Seasons. Everyone has a favorite it seems. For many people, fall is their favorite time of year. Cooler temperatures, changing colors in the trees, leaves falling down and no mosquitoes are all hallmarks of the season.
Laura Ingalls Wilder often wrote about the change in seasons. For her, each season meant new responsibilities. During the Long Winter she helped twist bundles of hay for fuel to keep the family warm when there was no coal or wood left to be burned. In the spring she helped clean the house, milk the cow and plant the garden. When she lived in the Little Town on the Prairie as a teenager she spent six weeks of her summer hand sewing shirts from sunup to sundown each weekday. Once fall came it was time for harvest and school.
Little Town on the Prairie also narrates a change of season in Laura’s life. She was 14 now and as a good student she was already studying for a teacher’s certificate. She wanted to earn money as a teacher so that her sister Mary, who was blind, would be able to stay in college. She was growing up and the stories she tells of her life at this age would resonate with anyone moving from childhood into their teenage years.
Little Town on the Prairie will be the featured book for the end of October for the 8-12 year olds’ Book Club at the Montpelier Public Library. The Book Club is free and there is still time to sign up at the Library. Contact the Library for dates and times. The last two “Little House” books by Laura Ingalls Wilder will be read in November and December.
The Montpelier Parks & Recreation Department, Montpelier Public Library, and Williams County Historical Society are finishing up the last of the Legacy of Laura Ingalls Wilder programs as well. On Saturday, November 10th from 10 a.m. – Noon kids will be able to help make old-fashioned decorations for the Library’s Christmas tree. This will include making tin punch ornaments, stringing popcorn, and making paper chains. This is a free activity and walk-ins are welcome.
Just in time for the holidays, kids ages 5-12 can learn to make mini apple and pumpkin pies. On Monday, November 26th from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. they will be able to make and take home their kid-sized creations. The cost is $5.00 and registration is by November 24th at the Library.
Not to leave the adults out, there will be a wreath-making class on Thursday, November 15th at 6:30 p.m. at the Library. Participants will make an 18-inch fresh evergreen wreath. The cost is $5.00 and registration is by November 12th at the Library.
And don’t miss out on the Christmas Basket Decoration class taught by Barb Fisher on Thursday, December 6th at 6:30 p.m. at the Library. The cost is $15.00. Stop by the Library to register and to see an example of this beautiful decoration.
For more information about any of these classes, stop by the Montpelier Utility Office or Montpelier Public Library and pick up a flyer or check out the Parks & Recreation website at www.montpelierpark.net to download a flyer.
Though not part of the Legacy of Laura Ingalls Wilder series, there are three other upcoming events in the area that are worth mentioning. On October 20th and 27th from 7:00-9:30 each night the Williams County Historical Society will be hosting a “Haunted Ground” at the fairgrounds. Kids can run through a haunted maze, eat cider & donuts, and create fun photos. Cost is $2 for kids ages 6 & up. 5 & under are free.
On Saturday, October 27th from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. the Friends of the Montpelier Public Library will be hosting their 3rd annual “Fall Festival” at the Library. It will feature homemade soups & bread, vendors & crafters, live entertainment, and children’s stories & crafts.
Finally, on Tuesday, October 30th from 6:00-7:00 p.m. the Main Street Park Committee will be hosting “Trick or Treat in the Park” at the Main Street Park. Residents are invited to bring a lawn chair, decorations for around their chair, and treats to hand out to area children.
There’s a lot to do in Montpelier these last few months of 2012. Why not grab a cup of hot cider and enjoy all the season has to offer?
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