December

December is here, after a spell of mild late November weather, and while it’s nice today as I am writing this column, things will probably have changed by the time you are reading it. According to the weather forecast, subzero temperatures are in store for next week. Nonetheless, it’s always warm and cozy at the Fosston Community Library Arts Center.

                The Daisy Hagen Auction for the Arts was held on Sunday, November 26, and it was an enormous success. Carrie Carlin and Sarah Steinbrenner are to be commended for the great job they did to organize the auction, which raised approximately $12,500 for the FCLAA. Auctioneer Linda Lohmeir encouraged bidders to dig deep into their pockets, and once again the Athenians provided delicious refreshments. We also need to recognize all those who donated items and everyone who bought them.  Well done!

                The other big news is a new branch manager for the library, although she is already a familiar face.  Carol Ricke, who has worked there as library assistant since last January, has taken the position vacated by April Wedin. She has lived in Fosston since September of 2016 and is married to Kevin Ricke, superintendent of the Fosston school district. Carol invites you to come check out the library.

                The book club holiday celebration will be held Tuesday, December 12, at 7 p.m. Bring a treat to share. The book for December is The Life She Wants by Robyn Carr. It’s about women, friendship, and the complex path to happiness.

                Family Fun Time continues every Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. with children’s activities for all ages. Special holiday events include Christmas crafts on Dec. 13 and Christmas bingo on Dec. 20.

                As you would expect, the library will be closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. It will be open for its regular hours Tuesday, Dec. 26, through Saturday, Dec. 30.

 

Quilt display in the gallery

November, November

November – the weather is colder, the days are shorter, and there could be snowflakes in the air. However, here are all sorts of fun events scheduled at the Fosston Community Library Arts Center, so we can forget about the less than ideal weather.

The new display coming up in the Sorenson Gallery is fitting for chilly weather, as the Clearwater Quilters Guild will have a display of quilted items – small quilts, wall hangings, etc. The group, which was organized in 1999, meets at the Gonvick Community Center. Their quilts will be on display from Nov. 4 through mid-December.

On Tuesday, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m. there will be a special concert by award-winning tenor J. Warren Mitchell. Mitchell, who formerly taught at Bemidji State University, is a rising star in the opera world and has recently returned to the area after performing in Germany. His first CD is entitled “The Aria Album.” Admission to the concert is by free-will offering.

The 2017 Daisy Hagen Auction for the Arts is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 26. This FCLAA fund-raiser takes place every two years, with donated items ranging from baked goods, rosemaling, rugs, soaps, gift certificates, and much, much more. Linda Lohmeier will be the guest auctioneer. Bidding starts at 2 p.m. with items on display at 1 p.m. The Athenian Club will be serving refreshments. If you have questions, contact Sarah Steinbrenner at 281-431-0473 or Carrie Steinbrenner at 218-358-0430.

Also coming up at the end of the month It’s a Wonderful Life, the Musical will be performed Thursday, Nov. 30, Friday and Saturday, Dec. 1 and 2, at 7 p.m. In addition, there will be a 3 p.m. matinee on Sunday, Dec. 3. Based on the 1946 film, the musical follows George Bailey’s life as he discovers he has made a difference. Abby Pearson is the director with Michelle Landsverk as the music director.

As exciting as all these events are, there are still more activities at the library arts center in November. On Tuesday, Nov. 7, at 6:30 p.m. The documentary film Thanks You for Playing will be shown. When Ryan, a video game designer, learns that his son has cancer, he and his wife develop a game called “That Dragon, Cancer.” The film follows the family over a period of two years.

The November book club meeting, originally scheduled for Nov. 14, has been rescheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 21, at 7 p.m. to avoid conflicting with the J. Warren Mitchell concert. This month’s book is Room by Emma Donoghue.

 Writers’ group is scheduled for Thursday, Nov.30. New members are always welcome – no dues, no pressure.

Just a reminder – The library will be closed on Saturday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day and on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 23.

Gallery display by Mitch Hilliard

Mitch Hilliard currently has a number of beautiful photographs on display in the gallery.

October is here!

I’m not sure how it can be October already. Didn’t school just get out for the summer? What I do know is this: There are plenty of great activities scheduled this month at the Fosston Community Library Art Center.

