Save the dates for these Brown Bag events and the fun after school fiber-arts event!
 
“Thinking out loud” with Marsh Muirhead — October 18th at noon 
 

The 2012 Fall Brown Bag Series begins on Thursday, Oct. 18th at noon with celebrated KAXE guest Marsh Muirhead. Mr. Muirhead is multi-talented and well-known in many circles. He is a dentist, a poet, a pilot, an essayist, a winner of The Great American Think-off and author of Key West Explained — A Guide for the Traveler. 

He lives near Bemidji on the banks of the Mississippi and has had stories and poems published in the Southeast Review, New Mexico Poetry Review, Minnetonka Review, Rattle, Modern Haiku and elsewhere. He is a contributor to the Canadian Poetry website How Pedestrian and has participated locally in KAXE’s “Great American Radio Show” and “The Beat”.

Mr. Muirhead will talk about the value of poetry in our world and will read an edited version of his winning Great American Think-off essay. He will also read several poems and discuss the fresh face of Haiku – it’ not what you were taught in elementary school! There will be a Q&A session at the end of his presentation.
 
Copies of Key West Explained: A Guide for the Traveler, will be available for purchase and signing by the author.
 

Bhutan — A View from the Top of the World with Cal Rice — October 25th at noon 
 
Through his amazing photos, professional photographer Cal Rice will share his experiences from a recent trip to the Himalayan country of Bhutan. After being almost completely cut off for centuries, the government of Bhutan began allowing outside influences – including television and the internet – only a few years ago, while still preserving its ancient traditions. Besides the beauty of the land, its architecture and its people, this program will highlight the contrasts between centuries old customs and the impact of modern society.
Of his work, Bemidji resident Rice says, “What I am trying to do in this career is to visit and photograph countries that are in the midst of cultural change. Then come back to northern Minnesota and share my experience. This is more a documentary and cultural exchange rather than just a travelogue.”
  
Bring a lunch and join us in the library auditorium for an insightful view of a nation which puts more value on its “gross national happiness” than its gross national product.
This event is possible thanks to sponsorship by the Arrowhead Library System and funding by money from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
Confessions of a Professional Eater with Eleanor Ostman — November 15th at noon
 Eleanor Ostman spent three decades as a food writer for the St. Paul Dispatch-Pioneer Press where she wrote her popular Sunday column, Tested Recipes. This column was the basis for her best-selling book Always on Sundays: Eleanor Ostman’s Best Tested Recipes and subsequent editions. Eleanor is a native of Hibbing, a graduate of Macalester College and winner of numerous writing honors, including the James Beard award.
She is also the founder and past president of the Newspaper Food Editors and Writers Association and has been active in the community through chairing the St. Pal Cancer Crusade and currently serving on the board of the Friends of Roseville Parks. She will visit Virginia Public Library to share stories of a life in food and reminisce about growing up and eating well in Northern Minnesota.
Zachary Scot Johnson — December 13th at noon

After spending 10 years of touring with artists like Grammy winners Shawn Colvin and Keb’ Mo” and movie stars/musicians Kevin Costner, Rita Wilson and others, Zachary Scot Johnson has been performing throughout Minnesota libraries to excellent reviews. Zach performs on keyboard, guitar, banjo, mandolin, dobro and more and is working on a holiday theme with a twist. Instead of another holiday program filled with yet another version of Jingle Bells, Zach has been digging through “lesser known gems and finding some really cool pieces”. In addition to performing, he will explain the process he went through to rediscover the selections and will provide a little history behind them. Join us in the library lobby for a fantastic musical celebration of the holidays.This event is possible thanks to sponsorship by the Arrowhead Library System and funding by money from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
After-School Workshop
Fleece to Felt:  Fiber Art Comes Alive Workshop — November 14th at 3:30
The Duluth Art Institute will be presenting their workshop, “Fleece to Felt: Fiber Art Comes Alive” in the library auditorium. Participants will learn how to transform fluffy, colorful sheep’s wool into a fun, felted butterfly. It is a very interactive and accessible (and clean) art project for all ages.
This event is possible thanks to sponsorship by the Arrowhead Library System and funding by money from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
— Susan J. Hoppe, Reference Services Librarian