Category Archives: Entertainment

Find A Book For The Long Winter Nights

The SEKnFind Newsletter
December 2022

We hope you enjoy this newsletter sent as a courtesy to adult patrons of a southeast Kansas library using the SEKnFind catalog.
This selection of titles are NEW at a SEKnFind library and available for a hold.
Need assistance? Your local librarian can show you how!
Happy Reading!

New Fiction

All the blood we share : a novel of the bloody benders of Kansas
by Camilla Bruce

The family of a gifted medium who can receive messages from Beyond are welcomed by the town of Cherrvale, but no one knows about their other business, in a novel based on the true story of old West serial killers.

Never name the dead : a novel
by Donna M. Rowell

“Old grudges, tribal traditions, and outside influences collide for a Kiowa woman as forces threaten her family, her tribe, and the land of her ancestors…A cryptic voice message from her grandfather, James Sawpole, telling her to come home sounds so wrong that she catches the next plane to Oklahoma…When Mud and her cousin Denny discover her grandfather missing…and stumble across a body in his work room–Mud has no choice but to search for answers. Mud sets out into the Wildlife Refuge, determined to clear her grandfather’s name and identify the killer”

Sometimes people die : a novel
by Simon Stephenson

“Returning to practice after a suspension for stealing opioids, a young doctor takes the only job he can find: a post as a physician at the struggling St. Luke’s Hospital in east London. Amid the maelstrom of sick patients, overworked staff, and underfunded wards, a more insidious secret soon declares itself: too many patients are dying. And a murderer may be lurking in plain sight”

When Franny stands up
by Eden Robins

“Franny Steinberg knows there’s powerful magic in laughter. She’s witnessed it. With the men of Chicago off fighting WWII on distant shores, Franny has watched the women of the city taking charge of the war effort. But amidst the war bond sales and factory shifts, something surprising has emerged, something Franny could never have expected. A new marvel that has women flocking to comedy clubs across the nation: the Showstopper. When Franny steps into Chicago’s Blue Moon comedy club, she realizes the power of a Showstopper-that specific magic sparked when an audience laughs so hard, they are momentarily transformed. And while each comedian’s Showstopper is different, they all have one thing in common: they only work on women. After a traumatic flashback propels her onstage in a torn bridesmaid dress, Franny discovers her own Showstopper is something new. And suddenly she has the power to change everything…for herself, for her audience, and for the people who may need it most”

Now is not the time to panic : a novel
by Kevin Wilson

Twenty years after secretly causing panic in her hometown through the written word and artwork, along with a fellow loner named Zeke, famous author, mom and wife Frances Eleanor Budge gets a call that brings her past rushing back, threatening to upend everything. 200,000 first printing.

Anon pls. : a novel
by Deuxmoi

A debut novel by the anonymous creator of the Internets best gossip Instagram account takes readers behind the scenes in a novel that recounts her accidental rise to becoming the queen of blind-items. 150,000 first printing.

All I want for Christmas
by Maggie Knox

“A pitch-perfect holiday rom com about two oil-and-water reality-star country singers who must fake a relationship in order to win the opportunity of a lifetime, perfect for fans of Sally Thorne’s The Hating Game and Christina Lauren’s In a Holidaze”

To each this world
by Julie Czerneda

“Biologist Julie E. Czerneda’s new standalone science fiction novel, To Each This World follows a desperate mission to reconnect with long lost sleeper ships, sent centuries earlier from Earth to settle distant worlds. A trio of humans must work with their mysterious alien allies to rescue any descendants they can find on those worlds. Something is out there, determined to claim the cosmos for itself, and only on Earth will humans be safe. Or will they? The challenge isn’t just to communicate with your own kind after generations have passed. It’s to understand what isn’t your kind at all. And how far will trust take you, when the truth depends on what you are?”

