

March is here –it’s probably still winter, but spring should be on its way. At the Aurora Center for the Arts, there is still time to view the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council traveling exhibit, which will be on display at the Sorenson Gallery through mid-month. The display features work by artists from Ada, Argyle, Badger, Climax, Crookston, Grygla, Hallock, Karlstad, Lancaster, Red Lake Falls, and Thief River Falls. There are paintings (acrylic, pastel, and watercolor), a photograph, an ink print, sculptures, a drawing, and a couple of mixed media pieces so there is something for everyone. The gallery is open during library hours. The next artist represented in the gallery will be DeeDee Narum who does incredible mosaic work. She will also be teaching a mosaic suncatcher class on April 9. On Friday, March 20, there will be a sculpture class for students taught by Heidi Danos. There is no school for the kids on that day so this should be a good alternative. There is a cost for this workshop with sign-up available online at auroracenterforthearts.org. Meanwhile, at the Fosston Library, book club will meet on Tuesday, March 17, at 2 p.m. Although that is St. Patrick’s Day, the book to be discussed has nothing to do with Ireland. The Song Poet by Kao Kalia Yang is the story of Bee Yang, a Hmong refugee in Minnesota. It should be an interesting read. I haven’t read it yet but am looking forward to it. Of course, there will be refreshments. On Wednesday, March 18, there will be after school bingo for the kids. That’s always a popular activity. While you are waiting for spring to show up, check out a book or two from the library. Remember that if you don’t see what you are looking for on the shelves, you can request most anything you can imagine to be sent from another location. The library also has DVDs and magazines. If you like jigsaw puzzles, there is a puzzle exchange (take one home, bring one to share, or both).

February is Here

February is here – by the time you read this, Groundhog Day will be past. I’m not sure that means spring is just around the corner, but winter must be at least half over. Be that as it may, there are always good things going on at the Aurora Center for the Arts and the Fosston Library. The traveling exhibit from the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council will be coming this month. It includes 14 original pieces by regional adult and student artists. I’m not quite sure just when it will open – keep checking. The Aurora Center board welcomed a new member at its annual meeting in January: Robb Kopp, recently retired Methodist pastor. He and his wife Michelle Miller (Mickey), also a retired pastor, are now living here in Fosston. Robb majored in theater arts at the University of Minnesota, and in addition to being a pastor, has also worked as a registered nurse. He served on the board of the Thief Rive Falls Area Community Theater and looks forward to helping promote the arts here in Fosston. Other current board members are Kirby Vossler – president, Kip Fontaine- vice president, Maggie Stewart – treasurer, Karen Norland – secretary, Carrie Carlin, Mike Mulry, Magie Illies, and Dawn Crane. The Sponsor a Chair program for the theater is still going strong, about a third of the way there. If you are interested in helping out, contact Abby Pearson at hello@auroracenterforthearts.com Unfortunately, the roof in the theater has started leaking again, so that has to be taken care of before the chairs can be installed. Registration for this year’s art classes will be open soon. Dee Dee Narum will be teaching a stained glass suncatcher class in April. Watch for more information. Meanwhile, at the Fosston Library, the book club will meet Tuesday, Feb. 17, at 2 p.m. This month’s book is Tom Lake by Ann Patchett. I haven’t read it yet, but the book is described as “a meditation on youthful love, married love, and the lives parents led before their children were born.” There will be treats. On Wednesday, Feb. 18, there will be bingo for the kids, prizes and everything. For adults interested in prizes, the Book Blizzard Winter Reading Challenge continues through the month – pick up a reading log and read at least 4 books. Teens and older kids are also eligible. Presidents Day is February 16, so the library will be closed.

