Category Archives: Entertainment

Old Settlers Picnic Sept. 2-4: Food For All Tastes

This is the schedule of activities for the 117 Annual Old Settlers Picnic in Uniontown.

There will be various foods to choose from at the annual Old Settler’s Picnic on Monday.
The Uniontown FFA will be selling BBQ food, the Uniontown United Methodist Church will be selling chicken dinners and in addition, there will be a taco truck, hot dog truck, burger truck, BBQ vendors, shaved iced, homemade goodies by Mary Ridge, and Uniontown High School Seniors baked goodies, according to Sara Roufs, president of the Old Settlers Picnic committee.

Southeast Kansas Library System Newsletter for Summer 2023

The SEKnFind Newsletter
Summer 2023

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

Save what’s left
by Elizabeth Castellano

Starting over in a small beach community on the east coast, Kathleen Deane discovers this picturesque town is not what it seems but just what she needs as she finds herself in an all-out war with her neighbors who are building a huge monstrosity next to her tiny cottage.

Just another missing person
by Gillian McAllister

While investigating the disappearance of 22-year-old Oliva, Julia, the detective heading up the case, discovers, to save her own family, she must not find out what happened to Oliva and must frame somebody else for her murder. 150,000 first printing.

The block party : a novel
by Jamie Day

“This summer, meet your neighbors. The residents of the exclusive cul-de-sac on Alton Road are entangled in a web of secrets and scandal utterly unknown to the outside world, and even to each other. On the night of the annual Summer block party, there has been a murder. But, who did it and why takes readers back one year earlier, as rivalries and betrayals unfold–discovering that the real danger lies within their own block and nothing–and no one–is ever as it seems”

California golden
by Melanie Benjamin

Two teens in 1960s California grapple with the unconventional path of their mother, who defies societal expectations as a talented female surfer, in the new novel from the New York Times best-selling author of The Children’s Blizzard.

The summer of songbirds : a novel
by Kristy Woodson Harvey

“Four women come together to save the summer camp that changed their lives and rediscover themselves in the process”

The déjá glitch : a novel
by Holly James

When she literally crashes into Jack one Friday morning, Gemma Peters gets a funny feeling of déjà vu until he tells her the unbelievable truth: they’ve lived this day over and over 147 times and to break the loop, she must fall in love with him in 24 hours. Original.

Mister Magic : a novel
by Kiersten White

Reuniting 30 years after a tragic accident ended their show Mister Magic, the five surviving cast members, who hold the secret of their close circle, the mystery of the beloved magical host and what really happened on that deadly last day, soon wonder if they’ve been lured into a trap.

The Splinter in the sky
by Kemi Ashing-Giwa

When her lover is assassinated and her sibling is kidnapped by Imperial solders, Enitan, using her fledgling tea business as cover, moves undetected through the Vaalbaran capital where she will learn just how far she’ll go to exact vengeance, free her sibling and secure her homeland’s freedom.

Shark heart : a love story
by Emily Habeck

When her husband Lewis, a few weeks after their wedding, receives a rare diagnosis—his physical body will gradually turn into a great white shark—Wren, struggling with his fate, finds his developing carnivorous nature activating long-repressed memories which forces her to make an impossible choice.

Fever house : a novel
by Keith Rosson

While collecting overdue drug money in a rundown Portland, Oregon apartment complex, Hutch Holtz discovers a severed hand in the client’s refrigerator and quickly realizes the body part induces uncontrollable madness and violence and sets catastrophic forces into motion.

Small town sins : a novel
by Ken Jaworowski

In a down-and-out Pennsylvania town, Nathan, a volunteer fireman who finds a secret stash of money; Callie, a nurse who risks her career to grant her young patient a final wish; and Andy, a recovering heroin addict who doles out vigilante justice, must face their troubled pasts—and their crimes—to have a future.

A month of doomsdays
by William W. Johnstone

Discovering a small band of rustlers are hiding stolen cows from other ranches among their herd, former lawman Ty Brannigan and his son Matt, while investigating, are drawn into the biggest heist in history and must race against time to stop it before innocent people die. Original.

New Audiobooks

All the Demons Are Here
by Jake Tapper

Two siblings, one an AWOL marine working off the grid for Evel Knievel and the other a star reporter, deal with the culturally weird events of 1977, including the Summer of Sam and the death of Elvis. 150,000 first printing.

Everyone here is lying : a novel
by Shari Lapena

“William Wooler is a family man, on the surface. But he’s been having an affair, an affair that ended horribly this afternoon at a motel up the road. So when he returns to his house, devastated and angry, to find his difficult nine-year-old daughter, Avery, unexpectedly home from school, William loses his temper. Hours later, Avery’s family declares her missing. Who took Avery Wooler?”

