Category Archives: Entertainment

The Inaugural Christmas on the Bricks: An Enjoyable Weekend

Diane Striler, chairperson of the Elevate Christmas on the Bricks Festival, enjoys a ride with her husband, Dean,  in one of the horse-drawn carriages in historic Downtown Fort Scott, taken from her Facebook page.

Diane Striler said she is overwhelmed by the positive feedback she has received from the community about the Christmas on the Bricks Festival this past weekend.

Striler was the Elevate Fort Scott Christmas Chairman who facilitated the first annual event.

First Ever Christmas on the Bricks: Something For Everyone

“While planning this event, my goal was to have a variety of activities available throughout the weekend so everyone could find something they would enjoy doing,” she said. “I wasn’t sure how things would fall into place, but was just hoping that people would show up and have a good time.”

“The best part for me is hearing that businesses profited, the community had fun, people traveled to attend the event, our downtown looks beautiful and people are already talking about next year,” she said.

There were some challenges to creating the event.

“Any time you plan something like this, you will run into some challenges,” she said.

Even though the weather was cold and damp, “People still showed up,” she said. “As for other challenges, I did a lot of praying and things just seemed to fall into place.”

” Lindsay Madison…was my main sidekick in this and I couldn’t have done this without her,” Striler said.

“We are compiling a list of people we want to thank, and we don’t want to miss anyone who supported us,” she said. “We’ll be publishing the list once we have that complete.”

The committee is planning a wrap-up meeting at the Chamber office this Friday from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.

“We welcome feedback from those involved,” she said. “We’ll use this info to tweak next year’s event to make it even better!”

Next year Christmas on the Bricks will be Dec 6- 8th, staying consistent with the first weekend in December.

FSNHS Candlelight Tour: A History Immersion

Jessica Nielsen leads a group to each historical vignette at Fort Scott National Historic Site on December 2, 2023.

The 42nd Annual Fort Scott National Historic Site Candlelight Tour, December 1 and 2 was entitled Glowing Heartbeats of History.

The vignettes of local history focused on the physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual health of the soldiers and local townspeople.

The temperatures in the 40s and damp weather did not stop people from attending the tour this year.

1,000 candle lanterns illuminated the site with a peaceful ambiance and reenactors helped bring 1860s history alive at the fort.

During the tour, participants were immersed in ways people have historically been provided the opportunity to be well, despite their circumstances, according to a press release from the fort.

The Fort Scott High School Drama Club wrote the scene at the hospital tent for the tour, the other vignettes were written by the FSNHS staff, Carl Brenner, Program Manager for Interpretation and Resource Management said.

 

About the Fort

From November 1-March 31, Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, will be open for its winter hours of operation.

The site exhibit areas and visitor center are open daily from 8:30 am-4:30 pm.

The park grounds are open daily from ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset.

For more information about Fort Scott National Historic Site programs or to become involved in the candlelight tour, or other activities, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.

From left, Dwayne Gentleman, Dee Young, Skip Thomas, and Jan Elder converse about life in the community in the 1860s. Submitted by Carl Brenner/NPS. This vignette was at the Officers’ Quarters No. 2 and was a discussion of the budding romance of John Little and Sene Campbell and the growth of the town amidst conflict. Photo credit: Carl Brenner/NPS.

 

The fort’s well is in the center of the Fort Scott National Historic Site compound.
From left to right, Cassie Edson, Susan Anderson, and Chris Morgan depict hospital treatment of injury and disease during the Civil War.
Left to right, Justin Hall, Chris Schafer, and Amanda Clark are a group of performers called the Homes Brigade Minstrels, who portrayed the benefits of music during the Civil War. The trio led the group in singing a few Christmas carols.
From left, Luke Leighsing and Matthew Wells tell of the health of the horses and survival needs for patrolling the overland trails. Photo credit: Carl Brenner/NPS.

 

2023 Christmas Parade Winners

 

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce would like to thank all who attended or participated in the 2023 Christmas Parade held Thursday, November 30th in the Downtown Historic District.

The theme was “A Candy Land Christmas” and many of the entries did an exceptional job of coordinating with the theme.

 

The parade was sponsored by Briggs of Fort Scott.