2026

2026 is here. I don’t know how many of you make New Year’s resolutions in January (and maybe by now you’ve already abandoned the resolutions you made), but a good resolution would be to take advantage of all good things the Aurora Center for the Arts and the Fosston Library has to offer. The current display in the Sorenson Gallery features work by Roseau fiber artist Aliza Novacek-Olson. There are examples of many traditional skills, not just fiber arts (spinning, felting, weaving, crocheting, etc.) but also basketweaving and woodcarving. As a quote from the artist’s Website says: “By considering purpose, colors, materials, and techniques, we can learn about the culture that followed the same steps and appreciate how our ancestors lived, worked, and passed on tradition.” The gallery is open during library hours and is well worth a visit. While you are there, you might want to sign up for the Book Blizzard Winter Reading Challenge. Pick up a reading log, return it for a sticker and a chance to win a prize each time you’ve read four titles. Also coming up this month is the Aurora Center for the Arts annual meeting on Wednesday, January 14, at 6 p.m. All members are welcome to attend, and if you are interested in becoming a member, you can come check it out. The theater renovation is currently underway, even as it is in use as a practice space for the Fosston High School one act play cast who will compete on January 23. The Sponsor a Seat program is going strong, with 50 seats currently sponsored. If you are interested in sponsoring a seat go to auroracenterforthearts.org or e-mail Abby Pearson at hello@auroracenterforthearts.org. The library book club will meet Tuesday, January 20, at 2 p.m. This month’s book is Remarkable Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. I haven’t started it yet, but it appears the narrator is an octopus. It should be interesting. Check with the library for a copy. Bingo for children is scheduled for Wednesday, January 21, at 3:30. Prizes, prizes! The library will be closed on Monday, January 19, in observation of Martin Luther King’s birthday.

December - Winter Has Arrived

Winter has arrived – not surprising given that December is here. There is cold and snow, but you can find warmth and excitement at the Aurora Center for the Arts and the Fosston Library. On Saturday, December 6, with the art of micro mosaics, you can make a beautiful pendant under the guidance of Kathy Sanders. The workshop is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. On the evening of that same day, Dan Rodriguez will be presenting his Christmas concert at 7 p.m. There are still tickets available as of this writing. Go to auroracenterforthearts.org for concert tickets or to register for the micro mosaic workshop. Concert tickets are also available at Nord’s Pharmacy. New things are coming to the theater – new carpeting and new seating, renovations necessary because of water damage last winter (leaky roof). If you would like to help with this, there is a Sponsor-A-Seat program. For $200 you will have a personalized plaque mounted on one of the new chairs. Honor a loved one, celebrate your family name or demonstrate your business or club’s support. Contact Abby Pearson at hello@auroracenterforthearts.org for more information or go to the aurora center website. In a related note, if anyone is interested in the old seats, contact Abby about that as well. Coming up at midmonth at the Sorenson Gallery will be Aliza Novacek-Olson’s fiber art display. She lives on a ranch near Roseau and creates clothing using fiber from some of the animals she raises. The techniques she uses include spinning, weaving, crocheting, wet-felting, needle felting and more. It should be an interesting exhibition. Also, rehearsals have begun for the high school one act play. It will be presented at the end of January. Meanwhile, at the Fosston Library, Food for Fines will be in effect during the month of December. For each non-perishable food item brought into the library, a $2 late fee will be waived from the customer’s account. The donated food items will go to the local food shelf. Book club meets Tuesday, December 16, at 2 p.m. This month’s book is Vanderbilt by Anderson Cooper and Katherine Howe. Participants may also read a Christmas book of their choice, so if you are not interested in the Vanderbilts, come prepared to share something about another book. Bingo for the kids (with prizes) is scheduled for Wednesday, December 17, after school. Christmas week (Dec. 22-27) children are invited to search for Gnorman the Gnome. If they find him, they may pick a prize from the treasure chest. The library will close at noon on December 24 and will be closed Christmas Day, reopening on Dec. 26. It will also be closed on Jan. 1.

