Performers, Speakers, and Authors - 2011
Activity brought a variety of performers, speakers, and authors to communities, according to interests and requests of the individual communities. East central Regional Library provided reports for individual programs within this Activity/Project, and a single budget for the full Activity.
1). Elmer L. Andersen Project
A series of ten 16” commemorative plates were commissioned to commemorate the life and times of former Minnesota governor, Elmer L. Andersen. A celebration was held and local community members and members of the Elmer L. Andersen family were invited to the unveiling of the plates.
2). Magician Brian Richards
Magician Brian Richards entertained children and adults and our two link sites in Isanti and Onamia along with our 7 outreach sites including Askov, Braham, Duquette, Giese McGrath, Hill City, and Jacobson. He presented his “Kids R Cool” program to the delight of those in attendance. The outreach sites are in very small communities where the ECRL outreach van visits once every two weeks. The link sites are open one day a week for 6 hours.
3). Musician Ross Sutter
Musician and storyteller, Ross Sutter, performed at all 14 ECRL branch libraries. Mr. Sutter entertained the audience of children and adults with his beautiful voice including songs from Scandinavia, Scotland and Ireland while playing several musical instruments such as the button accordion, guitar and dulcimer.
4). Ragamala Dance Theatre
The program was cancelled during the planning phase. We intended to bring a unique form of dance theatre to communities who wouldn’t have the opportunity to see anything like it. Unfortunately, the theatre was heavily booked, and we couldn’t find anywhere in their available dates that would work for our branches.
5). Unique Performances from G.L. Berg
Six various artistic performers including: harpist, Andrea Stern in Chisago Lakes; musical stringman, Paul Ihmolte in Wyoming; vocal group, Salsabrosa in North Branch; acrobatic troupe, Cirko Cabaret in Cambridge; vocal group, Divas Through the Decade in Pine City. One MN Historical Society program Happy Days Are Here Again in Chisago Lakes.
6). Discussion Nights for Adults based on Movies and Classics
ECRL branch libraries hosted discussion nights for adults centered around movies and lectures. Movie nights began with the showing of a classic movies followed by a short discussion framed by prepared discussion guide. Books from Oxford’s World Classics and Penguin Classics accompaned many of the classic movies, thereby facilitating book and film comparative studies. Additional discussion programming included an introduction to lectures in the Great Courses DVDs program. As part of the programming, we gathered feedback on what time of day would work best for the program, what lecture subjects would be preferred, and any other thoughts. The Great Courses teach specific topics on DVDs by igniting the passion for lifelong learning by offering great courses taught by renowned professors. Courses include such topics as Turning Points in American History, How to Look at and Understand Great Art, History of Ancient Egypt and Classics of American Literature. To support the project we purchased lectures, movies, and projection equipment for branches. This program is well-received and just taking off, and we expect to continue and expand on it.
7). Greatest Generation Exhibit at the Minnesota Historical Society
Bus trips were made to the “Greatest Generation Exhibit” at the Minnesota Historical Society. Two busloads were taken to the Minnesota History Center on two separate days picking up community members from the west side and east side of our library region. The buses were paid for through the funds ECRL contributed to the statewide project. ECRL Legacy funds paid for local support necessary to carry out the activity.
1). Elmer L. Andersen Project
• Event Dates, Locations and Attendance at each individual event:
June 21, 2011 – Princeton Area Library (178)
Program Outputs:
178 Adults, Teens and Children attended the unveiling and dedication event.
2). Magician Brian Richards
• Event Dates, Locations and Attendance at each individual event:
June 9, 2011 – Braham East Central Energy Meeting Room (42)
June 13, 2011 – Isanti Community Center (40)
June 18, 2011 – Onamia Link Site (43)
June 20, 2011 – Askov Community Center (28)
June 20, 2011 – Duquette Hall (19)
June 23, 2011 – Giese Wagner Town Hall (27)
June 23, 2011 – McGrath Pavillion (21)
June 28, 2011 – Hill City Community Room (39)
June 28, 2011 – Jacobson Community Center (12)
• Partner Organization(s): Askov Community Center, East Central Energy, Isanti Community Center, Onamia Depot, Duquette Hall, Wagner Town Hall in Giese, City of McGrath, Jacobson Community Center and Hill City Community Room
• Partner Organization(s) Contribution/Role in the Program: each contributed the venue for each of the programs.