The invisible hour : a novel
by Alice Hoffman

“One brilliant June day when Mia Jacob can no longer see a way to survive, the power of words saves her. The Scarlet Letter was written almost two hundred years earlier, but it seems to tell the story of Mia’s mother, Ivy, and their life inside the Community–an oppressive cult in western Massachusetts where contact with the outside world is forbidden, and books are considered evil. But how could this be? How could Nathaniel Hawthorne have so perfectly captured the pain and loss that Mia carries inside her? Through a journey of heartbreak, love, and time, Mia must abandon the rules she was raised with at the Community. As she does, she realizes that reading can transport you to other worlds or bring them to you, and that readers and writers affect one another in mysterious ways. She learns that time is more fluid than she can imagine, and that love is stronger than any chains that bind you. As a girl Mia fell in love with a book. Now as a young woman she falls in love with a brilliant writer as she makesher way back in time. But what if Nathaniel Hawthorne never wrote The Scarlet Letter? And what if Mia Jacob never found it on the day she planned to die?”

New Nonfiction

The heat will kill you first : life and death on a scorched planet
by Jeff Goodell

A New York Times best-selling journalist shares an explosive new understanding of heat in this searing examination of the impact that rising temperatures will have on our lives and on our planet.

ChatGPT
by Pamela Baker

“ChatGPT For Dummies demystifies the artificial intelligence tool that can answer questions, write essays, and generate just about any kind of text it’s asked for. This powerful example of generative AI is widely predicted to upend education and business. In this book, you’ll learn how ChatGPT works and how you can operate it in a way that yields satisfactory results. You’ll also explore the ethics of using AI-generated content for various purposes”

The tao of self-confidence : a guide to moving beyond trauma and awakening the leader within
by Sheena Yap Chan

“In 2021, women represented 54.3% of the US workforce but only held 35% of senior leadership positions. Of that percentage, only 2.7% of Asian women were seen in management roles. While there have been great leaps for women in the workplace in the last decade, women of color still fall behind. The Tao of Self-Confidence book sets a foundation to help Asian Women start being seen as leaders in work and life rather than by our stereotypes. In order to move forward with true confidence, we must learn the lessons our challenges have taught us and heal our trauma. With an honest and vulnerable approach, Yap Chan discusses and explores the specific challenges our community faces, historically and now in the midst of the pandemic, intergenerational and historical trauma, false stories we tell ourselves, and how we can rise above stereotypes. We’ll tap into our inner joy, celebrate our authentic self, and awaken the leader within.”

Sipping Dom Pérignon through a straw : reimagining success as a disabled achiever
by Eddie Ndopu

A global humanitarian born with spinal muscular atrophy—and the first-ever disabled African awarded a full scholarship at Oxford University—shows how he broke through every barrier put in front of him—a queer, black wheelchair user—challenging the bias at the highest echelons of power and prestige. Illustrations.

The underworld : journeys to the depths of the ocean
by Susan Casey

Drawing on interviews with marine geologists, marine biologists and oceanographers, a premiere chronicler of the aquatic world and New York Times best-selling author provides a fascinating history of deep-sea exploration and shows how urgent it is that we understand the ocean in a time of increasing threats from climate change. Illustrations.

Future care : sensors, artificial intelligence, and the reinvention of medicine
by Jagmeet Singh

“A brief examination of how new and advanced technologies can change the world of medicine for the better. Future care is virtual care: sensor-aided, digitally enabled, and powered by predictive analytics. Like most facets of modern life, human organs, too, are being digitally monitored. Sensors are well on their way to helping us proactively capture the information needed to predict and prevent disease. Paired with the medical world’s growing emphasis on wellness and prevention, the digital revolution will help us effectively monitor and address the chronic diseases that have been the Achilles’ heel of the health care system to date. This large-scale transition is not only going to reshape the patient-physician relationship but also dramatically changehow hospitals and the business of medicine operate”

The garden maker’s book of wonder / : 162 Recipes, Crafts, Tips, Techniques, and Plants to Inspire You in Every Season
by Allison Vallin Kostovick

“Drawing on decades of gardening experience, and illustrated with vibrant photography from her own home and garden, popular gardening lifestyle influencer Allison Vallin Kostovick offers sage advice on growing bountiful harvests of favorite vegetables, herbs, and flowers”

[Message clipped]  View entire message

Continue reading Southeast Kansas Library System Newsletter for Summer 2023

The Tucker Family Band “70s Elvis, Hawaiian Style” Concert is Sept. 8

The Tucker Family Band. Submitted photo.

