2011 SPOON RIVER READS ENDS AND 2012 SELECTION IS ANNOUNCED

A very successful 2011 Spoon River Reads program, sponsored by the Spoon River College Foundation and Parlin Ingersoll Public Library, officially closed with a concert by the Spoon River College Community Chorus on November 12.  This year’s novel selection was MY ANTONIA by Willa Cather and several organizations offered a variety of activities associated with the novel and its immigrant themes.

This year the Spoon River Reads (formerly The Big Read) enjoyed a full partnership with MidAmerica National Bank and sponsorship support from many other businesses and organizations.

“Without the support of MidAmerica National Bank and others, the Spoon River Reads program would be unable to sustain all of its many activities,” said Carol Blackfelner, co-coordinator of the Read.  “We are very grateful for their continued support.”

Some highlights of the two month event included a Heritage Graveyard Walk, an “Immigrant Experience” event at the Palm Café, a Peace of Earth Prairie Walk at Peace of Earth Lodge and Environmental Learning Center in Rushville, several events at Dickson Mounds Museum, art exhibits, movie presentations, and book discussions.  The novel was read on-air during the month of October on WBYS AM 1560 each weekday and several feature articles appeared in the Canton Daily Ledger and the Fulton Democrat.

Unique to this year’s Read was the publication of SPOON RIVER COUNTRY:  THE IMMIGRANT STORY, edited by Brooks Carver, with artwork by Mary Ellen Carver.  Over 350 copies of the book, featuring locally contributed stories, were sold during the Read.

“We have so many talented individuals in our community,” said Jenny Beal, co-coordinator.  “Brooks and Mary Ellen, along with other volunteers, worked tirelessly to get the publication ready.  We’ve had many wonderful comments about the quality and content and have thoroughly enjoyed having it available.”

Only 50 copies of the book remain.  These books make great gifts and anyone interested in purchasing copies may call (309) 647-6260.

Mary Ellen Carver also desired to assist in obtaining additional funds for the Read program and donated one of her art works to be raffled off.  Picture at the right is Mary Eleen Carver and winner Shirley Wicevich.

Each year at the conclusion of the Read, community members begin asking about the next selection.

“The Read Committee is very pleased to announce the selection for Fall 2012 which will be Thorton Wilder’s play OUR TOWN, “said Carol Davis, Vice President of Community Outreach at Spoon River College.  “We’ve read many wonderful literary works and this year we’ve decided to focus on a drama.  It is said that not one day goes by without a production of OUR TOWN occurring somewhere in the world. 

We know our community will enjoy the play and all the activities that will be a part of the Read experience next fall.”

For more information about the Read, please call Carol Davis at (309) 647-6395. 

Calendar of Events from the 2011 Spoon River Reads Program.