Program Outputs: 271 adults and children attended the program.
3). Musician Ross Sutter
• Event Dates, Locations and Attendance at each individual event:
June 6, 2011 – Mille Lacs Lake Community Library (32)
June 6, 2011 – Aitkin Public Library (100)
June 7, 2011 – McGregor Public Library (23)
June 7, 2011 – Milaca Community Library (72)
June 7, 2011 – Mora Public Library (88)
June 8, 2011 – Hinckley Public Library (89)
June 8, 2011 – Sandstone Public Library (25)
June 9, 2011 – Pine City Public Library (62)
June 9, 2011 – Rush City Public Library (67)
June 13, 2011 – Cambridge Public Library (96)
June 13, 2011 – Chisago Lakes Area Library (94)
June 13, 2011 – Princeton Area Library (68)
June 14, 2011 – North Branch Area Library (35)
June 14, 2011 – Wyoming Area Library (38)
Program Outputs: 889 adults and children attended the program.
4). Ragamala Dance Theatre - cancelled
5). Unique Performances from G.L. Berg
• Event Dates, Locations and Attendance at each individual event:
February 24, 2011 – Harpist Andrea Stern- Chisago Lakes Area Library (26)
March 27, 2011 – Divas Through the Decades – Pine City Public School (175)
April 1, 2011 – Salsabrosa – North Branch High School (144)
May 1, 2011 – Musician Paul Imholte – Wyoming Area Library (12)
June 4, 2011 – Happy Days – Chisago City – Parmly Ecumen Lifepointes (48)
June 25, 2011 – Cirko Caberet – Cambridge-Isanti High School (160)
• Partner Organization(s): North Branch Community Education, Cambridge-Isanti Community Education & Pine City Community Education, Parmly Ecumen Lifepointes
• Partner Organization(s) Contribution/Role in the Program: Local school community education departments assisted with scheduling & hosting the performers in their local performing art centers.
Program Outputs: A total of 565 children & adults attended the programs at the school performing arts centers & local libraries.
6). Discussion Nights for Adults based on Movies and Classics
• Event Dates, Locations and Attendance at each individual event:
May 6, 2011 – Mille Lacs Lake Community Library (4)
May 17, 2011 – Chisago Lakes Area Library (6)
May 19, 2011 – Mille Lacs Lake Community Library (5)
May 24, 2011 – McGregor Public Library (0)
May 31, 2011 – Chisago Lakes Area Library (3)
June 21, 2011 – Chisago Lakes Area Library (4)
June 23, 2011 – Princeton Area Library (7)
June 24, 2011 – Chisago County Senior Center (24)
June 26, 2011 – Grass Lake Historic Swedish Church (60)
June 28, 2011 – McGregor Public Library (0)
June 28, 2011 – Our Redeemer Lutheran Church (14)
June 30, 2011 – Princeton Area Library ((6)
• Partner Organization(s): Chisago County Senior Center, Kanabec History Center, Pine City Book Club Group
• Partner Organization(s) Contribution/Role in the Program: Provided location, publicity & participants from their membership
Program Outputs: 35 Adults attended the Movie & Discussion programs. A total of 98 Adults attended the Great Courses Seminars.
7). Greatest Generation Exhibit at the Minnesota Historical Society
• Event Dates, Locations and Attendance at each individual event:
October 30, 2010 – Minnesota History Center (45)
November 4, 2010 – Minnesota History Center (54)
• Partner Organization(s): Minnesota Historical Society
• Partner Organization(s) Contribution/Role in the Program: Helped Legacy coordinator plan and coordinate the two trips.
Program Outputs: A total of 99 children and adults attended the exhibit.
Measurable Outcomes may be collected by survey, anecdotal responses, pre-test/post-test, observations; Describe proposed end user change in Behavior, Attitude, Skills, Knowledge, Condition and/or Status.1). Elmer L. Andersen ProjectThe commemorative plates will provoke dialog & facilitate an understanding of pottery as an art form. Attendees to the unveiling will learn about the life of former governor, Elmer L. Andersen.2). Magician Brian RichardsTo bring a cultural program to children in our very smallest communities during summer vacation & to give them familiarity with magic theatre.3). Musician Ross SutterTo bring a musical program to children in all our libraries during summer vacation & to give them familiarity with musical performance.4). Ragamala Dance Theatre cancelled5). Unique Performances from G.L. BergAttendees will learn more about each artistic genre and have their lives enhanced by the cultural experience they are exposed to at each activity.6). Discussion Nights for Adults based on Movies and ClassicsAttendees will be able to experience and critique a broad range of classic and award-winning films, many based on novels. Attendees will also experience the passion of lifelong learning through the engaging intellectual series provided by the Great Courses on DVD.7). Greatest Generation Exhibit at the Minnesota Historical SocietyAttendees will experience explore the accomplishments, sacrifices, disappointments, challenges and enduring legacy of Minnesota’s Greatest Generation.
