Look to Your Library : A wrap-up on the Western Roundup
Posted on Wednesday, October 1, 2008
The board, staff and volunteers of Bella Vista Library are still bubbling over the success of our Western Roundup, held Sept. 19. While raising much-needed funds for the library, it also provided a lot of fun and great dining for all who came.
Marilyn Pearson has my total gratitude, because as fundraising chair, she spearheaded the whole thing. Marilyn's great know-how and organizational skills served us well.
I am in awe of board chair Jim Nemecek, who was responsible for the great food. How many men do you know who can and will plan a menu, purchase all the food, supervise a cadre of preparers, cook all the meat, transport and serve, all done in shorts and a cute bandana-pattern chef hat !
Thanks go to St. Bernard Catholic Church for the use of its kitchen. Special thanks to our partners, the Friends of the Library, and especially their president, Nadine Andrea. The Friends were responsible for the outstanding decorations, the Full Moon Saloon and also took part in the serving.
A really big hit that went along with the occasion was the raffling off of a 26-inch flat-screen TV. Thanks to board member Sue Williams who secured the TV as a donation from Sam's Club and oversaw the raffle ticket sales and drawing. Sue also brought along members of the Alpha Iota chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, who adopted our event as their service project and brought all of the plates of food to the tables. Their help made a big difference.
A door-prize drawing for a $ 30 gift card donated by Wal-Mart and arranged for by board member Pat Swessel added to the fun of the evening.
As always, the room was buzzing with many, many helpers from the board of trustees, the Friends'board and other library volunteers. These are the people who work tirelessly all year round to keep our library the great place it is.
The employees from various First Western Bank locations provided a great, upbeat show to top off the evening. While not performing like amateurs, they are just that, and came free of charge to benefit our library. The group is under the direction of Jim Wolley and featured Bella Vista First Western Bank branch manager Jan Jones. Of course, the event wouldn't have been an event but for the 179 people who purchased tickets and came to eat, see their friends and enjoy the evening. We are truly grateful for your support.
• • • Patrons with overdue books are always asking if they need to pay a fine. While the Bella Vista Library does not charge fines for books, but only for overdue audio and video, patrons sometimes feel like they want to do something to make up for their tardiness. Now you can ! Staff member Diane Hine has created a very clever "Conscience Jar "for donations should you feel so moved. No donations are too small !
• • • Marianne Farner is director of Bella Vista Library. She lives in Bella Vista.
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