STAFFORD — It is with a sad heart that I write that our Library Friend, Tim Dye passed away last week. Tim was a very special presence in our library daily, when he could drive his golf cart down. He loved reading true books about every American Hero you can possibly think of. Lindbergh, Teddy Roosevelt, and military aviators to name some favorites. He read books about how our great American cities were born and the “West was Won.” He did crossword puzzles in the Great Bend Tribune IN INK! Tim gave us smiles, sang us songs (he had a great voice and loved hymns) and watched over us. When he was out and about in the community in his trusty pickup or in later life driving the golf cart, Stafford’s hearts opened to his smiles. Tim is missed. Graveside services will be on April 11 at 10 a.m.
Recently Reading met Tuesday evening and I have some great titles that they shared:
• “Wild Dark Shore” by Charlotte McConaghy - A science fiction thriller involving a seed bank and the family that takes care of it, Antarctica, a rescued woman, fresh graves and a horrific storm.
• “Someone Else’s Bucket List” by Amy T. Matthews - A moving and unforgettable novel of love and loss.
• “Left for Dead at Nijmegen: The True Story of an American Paratrooper in World War II” by Marcus A. Nannini. - Keith Smith (class of 1941) of Stafford was a paratrooper that died on the same mission.
• “The Gray Wolf” by Louise Penny - The 19th mystery in the #1 New York Times-bestselling Armand Gamache series.
• “The Agony and the Ecstasy: A Biographical Novel of Michelangelo” by Irving Stone -Great to read anytime but especially before a trip to Italy.
• “Love and Ruin” by Paula McLain - A powerful novel of the stormy marriage between Ernest Hemingway and Martha Gellhorn, a fiercely independent woman who became one of the greatest war correspondents of the twentieth century.
• “Hold My Girl” by Charlene Carr - Two women. Two eggs. One life-altering mistake.
• “The Maiden of Mayfair” by Lawana Blackwell - If the Truth is revealed, will she lose all she’s grown to love?
These are just a sampling of the books and authors discussed. Our group of readers is growing and it is a very fun-laid back evening. Join us!
Jennifer Gleason of K-State Extension 21 Central Division, led a great workshop on Sourdough Bread on Wednesday. She had some information on the science of sourdough and some nice tips to make the process easier. She also brought a table full of great kitchen gadgets. Thanks, Jennifer, for an informative and yummy afternoon.
Our new blinds are up and they are amazing! Thanks to South Central Community Foundation and Miller’s of Claflin we are no longer blinded in the evenings!
Coming events
• Story Hour Monday Mornings 10-11 a.m.
• Every Wednesday except 3rd Wednesday - ESOL with Rachel Sandoval 6 p.m.
• April 4 is the beginning of our summer “First Fridays.” Josh Austin and Emmarie Ginest are going to show us taxidermy. They will have a display of their creations. Yummy food for purchase will be provided by The Stafford Saddle Club.
• April 22 - Recently Reading book club 5:30-7 p.m.
• May 2 - Jordan Hildebrand Roemerman, Kansas Tourism Deputy Director - Department of Commerce, will be here to enlighten us on all that Kansas has to offer. We will also have special Kansas music, featuring Linda Hiebert, Adrienne Minnis and Janet Hardin. Kansas Laser Art created by Shawna Duvall will be on display. The Culinary Art class from Stafford High School will provide food for purchase.
• Next Board Meeting: April 9 at 6 p.m.
Gerry Hildebrand is the head librarian for the Nora Larabee Memorial Library. Phone 620-234-5762, email larabeelibrary@gmail.com or visit Facebook at Nora Larabee Memorial Library.