The Luminaries
by Susan Dennard

“To reclaim her familys standing within the Luminaries, an ancient order standing between humanity and nightmares, Winnie must pass the hunter trials, entering a world of danger, lies and betrayal where she must protect her town, her family and her heart. 200,000 first printing. Simultaneous eBook.”

One woman’s war : a novel of the real Miss Moneypenny
by Christine Wells

World War II British Naval Intelligence officer Victoire Bennett’s mission to deceive the Germans about Allied invasion plans is jeopardized by a beautiful Austrian double agent, determined to survive in wartime England, who must choose whether to remainloyal to the British or betray thousands of men to their deaths

Sundown
by Susan May Warren

“Everyone else might believe the mysterious woman at Sky King Ranch has lost her memory, but Colt Kingston knows when someone is lying. Now he just has to find out if the lies are meant to save her . . . or protect them”

Silver Trail Christmas
by Nik James

When his business partner, Henry, is accused of murdering their troublemaking neighbor, ranch owner Caleb Marlowe risks everything to bring the real killer to justice, refusing to let Henry go down without a fight. Original.

New Audiobooks

The light we carry : overcoming in uncertain times
by Michelle Obama

“Michelle Obama offers readers a series of fresh stories and insightful reflections on change, challenge, and power, including her belief that when we light up for others, we can illuminate the richness and potential of the world around us, discovering deeper truths and new pathways for progress. Drawing from her experiences as a mother, daughter, spouse, friend, and First Lady, she shares the habits and principles she has developed to successfully adapt to change and overcome various obstacles–the earned wisdom that helps her continue to “become””

The twelve topsy-turvy, very messy days of Christmas
by James Patterson

During the holiday season, a family of three, missing someone very dear to them, find their house filling up with unexpected guests, making Christmas memories to last a lifetime

Hunting time
by Jeffery Deaver

A wealthy entrepreneur hires Colter Shaw to track down and protect his employee, Allison Parker, a brilliant engineer, who is on the run from her ex-husband with her teenage daughter, in the fourth novel of the series following Hunting Time. Simultaneous.

New Nonfiction

Cheap land Colorado : off-gridders at America’s edge
by Ted Conover

The Pulitzer Prize finalist and National Book Critics Circle Award-winning author recounts his experiences living off the grid in Colorado with vivid depictions of the diversity of people he encountered on his journey. Illustrations.

How to be weird : an off-kilter guide to living a one-of-a-kind life
by Eric Wilson

This guidebook for overcoming the monotony of everyday life shows how to embrace the joys that come with living an off-kilter life through 99 fun and philosophically rich exercises. Original.

Taking stock : a hospice doctor’s advice on financial independence, building wealth, and living a regret-free life
by Jordan Grumet

“Written by a hospice doctor with a unique front-row seat to the regrets of his dying patients, this book will remind you to take stock of life now, before it is too late. The goal of financial independence is to have the economic fuel to live a full life and avoid regret. Taking Stock is your guide to taking control of your finances and investing in yourself “

How to speak whale : a voyage into the future of animal communication
by Tom Mustill

Drawing from his experience as a naturalist and wildlife filmmaker, the author, who survived a whale encounter, examines how scientists and start-ups around the world are decoding animal communications and what the consequences of such human interaction could be.

Brain energy : a revolutionary breakthrough in understanding mental health–and improving treatment for anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and more
by Christopher M. Palmer

“Brain Energy explains this new understanding of mental illness in detail, from symptoms and risk factors to what is happening in brain cells. Palmer also sheds light on the new treatment pathways this theory opens up-which apply to all mental disorders,including anxiety, depression, ADHD, alcoholism, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, autism, and even schizophrenia”

The complete modern pantry : 350+ ways to cook well with what’s on hand
by America’s Test Kitchen

“Flexibility is at the core of pantry cooking–when every cook needs to improvise. This unique guide helps you get the most out of your own pantry by showing how ingredients add crunch, acid, umami, or spice to a dish. Whether making Gochujang-Tahini Noodles, a top-it-your-way Savory Dutch Baby, or Chana Masala, Pantry Improv tips offer hundreds of ways to adapt meals based on what’s on hand, while helping you to round out your pantry with high-flavor seasonings to turn the simplest meal into something fantastic”

Painting can save your life : how & why we paint
by Sara Woster

Weaving instruction on how to paint with her own story of discovering a passion for painting, a painter, teacher and art evangelist welcomes readers ti this transformative art form, which will help them see the world in a whole new way. Illustrations.