There are three free events this month made possible by funding from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. Dream of Owls Puppet Theatre did a show at the library On Wednesday, Oct. 4, at 3:30.
On Friday, Oct. 20, at 2 p.m. the Minneapolis Guitar Quartet will be performing. This group has been here before ( a few years ago). Their repertoire includes everything from Bach to Prince.  The four musicians, Joseph Hagedorn, Maja Radovanlija, Ben Kunkel and Wade Oden, are described as “ambassadors of sound, style and substance.” It should be enjoyable.
On Friday, Oct. 27, at 6:30 p.m. living history performer Arn Kind will present “Minnesota in the Great War.” Kind has been an educator for 38 years, both in the classroom and through presentations to groups of all ages. He will make the history of World War I come to life.
The library book club will meet on Tuesday, Oct. 10, at 7 p.m. This month’s book is Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, a suitable selection for the month of October. There will be coffee and some good discussion, and if you want to just listen, that’s okay.
Teens are now invited to their own book club beginning Monday, Oct. 16, at 5 p.m. The book for the month is Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon. There will be pizza!
Writers’ group will be meeting Thursday, Oct. 16, at 7:30 p.m. We kicked off our season this month with a potluck supper and a presentation by Joanna Dymond on overcoming writer’s block. Even if you missed it, you are welcome to come anytime.
The youth chess club meets on Halloween (Oct. 31). They will have a special celebration although I’m not sure just what they will be doing. Maybe it will involve candy.
The used book sale will be going on the entire month of October. Books, magazines, CDs, DVDs, and this year, some other items as well, will be for sale at bargain prices. The sale is set up in the basement of the library.
One sad note – Fosston Branch Manager April Wedin is leaving to take a position with the City of Fosston. We are all sorry to see her go, but wish her well in her new venture.
Hopefully by the time you read this, there will be a new display in the gallery – photographs by Mitch Hilliard from Lengby.
Lastly, here are a couple of dates to mark on your calendar: Nov. 30-Dec. 3 – Performances of “It’s a Wonderful Life – the Musical”
Sunday, Nov. 26 – The Daisy Hagen Auction for the Arts.

 

September, September

September is here and we all realize that means back to school. At the Fosston Community Library Arts Center, it means back to music lessons and several other activities as well.

The following instructors will be available for music lessons:  Scott Paavola, (guitar) - 218-556-8669 scottpaavola@gmail.com;  Jeff Menten, (violin, viola, cello, mandolin, upright bass)  218-255-0087 or jeffmentenmusic@hotmail.com ; Orland Aspen (voice) - musicman56@gvtel.com or 435-6791; Kay Carlsen (piano) - aagekay@gvtel.com or 435-6710; and  Molly Peltier (piano) mkcrane@gmail.com or 435-1200. If you or your child are interested, please contact an instructor directly.

Family fun time resumes on Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome at these after-school activities, but children 7 and under must be accompanied by a responsible caregiver 12 or older. September’s activities include Bingo on Sept. 6, Legos on Sept. 13, games and puzzles on Sept 20, and crafts on Sept. 27.

Youth chess club (ages 10 and up)  will again meet on Tuesdays at 3:30 p.m. This is for beginner, novice and intermediate chess players.

After taking the summer off, the library book club will resume on Tuesday, Sept. 12. The book is The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead. There are always interesting discussions and did I mention there is coffee (usually decaf)?

There will be a movie night in the theater on Tuesday, Sept. 26, at 6:30 p.m. with the showing of the PBS documentary Iris, the story of Iris Apfel, the quick-witted 93-year-old style maven from the New York fashion scene. Not sure if there will be popcorn.

Writers’ group will be meeting on Thursday, September 28, at 7:30 p.m. If you are looking for some motivation to get that family history written down, this just might do the trick. Bring some writing to share or just show up.

September is Library Card Sign-up Month so if you don’t have a library card, come in and apply for one. They are free to residents of the Lake Agassiz Regional Library area and will give you access to thousands of books, magazines, DVDs, CDs, and on-line resources. What a deal!

The last week in September is Banned Books Week so watch for a display on this. Some of the books that have been banned will surprise you.

Coming up Wednesday, October 4, at 3:30 p.m. is the Dream of Owls Puppet Theatre. Families will love this fascinating puppet show.

Remember to like the Fosston Public Library Facebook page to see more info about activities at the library.

Paintings by Arna Rennan

Paintings by Arna Rennan are currently on display at the Sorenson Gallery.