The Tucker Family Band “70s Elvis: Hawaiian Style” Concert

held at The Fort Scott River Room

 

Raised on good music with a lot of soul, the Tucker Family Band (TFB) will present their “70s Elvis: Hawaiian Style” show at 7 p.m. on Friday, September 8, at the River Room (upstairs with elevator access), 3 W. Oak. Doors open at 6 p.m.

 

The band is comprised of Carolyn Tucker (keys and vocals), daughter Mariam Tucker Self (vocals and saxophone), son Aaron Tucker (drums and vocals), Stephan Moses (lead guitar and vocals), and Jessica Bergen on the electric bass. Everyone in the five-member band has many years of experience playing and singing in a variety of venues.

 

Elvis Presley made entertainment history in 1973 with his global “Aloha from Hawaii” live via satellite television special. The TFB show will feature several songs from Elvis’ Hawaiian concert such as See See Rider, Burning Love, Steamroller Blues, I Can’t Stop Loving You, Hound Dog, Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On, A Big Hunk o’ Love, plus more of the Band’s favorites such as Proud Mary, Little Sister, Never Been to Spain, Polk Salad Annie, Moody Blue, and more.

 

“All these individuals have been making music since they were youngsters. So when all that experience, talent, and family unity joins together musically, the band is really tight,” concert-series organizer Ralph Carlson said. “You won’t want to miss this unique show of lively, classy Elvis covers. The show is free (tips appreciated) and sponsored by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce.”

 

Sound is provided by Dave’s Music Gear and Jim Butler.

 

 

 

Labors and Leisure on the Frontier: Labor Day Weekend at Fort Scott National Historic Site

 

Fort Scott Kan. – Saturday, September 2 through Monday, September 4, 2022, Fort Scott National Historic Site will take you on an exploration of the labors and leisure on an 1840s frontier post. Throughout Labor Day weekend enjoy live music, historic yard games, and a variety of living history demonstrations, and interpretive programs. Visit with soldiers, officer’s wives, laundresses, the post Sutler and find out about the labors of the fort and some of the leisure activities. All programs are free and open to the public. And enjoy ice cream, while it lasts, on Saturday at 11:30 am courtesy of the Friends of Fort Scott NHS, Inc.

 

On Saturday and Sunday, volunteer Katelyn Dancer will be playing the violin on Officer’s Row and volunteer Mathew Wells will be playing the guitar on the porch of the Dragoon’s Barracks. Monday September 4 at 11:00 am, the Prairie Sunflower Strings will be presenting a concert of folk music out on the parade ground.

 

Guided Fort Tours will be offered daily at 10 am and 1 pm. Ranger Charles will be presenting a program about Native American storytelling at 11 am on Saturday and Sunday.

 

 

Fort Scott National Historic Site’s, a unit of the National Park Service, exhibit areas and visitor center are open daily from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The park grounds are open daily from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset. To find out more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.

 

-NPS-

 

NPS Photos credit: C. Brenner

Library Youth Offerings for Fall

The fall lineup of youth and family programming for the Fort Scott Public Library.

Submitted by

Valetta Cannon
Fort Scott Public Library
Youth Librarian & Assistant Director

Tuesdays at 10 a.m.: Storytime with Miss Val – Enjoy themed stories, songs, crafts, snacks, and playtime in the library’s event room. Our upcoming themes are: Camping on August 29, Grandparents on September 5, and Apples on September 12.
 
Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m.: 4th – 12th grade group meets for game nights, movie nights, crafts, book discussions, community service projects, and more. Snacks are always served. Our next event is Blanket Fort Movie Night on August 30.
 
Marvelous Monday Homeschool events are monthly on the 2nd Monday at 4 pm. Our first event of this school year will be our Back to Homeschool Party on September 11. Meet at the library to explore robotics, STEM, local history, writing, photography, web design, and much more. The library is seeking special guest speakers to cover various topics related to homeschooling. Interested? Email Miss Val at [email protected].
 
Coding Club: The 6th-12 grade group meets on the 1st & 3rd Thursday of the month at 4:30. The 3rd-5th grade group meets on the 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month at 4:30. The program is sponsored in part by Girls Who Code, and the library uses their curriculum and Club Funds program to help facilitate the meetings. Participants will learn basic elements of coding and explore robotics, enjoy snacks, and use a variety of technology to work on group projects.
 
Book Club for 4th – 12th grades: Meet Miss Val at Common Ground to discuss books, play bookish games, and enjoy free treats, courtesy of the FSMS VIP’s.
 