The panel of judges selected the following winners out of fifty-four entries:  1st place as Extrusions, Inc., 2nd place as Fort Scott FFA, and 3rd place as Carhelp/Washateria.

 

The contribution of many is what makes events like the Christmas parade successful.  The Chamber is sincerely appreciative of all who volunteered, announced, judged, and otherwise had a part in the parade.

 

Contact the Chamber for more information at 620-223-3566.

 

Museum of Creativity Candy Land Adventure on December 2

Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

The Museum of Creativity…..

Rural Development Grant to help team help small businesses succeed

Come to the Museum of Creativity to experience our 1st annual Candy Land Adventure. Guests of all ages will experience the wonder of playing the classic board game using themselves as the game piece. Players will trudge through the Chocolate Swamp and fight their way through Licorice Lagoon. This will mostly involve walking although there will be opportunities to crawl through Gumdrop Pass, slide in Gramma Nuts Peanut Brittle House, craft a candy cane bracelet or ornament in Peppermint Forrest and other side adventures if they choose to wander off colored path that goes around such things. (Teaser photos below)

All players will make it to the finish line with a cake walk inside Candy Castle where everyone will be a winner with a treat of their own. Cakes, cupcakes and cookies are being supplied by contestants in our decorating contest so they will be gorgeous and delicious!

https://www.facebook.com/share/To1cDmi9b5pKY6u1/?mibextid=9VsGKo

Saturday, December 2nd from 10am – 4pm

$5.00/ person

Buy your tickets here:

museum-of-creativity-institute.ticketleap.com/candyland-adventure/

(If you can’t make it that day, consider sponsoring family, friends or a random adventurer or ask for a proxy to adventure in your place and you can make arrangements to pick up your prize.)

Museum of Creativity

102 S. National Ave

Fort Scott, KS 66701

209-204-9743

[email protected]

If you enjoy decorating cakes, cupcakes or cookies and want to enter the CREATIVE CHRISTMAS CAKE & COOKIE CONTEST to contribute to this event, find more information here:

https://www.facebook.com/share/dRdqRvX7biD1Es4k/?mibextid=9VsGKo

Then contact us to sign up as a contestant.

This special event is in conjunction with the Downtown Fort Scott Christmas on the Bricks. Find out more about other events going on here:

https://facebook.com/events/s/christmas-on-the-bricks/1625123707976601/

Disclaimer: We are not yet handicap accessible. We will be happy to assist you into the building. Contact 209-204-9743 to arrange assistance.

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

First Ever Christmas on the Bricks: Something For Everyone

The inaugural Christmas on the Bricks Festival is this weekend and behind the scenes, the committee has been working like elves in Santa’s workshop. Today is the deadline for parade entry and sponsorship gathering, see at end of the feature.

“There will be a variety of things that people can do,” Diane Striler, Elevate Fort Scott Christmas Chairman said. “It will be a unique event that people will want to come back to each year.”

The group formed in the spring of 2023, and there are several committees.

Beside Striler, on the Christmas on the Bricks committee are Lindsay Madison, Brad Matkin, and Josh Jones.

“Brad Matkin wanted to start a group to bring awesome things to the community,” Striler said. The group started talking about Christmas. “Brad saw cutouts for photo opportunities at Branson (MO.) I love Christmas and said ‘Let me help with that!’, ” she said.

“So many people have helped out,” Striler said. “Denise Beaman is helping with the Fort Scott Downtown Christmas Tree Contest for businesses. The city workers are helping downtown get ready for the event. Mid Continental Restoration is supplying generators for the booths that will be set up downtown. Southeast Kansas Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC) instructors and students designed the booths, and Structural Panel Innovations (SPI) cut the walls for the booths. Niece Products made and donated the firepits that will be used for making s’mores.”

Many, many people have donated time, expertise, or materials to the event, she said.

Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce has had a Christmas Parade for years, ending with the lighting of the huge Mayor’s Christmas Tree at the end of North Main Street.

This year has been added St. Mary’s Catholic School students (Fort Scott)  will be singing at the lighting ceremony, and fireworks will go off as the tree is lit.

Striler said she is a TV Hallmark Channel fan and many of her ideas have come from those romantic drama movies.

