November Happenings

I recently ran across a quote from Emily Dickenson that said, “November always seemed to me the Norway of the year.” I'm not at all sure what she meant by that, and I doubt she had ever been to Norway as she scarcely left her house, but it does give us something to think about as we move into the month. I do know that there are several events scheduled at the Fosston Community Library Arts Center, although none of them have much to do with Norway.

On Monday, November 7, there will be a meet-the-artist reception for Cathy Forgit, whose beautiful fiber art has been on display since mid-October. Stop by between 5 and 7 p.m. to meet her and enjoy some refreshments. Her exibit runs through November 15, and she did study in Norway.

On Tuesday, November 8, the Fosston Library Book Club meets at 7 p.m. This month's selection is The Distant Hours by Austrailian author Kate Morton. The story involves a long-lost letter arriving 50 years after it was sent, that lures Edie Burchill to a crumbling castle, home of three elderly Blythe sisters. Edie's mother had been sent to stay there during World War II. I haven't read it yet, but the description hooked me at “crumbling castle.”

Beginning November 18, there will be a new display in the Sorenson Gallery, featuring works by Darlene Busch of Billings, Montana. Darlene has roots in northern Minnesota and works in arcylic, collage and mixed media. Her exhibit run through the end of the year.

On Tuesday, November 29, there will be a chess holiday tourney beginning at 3:30 p.m. Contact April at the library (435-1320) for more information.

Not in November, but coming up December 1-3 is the community theater production of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” directed by Abby Pearson and Donna Parenteau. Twenty-seven actors of all ages are perfoming at 7 p.m. each evening. Tickets are available at Generations.

Just a reminder – the library will be closed Friday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day, and Thanksgiving Day, November 24. It will close an hour early on Wednesday, November 23, at 5 p.m.

Cathy Forgit's pieces on display until Nov. 15

And now it's October

October- the leaves are beautiful, and there is a bountiful apple crop this year, but unfortunately for the squirrels and deer, no acorns. However, things are going well at the Fosston Community Library Arts Center, with lots of activities scheduled plus a new branch manager for the library.

April Wedin assumed her new position on Monday, September 26, A Fosston native, April has worked as a sub at the library since last November. She is happy to be working at the library full-time and says she hopes to see what needs to be done and then to do it. Sounds like a good plan to me. We are thrilled to have her on board.

April started her job just in time for one of October's big events – the annual library used book sale. Books, CDs, DVDs, magazines are all available in the library basement – and nothing costs more than a dollar. Proceeds go toward library programming.

Also during the month of October, there a couple of Legacy programs scheduled that would be well worth your while. On Saturday, October 15, at 10:30 a.m., there will be an author presentation by Kao Kalia Yang. Born in a refugee camp in Thailand, her books include The Latehomecomer: A Hmong Family Memoir and The Song Poet. She will speak about her family's history, resettlement in the U.S., and her books. She is now a U.S. citizen living in Minneapolis.

On Thursday, October 20, at 7 p.m., musician Nate Hance will present “Land of 10,000 Tunes,” a journey through Minnesota's musical masterpieces. There will be music by the Andrew Sisters, Judy Garland, Bob Dylan, and Prince, as well as polkas, waltzes and marches. A 2010 graduate of Concordia College, Hance composes, arranges, works as a musician and also gives piano lessons. Currently living in Minneapolis, he has served as a bandleader on the Holland Cruise Lines and has done all things musical in Denver, Colorado. It should be a fun evening.

While you are at the library, shopping at the book sale or attending a program, be sure to take a look at the new show in the Sorenson Gallery. Cathy Forgit from Fertile is a fiber artist, working primarily in wool. She has taken textile classes in Norway. Sweaters, wall hangings, shawls and mittens are all on display. They are beautiful. Watch for information about a meet-the-artist reception some time this month.

The library book club will meet Tuesday. October 11, at 7 p.m. This month's book is Drowning Ruth by Christina Schwarz. Set in Wisconsin in 1919, the book explores the changes that come to the lives of the family members of a women that drowns beneath the ice. I haven't read it yet, but I see it was an Oprah's Book Club selection.

Writers' Group has resumed after a summer hiatus. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 27, at 7:30 p.m. New members are always welcome.

Take note – the library will be closed on Monday, October 10, for a staff training day.

September is flying by

Shorter hours of daylight, cooler temperatures, and the start of school – it must be September. As always, the new season brings a new schedule to the Fosston Community Library Art Center. Summer reading program activities are over, but other activities resume after a summer hiatus.

Music lessons will again be offered at the art center with the following instructors: Scott Paavola, (guitar) - scottpaavola@gmail.com or 218-556-8669; 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 in lessons, please contact an instructor directly.