A 1940’s Christmas Concert at Common Ground This Friday

Common Ground Coffee Co. presents “A 1940s Christmas Concert” with CMT this Friday, December 16, at 7:00 p.m. Ensemble members are Ralph Carlson on acoustic guitar and vocals, Stephan Moses on electric lead guitar and vocals, Carolyn Tucker on keys and vocals, Aaron Tucker on drums and vocals, and Mariam Tucker Self as lead vocalist.

 

“The World War II era has long been recognized as one of the most prolific musical periods of the 20th century. Hundreds of songs which became popular during this time have continued to maintain their hold on our memories,” band member Ralph Carlson said. “Some of the most beautiful, heartfelt, and fun songs of the season will be featured  this Friday.”

 

The audience will hear a variety of Big Band, classics, standards, traditional carols, gospel, and blues Christmas tunes. A partial song list includes I‘m Dreaming of a White Christmas, I’ll Be Home for Christmas, Silver Bells, Winter Wonderland, Do You Hear What I Hear, Silent Night, Go Tell it on the Mountain, Merry Christmas Baby, and more.

 

The concert will be held at the Loading Dock inside Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall Street. An assortment of goodies and beverages will be available for purchase. Admission to the concert is free. Sound is provided by Dave Oas and Jim Butler.

 

 

Christmas Lights Contest With Prizes

CHAMBER ANNOUNCES CHRISTMAS LIGHT CONTEST SPONSORED BY NIECE PRODUCTS

 

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce encourages businesses, residents and neighborhoods to “Deck the Fort” and make the community merry and bright for the holidays.  Niece Products is sponsoring a Christmas Light Contest with cash prizes for the winners including:

Residential: 1st $100, 2nd $75, 3rd $50
Top Business: $100
Top Neighborhood: $100

 

Other contest details:

  • Lights should be in place by December 15th and judging will take place between the 15th and 17th.
  • Properties within a 1 mile radius of city limits will be considered for contest
  • Those wanting to ensure their property is judged should call or email the Chamber with their address, name and phone number. Otherwise, no registration necessary and the judges will do their best to seek out lights in the area.
  • Lighting and decorations must be visible from street view

The Chamber encourages everyone to get in the spirit with lights this season.  For more information contact the Chamber at 620-223-3566 or by email at [email protected].

Cocoa and Caroling Dec. 9 Downtown Fort Scott

Cocoa & Caroling!
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces Cocoa & Caroling Late Night Shopping Event in Downtown Fort Scott. It will be held this Friday evening, December 9th, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Retailers in the Downtown Historic District will be decked for the holidays with great gift ideas.
The event will feature several groups of carolers strolling the sidewalks of Downtown from store to store with complimentary cocoa being served by the Museum of Creativity in front of the Sunshine Boutique. This will offer locals and visitors another opportunity to shop small and support local, while enjoying some holiday cheer. Find the hidden mistletoe in stores to win Chamber bucks!
Participating stores include: Angela Dawn’s Boutique, Barbed Wire & Roses Vintage Market, Bids & Dibs, Hedgehog.INK!, Iron Star (will close at 6:30pm to attend CASA event), Main Street Gallery & Gifts, Museum of Creativity, Sunshine Boutique, and Treasure Hunt Flea Market
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

Grand Ole Opry Veteran Daryl Mosley comes to Ft. Scott!

 

Waverly, TN – The community is invited to attend a concert by singer, songwriter, and storyteller Daryl Mosley on Wednesday, December 7 at First Southern Baptist Church, 1818 S. Main Street, Ft. Scott, KS.

