Thursday, June 7, 2012

June at the Library Arts Center

Graduation is over, Memorial Day is past, and now it’s time for the lazy days of summer. It’s not so lazy at the Fosston Community Library Arts Center though, as there are plenty of activities scheduled this month.
I’m sure things are hopping in the theater where director Kristi Noel is currently rehearsing 43 second-through-sixth graders for a performance of “Back to Summer” written by Wade Bradford. The characters will be traveling through time to such diverse locations as New York in the 1800s and ancient Egypt. The performance is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday, June 8. Kristi does have the assistance of a few older students - with a cast of 43, I’m sure that’s a good thing.
There will also be two Legacy Fund events in June. On Thursday, June 14, at 7 p.m., The Fargo-Moorhead Opera will present “The Face on the Barroom Floor.” If you’re not sure about opera, this is maybe a good place to start - it’s short and it’s in English, with a kind of dramatic storyline which moves between present-day Colorado and the 19th century.
On Thursday, June 21, Norse fiddle player Karen Solgard will present a concert at 1:30 p.m. Solgard, who plays the Hardanger fiddle, appeared at the Embassy several years ago with a very interesting presentation. She grew up near Crookston but has performed all over the United States. You won’t want to miss this concert.
The Dream Big - READ! summer reading program is under way, and there’s still time for kids to sign up for a chance to win some great prizes by keeping track of the books they read. There are several special Wednesday afternoon events conjunction with the reading program. On June 13, kids will have the opportunity to work on the Dream Big Paper Mural project. On June 20, Cheryl Winkelman will be there to help everyone make a dream catcher, and on June 27 staff from the Headwater Science Center in Bemidji will be there with a Starlab Planetarium, a portable planetarium where people can observe the night sky at any time of the day. All these programs are at 2 p.m.
One last thing - volunteers are needed for the theater renovation project scheduled for July. New carpeting will be going in and the main theater will be painted. Help is needed to move the seats out, tear out the carpet, lay the new carpet, and reinstall the seats. If you can help, contact one of the theater committee members: Wonell Miller (435-2845), JoAnn Papke (218-694-2448), Scott Wilson (435-6753) or Michelle Marx (435-1014).

Friday, May 18, 2012

May at the Library Arts Center



It’s May - time for May baskets, May flowers, and May music recitals, at least at the Fosston Community Library Arts Center. On Sunday, May 6, at 7 p.m., Orland Aspen’s vocal students performed. Singers of a variety of ages soloed and also took part in ensembles for an enjoyable evening of entertainment. The following Sunday, May 13, also at 7 p.m., my piano students presented their recital.

The other FCLAA piano teacher, Lora Lee Saeter, whose talents extend beyond the musical arena, has a display in the Sorenson Gallery. Several years ago, she began restoring ripped, torn and faded family photos to their original condition. She has expanded beyond her own family’s photos to doing similar work for others. Come and see what she’s done (and maybe what she can do for you).

Books and BonBons book club met Tuesday, May 8, at 7 p.m. This month’s book is The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein. The narrator is a dog, so it was an interesting book. The dessert was puppy chow.

Writers’ group will meet Thursday, May 24, at 7:30 p.m. You don’t have to be published or even to have aspirations in that direction to attend. We’re an informal group and welcome new members. Call Alison Melgren Opdahl at 218-289-4969 for more information.

Looking ahead to June, the 2010 summer reading program, "Dream Big - READ!" begins Monday, June 4, with a pajama party that lasts all week. Professor Marvel’s Dream Machines Magic Show will be presented at 1:30 p.m. On Wednesday, June 6, there will be an extra special pajama party - everyone who wears their P Js will be eligible for a door prize. Of course, your children will want to pick up a reading log - every child who reads 15 hours or completes 15 books during the program will be eligible for weekly prize drawings.
One last reminder - the library will be closed on Monday, May 28, for the Memorial Day holiday.