Also resuming in September is family fun time ( games, puzzles, crafts and movies and more) on Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m.; youth chess club (ages 10 and up) on Tuesdays at 3:30 p.m.; book club, Tuesday, Sept. 13, at 7 p.m. (The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd), and writers' group on Thursday, Sept. 29, at 7:30 p.m. Wow!

There are also some special events on the calendar for this month. On Friday, September 9, as part of East Polk Heritage Days, there was a concert by Michael and Bonnie Jorgensen from St. Peter. The Jorgensens presented music byTheodora Cormontan, the younger sister of Magnus Cormontan, one of the first doctors and pharmacists in Fosston. The 7 p.m. concert was preceded by a Scandinavian dessert buffet at 6:00 p.m.

On Thursday, Sept. 22, at 7 p.m., paranormal expert Chad Lewis will present a program entitled “Tales of Ghosts, UFOs and Mysterious Creatures.” I have heard Chad Lewis several times and his presentations are always interesting. This one includes alien abductions, haunted places, mysterious creatures, crop circles and more. You don't want to miss it.

Also in September, there should be a new display coming up in the Sorenson Gallery. Cathy Forgit from Fertile will be showing functional art. I'm not exactly sure what that means so watch for more information.

In closing, here is kind of a sad note: we are saying good-bye to not just one, but two of our employees, who are moving on to new positions. Librarian Tammi Jalowiec has been in charge of the Fosston Library since July of 2009. She has resigned her position here to take the librarian position at the White Earth Tribal and Community College in Mahnomen. In addition, Erin Christianson, who has been the library assistant since this past November, is leaving for to work as a paraprofessional in the Win-E-Mac School District. We wish both of them well in their new endeavors. Activities at the library will continue as planned, but you will probably be seeing a variety of faces until new people are hired for these positions.

Let's end on a positive note: September is Library Card Sign-up Month. If you sign up for a new library card at the Fosston Public Library in September, you may choose one item from our gently-used book sale cart for FREE!

August is here

August is here, and time is speeding by towards fall. I'm not sure whatever happened to the “lazy, hazy days of summer,” but I do know there are some happenings at the Fosston Community Library Arts Center that you should be aware of.

There is a new exhibit in the Sorenson Gallery, featuring Vivienne Morgan's photography, principally large landscape pictures. Morgan came to the U.S. from England 37 years ago. In an effort to feel at home here, she began photographing places that reminded her of her native land. The pictures currently on display are matched pairs, either two views of the same place at different times, or places countries apart that bring to mind connections, such the cemetery in Bemidji with Sonehenge. It's definitely worth a second look.

The final Wednesday summer reading program event is the pool party, coming up on August 10 at 2 p.m. at the civic center. There will be about 45 minutes of fun in the pool followed by a frozen treat. Preschoolers must be accompanied by an adult, and all non-swimmers are required to wear a life jacket. Everyone needs a signed permission form.

Even though the pool party is the final large group activity for the summer, Read for the Win! will continue and reading logs will be accepted through August 31. That means there is still a chance to win one of the grand prizes – a tablet PC for ages 7-11 and also one for teens or a Vtech Write & Learn for the younger ones.

On Tuesday, August 30, there will be a special adult craft time, Paper Mache with Tammi. This will be the first of a four-session class with the other sessions scheduled for Sept. 6, 20, and 27. Participants at the first class will create an armature for their paper mache creation and will have opportunity to finish up their projects over the next three sessions. The class will be limited to 10 students, so if you are interested, call the library at 235-1320 to reserve your spot.

September will be here before we know it, so remember that the library will be closed on Monday, September 5, in observance of Labor Day.

July at the Fosston Community Library Arts Center

Henry James once said that the two most beautiful words in the English language were “summer afternoon.” I'm inclined to agree, but would maybe expand the phrase to “summer afternoon with a good book on the deck.” July is here so enjoy those summer afternoons while you can.

While you are at the Fosston Library picking out that book to enjoy on the deck, be sure to take a look at the new exhibit in the Sorenson Gallery. Fosston native Bonnie Josephson Lundorff is an accomplished fiber artist whose talents range from quilting to felting and applique. She has owned Willow Wood Market in Bemidji for over 19 years. Her works will be on display through July 25. While I'm not exactly sure what will be included, I'm confident it will be beautiful.

The summer reading program “Read for the Win” for ages 0-18 continues throughout the month. If your child hasn't yet signed up, it's not too late and if your baby is not quite reading yet, you get to read to your child and it still counts. Read 15 books or 15 hours and have a chance at some great prizes. Teens can turn in their reading sheets for every five books read and earn a book bag and a chance to win a tablet PC.

Special summer reading program events continue every Wednesday at 2 p.m. On July 13, the Fosston High School Robotics team will do a demonstration, and on July 20, there will be a presentation by local 4-H members. Originally scheduled for June 29, this has been postponed until after the fair. On July 27, participants will have a chance to play “Name that Book” and on August 3, there will be an Olympic Torch craft, which I don't think will involve any real flames. At all these events there will be a door prize drawing for a DG Blizzard compliments of the Fosston Dairy Queen.