The First Southern Baptist Church, 1818 S. Main.

From countless appearances on “The Grand Ole Opry” to classic shows at the famous Bluebird Cafe to a touring schedule of over 150 concerts per year, singer/songwriter Daryl Mosley has been sharing his songs and his stories with America for over 30 years.  Daryl has written three Song of the Year award winners, eight of his songs have made it to number one, and he has twice been named Songwriter of the Year! His songs have been recorded by dozens of artists ranging from bluegrass legend Bobby Osborne to country star Lynn Anderson to Southern Gospel’s The Booth Brothers, and have been featured on television shows ranging from “American Idol” to “The View.”  One of his best-known songs, “(Ask the Blind Man) He Saw It All,” was named one of the top Southern Gospel songs of all time!

Gospel music legend Bill Gaither calls Daryl “a poet-and we don’t have many poets left!” Daryl says, “I just write and sing songs about real life and real people; songs about faith and home and community are the foundation of my music because those are the things that are most precious to me.” Daryl’s concert is an intimate opportunity to hear his songs of life and faith as well as the entertaining stories of the people and events that inspired them.

The concert is free to the public but a love offering will be taken.  For additional information, contact Patty Lindley at 502 262-0428.

 

 

 

SPLASH PAD DONATIONS ARE BEING MATCHED TODAY!

SPLASH PAD DONATIONS
ARE BEING MATCHED TODAY!
See below for details or
click here for the Spash Pad
Facebook page with more info.
It is GIVING TUESDAY, and a VERY generous private donor has agreed to match any donations that come in TODAY ONLY, up to $10,000!!!
Businesses, organizations, individuals – make your
tax-deductible contribution before year end,
and it will be matched dollar-for-dollar!
Make a SPLASH and help us finish the
fundraising efforts on this wonderful
community amenity, coming Spring 2023!
Donations accepted at Lyons Realty Group,
Bourbon County Cars, or Venmo @HBCAT.
Call Bailey Lyons at (620) 224-7795
with any questions.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

Christmas Fun at the Parade This Thursday, Dec. 1

A Christmas parade is happening in the downtown historic district this Thursday, December 1.

The Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce organizes the Christmas Parade  each year with Briggs Auto of Fort Scott sponsoring the prizes for the parade, according to Lindsay Madison, CEO of the chamber.

Lindsay Madison. Submitted photo.

Deadline to enter a group in the parade is Tuesday, November 29 at 1pm.  It is FREE to enter the parade.

What is happening Thursday evening:

> Parade starts 6 pm at Wall and National, goes south to Third Street, east to Main, North on Main to Skubitz Plaza.

> Parkway Church of God Kettle Corn will be setup at 1st & Main before and  after parade, box $2, Bag $5.

> Complimentary hot cocoa by Fort Scott Recreation in front of Hedgehog.INK! Book Store

> Lighting of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree immediately following the parade, north end of Main.

> Christmas Crafts by Fort Scott High School Thespians & Visits with Santa and photos by Walgreens at Papa Don’s Restaurant after the parade.

> Make-your-own Ornament Kits free at 110 S Main while supplies last, appropriate for ages 10 and under.

> Bourbon County Revival live music at Hare & Crow Barber Shop with refreshments following parade.

> Sharky’s North Pole Pop-up Bar open 5pm to 10/11pm with festive atmosphere and drinks!

Link to enter parade: https://fortscott.com/events/details/christmas-parade-it-s-a-gingerbread-christmas-in-the-fort-25850

 

Want to Support Splash Pad Project Coming in 2023?

Submitted graphic.

A splash pad is coming to town, thanks to some leaders who took the initiative.

“This idea has been in strategic plans and will add to the revitalization of downtown Fort Scott,” said Bailey Lyons, who along with Josh Jones and Kelly Barr have spearheaded the drive for funds.