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Festival of Tables

The 11th annual Festival of Tables was held Saturday, April 14. Once again it was a great success.
Table themes included "Does everything really have to match in life? (Kristi Noel and her daughter Teegan), the auction sale (Gerry LaVoi), springtime tea (Ann Offerdahl and Paula Swanson), John Deere meets Tupperware (Terisa Vig), "Dream Big - READ" (Tammi Jalociec), the ties that bind (Gloria Steinbrenner, Mary Steinbrenner and Dorothy Killian), the Polk County Fair: 111 years of family fun (Carrie Welin, Gladys Nephew, Brenda Miller, Sue Halstensgard, Norma Nephew & Darlene Nephew), American Girl! (Lauren Sekely), for the love of gardening (Lillian Sullivan with assistance from Judy Lindseth), tattered elegance (Kristen Hemmingsen), sisters! (Bonnie Stewart and Jo McFarlin), the Christmas stag (Carol Danielson & Mary Welin), flowers and flour (Valerie Brekke), the life of a ragdoll (Lisa Rosendahl), and the 3 R's: red, rust and recycled (Meghan & Pat from The Red Poppy). Piano music was provided by Alyssa Dalen.

















Saturday, April 7, 2012

April at the Library Arts Center

by Kay Carlsen
April is here, and with it spring, Easter, and National Library Week, which is April 8-14.
This year’s theme is "You belong @ your library," so come to the Fosston Library and check it out, as well as checking out some books, CDs, or DVDs. There are several special programs throughout the week, beginning with an eBook reader basics class on Monday, April 11, at 11 a.m. Learn how to use your new Nook, Kindle, or other e-reader. Remember, the library does have e-books that can be downloaded free.
Tuesday is Library Workers’ Day, and at 6:30 p.m. there will be a read-to-me hour. Children may bring along a parent, grandparent, sibling or stuffed animal to read to; or read a book to one of the librarians. There will be a reward for everyone who reads a story aloud.
The Gowns & Glamour Gala is scheduled for Thursday, April 12, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Girls from grades 7-12 are invited to watch the makeover team demonstrate hairstyles, makeup tips and accessory ideas for prom or other dress-up events. Makeover models will be chosen from the audience.
Also coming up in April is the Festival of Tables, that wonderful annual fund-raiser for the FCLAA. The date is Saturday, April 14, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fosston. There will be 15 beautifully-set tables and a delicious lunch. Tickets are available from Kim Wilson (435-6753), Joan Dufault (435-6986) or the Fosston Library (435-1320).
The current art display in the upper gallery features works by Fosston High School junior Rebecca Sistad. This talented 16-year-old plays volleyball and basketball, enjoys reading and country music, and does some awesome painting and drawing. Be sure to take a look at her work when you’re in the library.
On Friday, April 27, at 2 p.m., Vickie Wendel will be at the library with a presentation entitled "Fact, Folklore and FABRICation." She will reveal the real stories behind the history of quilt design and construction. If you’re a quilter, you won’t want to miss this, and even if you’re not, it should be interesting.
The Books and Bonbons Book Club meets Tuesday, April 10, at 7 p.m. The book is The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks. As for the dessert, you need to come there to find out what that is. It’s always good though.
Last but definitely not least, the second annual Fosston writers’ conference is coming up April 21 and 28. For two consecutive Saturdays, award-winning author Jamie Lee will be here to offer advice on getting started writing and on getting published. Register for either of the two dates or for both. Contact Bonnie Stewart (435-6119) for more information.