Star Wars Reads Day on October 23, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Celebrate all things Star Wars at the library. Snacks, games, books, crafts, movies, prizes, and activities are provided. All ages welcome.
 
Literacy Reward Programs: The library offers three literacy reward programs year-round: 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten for ages Birth to K; 500 Books Before Middle School for grades 1st to 5th; 100 Books Before Graduation for grades 6th to 12th. Prizes and milestones vary. 
 
All library programs are free and open to the public. Find out more about the library’s programs and sign up at fortscott.mykansaslibrary.org.

 

New in Riverfront Park: Labyrinth In Memory of Allen Warren

Jackie Warren at the memorial , a labyrinth path, at Riverfront Park for her late husband, Allen Warren. Her husband was on the Riverfront Authority Board until his recent death. Jackie and Allen  volunteered labor and equipment to help construct the park, according to Jerry Witt. Submitted photo.
The Belltown Trail in Riverfront Park continues to be popular, even though Fort Scott is under a heat advisory, according to Jerry Witt.  “Many exercise enthusiasts continue to walk the trail under the shade of the tree lined path.”
“A lot of people use the park,” he said.
Witt is chairman of a board called the Riverfront Authority  that has been improving the park on North National Avenue in Fort Scott since 2005.
There is a new addition to the park added this summer.
The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation awarded a $1,500 grant to construct a labyrinth path, according to Witt. A labyrinth concrete pad has been completed next to the west side of the half-mile Belltown Trail.  A labyrinth is a complex and circuitous path that leads from a beginning point to a center.
“It was Allen Warren’s idea to construct a labyrinth path in Riverfront Park,” he said.  “He met with his Methodist minister, Christopher Eshelman, and Riverfront staff to talk about the possibilities of this being placed in Riverfront Park. But before the final plans were in place, Allen passed away.”
For the many hours of volunteer labor and use of his tractor equipment donated to the park construction,  Witt decided to go ahead with the project and dedicate the labyrinth to Allen’s memory.
“The 24 ft. by 24 ft. concrete pad structure can be used by citizens to walk it’s path for meditation or just as a playful path for exercise,” Witt said. ” A plaque to honor Allen will be placed by the structure.”
History of Riverfront Park
Members of Fort Scott Bourbon County Riverfront Authority discuss updates on construction projects at Riverfront Park in 2017. From left clockwise: Dan Magee, Bob Love, Allen Warren, Jerry Witt and Jeff Sweetser.

The park began as an outshoot of a town wide visioning event in 2005, when citizens wanted to develop the Marmaton River as an asset to the community.

“Dean Mann saw the vision of a riverfront park and he was the original chairman, until he retired several years ago,” Witt said.

The Fort Scott Bourbon County Riverfront Authority was formed in April 2007, with approval from then Kansas Governor Sebelius.

Their mission was to purchase and develop land along the river to create a park and they also created a master plan.

“We had to have property owners buy in to the vision of the park,” Witt said. “Most donated land to the Riverfront Park.” That process took years.

The Belltown Trail information kiosk at Riverfront Park.

Since then the following has been put in the park: a lighted walkway, parking spaces, an observation deck at rivers edge, a pavilion and a loop drive on the south side of the river which goes under Hwy. 69.

Riverfront Park’s overlook structure in 2021.

Local artist Stephan Toal has beautified the inside of the underpass with historical murals.

Murals by Stephen Toal. Submitted photo.

The Fort Scott Garden Club has planted and maintained a flower garden on the south side, with the Fort Scott Fire Department watering it. The City of Fort Scott put in a facility in the southwest part of the trail for people to fill their water bottles.

“The city has plans to build a walkway from the north side of the bridge to the Bell Town Trail, probably this fall,” Witt said.

Paul Ballou, who works for the city helps maintain the park and does “a great job,” Witt said.

The park has been used for weddings, business meetings on nice days,  car shows and many other events..

“There will be a festival in the park on Sept. 30,” Witt said. “It will be all day and feature Bluegass music and a car show.”

To reserve the pavilion, one must call the city offices at 223-0550.

Members of the Riverfront Authority at the ribbon cutting of the  pavilion in 2018. From left Allen Warren, Arnold Schofield, Danny Magee, Jerry Witt, Dean Mann and Betty Boyko.

Current members of the Riverfront Authority board: Penny Barnes, Dan Magee, Bob Love, Arnold Schofield, Jeff Sweetser and Witt. Mann remains an ex-officio member, and Kate Sweetser is a part of the group as well, Witt said.