1). Elmer L. Andersen Project"This event inspired me to reach out""The new medallion collection is Beautiful! Each one on it's own is significant and together they tell a powerful story about an amazing individual. The detail on the medallions is amazingly intricate and the colors so bold - I just love the collection, and what a fine addition to our library. Thank you for investing in this legacy which honors a legacy, and especially for choosing a local artist. Wonderful!""I certainly have a furthered appreciation of Elmer and for the artist's vision and process. A wonderful tribute""Thank you for honoring Elmer"2). Magician Brian RichardsVery "age appropriate" presentation. (for adults & children), emphasized reading very well. Enjoyed the patter.""Glad you came out to our area usually we have to go to town""The magician was great - very talented - we had many laughs today"3). Musician Ross Sutter"The performer that was here today was fabulous! Did a great job and was very fun!""The children were all engaged even with a diverse age range""Loved the music. Kids enjoyed it too."4). Ragamala Dance Theatre - cancelled5). Unique Performances from G.L. Berg(anecdotal outcomes - Andrea Stern)"Andrea Stern was very talented, likeable, patient and informative with questions, generous with her time. It was a beautiful, memorable experience. The facilitator provided a dramatic reading of the troll character in 3 Billy Goat's Gruff - I think the kids enjoyed that in particular. Thank you for arranging and funding the event.""Great presentation! Great for all ages. Very well done."(anecdotal outcomes - Cirko Cabaret)"Absolutely fabulous - a delightful evening with the grandchildren""I loved it, the strength and skill of the performers was jaw dropping. Amazing talent."(anecdotal outcomes - Divas Through the Decades)"I laughed, I cried, I cheered. Lisa, Bella, Maria know how to reach down deep and strum our heartstrings. Thank you for the fun!""This was a wonderful Sunday afternoon activity. It was enjoyed by our entire group, ages 13-61."(anecdotal outcomes - Salsabrosa)"I loved being invited to dance. I also loved it - the children felt free to dance even before we were invited to do so.""Enjoyed it very much - loved the music and participation"(anecdotal outcomes - The Tarveys (Paul Imholte)"Wonderful. Great storytelling, singin. Demo was very good in addition to performance. Artists included all ages in their songs and dialogue with audience. Interactive. He is a patient teacher and brings out new artists.""The concert music was beautiful. Great voices and lyrics. I had fun in the music workshop."(anecdotal outcomes - Happy Days)"I thought it was wonderful and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Brought back many memories.""One of the best I've seen."6). Discussion Nights for Adults based on Movies and Classics"wonderfully entertaining! Captive. Could go for some Chocolate!" (Chocolat)"See why nominated, should be required reading" (The Heart is a Lonely Hunter)"Good story, well done film. Good discussion" (Fried Green Tomatoes)"Very good movie!" (Manchurian Candidate)"Plan looks great! Our family owns several of the Great Course titles - and we have enjoyed them. Some of the courses are 30 lectures long -so you would indeed need many sessions to complete the courses. We especially enjoyed the American and world history courses by Linwood Thompson."7). Greatest Generation Exhibit at the Minnesota Historical Society70.8% of those attending rated the event as excellent66.3% of those attending said it met their expectations(anecdotal responses) "Great experience - very educational. Something I would not have the opportunity to do.""The reason it met my expectations was that I went on line beforehand to check it out. Someone who was expecting a chronological history of Minnesota would be sorely disappointed!" "The day of the dead filled up a lot of the time and added to the trip. Time would pass slowly without this diversion." "Couldn't hear tour guide. They should have the tour guide use a microphone" "I enjoyed the variety of exhibits and the day of the dead activities. I especially enjoyed the greatest generation exhibit.""Wonderful community events like this that you are offering at the library through the arts and cultural heritage fund of the legacy amendment. Thank you!!!"