Saturday, March 3, 2012

March at the Fosston Library Arts Center




Winter is here, but hopefully just in time for spring. After all, it is March. We can see the light at the end of the tunnel. While you’re waiting for the season of green grass and long daylight hours, take advantage of some of wonderful happenings at the Fosston Community Library Arts Center.
Jerry Frasier, comic magician, will present a program at the Fosston Library on Tuesday, March 27, at 4 p.m. Frasier is described as “impressive, unique and unforgettable.” The show includes audience participation, clean comedy, and mystifying magic tricks. Come and bring the kiddies.
Pam Robinson’s “Flotsam & Jetsam” show is currently on display in the gallery. I was a little confused last month when I wrote that “her works were paintings. Wrong, wrong, wrong! She says, “I practice an art form that requires an up-to-date tetanus shot.” Her creations are assembled from rusty metal, broken glass, driftwood, rocks, bones, old jewelry - anything she might find during walks in the woods, strolls along the beach, or rambles at garage sales. Colorful and imaginative, this is an exhibit you won’t want to miss.
March is National Craft Month, and there will be make and take crafts every Wednesday at 4 p.m. This family fun time lasts for an hour, and will feature St. Patrick’s Day crafts on March 14 and springtime crafts on March 21, as well as “Out like a Lamb” (we’re all hoping for that) on March 28.
The Books and BonBons Book Club will meet Tuesday, March 13, at 7 p.m. This month’s book is Bridge of Sighs by Richard Russo. We always have a good time as well as enjoying some kind of yummy dessert. Come and join us.
Looking ahead to April (I like the sound of that), the FCLAA is sponsoring the 2nd Annual Writers’ conference on April 21 and 28. The conference will be offered in two levels, the level one, “I Always Wanted to be a Writer” workshop, and the level two, “Self-Edit your Way to Success” workshop. The presenter is Jamie Lee, a published, award-winning author and teacher. Her first novel, Washuja - Bear Dreamer won a Ben Franklin Award for Best New Voice in Fiction. Individuals will be able to register for either one or for both days at a cost of $55 for one or $90 for both. For more information, contact Bonnie Stewart at 435-6119.

Monday, January 23, 2012

At the Sorenson Gallery

Take a trip down memory lane. The current display at the Sorenson Gallery includes posters created by Ric Sorenson for shows that have appeared at the gallery over the past eight years. There is quite a variety of artists and media.



Sunday, January 8, 2012

January at the Fosston Library Arts Center

Happy New Year - 2012! I’m not sure how that can be, but I guess I’ll believe the calendar. The burning question is: Will this mild winter continue or are we going to pay for this with subzero temperatures and feet of snow continuing through April? Only time will tell.
I can tell you though that there are some interesting programs planned at the library for 2012 as the Lake Agassiz Regional Library presents The Sugarbeet Series, sponsored with money from the Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.
As part of this series, on Wednesday, January 18, harpist/vocalist Chris Ward will present a concert at 7 p.m. at the Fosston Community Library Arts Center. Ward is from the Twin Cities and has appeared at the Guthrie theater, as will as performing for the kings of Sweden and Norway and the prime minister of Iceland. I’m listening to some of her music as I write - very enjoyable.
January also brings the Hot Reads for Cold Nights adult reading program, which will run January 3-February 29. Pick up an entry blank at the library, then read (or listen to) four books for a chance to win a prize. Make one of them The Memory Quilt: a Tale of Friends & Family Lost & Found in the Great Cloquet Fire of 1918 by Pamela J. Erickson, this year’s community read selection. Then make plans to come to the grand finale on March 6 to meet the author.
You’ll also want to read Rosamunde Pilcher’s Winter Solstice, which is the January selection for the Books and BonsBons Book Club, meeting Tuesday, Jan. 10., at 7 p.m. I haven’t read it yet, but it tells the story of five very different people who find themselves together in a dilapidate estate house in northern Scotland. Sounds intriguing.
The Fosston Community Library Arts Association annual meeting will be on Wednesday evening, January 11. Anyone is welcome to attend - watch for the official notice.
The local Poetry Outloud contest will be held at the arts center on Sunday, Jan. 22, at 2 p.m. The public is welcome - it’s nice to know that students are still learning poems.
Writers’ group will meet Thursday, January 26, at 7:30 p.m. If your New Years resolution is to do some writing, meeting with a group of like-minded individuals may be just the motivation you need. You can just show up, with or without something to share.