Last week at the Fort Scott City Commission meeting, Lyons announced that with the help of two big donors, they are within reach of the project.

“We plan to break ground in the Spring and open by Summer 2023,” Lyons said. “We thought it would be a wonderful addition to our community. It will be a wonderful outdoor recreational amenity that offers a fun play option for all. It will be a gathering place accessible to people of all abilities, ages, and backgrounds. We saw other communities like ours installing splash pads with great success, and wanted to bring one to Fort Scott.”

For those who might not know, a splash pad is a recreational outdoor play area with sprinklers, fountains, nozzles and other devices that spray water. Also known as a spray pool, there is little to no standing water in the space.

It will be placed at the west end of Skubitz Plaza, off of North National Avenue.

The site was picked because of accessibility, parking, and infrastructure and also is at the north end of the historic downtown area with dining, shopping and other attractions.

Fort Scott Parks and Recreation Department will provide maintenance, with the city also providing water and electricity.

So far, about $180,000 has been raised for the space, with $20,000 more to fund raise.

Two of the biggest donors have been a Timken Foundation Grant of $75,000 and a Walmart Foundation Grant of $40,000.

From Facebook.

Chicken Mary’s, a well known restaurant north of Pittsburg, is the latest to help with fundraising.

On Wednesday, Dec. 7, one can pick up a chicken dinner or supper in Fort Scott that must be pre-ordered by Dec. 4. The meal is $10 per plate and tickets must be ordered by calling 620.224.7795.

“We also have the comedy show, and we are about to roll out a fundraiser to raffle off an ATV,” Lyons said. ‘We will be pushing out regular donation giving levels…that will allow people to donate to get us to the finish line.”

 

The splash pad will not raise taxes, Lyons said.

Submitted graphic.

 

Interactive Technology Added to Gordon Parks Museum

GORDON PARKS MUSEUM RECEIVES FORT SCOTT AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION GRANT FOR INTERACTIVE TECHNOLOGY EXPANSION

 

Fort Scott, Kan. Nov. 17, 2022 – A grant through the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation has enabled the Gordon Parks Museum to further expand interactive technology in the museum. This includes two tablet kiosks with stands and software. The tablets can be used by visitors of any age.

“We are extremely thankful to receive this grant award from the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation. The interactive technology expansion gives us the ability to not only continue to modernize the museum, but to expand digitally,” said Kirk Sharp, executive director of the Gordon Parks Museum.

Funds from the Dr. Pratt and Pauline Irby Endowment Fund Award – courtesy of the adult children of the benefactors (Janet Braun, Bob Irby and Mary Rio) – were also used to help in the purchase of the tablet kiosks with stands and software.

The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation hosts individual charitable funds created by donors who have a passion for giving back to their community. Grants from these funds assist people throughout Fort Scott and Bourbon County. Call the Foundation at (620) 224-6500 with questions about the Community Foundation or go to https://fsacf.com/.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Christmas in Gunn Park: December 10

Gunn Park, on Fort Scott’s west side,  will be closed the morning of the December 10th in preparation for the annual Christmas in the Park. The event is sponsored by Buck Run Community Center and other donations from the community.

At 5 p.m. the park opens, with parking off site and a shuttle to be provided for park visitors.

At 6 p.m. Santa will arrive at the park to speak with the children who attend. The events will end at 8 p.m.

Included in the park events is a live nativity scene, live music by Bourbon County Revival, the visit with Santa and THE GRINCH, a cookie decorating site for the kids, chili, hot chocolate and popcorn.

The event is free to the public.

The Bourbon County Angels, a local helping organization, will be accepting children’s gifts to distribute to those in need of them.

The purpose of Christmas in the Park is to spread Christmas cheer to the residents of Bourbon County and surrounding areas, according to Josh Jones, one of the organizers.

The planning committee is comprised of: Josh Jones, Suzette Torres, Devin Tally, Craig Campbell, Bailey Lyons, Shannon Johnson.