One of the first things Striler did was to find horse-drawn carriages that would give rides. “We have Orange Star Carriages from Arkansas who are bringing three carriages. The cost is $40 for four people, with small children sitting on a lap for free. We are encouraging people to pre-register ahead of time. They will be at Wall and Scott Avenue (the depot building) from 6 to 10 p.m.”

The downtown businesses will be open until  8 p.m. each evening.

Businesses are competing in a Christmas tree decorating contest. “This will bring awareness to the businesses downtown. The public can vote at the Courtland Hotel at 1st and Scott Street,” she said.

Vendor booths will be selling “Quality Christmas-related items, that don’t compete with our businesses,” she said.

There will be a public information booth on Wall Street.

At that booth will be sold Fort Scott Christmas on the Bricks commemorative items, including t-shirts and sweatshirts (price range $30 to $55) and mini-brick Christmas ornaments created by the Artificers owners, Kate and Trent Freeman, which will sell for $20.

Striler said she has been “asking God to handle the little things and the weather.”

The following is provided by the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce:

Click HERE for a printable PDF copy of the flyer.

Click HERE for more details on the individual activities listed.

Events that require pre-registration include:
* Horse-drawn Carriage Rides
* Candlelight Tours of the Fort
* Gingerbread House Making Contest
* Christmas Paint Party at Pizza Republic
* Floral Centerpiece Making Class

For places to stay during the event: click here

 

The organizers for the Christmas on the Bricks want to recognize the event sponsors.

To be added to the sponsors for promotion, printed signs, and materials for the event, contact the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce today, Monday, November 27 by 1 p.m.

 

From the Chamber press release:

The festival will be packed full of holiday cheer, events, shopping, and activities for all ages with aspirations to be a destination for an Old-Fashioned Christmas.

The weekend will kick off with the“Candy Land Christmas” Parade of Lights on Thursday, November 30th at 6 pm, followed by the Lighting of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree, Music by St. Mary’s School Choir, Holiday Fireworks, and Pictures with Santa insideBe the Light Boutique at 12 N. Main St.

Click here to enter the parade by 1 pm on 11/27!

Events taking place on BOTH Friday and Saturday,

December 1st and 2nd, include:

• 42nd Annual Candlelight Tours, Fort Scott National Historic Site, Fri. 6:30-9 pm, Sat. 5-9 pm

• Downtown Business Christmas Tree Decorating Contest cast your vote @ the Courtland, your vote will also enter you in a drawing for prizes!

• The Artificers 7th Annual Christmas Show, Fri. 5-9 pm, Sat. 10 am-9 pm, Sun., 12-5 pm

• Downtown Stores Open Late for Shopping, until at least 8 pm each night

• Crooner’s Outdoor Patio decorated for photo opportunities, open to the public Fri.-Sun.

• Nativity Showcase, First United Methodist Church, Fri. 5-8 pm, Sat. 10 am-2 pm

• Holiday Market Booths at Wall & Main St., Friday 6-10 pm, Saturday 12-10 pm

• Carriage Rides departing from the Depot, 6-10 pm each night

• Firepits with S’mores on Skubitz Plaza, 6-10 pm each night

• Live Nativity by Bethel Church, 1st St. & Scott Ave., 5:30-8:30pm each night

• Pictures with Santa, Be the Light Boutique, Fri. 5-8 pm, Sat. 12-2 pm & 5-8 pm

• Historical Trolley Tours from the Chamber & Visitor’s Center, Fri. 11 am-2 pm, Sat. 10 am-2 pm

Friday-only events include:

• Outdoor Movies at Lowell Milken Park, 6 pm until over

• Live Music by Holly Crays 6:30-7:30pm & Morgan Rohr 8-9 pm, Heritage Pavilion, 1st & Main St.

• Christmas Karaoke at Sharky’s North Pole Pop-up Christmas Bar (3rd floor), 9 pm-1 am

Saturday-only events include:

• Gingerbread House Making Contest, Brickstreet BBQ, 10 am

• Candy Land Adventure, Museum of Creativity, 10 am-4 pm

• Christmas Paint Party at Pizza Republic, 1-3 pm

• Christmas Cookie Decorating and Storytime, Hedgehog.INK!, 2pm

• Chili Feed by FSPD & FSFD, Empress Event Center, 5:30-8 pm

• Bourbon County Revival live band, Empress Event Center, 6-8 pm

• Late-night SINGO, Memorial Hall, 8-11 pm

Sunday-only events include:

• Cohn’s Cafe Holiday Family Style Brunch, 10 am-2 pm, reservations strongly recommended, call or text 620-418-6209

• Floral Centerpiece Making Class by Sunshine Boutique, 1 pm

Be sure and look for the Christmas cutouts throughout Downtown for photo opportunities with your friends and family, being made by Mike & Danyell Miles.