In November, Winter Approaches

November is here, winter is approaching, and at the Aurora Center for the Arts and the Fosston Library, there are lots of exciting activities scheduled. The Daisy Haugen Auction for the Arts, Aurora’s signature fundraiser, will be on Sunday, November 30. Held every other year, the auction offers a chance to bid on a grand variety of donated artwork, homemade goodies (maybe some caramels), unique services, and who knows what else. Preview the items from 1-2 p.m. before the auction begins at 2. If you are interested in creating your own piece of art, there are a couple of opportunities for that, too. On Saturday, Nov. 8, Mike McColl will teach participants techniques of marbelizing paper to put on a hard-cover journal. The class will be held at the Old School Artist Retreat Center in Lengby. On Saturday, Dec. 6, Kathy Sanders will be teaching a micro mosaic pendant class. Using tiny pieces of glass and small stones (tesserae), students will design and assemble their own work of art. There are fees for these classes. To register, go to auroracenterforthearts.org. Betsy Saurdiff’s pottery is currently in the Sorenson Gallery. There will be an artist’s reception for her on Thursday, November 20, from 5-7 p.m. Saurdiff, who lives and works in Grygla, has received numerous awards. Her techniques include altering wheel-thrown work, sgraffito, and brushwork. If you want to find out what that means, come to the reception. Tickets are now on sale for the Dan Rodriguez Christmas concert scheduled for Saturday, December 6, at 7 p.m. He has performed in Fosston several times and has quite a few fans here, so you might want to get your tickets sooner rather than later. They are available at Nord’s Pharmacy & Gifts and online at the Aurora Center Website. Meanwhile, at the Fosston Library, book club will meet Tuesday, November 18, at 2 p.m. This month’s book is Mother-Daughter Murder Night by Nina Simon. Contact the library for a copy of the book. Bingo for kids is Wednesday, Nov. 19, beginning at 3:15. Prizes, prizes, prizes! The next week, beginning Monday, Nov. 25, kids are invited to search for some sort of hidden treasure in the library. When they find it, they can pick out something from the prize box. And just a reminder: The library will be closed on Tuesday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day, and on Thursday, November 29, for Thanksgiving Day.

And October

October is here. The temperatures maybe unseasonably warm, but the leaves are turning (and falling) and the light is waning. The Aurora Center for the Arts has just hosted a successful Lit Fest with several Minnesota authors. Coming up this month isa stained glass mosaic class with JoAnn McFarlin on Thursday, Oct. 9. Attendees will learn glass cutting, proper adhesives, grouting and color composition. Ten people are enrolled. . Information for a couple of upcoming classes, one in November on making a marbleized journal and one in December on micro mosaics, can be found at auroracenterforthearts.org. Coming to the Sorenson Gallery in October is a display of pottery by Betsy Saurdiff. She is from Grygla, and her pottery pays homage to her grandmothers and mother. The winner of numerous awards, Saurdiff is influenced by her rural roots, including sewing, berry picking, hunting, fishing and working on the farm. Meanwhile, at the Fosston Library, on Friday, October 24, at 1:30 p.m., author Christopher Lehmanwill discuss his book It Took Courage: Eliaz Winston’s quest for Freedom. The book is the story of a woman who escaped slavery by petitioning a judge in Minnesota. He will talk about his inspirations for writing the book, methods of research and the people and places involved. It should be an interesting presentation. Book club meets Tuesday, Oct. 21, at 2 p.m. This month’s book is Maria by Michelle Moran. A novel based on Maria Von Trapp, heroine of “The Sound of Music,” the book is an attempt to tell the real story behind the movie. I’m looking forward to reading it. If you are interested, contact the library to obtain a copy of the book. Bingo for the kiddos is scheduled for Wednesday, October 15, at 3:15 p.m. Always a fun time. Everyone likes to win a prize. One last reminder: The library will be closed on Monday, October 13, for a staff workshop. (That’s Columbus Day and/or Indigenous Peoples’ Day.)

