Bakerville Holiday Festival

Last I looked, we have about 85 auction items. Thank you to everyone who has donated, both the reliable givers whose donations we can look forward to every year, and donors who are just joining us for the first time. We all appreciate everyone who participates!

It’s coming up tonight, December 4th. Since there’s hardly any time (okay, no time) left, I’ll cut to the chase and give you the auction preview.

Late-breaking news: we have some last-minute donations, some repeats from last year—a load of crap (a pickup truck load of horse manure for your garden); a wine and cheese boat tour of West Hill Pond; ski passes to Otis Ridge; and two buckets of fresh-cut holly—and a basket of Dunkin’ Donuts goodies.

We have many bottles of wine. Let me just make that clear right now. They all look delicious. These alone are worth coming in for.

Then there are the things to do: tickets to the Warner Theatre, lift tickets to Ski Sundown and to Mohawk Mountain, passes to three different museums, passes to the steam train and boat ride in Essex, tickets to Better Connecticut with Scott Haney, Sunday night supper with the Auclairs, a half day of fishing on the Farmington with Farmington River Outfitters...

And gift baskets? We have pretty much whatever you could want, including movie nights, homework, dog toys and treats, homemade stationery, coffee with mugs and a French press, more wine with gift cards for books and coffee, lottery tickets, a scrapbook kit.

Speaking of gifts, we have a handmade bag, a world-famous ukulele made right here in New Hartford (we’ll show you how to play it, if you’d like), a therapeutic pillow, lots of cool Christmas decorations, a little something for horse lovers, a handmade Christmas pillowcase (with French seams--check them out), a homemade Queen of Sheba cake, a Santa tea tray, an angel candle holder, wreaths, small Christmas trees, dishes. I can’t even remember the rest.

People have been bidding all week. You can also bid any time today (Friday) during library hours (2–6 pm). Your last chance is this evening (Friday) from 7–9 pm.

We are also holding a drawing for a Nintendo DS Lite, with Super Mario Brothers. Tickets are $5 each, and the drawing will be held at 8:45 pm. All proceeds from the drawing and the auction benefit the Bakerville Library.

The Friends of the Bakerville Library have set up an innovative nook for Mrs. Claus at the firehouse next door, so kids can visit with her and give her letters for Santa. Remember to put a name and return address on your letters, so they can be answered. Anne Demichiel will be singing with kids, and crafts, cookies, and cider will be available.

We’ve heard that the library board is busy planning the tree lighting, bonfire, carol sing, and refreshments across the street from the library, also starting at 7 pm.

We’re all looking forward to having you join us!

You Thought I Was Going to Talk About the Murder Mystery, Didn’t You?

Well, no.

I recently listened to the Arkangel Romeo & Juliet performance on CD, from the Bakerville Library, without high hopes. I can happily say that I recommend it. If you’re reading it for school, or read it a long time ago in school, and want a refresher (that is, if you’re basically familiar with the plot), this is just the ticket.

The acting is quite good (Joseph Fiennes is Romeo), and the cast brings the story alive.

Acts of Faith

The third of Julia’s book reviews.

Acts of Faith by Philip Caputo

Caputo’s novel delves into the soul of Africa as his characters seek to know their inner selves and find their way in the turmoil of Sudan and the upheaval of civil war.

Ethics, faith, friendship, and humanity are tested time and time again as Caputo’s fast-paced novel traverses the continent and characters seek means to sustain themselves and create meaning in a world gone terribly awry.

The title Acts of Faith alludes to the unseen forces that compel characters to act; interestingly enough, some act in their own best interests while others are faithfully serving their God/Allah and acting altruistically.

The poverty, unsafe living conditions, the roles of missionaries, UN aidworkers, religious conflicts, slavery, civil war, racism, and other issues are clearly presented and stay with the reader long after s/he has finished. Descriptions of the land and the people, along with a rich cultural consciousness, make this novel particularly intriguing.

This book could be used for a variety of discussions addressing the conflicts in Africa and the impact of the wars on citizens of Sudan or Uganda. Again, the violence, deaths, and sexuality warrant a mature audience. For those interested in Africa, missionary work, the problems of war and human corruption, relationships, and love, this text has much to offer; it takes a commitment to see it through—but the conclusion is well worth the effort!