Many years ago a small Minot boy was dressed by his mother for school like Little Lord Fauntleroy. He came home that afternoon with straw hat tattered and clothing in disarray.
When his mother remonstrated him, he stood up straight and said, "Well, they got me to the ground but they couldn't get me any further."
When the ravaging relentless Mouse River got lots of folks in Minot and the surrounding area "down but not further," it was the positive spirit that brought the Magic City over the years from a tiny town to a North Dakota city.
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Arlene Saugstad is a freelance writer who lives in Minot.
It is predictable that Minot is and will once again be the Magic City. As of January 2012, with culture fresh and visible, it is already demonstrating what persistence and determination can accomplish.
The Minot Public Library is a good example of the culture available everyday with the library dispensing books of every size and subject readers want and need. And there are always worthwhile exhibits on the lower level.
During the month of January, a daughter proudly will display some of the art work of her deceased mother. Jerry Kaup, the library's director invites you to view the works of Helen Ervin. The daughter is Sharon Johnson. You'll also see Sharon's artistry when you admire her handmade jewelry.
Another cultural sight to spend your time for free in town this January is the Taube Museum at 2 N. Main in downtown Minot. Nancy Walter, executive director, will welcome you to view an exciting photographic display.
The exhibition is titled "Forgotten Places." This exhibit is the result of a workshop presented by Tillman Crane, which was held last May. Fifteen photographers came from all over the country for the workshop and visited more than 20 North Dakota locations. This show represents their photos taken during the weeklong workshop. The show will be on exhibit Jan. 5 through Feb. 24. On Jan. 12 the artists will speak on "The Allure of Photography in North Dakota" at 6 p.m. All shutterbugs should crowd the gallery for this exciting exhibition.
Theater
Several years ago the Mouse River Players put on the stage of the Arlene Saugstad Theater the production, "Prairie Heart," written by T.M. Sell from Montana. At the time, Sell was in the audience for the show along with his wife. This year on Jan. 12-14 at 7:30 p.m. and Jan. 15 at 2 p.m., the cast, directed by Ken Haarstad, will present a sequel to the play.
"West," also written by Mr. Sell, will take the stage. The story takes us 20 years into the lives of Ingrid and Ole and their children as they face the rigors of the depression and finally move west to make a new beginning. Music composed by Nancy Sell will add to the authenticity of this drama.
Patrons will see Karen Anderson, David Iverson, Susan Thom, Brittany Knickerbocker, Nash Smith, C.J. Leigh, Alex Caswell, JonCarlo Franchi and Amanda Lindstrom. Use your season ticket for this production or pay $10. For reservations call (866) 667-1977.
If you are an actor or actress wannabe and are in the second or third grades, join the Mouse River Players at the Arlene Theater to get some important tips and training from noon to 1 p.m. Fourth graders and older are welcome from 1:15 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. The classes start Jan. 15 and continue each Saturday through Feb. 11. Cost is $5 per session with proficient instructors Holly Eidsness, Brianna Benson, Karen Langemo and Madison Thompson. This represents a worthwhile way for kids to spend Saturdays, having fun and learning stage acting too.
Concert
Passionate, soulful tenors are not a dime a dozen it could be said, and when you are in the Ann Nicole Nelson Hall at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 27 you will be sure to be in agreement.
That night one of the series of fantastic musical productions will be brought to Minot with the International Artist Series. Mark Masri is described as internationally acclaimed, with warm personal appeal and as a heartthrob. How can you stay away from such a passionate man's lyrical tenor?
Minot Symphony Orchestra's maestro Dennis Simons and his talented musicians have a unique spirit. These spirits can always use some lifting. Your spirits will be lifted when you arrive at the Ann Nicole Nelson Hall for the 7:30 p.m. Family Concert. A centerpiece that evening will be the announcement and presentation of the winner of the annual MSO Concerto Competition. Appealing to every member of your family will be this magnificent symphonic orchestra's rendition of pieces like "Dance of the Tumblers," "Dance of the Knights," "Billy the Kid" and "Eugene Onegin: Waltz" by Tchaikovsky. Simons and his Minot Symphony Orchestra have drawn full houses, so get into your seats early for yet another spirit-lifting concert.
Like the little boy many years ago said "they got me to the ground but they couldn't get me any further," Minot has been trampled and tried by the Mouse River. The Mouse River might have pushed us down but we will rise up culturewise and otherwise to start once again fresh as we turn the page of our calendar to greet 2012. Together, let's make 2012 a happy year.