September is here

September is here, school has started, and activities at the Aurora Center for the Arts will be in full swing. Music lessons will again be available. Jeff Menten (218-255-0077) teaches violin, fiddle, guitar, including classical guitar, mandolin and cello. He is also available for on-line lessons (and yes, that is a thing – works well). Eric Olson (218-358-0605) teaches guitar (acoustic or electric), bass guitar, drums, vocal and songwriting. Check out his Website – thespawnpoint.com. Kay Carlsen (218-435-6710 or 218-289-3968) (that’s me) will continue to teach piano. I can also be reached at aagekay@gvtel.com. There are still open spots available for the 3-day acrylic class with Pamela Edevold to be held Friday-Sunday, Sept. 19-21. Students will learn to use Golden Open Acrylics to paint portraits. To sign up e-mail hello@auroracenterforthearts.org or go online at bit.ly/AuroraArtClass. She does incredible work. The current exhibit in the Sorenson Gallery features the work of Ruth Ann Nordlund. Titled “A Reflection of Scandinavia,” this display features still-life paintings of Nordic heirlooms. There will be an artist’s reception on Friday, Sept. 19, from 5-7, with a talk by the artist at 5:30. Dates for the Up North LitFest are September 25-26. Meet authors from all over Minnesota. Participate in breakout sessions and meals with keynote speakers Jean Cooney and Will Weaver. Ticketing options have been expanded. You may now choose à la carte sessions or opt for the complete program at a discounted rate. This event highlights the talents of Minnesota's vibrant literary community. For more ticket info, please visit https://auroracenterforthearts.org/shopdonate Starting this month, the open hours for the Fosston Library have changed slightly. New hours are 9-5 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 12-7 on Tuesdays, 12-6 on Thursdays, and 10-2 on Saturdays. On Friday, September 12, author Eric Dregni will be at the library at 2:30 to talk about his book, Vikings in the Attic. In the book, he explores significant historic sites, tales and traditions of Scandinavians in the Midwest. I have heard him speak, most recently at a Sons of Norway meeting, and he is quite entertaining. The library book club resumes meeting on Tuesday, September 16, at 2. This month’s book is Shelterwood by Lisa Wingate. Contact the library if you need a copy. One more exciting event for this month: On Tuesday, September 23, artist Dorothy Hoover will help participants decorate a plate with Telemark rosemaling. The class is scheduled from 1-6. All materials are provided and there is no charge for the class. However, preregistration is required. You may call the Fosston Library at 435-1320 to register or go to larl.libnet.info/event/14387106. Wow! That’s what I call a full month. Don’t complain that there’s nothing to do in Fosston.

August already

Oh, no- it’s August already. It seems as if summer has just gotten started, but before you know it, it will be back to school and farewell to the lazy, hazy days of summer. (Although I could do without the hazy days of Canadian wildfire smoke.) However, there are plenty of activities planned for August at the Aurora Center for the Arts. “Space Pirates,” directed by Kirby Vossler, will be performed August 7 and 8 at 7 p.m. and August 9 at 3 p.m. Twenty-five students in grades three-six are featured. Some of them presented a sample of their talents at the theater revue on July 24. Tickets are available online at auroracenterforthearts.org or at Nord’s. Want to learn how to knit and embroider your own hat? You probably won’t need to wear it this month, but winter will be here before you know it. Stephanie Anderson, an accomplished fiber/textile artist with a background in knitting, quilting and Viking age textiles, will be teaching a class on Tuesday, Aug.19, beginning at 6 p.m. To sign up e-mail hello@auroracenterforthearts.org or go online to bit.ly/AuroraArtClass There is a fee. No fee to visit the Sorenson Gallery to view the still life paintings of Ruth Ann Nordlund. Her work will be on display beginning August 22, with an artist’s reception on Sept. 19 from 5-7. The week of August 18-22 Aurora will be hosting a drama camp for students doing the “Wizard of Oz.” Directed by Abby Pearson, students will learn basic theater directions, costuming, and set making They will put on a show for the public on Friday, August 22, at 6 p.m. Coming up in September: Pamela Edevold’s acrylic class still has openings. Dates are September 19-21, 5-9 Friday, and 10-4 Saturday and Sunday. Students will learn to use Golden Open Acrylics to paint portraits. To sign up e-mail hello@auroracenterforthearts.org or sign up online at bit.ly/AuroraArtClass There is a fee charged for this class. Pam Edevold does incredible work. If you can learn to paint even half as well as she does, it will all be worth it. Registration is now open for Up North LitFest, a two-day celebration of books, storytelling and creativity on Thursday and Friday, September 25 & 26. Presenters include Jeanne Dooney, author of the Hotdish Mystery series, and Minnesota writer Will Weaver, as well as Kristen Eggerling, Dawn Duncan and Sheila Packa. You can sign up online at auroracenterforthearts.org. Just a little reminder – the Fosston Library/Aurora Center will be closed on Labor Day, September 1.