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Fort Scott express sincere thanks to ALL the sponsors, volunteers, and staff who are making this event possible, including:

Event Chairperson and Chamber Board Member, Diane Striler; Chamber President & CEO, Lindsay Madison; Communications & Events Coordinator Emily Clayton.

Locals and visitors are encouraged to make plans to enjoy this

This is a FUN weekend on the bricks of the Downtown Historic Fort Scott District!

Contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 or [email protected] for questions or more information.

Deadline for Christmas Parade Entry Is Today, November 27

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

presents the 2023 Christmas Parade!

Thursday, November 30th at 6pm

Deadline to enter the parade:

Monday, November 27th, 1pm

Click here for printable entry form.

Click here to enter online.

The Parade will start at Wall & National, in front of the radio station, go south on National to 3rd St., turn left on to Main St., then proceed north on Main to Skubitz Plaza where the parade will end at the Mayors Christmas Tree.

Festivities after the Christmas parade in Fort Scott:

*Lighting of the Mayors Christmas Tree immediately following the parade, north end of Main

*Holiday Fireworks

*Photos with Santa at Be the Light Boutique

Get your co-workers, friends or family together

& enter the parade today!

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

Rick Hite Will Entertain at Common Ground Coffee Co. on December 8

Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, is proud to present local musician Rick Hite who sings and plays guitar, and performs a variety of music including Country, Folk, Bluegrass, Gospel, and Oldies. The concert is set for Friday, December 8, at 6:30 p.m. The show is free and open to the public.

Hite began singing in church at the age of 5 and has been playing guitar since age 9. He has played The White Horse Saloon in Black Mountain, North Carolina, Jekyll Island, Georgia, the Mildred Store, VFW, the Eagles, Elks, Old Settler’s Picnic, and various local venues. We’re pleased to welcome Rick Hite back to the “Loading Dock” stage. On December 8, he will be performing the great music of the 50s and 60s. Bring a friend, enjoy some fabulous seasonal coffee drinks, and spend an enjoyable evening of music.

 

Christmas on the Bricks Festival: Nov. 30-Dec.3

Join us for the Inaugural

Christmas on the Bricks Festival

in Downtown Fort Scott!

First weekend of December

November 30th to December 3rd

See below for details!

Some activities require

pre-registration, so visit the

landing page on fortscott.com for info. so you don’t miss out!

Also, Like & Follow the Festival

Facebook page to stay informed.

EVENT SWEATSHIRTS FOR ORDERING

A limited quantity of event sweatshirts are still being offered for ordering, to be picked up on December 1st, click here for info.

The festival will be packed full of holiday cheer, events, shopping, and activities for all ages with aspirations to be a destination for an Old-Fashioned Christmas.

The weekend will kick off with the

“Candy Land Christmas” Parade of Lights

on Thursday, November 30th at 6pm,

followed by the Lighting of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree, Music by St. Mary’s School Choir,

Holiday Fireworks, and Pictures with Santa inside

Be the Light Boutique at 12 N. Main St.

Click here to enter the parade by 1pm on 11/27!

Events taking place on BOTH Friday and Saturday,

December 1st and 2nd, include:

• 42nd Annual Candlelight Tours, Fort Scott National Historic Site, Fri. 6:30-9pm, Sat. 5-9pm

• Downtown Business Christmas Tree Decorating Contest, cast your vote @ the Courtland, your vote will also enter you in a drawing for prizes!

• The Artificers 7th Annual Christmas Show, Fri. 5-9pm, Sat. 10am-9pm, Sun., 12-5pm

• Downtown Stores Open Late for Shopping, until at least 8pm each night

• Crooner’s Outdoor Patio decorated for photo opportunities, open to the public Fri.-Sun.

