7^th Annual Sandy Hormell Book Celebration

 The 7^th Annual Sandy Hormell Book Celebration culminates with the arrival of young adult author Shelley Pearsall.  The award-winning author will give a public presentation at the Oxford Community Arts Center at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 20, followed by a reception, book sale, and book signing at the Oxford Lane Library.

            

On Friday, the author will spend the day at Talawanda Middle School.   In addition to student assemblies, she will facilitate a writing workshop for interested students.  Talawanda Middle School students read Shelley Pearsall’s book All of the Above as an all-school read aloud and will discuss it before her visit with members of the Miami University Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education.    

           

Fifth graders in ETC classes at Bogan, Kramer, and Marshall will discuss the book with community seniors from the Knolls and the Miami University Institute for Learning in Retirement and enjoy lunch together at the Knolls. 

The event honors Sandy Hormell, a longtime Talawanda and Miami employee, whose love of books and education made her a beloved teacher and colleague.  Although her life was claimed by ALS in 2004, her love of reading lives on in this event. 

For more information, contact Ruth Pettitt at 513-523-1530.

DORKESTRA; LAWRENCE WELK FALLS IN WITH A BAND OF GYPSIES

 The Molly Franklin Dorkestra, a collaborative effort of many talented local musicians who love to play imaginative music, will perform at 8 pm on September 14^th at the Oxford Community Arts Center. 

Headlining the OCAC’s September Second Friday event for the third year in a row, the ever popular “Dorkestra”, brainchild of Oxford native, Molly Bowers Franklin, is composed of 17 talented musicians, and combines original songs with swing, country, rock Broadway and gospel.  

In describing the kind of music the Dorkestra presents, Molly says, “The only way I could describe it would be if Lawrence Welk were to fall in with a band of gypsies!”  “Actually,” Molly comments, “there is a wealth of talent and creativity in this eclectic mix of professional musicians and ragtag neighbors and family members which will inspire as well as entertain you, and keep you smiling.”

Molly is an Oxford native who has spent years expanding her musical skills to involve many styles.

OCAC’s Second Friday is a free event that includes an opening reception at 6 pm for two new exhibits;  “Treasures Lost”, featuring new work by artists Laura Livingston, Carol Burke, and Chrissy Collopy and “Images of Lasting Appeal”, Digital Art by Ben Feallock.  The Art Shop and select third floor artist studios will also be open.  Ballroom dance begins at 8 pm.