Coming up on Tuesday, July 19, there will be a special craft event for the grownups – Stamping with Mary. Here's your chance to make your own greeting cards. The event is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. I don't know if there will be any door prizes at this one.

Unfortunately, I do have some bad news – the summer theater production has been canceled due to a shortage of actors. I'm disappointed and I'm sure many of the rest of you are too. Watch for a holiday show later in the fall and for now, enjoy those summer afternoons.

June, June, June!

With summer vacation from school starting mid-May this year, it seems as if June has already been here for awhile; nonetheless, it's just getting started, and if your child hasn't yet signed up to Read for the Win in the Fosston Library summer reading program, there is still time. Remember, any child reading 15 books (or 15 hours) and submitting a completed reading log will receive a medal as well as a chance to win one of the grand prizes (Vtech Write & Learn or Tablet PC). Teens can earn a book bag for reading five books and also have a chance to win a tablet. Of course, everyone who reads can experience the best reward of all – the joy of reading.

Every Wednesday at 2 p.m. there will be a special program or activity with a a DQ Blizzard as the door prize. There will be giant board games on June 8, Itasca State Park staff with a presentation about frogs on June 15, winning snacks with Cheryl Winkelmann on June 22, and winning at the fair with 4-H on June 29. On July 6 there will be an engineering challenge: construct a house of cards.

June also brings a special concert. On Sunday, June 12, at 7 p.m. Deb McGregor of Bemidji will perform selections from her recently-released CD “The Other Side of the Window.” Singer, songwriter, pianist and storyteller are just a few of the hats McGregor wears. Several guest muscians will accompany her. Tickets are available at Generations as well as at the door.

Also coming up this month is a special two-part presentation by Caleb Curfman entitled “The First Minnesota: A Push to Unite.” A Fosston native, Curfman is studying history at Bemidji State University and has done quite a bit of research on the First Minnesota Regiment, drawing on letters and other primary sources in an effort to understand the period. If you are interested in the Civi War, this should be just the thing for you. The lectures are scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday, June 20, and Tuesday, June 21.

The photography exhibit by Carol Hoyem will be in the Sorenson Gallery for the month of June. These pictures taken in Cuba are quite fascinating. You could travel there yourself, but you can look at these for free.

Carol Hoyem and her daughters have captured the flavor of contemporary Cuba.

It's May!

The grass is green and May is here. The month should bring leaves to the trees and a few more flowers than the three dandelions I saw the other day.. It will also bring a number of exciting events at the Fosston Community Library Arts Center.

First of all, at least chronologically, there will be a piano recital by my students on Sunday, May 8, at 7 p.m. They've been practicing diligently and are excited (and maybe a little nervous) to share their music with you. The event is free, and there will be coffee and cookies too.

Beginning May 16, there will be a new exhibit in the Sorenson Gallery - photographs by Carol Hoyem of Bemidji. An award-winning photographer, Hoyem is noted for her nature photography as well as her travel photos. The upcoming display will feature pictures taken on a trip to Cuba.

With the school year coming to an end early this year, the children's summer theater program will be held the week of May 23. Abby Pearson will direct “The Reluctant Dragon.” Watch for word about signing up if your children want to participate. This is usually a very popular activity.

The summer reading program will also get off to an early start twith the Kickoff Olympics to be held Wednesday, May 25. The theme this year is “Read for the Win!” Every child who reads 15 books or 15 hours and submits a completed reading log will receive a reading medal, while teens can earn a book bag by turning in teen reading sheets for every five books read. Grand prizes at the end of the program are 7” tablet PCs for ages 7-11 and ages 12-18, as well as a Vtech Write & Learn (whatever that might be) for the six and under crowd.

There will be special events every Wednesday at 2 p.m. June 1st's program will be presented by Larry Swenson, who is the musical director at Fair Hills Resort during the summer. His program features international children's songs combined with a message of respect and tolerance. And – there will be a door prize drawing for a free DQ Blizzard.

Book club meets Tuesday, May 10, at 7 p.m. The book for the month is The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd. The two main characters are Hetty “Handful” Grimke, a slave in early-19^th century Charleston, and Sarah Grimke, who at the age of 11 if given ownership of 10-year old Handful. It should prove to be an interesting book.

Writers' group will meet Thursday. May 26, at 7:30 p.m. New members are always welcome. Come and check it out even if you are just thinking about writing something.

Plans for a summer theater production have not been finalized but look for a late July or early August day with Denny Jacobs from Crookston directing.

No doubt you will assume this, but just to confirm: The library will be closed Monday, May 30, for Memorial Day.