• Nativity Showcase, First United Methodist Church, Fri. 5-8pm, Sat.10am-2pm

• Holiday Market Booths at Wall & Main St., Friday 6-10pm, Saturday 12-10pm

• Carriage Rides departing from the Depot, 6-10pm each night

• Firepits with S’mores on Skubitz Plaza, 6-10pm each night

• Live Nativity by Bethel Church, 1st St. & Scott Ave., 5:30-8:30pm each night

• Pictures with Santa, Be the Light Boutique, Fri. 5-8pm, Sat. 12-2pm & 5-8pm

• Historical Trolley Tours from the Chamber & Visitor’s Center, Fri. 11am-2pm, Sat. 10am-2pm

Friday-only events include:

• Outdoor Movies at Lowell Milken Park, 6pm until over

• Live Music by Holly Crays 6:30-7:30pm & Morgan Rohr 8-9pm, Heritage Pavilion, 1st & Main St.

• Christmas Karaoke at Sharky’s North Pole Pop-up Christmas Bar (3rd floor), 9pm-1am

Saturday-only events include:

• Gingerbread House Making Contest, Brickstreet BBQ, 10am

• Candy Land Adventure, Museum of Creativity, 10am-4pm

• Christmas Paint Party at Pizza Republic, 1-3pm

• Christmas Cookie Decorating and Storytime, Hedgehog.INK!, 2pm

• Chili Feed by FSPD & FSFD, Empress Event Center, 5:30-8pm

• Bourbon County Revival live band, Empress Event Center, 6-8pm

• Late-night SINGO, Memorial Hall, 8-11pm

Sunday-only events include:

• Cohn’s Cafe Holiday Family Style Brunch, 10am-2pm, reservations strongly recommended, call or text 620-418-6209

• Floral Centerpiece Making Class by Sunshine Boutique, 1pm

Be sure and look for the Christmas cutouts throughout

Downtown for photo opportunities with your friends and family, being made by Mike & Danyell Miles.

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce and City of Fort Scott express sincere thanks to ALL the sponsors, volunteers,

and staff who are making this event possible, including:

Event Chairperson and Chamber Board Member, Diane Striler

Chamber President & CEO, Lindsay Madison

Communications & Events Coordinator Emily Clayton

Locals and visitors are encouraged to make plans to enjoy this

FUN weekend on the bricks of the Downtown Historic District!

Contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at

(620) 223-3566 or [email protected]

for questions or more information.

See full event flyer below,

or click HERE for a PDF printable copy.

We would appreciate you sharing with

your family & friends!

Special recognition & appreciation to the Festival sponsors displayed below.

This event simply would not be possible without all of the support!

If you would like to be added to the final sponsor promo, signage, and printed handouts for the event, you may still make a charitable contribution to the Fort Scott Area Chamber Foundation by

1pm Monday, November 27th. Click here for more info. on sponsorship levels & payment info.

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Click on the individual flyers below for more details on each event!

Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below for their premium support of the Chamber year-round!

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

Fort Scott Public Library November Newsletter

Fort Scott Public Library Newsletter
Special Issue – November 2023

THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY HOURS

THE LIBRARY WILL CLOSE AT NOON, WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 22. Happy Thanksgiving!
The Library will be closed Thursday-Sunday in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Early Closing Today
 

The Library will close at NOON today due to staffing issues. Be sure to stop in early to prepare for the weekend. We will be open regular hours on Saturday.

 
NOW HIRING: LIBRARY DIRECTOR

We are seeking a new director to lead our library into the future. Will it be you? Click the link for full details, including how to apply:
Please share the news with anyone you think might be qualified and interested. Thank you for your help getting the word out!

7TH ANNUAL FAMILY HOLIDAY PARTY

Family Holiday Party
Monday, December 18, 4 PM
Fort Scott Public Library

Come join us for a family holiday party! Teens will have their own games & activities upstairs. Kids 1st grade & under must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Activities include holiday stories & singalong, cookie decorating, candy cane hunt, “snowball fight,” teen games, and crafts. All children and teens will receive at least one gift and a free book!
We are looking for volunteers to help supervise the activities and groups, and donors to help provide food.
Please sign up here: https://forms.gle/Nofhf7aYuChp1aRL8 if you’d like to help.
After stories and songs, the event will be split up by family groups rather than age groups (with the exception of the teens, who will remain upstairs for the majority of the event), although age-appropriate activities will be offered for each level. If you will have your children with you and would like to volunteer to help, you may stay with your family or group the entire time while helping to keep the event supervised and activities running smoothly.
Please email [email protected], fill out the form linked above, Facebook message the library to volunteer or donate.
Want to donate food but aren’t sure what to give? See this list for suggested items.
https://docs.google.com/…/1aCMK6PmSwLltz4JOh10x…/edit...
Happy Holidays from your friends at FSPL!

