The public is invited to a program celebrating the 100th anniversary of the dedication of the Minot Carnegie Library Sunday at 4 p.m.
Included in the program Sunday afternoon will be a "Name that Tune" improvisation by Karen Atwood, area pianist and former competitor in the Van Cliburn competitions. Also, architectural historian with the State Historical Society of North Dakota, Lorna Meidinger will address the value of preserving historic places to keep them accessible for use by the entire community.
Built in 1910 and 1911, the building is one of 13 libraries built in the state partially funded by grants from the Andrew Carnegie Foundation. Illuminated by 20 windows on the main floor, the light and airy main level has excellent acoustics and is an ideal location for music recitals, speakers and dramatic presentations. Wide dark-red oak woodwork, curved coving, and a large formal fireplace grace the area with elegant simplicity. The space is furnished by an antique mahogany dining set, two buffets and china cabinet that originally were in the president's home of the State Normal School. An 1864 Steinway Chest grand piano, a 1902 pump organ and a collection of North Dakota pottery are on display.
In 1980, the former Minot Public Library building was entered into the National Register of Historic Places. The building has an elevator and is wheelchair accessible. Often used for social gatherings such as weddings and receptions, birthday parties, bridal and baby showers, the Carnegie Center may be reserved for a fee. For info, call 839-1993.
------------------
Kitchen giveaway drawing announced
Souris River Designs and their trade partners are giving a new kitchen to one Souris River flood survivor.
The new kitchen will include up to 20 linear feet of Koch Express cabinets, laminate countertops by Fabricators Unlimited and a sink and faucet from Fergusons Inc. Design services and installation will also be provided by Souris River Designs.
The rules of the giveaway are as follows:
- The house must have had water on the main floor.
- The house must be the primary residence of the winner.
- The winner must plan on rebuilding the house and occupying it by the end of 2012.
- An entry form must be turned in by Feb. 24. Cabinets must be ordered and installed by Dec. 1 or the award will be forfeited.
A panel of judges selected by Souris River Designs will review all entries and will pick 10 finalists based on qualifications and need. A winner will be drawn at random from the 10 finalists March 4 at 2 p.m. at the Minot Home and Garden Show. The winner does not have to be present to win.
People can nominate themselves, family members, friends or neighbors for this giveaway. Stop by the Souris River Designs showroom at 405 - 4th Ave. NE in Minot to pick up an entry form.
--------------------
MSU science groups plan dodgeball fundraiser
The Minot State University Science, Biology, and Augite Clubs are hosting a Dodgeball Tournament fundraiser to raise money for Erik Ramstad Middle School.
Organizers said they hoped to replace science equipment and supplies lost in the 2011 Souris River flood.
This is the second annual Dodgeball Tournament event to raise money for a worthy cause. The event will be held March 24 from 5 to 9 p.m. in Swain Hall on the Minot State University Campus.
The tournament is limited to 32 teams of six players each. The cost is $5 per player for a total of $30 per team. Each player will receive a T-shirt and players must be 18 years of age or older. Participation is open to everyone at MSU and community members 18 years of age or older. Those wishing to contribute but who do not wish to play can sign up for a virtual team.
In order to sign up, email the name of your team, the names of your players and their T-shirt sizes to: markus.wilson@my.minotstateu.edu.
Any businesses or individuals willing to help sponsor the event are encouraged to contact that email address. Also, any questions about participating may be sent to that email address as well.
--------------------
Conference slated for nonprofit groups
The North Dakota Association of Nonprofit Organizations Nonprofit Leadership Conference will be held June 6-7 at the Radisson Hotel in Bismarck. This premier nonprofit conference is open to all North Dakota nonprofits, regardless of mission area or size.
The conference brings together nonprofit staff, board members and volunteers from across the state to participate in educational sessions and to network and exchange ideas with nonprofit, government and business colleagues. The conference theme is "The North Dakota Nonprofit Sector: Stronger Together" celebrating the power of a collaborative and united sector in our state.
The early bird rate is $110 for association or AFP members and $160 for nonmembers if registered by May 17. After May 17, the rate is $160 for members and $210 for nonmembers. Registration information will be available early next month.
Contact the association at (888) 396-3266 or office@ndano.org for additional information.
------------------------
MonDak Heritage Center hosts quilt show
SIDNEY, Mont. The MonDak Heritage Center announced the 31st annual Quilt Show is open through March 3.
Patrons are invited to browse 45 entries and vote for their favorite for the Peoples' Choice Award. Prizes this year are $50, $30, and $20 for first, second and third place.
From this winter's latest project to antique heirlooms, the MonDak features a broad range of quilts. The event is made possible by the membership of the MonDak Heritage Center.