Children's summer art classes

The Fourth is Nearly Here

The Fourth of July is nearly here, and while I hate to bring this up, once that is past, we are on the downhill slope towards the end of summer. We better enjoy the season while it’s still here, so plan to spend your Thursday evenings listening to some great music in a pleasant outdoor venue. Aurora Center for the Arts’ free Music on the Porch concert series continues through the month of July at the East Polk Heritage Center. Caleigh, a northern Minnesota trio, will be playing on July 10, Acoustofiddle (Paul Nye and Jeff Menten) are on stage on July 17, there will be a theater revue on July 24, and Doyle Turner and Sarah Morris perform on July 31. All concerts begin at 7 p.m. You can bring snacks and beverages if you wish – chairs too or sit at the picnic tables. Currently on display in the Sorenson Gallery there is artwork from the children's summer art classes taught by Kirby Vossler. You may visit the gallery during library hours. Kirby Vossler is a busy person. She will also be directing a cast of 23 third through sixth graders in “Space Pirates: A New Children’s Musical.” Rehearsals begin in July with performances scheduled for August 6-9. The show follows a group of Earth kids who find themselves transported to a spaceship full of aliens obsessed with Earth’s artifacts. When space pirates show up to ransack the ship, the kids help to save the day. Tickets will be available in late July. Meanwhile at the Fosston Library, the summer reading experience, Wild about Reading, continues through the month of July. Reading logs must be returned the first week of August to qualify for the prize drawings. There is still time to get that reading done. Prairie Public’s Learning Express trailer will be at the library July 14-18. The trailer is packed with resource bins filled with kits, games and activities that families can use during library hours. An adult must be present to supervise children while bins are in use. And of course, the library will be closed on Friday, July 4, Independence Day. It will, however, be open on Saturday, July 5, even though that seems to be the day for the festivities in Fosston.

Rick Paulin paintings

June, June, June

As the song says, “June is busting out all over,” and at the Aurora Center for the Arts, all sorts of fun activities are busting out as well, so much so that some are busting into other locations. The Aurora Center is once again sponsoring the Music on the Porch concert series on Thursday evenings at the East Polk Heritage Center. These free concerts begin at 7 p.m. You may want to bring your own chair although some seating is available at the picnic tables under the shelter. The first concert is June 19 with The WoodPicks, From Thief River Falls, this talented group plays gospel, bluegrass, country and Americana music. They should be a great choice to kick off the season. There will be no concert on June 26, as that is when “Alice in Wonderland, Jr.” will be presented at the Aurora Center, directed by Abby Pearson and featuring 20 high school-aged actors. Tickets will be available soon at Nords Pharmacy and Gifts and online at auroracenterforthearts.org Kirby Voesler will be teaching several summer rec art classes for kids ages five through twelve. These will be held in the art area of the Aurora basement. For adults there will be a couple of opportunities at the Old School Artist Retreat Center in Lengby; Leatherwork with Janette McColl on Saturday, June 21, 9a.m.-5p.m., and Hard Cover Journal with Mike McColl on Monday and Tuesday, June 23-24, 7-8:30 p.m. There is a fee charged for these classes. To sign up online, go to bit.ly/AuroraArtClass or for more information, e-mail hello@auroracenterforthearts.org Meanwhile, at the Fosston Public Library, Wild about Reading, the 2025 summer reading program, began on June 1. Children and teens are invited to pick up a reading log to be eligible for some great prizes at the end of the summer. In addition, there are several free programs, all on Wednesdays at 2 p.m., starting June 4 with Bemidji Headwater’s Science Center staff and some of their animals. Learn about animals’ habitats, defenses, adaptations, and proper handling. June 11 is Wild about Wheels. Kids are invited to get a close look at some community work vehicles. The June 18 program is at the Fosston Movie Theater. Admission is free for a showing of The Lion King. (But concession charges are the responsibility of the attendees. On June 25, a park naturalist from Itasca State Park will present Let’s Get Wild with Animal Signs. What signs do wild animals leave behind? July 2 Dazzling Dave Yo-Yo Master will be at the library to share his expertise with the yo-yo. Perhaps he will inspire your kids (or yourself) to give it a try.