Book Sale

Our ongoing book sale cart is back! Find it downstairs beside the copy machine. Free books are now located inside the north entrance in a tub on the curbside pickup shelf (when we have any available).

New Adult Books

A Christmas Vanishing : a novel
by Anne Perry

Mariah Ellison investigates after accepting an invitation to spend Christmas with a friend and her husband but arrives and discovers her friend has disappeared without a trace and her invitation has been rudely rescinded.

An Angel Called Gallagher
by M. K. Mcclintock

On a ranch known as Hawk’s Peak, a family celebrates love, joy, and peace at last or so the Gallaghers thought. Brenna is convinced she hears a woman singing to her son. Eliza and Ethan are unnerved by a sleepwalker and Isabelle swears Hawk’s Peak is haunted. Then an unlikely visitor stumbles into their lives.

Confessions of a Cafeteria Catholic
by Peter J. Kreeft

Nat [Whilk] ” ‘is the ‘cafeteria Catholic’ “, writes Kreeft, “and I am the ‘eat all the food Mommy puts on your plate’ Catholic.” Taking on Nat’s manifesto point by point, the Boston College philosopher builds his case for a full-package Catholicism, addressing the themes of authority, love, freedom, conscience, sex, abortion, social justice, science, and more.

Her Secret Hope
by Shelley Shepard Gray

An Amish woman harboring secrets and looking to start over in Pinecraft meets a hardworking farmer who lives only a few miles away from her hometown, in the third novel of the series following Her Only Wish.

Saturday AM presents How to draw diverse manga : Design and create anime and manga characters with diverse identities of race, ethnicity, and gender
by Saturday Am

“For beginner to intermediate artists, Saturday AM Presents How to Draw Diverse Manga demonstrates how to conceive and draw original characters that reflect diverse racial, ethnic, and gender identities, featuring work by the artists represented in Saturday AM magazine, a recognized global brand that unites the two biggest trends in Young Adult graphic novels/comic books: diversity and manga”

Just Once : a novel
by Karen Kingsbury

Torn between two brothers—Sam and Hank, one at war and one at home, Irvel Ellis, when Hank enlists to save his brother, wonders if love can find a way, even from the ashes of the greatest heartbreak.

My name is Barbra
by Barbra Streisand

In her own words, the living legend tells the story of her life and extraordinary career, from growing up in Brooklyn to her first star-making appearances in NY nightclubs to her breakout performance in Funny Girl to the long string of successes in every medium in the years that followed. Illustrations.

Now You See Them
by Elly Griffiths

“The fifth book in the Magic Men series, Now You See Them is a wild mystery with detective Edgar Stephens and the magician Max Mephisto, as they investigate a string of presumed kidnappings in the swinging 1960s”

Recipes for murder : 66 dishes that celebrate the mysteries of Agatha Christie
by Karen Pierce

“Poisons, knives, and bullets riddle the stories of Agatha Christie, but so does food, which she uses to invoke settings, to develop characters, and, of course, to commit murder. This to-die-for cookbook offers recipes written by the author for one accessible, easy-to-follow dish or drink for each of Christie’s 66 mysteries. Recipes include Fish and Chips at the Seven Dials Club, Literary Luncheon Meringues, Oysters Rockefeller on the Orient Express, Sixpence Blackbird Pie, Orange Marmalade from Gossington Hall, and more. Along the way, you’ll learn how to make an exquisite omelet, how to roast a leg of lamb properly, and how to serve perfectly timed steak frites. Framing these dishes are insightful essays and headnotes that detail the history of the recipes, their context in Christie’s life and times, and the roles they play in the source works. Based on extensive research and investigation, all dishes appear traditional to their respective eras, so steak fried for 1923 but marinated and grilled for 1964. Completing the collection, thematic menus assemble recipes for a Halloween murder mystery gathering, a “Christie for Christmas,” a book club buffet, and other occasions, making it a filling tribute to the grand dame of detective fiction”

New Young Adults Books

Courage to Dream : Tales of Hope in the Holocaust
by Neal Shusterman

“Taking readers into the darkest time of human history?—?the Holocaust?—?this graphic novel, woven from Jewish folklore and cultural history, shows what it means to face the extinction of everything and everyone you hold dear while exploring one common thread: the tradition of resistance and uplift.”