 

 

Star Gazing Parties in the Future For the Lowell Milken Center Fort Scott

The Lowell Milken Park. Submitted photo.
A telescope will be an added attraction at the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes at the corner of First and Wall Street in downtown Fort Scott.
“The telescope will be used to educate the community on… amazing unsung heroes of the stars,” Ronda Hassig, funding developer for the center, said.
Ronda Hassig. Taken from the Lowell Milken Center Facebook page.
Hassig wrote the $2,500 grant proposal for the telescope and carrying case and the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation awarded the grant  last month.
“The telescope is remote and GPS controlled,” Hassig said. ” We had an astronomer from Nebraska stop by the center and we found out he is the director of the Stargazing Project in Nebraska!  He is so excited for us, that he has agreed to come back down as soon as the telescope arrives and help us get used to using it.  There’s a definite learning curve but he thinks we can handle it!”
“The telescope will be used in the Lowell Milken Park (adjacent to the center) for viewing of the moon and planets,” she said.  “For deeper space, we are hoping to be able to use it at the Fort (Fort Scott National Historic Site) along with their telescope!”
“We hope to get both young and old excited about seeing the stars and the heavens so we will be having star parties here at the center in the Lowell Milken Park,” she said. “The parties will contain stargazing along with guest speakers and expert astronomers from all over the country.  Everyone will be invited!”
“I think no matter how old you are, if you have ever looked through a telescope and seen the moon up close, or the actual rings of Saturn, you are hooked forever,” she said.
The telescope has been ordered and the center staff hope to have it  sometime this week.
 “Then I’ll get to start planning our first star party,” she said. ” I’ll be paying special attention to moonless nights and hopefully cloudless nights and we may get lucky and get to have a party in the next several months.  It will be cold but if you’re bundled up you won’t care!  There will be warm drinks and treats for everyone!”
“Stay tuned for dates and please plan to come enjoy our newest device at the Lowell Milken Center provided with the gracious funds of the Fort Scott Community Foundation,” she said.
“We are really trying to educate the community on all of the different unsung heroes here at the Lowell Milken Center, by having fun and having educational activities around those heroes,” she said.
Two of the astronomy heroes that are featured at the center are:
“Henrietta Swan Leavitt was born right after the Civil War and was educated at Oberlin and Radcliffe,” Hassig said.  “She got excited about astronomy after taking a course on it.  When she graduated she began volunteering at the Harvard College Observatory and after 14 years she was paid for her work at $.30 an hour.  She was essentially 1 of 20 women computers. Through her work, Leavitt earned graduate credit towards her degree but never completed it.  She did however make an amazing discovery – she figured out how to measure objects in space. This discovery led to the launching of the Hubble Telescope and more recently the Webb Telescope!  As she aged, her health got worse and a bout with cancer caused her to lose her hearing.  She died at age 53, but her dedication to astronomy has given us some of our most advanced knowledge about space!”
“Gene Shoemaker was the founder of astrogeology,” Hassig said.  “The first person to determine the origin of the famous Barringer Meteor Crater in Arizona, the first director and creator of the Astrogeology Research Program of the U.S. Geological Survey in Flagstaff, Arizona, and along with David Levy discovered the Shoemaker-Levy Comet.
“Shoemaker worked for NASA preparing himself and the other astronauts to walk on the moon.  Gene was to be the first geologist on the moon. But after all his hard work he was unable to go to the moon because he had Addison’s Disease. He commentated the moonwalk with CBS News anchorman Walter Cronkite during the live flights.  Although he was horribly disappointed not to go, he kept looking for impact craters and space rocks.  He searched for craters and rocks all over the world.  He was looking for craters in Australia when he was tragically killed in a car accident.  NASA wanted to honor this amazing scientist so they called his family and asked for some of his ashes.  They put the ashes in a space probe and crashed it on the moon.  Gene Shoemaker is the only human buried on the moon and just one of two buried in space.”