A Quilters' Demonstration is planned for Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m. in the MonDak Heritage Center. The ladies from Quilts and More will demonstrate embellishments for quilts and sewing projects including fast, fun and easy 2-inch strip project ideas great for beginner and veteran quilters alike. Also, MonDak board member Bill Forrester will also be on hand to sharpen scissors for a $2 donation for each pair to the MonDak.
-----------------------
Radio, rodeo personality coming to N.D. Cowboy Hall of Fame bash
BISMARCK Radio personality and professional rodeo announcer Jim Thompson will be the keynote speaker at the 17th annual N.D. Cowboy Hall of Fame banquet and fundraising auction Feb. 25 at the Seven Seas in Mandan.
The Bowman native works at Creative Broadcast Services, Inc. where his distinctive voice comes through his daily talk show "Live with Jim Thompson," along with advertising throughout the northern Great Plains.
"The Hall is ready to kick off its 'Open the Doors 2012' campaign," said event coordinator Ray Morrell. "Jim Thompson will help us do that."
A reception will be held Feb. 24 featuring past Miss Rodeo America Ashley Andrews-Alderson. The former Miss Rodeo North Dakota serves as the executive director of the Bowman County Development Corporation.
Other activities planned for the Cowboy Hall of Fame weekend event will be the annual membership and trustee meetings Feb. 25. N.D. Cowboy Hall of Fame president Phil Baird will also host a "town hall" meeting to discuss the impact of the energy boom on Western heritage.
The Saturday evening banquet is open to the public. Dinner tickets can be purchased in advance at $35 through the Seven Seas in Mandan. The fundraising auction will be held immediately following the banquet.
----------------------
Lecture explores return trip to Paris
Eric Furuseth, associate professor of humanities at Minot State University, will present "Midnight and Noon in Paris: Brother Eric Returns to the City of Light," on the Northwest Art Center Lecture Series Wednesday at 7 p.m. in MSU's Aleshire Theater.
Furuseth traveled to Paris in the spring of 2011 to rediscover "the art-obsessed youth he was" when last he visited in 1972. Furuseth reports that "neither the city nor he has changed at all in that time."
No, that's not true. "Brother Eric" has changed, and further, he finds the works of art have changed, too. Furuseth will share a scholarly and humorous chronicle of his travels.
The lecture is free and open to the public.
-------------------
Tanks of Thanks expresses gratitude
As a way to recognize and reward people who go above and beyond for their community, Cenex the CHS energy brand is launching Tanks of Thanks, a new program that gives free fuel to those who make their communities just a little bit better.
The Tanks of Thanks program gives Cenex retailers, customers and anyone else in the community a new way to say thank you to neighbors, friends and family by recognizing their good deeds and nominating them for free fuel from their local Cenex retail location.
"The Cenex brand has a deep-rooted history in serving rural communities and smaller towns across the country, so we realize that it's the little acts of kindness that make these communities healthy and happy places to live," says Kayte Haaland, CHS refined fuels brand marketing manager. "These acts of kindness do not go unnoticed or unappreciated. Tanks of Thanks is our way to celebrate these good deeds and encourage others to contribute to their communities."
Nominating someone for Tanks of Thanks is easy, and anyone can nominate or be nominated for any act of kindness big or small. Visit (www.tanksofthanks.com) and briefly describe why someone deserves a Tank of Thanks. The site also shares other nominations and stories from communities across the country. Each month, 12 nominees will be drawn at random to receive a Tanks of Thanks gift card worth $50.
"There is no limit to the number of people you can nominate," Teichert said. "Nominate as many people as you think deserve recognition for making your community a better place."
In addition to the monthly drawing, each Cenex dealer or retailer can also give away Tanks of Thanks gift cards to reward individuals they see doing good in their local communities. By the end of 2012, it is anticipated that Tanks of Thanks will have recognized more than 2,500 people in small and rural communities across the country.
---------------------
Glenburn counselor earns recognition
GLENBURN Ellen Simmons, a counselor for Glenburn Public Schools, was named North Dakota Middle School Counselor of the Year through the North Dakota Schools Counseling Association at its midwinter conference Feb. 6. Simmons graduated from Minot State University with a bachelor's degree in business education. Later, she completed a master's degree in education from North Dakota State University.
Candidates for this award must demonstrate leadership in their schools, their communities and profession at the local, regional, state or national level.
---------------------
Dakota Discussions slated to continue
WILLISTON The James Memorial Art Center and the Williston Community Library along with the North Dakota Humanities Council are sponsoring "Dakota Discussions: America by Food."
This series features three books to complement the upcoming Smithsonian exhibition "Key Ingredients" at the James Memorial Art Center in March and April.
March's selection is Barbara Kingsolver's "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle" which explores her family's conscious choice to eat food produced locally for a year.
For more information, please contact the James Memorial Art Center at 774-3601 or the Williston Community Library at 774-8805.