Disney Twisted-Wonderland, the manga : book of Heartslabyul. 2
by Yana Toboso

“Yu is formally enrolled in Night Raven College. He’s even a prefect…of Ramshackle Dorm. But that doesn’t mean things are getting any easier for him. When his classmate Ace shows up on his doorstep after getting in trouble, Yu faces his biggest challenge yet!”

The Knight Captain Is the New Princess-to-Be 1
by Yasuko Yamaru

Christina, a.k.a. “Lady Chris,” was born into a noble family and treated more or less like a boy growing up. Now a dashing young woman, Chris is not only captain of the imperial guards–she personally protects Prince Leonardo, who has been a dear friend since childhood. When his father, the king, demands he find a suitable girl to marry, Leo insists that he’s already found one: Chris! Chris is shocked, but figures that Leo doesn’t really love her like that; it’s probably just some ploy to keep the king happy. Chris decides to play along, but as the charade goes on, she starts to wonder if maybe her princely pal has actually fallen for her!

The druid’s call
by E. K. Johnston

“In this epic prequel to the film Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, Doric’s powerful druid origins are revealed.”

Tilly in Technicolor
by Mazey Eddings

When eighteen-year-old Tilly goes to London to intern for her sister’s company, she begins to unmask her ADHD and connects with Oliver, another neurodivergent intern.

New Children’s Books

A Bear, a Bee, and a Honey Tree
by Daniel Bernstrom

“Entertaining illustrations and energetic text reveal what happens when a hungry, fuzzy bear and a hive of angry bees come face to face.”

A Bed of Stars
by Jessica Love

This reassuring picture book about finding one’s place in the world follows a father as he takes his child on their first camping trip where he shows them, under a blanket of stars, that the universe is a friendly place.

Bigfoot Is Coming To Town

From left, Thug 1, Doctor Virus, Thug 2, News Announcer, Mrs. Claus, Santa, Bigfoot, Ben II, Jordan, Grace and Ben I. Submitted photo.

“I love the anticipation of Christmas,” AllenTwitchell, Fort Scott Community College’s Theatre Director said in a press release. “Tis indeed the season for memories, for family, for giving, for the promise of snow and a new year, and it is my pleasure to celebrate it with the community on Nov. 16 this year.”

“The gift we present at 7 p.m. that day in the Ellis Family Fine Arts Center is called “Santa ‘Claws’ Is Coming to Town,” the second installment of a three-part trilogy featuring Bigfoot as a central character and written by me because at my previous academic place of employment, the costume closet contained an idle Bigfoot costume,” he said.

“And, for the fifth year, Walmart of Fort Scott is graciously supplying Christmas candy to be distributed by the cast in the lobby following the show,” he said.

“I believe in the power of the arts to bring us together,” Twitchell said. “The theater also provides a palatable platform from which to confront social issues and hopefully inspire positive change. Also, the community supports us with their tax dollars and we want to give back in the form of inexpensive (free) entertainment options.”
About the play

“In part one of the trilogy, “A Very Hairy Christmas,” Bigfoot is pursued by the dreaded Darth Hunter and his henchmen, Dim and Dimmer, but with the aid of three youngsters (Ben, Jordan and Grace) and an ace reporter (Ben’s dad), he escapes the clutches of the evil villain and learns the story of Christmas and then everybody sings.”

“In this year’s offering, Darth Hunter’s demented brother, Doctor Virus, plots to kill Christmas by addicting Santa Claus to a video game and forcing him to miss the midnight deadline for delivering the first present to a select family in Fort Scott, thereby activating the “Santa Clause” and canceling Christmas…as negotiated by the reindeer union during its most-recent contract talks,” he said. “Again, Bigfoot and the kids endeavor to come to the rescue and chaos ensues…along with more singing.”