It's May

It’s May. That means green grass, singing birds, and music at the Aurora Center for the Arts. On Sunday, May 11, Jeff Menten’s guitar and string students, along with my piano students, will present their yearly recital. Everyone is welcome to attend the 3 p.m. program with refreshments served. This is a free event. On Saturday, May 17, or in Norwegian Syttende Mai, Project Constellation, a violin/guitar due from Grand Forks, will be playing Scandinavian music at 2:00 p.m. Norwegian goodies will be served in the lobby beginning at 1 p.m. This free event is sponsored by the East Polk Heritage Center and the Sons of Norway Granlund Lodge. The new exhibit in the Sorenson Gallery, coming up in May, will be watercolors by Crookston artist Ross Hier. He retired from the Minnesota DNR in 2016 but has been doing art all his life. His subject matter ranges from landscapes to sporting scenes to birdlife. Tryouts for the high school summer musical, “Disney’s Alice in Wonderland,” directed by Abby Pearson, were scheduled to be held Tuesday, May 6. Performances will be held June 25-28. Kirby Vossler will be directing “Space Pirates” during July and August for students in grades 3-6. Also, there will be a week-long summer theater camp for students aged 7-14, held August 18-22. Further information may be found in the summer rec packets or at auroracenterforthearts.org. Meanwhile, at the Fosston Library, book club will meet Tuesday, May 20, at 2 p.m. for coffee, treats, and conversation. This month’s book is All We Were Promised by Ashton Lattimore. This will be the final session before summer break. Also, the Family Resource Center is up and running in the library basement. Open on Wednesdays from noon to 5 p.m., this one-stop shop provides a place for area families to connect with different services , including economic assistance, child support, and Career Force. All services provided by Polk County are free to the public. The library will be closed Monday, May 26, in observance of Memorial Day. Remember that in June, the summer reading program begins. The theme this year is Wild about Reading, and once again children and teenagers of all ages will have a chance to qualify for some great prizes by reading books. That’s what I call a win-win situation.

Does April mean it is spring?

Does April that mean spring is here? The robins are back, and most of the snow is gon,e so if there aren’t any April Fool jokes from Mother Nature perhaps it is. At any rate, there are plenty of good things happening at the Aurora Center for the Arts and the Fosston Library to distract you from any worries about the weather. Paintings by Bagley artist Rick Paulin are currently on display at the Sorenson Gallery. These beautiful Minnesota landscapes make use of light and shadow to really come to life. There will be a reception for the artist on Thursday, April 10, from 5:00-6:30. On Sunday, April 13, the high school speech students will be hosting a speech soiree from 1-4 p.m. The public is invited and there will be refreshments. Stephanie Anderson will be teaching an embroidery class on Tuesday, April 22. Not sure about the time on this. Watch for more details. The East Polk Family Resource Center has its grand opening on Wednesday, April 16. They will be using the basement space on Wednesdays from noon to six to connect with local families. Looking ahead to summe,r there will be several children’s theater opportunities coming up – “Alice in Wonderland Jr.” in June for high school students, “Space Pirates” in July/August for elementary school students, and a Shakespeare drama camp August 18-22 for young people ages seven through 14. Tryouts for “Alice in Wonderland” will be held Thursday, May 8, at 3:30. For more information email hello@auroracenterforthearts.org Meanwhile, at the Fosston Library, book club meets Tuesday, April 15, at 2 p.m. This month’s book is Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson, founder of the Equal Justice Initiative. It tells the story of Walter McMillian, sentenced to die for a murder he didn’t commit. If you need a copy of the book, contact the library. Also on April 15, at 6 p.m., there will be a performance of Imagination Theater, a family-friendly show featuring puppetry, poetry, songs, stories and audience participation. Appropriate for all ages, the presentation is especially geared for children ages 3-10. On Friday, April 25, at 1 p.m. Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota will present information about advanced directives for both healthcare and property, as well as powers of attorney.

Andy Hall photos