“Part three, All I Want for Christmas is Bigfoot’s Teeth, performed at FSCC on two prior occasions, unites the two previous “bad guys” with their even-more-sinister sister, Noella DeVile, intent on capturing Bigfoot and extracting his teeth for their magical properties, which include keeping her young and beautiful,” Twitchel said. “Spoiler alert: She is unsuccessful and everybody sings.”

The cast: Clint LaFollette, Will Holliday, Braxton Ferrell, Gia Dickey, Heidi Clevenger, Josh Smith, Nick Shelton, Isaiah Subbert, Ivy Swearingen and Christina King. The singing director is Chris Goddard. Joshua Ramsey and Zach Loper provide tech support. “And, of course, Santa makes an appearance,” he said.

“If this doesn’t sound like fun to you, just come for the candy,” he said.

“In any event, let us be the first to wish you, “Merry Christmas – and a Happy Thanksgiving,” he said.

Allen Twitchell. Submitted photo. 2023
Twitchel is in his seventh year as FSCC’s theater instructor.
“Sharing my passion for live theater with students and young people is my motivation, as well as doing what I can to ensure they leave here not only as better students but as better people,” he said.
Upcoming events on the FSCC Campus:

FSCC cheer and dance squad is sponsoring a Little Greyhounds Cheer Clinic for youngsters in kindergarten -eighth grade from 2 to 5 p.m. Nov. 19 in Arnold Arena. The cost for the clinic is $25. Contact Allee Morillo, head cheer and dance coach, at (913) 230-8869 to register or for answers to questions.

The FSCC Library Book Club meets next Wednesday (Nov. 15) in the library commons area. The featured topic is Women in Science and Diversity and the select book is “Lessons in Chemistry.” Contact Susie Arvidson at [email protected] for more information.

Spring and summer enrollment is open at FSCC.

 

 

KISS is Coming to Fort Scott, Almost

Almost Kiss. Submitted photo.

For those who love American Hard Rock Music, there is a show for you this weekend in Fort Scott.

KISS, the original group formed in the 1970s is known for such hits as  “Rock and Roll All Nite” and “Black Diamond,” according to its website.

A group considered talented enough to be endorsed by Gene Simmons, one of the original KISS members, Almost KISS will be performing this Saturday, November 18,  at 7 p.m. at  Fort Scott’s  Memorial Hall, Third Street and National Avenue.

To order tickets: https://advanceboco.ticketspice.com/almost-kiss-tribute-band

Memorial Hall at Third and National Avenue.

Almost KISS are four devoted KISS fans and they choose to pay homage to the famous band in their shows, according to their website.

This entertainment event and others throughout the year have been organized by Advance Bourbon County.

Cory Bryars, Brad Matkin, and Josh Jones were having a conversation earlier in the year.

“Brad mentioned this tribute band, Almost Kiss,” Jones, spokesman for the Advance Bourbon County group, said. “Then he started reminiscing about his old rock and roll days. I have even talked Brad into having full Kiss makeup on during this event. So that itself is worth the admission fee.”

“With ABC, I have no set agenda on acts or events that I prefer,” he said. “Our main thing early on is to try as many different types of events as possible and see which ones gather the most attention. Then as we move into 2024 we will be more selective on which events we bring in. It’s just a way of giving back to a community that we love being part of. We have a beautiful venue and the most wonderful people around and it’s our hope we can now start drawing in outside people to our community to see what we can offer.”

Josh Jones.

Advance Bourbon County is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit foundation whose purpose is to make Bourbon County a better place through events and fundraising opportunities, according to its website.

“We will be announcing our upcoming events for 2024. We plan on doing about 6-8 events in 2024,” Josh Jones said.

The ABC recently organized a renovation of the waiting room in Memorial Hall, which is used by entertainers when they are offstage.

Aaron Judy with H2 Painting, Jeff Allen Electric, Fort Scott Fire Department, Flowers by Leanna, and Stoughton’s Plumbing helped with the project.
The work was done with volunteer work and some donated materials.
“Memorial Hall is such a big asset to our community and Advance Bourbon County is excited to play a part in helping fix it up,” Jones said.