NEW Program: Boost Your Brain and Memory Class

Oct 6, 2023

Have you ever wondered if there were ways to take care of your brain as you age?

The Boost Your Brain and Memory Class focuses on a variety of lifestyle factors that impact brain health and memory. Participants can learn helpful strategies to implement into their daily lives.

The weekly class content is as follows.

  • October 16 – Introduction
  • October 23 – Physical Activity
  • October 30 – Emotional Health
  • November 6 – Cognitive Activity
  • November 13 – Nutrition
  • November 20 – Spiritual Activity and Social Engagement

This class will be hosted at Knutson Memorial Library on Mondays from 2:30-4:00 pm and is taught by the ADRC of Vernon County.

This is a free class and is open to anyone interested in learning more about brain health. We ask that you register by October 13. If you are interested call Teresa at 608-637-5201.

Introducing: The Sign Language Society  

Sep 22, 2023

September is Deaf Awareness Month and Library Card Sign-up Month!

​The Knutson Memorial Library is ushering in an exciting era with our newly announced Sign Language Society. To celebrate Deaf Awareness Month we are asking you to check out our ASL Alphabet and Number resources available at the circulation desk and consider joining us as Charter Members of the Sign Language Society! In this active group we will have fun celebrating diversity, fostering inclusivity, and embracing the power of language this fall and winter!

In collaboration with the esteemed Oklahoma School for the Deaf (OSD) and under the guidance of our new Library Director, Chelsey Myhre Foster, we proudly present an educational opportunity that not only enriches our community members’ lives but also fosters inclusivity and cultural awareness. The following programs will be offered next quarter:

 

ASL 1: Silent Signs for Starters All Tuesdays October and November 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM
The Sign Language Society invites you to embark on a captivating journey into the realm of American Sign Language. These engaging after-school sessions, are thoughtfully designed to support the schedule of local students. Whether you’re taking your very first steps into the world of ASL or are looking to rekindle your signing skills, the Sign Language Society warmly welcomes individuals of all ages and experience levels. Get ready for an exciting exploration of the silent signs that will open doors to cool conversations and connections you may have never imagined possible.

ASL 2: Ennobling Your ASL Journey All Mondays and Wednesdays in December 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM.
Building upon the foundation of ASL 1: Silent Signs for Starters, our ASL 2: Ennobling Your ASL Journey class offers a thrilling opportunity to enhance your ASL proficiency and elevate your skills. ASL 2 delves deeper into the language, allowing you to expand your communication skills and build upon your foundational knowledge. Join us in this journey as we seek a higher proficiency in American Sign Language.

To Register: Follow this link to complete the KML-SLS Registration form, complete the information on the back and return to  your teacher, or contact the library!

https://forms.office.com/r/MLf3XFPTPg

To have a Librarian enroll you in The Sign Language Society and ASL 1 and/or ASL 2 classes, please complete the online KML Sign Language Society form by September 25, 2023. You may also call or visit our library in person to complete your registration with assistance. Access to the OSD online material is time sensitive. We encourage you to join us as we embark on a truly enriching journey!

 

September What’s Cooking Recap with Recipes!

Sep 22, 2023

Missed this month’s cooking group? Forgot to grab your favorite recipe of the night? Well you are in luck, we have compiled the recipes from this month’s event! Try them out for yourself.

Quick Apple Dumplings

Ingredients:

2 pkg. crescent rolls

2 large apples (cut into 8th)

1 stick butter

1 cup sugar

1 tablespoon cinnamon

1 can Mt Dew (Not Diet)

Instructions:

  1. Roll each apple in crescent role triangle
  2. Place single layer in 9 x 13 pan
  3. Pour Mt Dew over rolled apples
  4. Crumble butter, sugar, and cinnamon together and sprinkle over rolls
  5. Bake 375 F for 35 minutes and serve warm with ice cream

​Cathy’s Water Chestnuts

Gluten Free Single Crust Pie Dough

​Ingredients:

Chestnuts:

3 cans whole water chestnuts

2 packages bacon (cut each package in half)

 

Sauce:

2 cups brown sugar

1 cup mayo

1 bottle chili sauce

Instructions:

  1. Wrap chestnut in 1 piece of bacon and secure with toothpick
  2. Bake at 400 F for 45 min – 1 hour until the bacon is done
  3. Heat sauce ingredients in a crockpot until melted
  4. Put water chestnuts in sauce and spoon some over the top to coat

Apple Baked Beans

Ingredients:

4 (16 oz) cans pork and beans

8 slices cooked bacon crumbled -> cook onion with bacon (if using)

2 granny smith apples – peeled, cored, and diced

1 1/3 cups BBQ sauce

1 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup raisins (optional)

1/2 – 1 cup chopped onions (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F
  2. Stir pork and beans, bacon, apples, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and raisins together in a 9 x 13 baking dish
  3. Bake for 90 minutes.

Cinnamon Roll Apple Bake

Ingredients

1 can Pillsbury cinnamon rolls

21 oz apple pie filling

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Grease a 2-quart baking dish with non-stick cooking spray
  2. Cut each cinnamon roll into 4 bite-sized pieces. In a mixing bowl, stir together the cut cinnamon rolls with the apple pie filling and ground cinnamon. Pour into the prepared baking dish
  3. Bake the cobbler at 375 F for 20-25 minutes until the tip is golden brown and the rolls are cooked through. Remove from the oven and spread the frosting from the cinnamon roll package over the top. Serve warm.

We hope you enjoyed this month’s What’s Cooking and don’t forget to join us for next month for a Halloween themed cooking event!

Crafting Fun: Watercolor Waterfalls

Sep 22, 2023

Hello, it’s Anna, your friendly neighborhood librarian! I’m here with another update on our Crafting Fun!

Monday afternoon we set out to create watercolor scenes based off a reference photo. With each brushstroke we stepped out of our comfort zones and tried something new. Even though this task seemed daunting, we pushed though and created some of the most beautiful peices of art! From the forested trees to the rushing waterfall, each artist captured the beauty of nature.

Enjoy these snapshots from the event and happy crafting!

Vernon County Reads Presents: Jeff Nania Recap

Aug 26, 2023

We at the Knutson Memorial Library were thrilled to be a part of the 7th Annual Vernon County Reads event.

Thursday night author Jeff Nania captivated and inspired his audience with tales of his life and the land. Celebrating and protecting the natural beauty of Wisconsin is a key component of Nania’s Northern Lakes Mystery series. Woven throughout the author’s talk were moments that clearly inspired the events of his novels. From the shovel speech to stories of Aldo Leopold, each anecdote was a call to action for listeners to put in the hard work themselves to appreciate and perserve our enviroment.

Nania was excited to learn of our community’s 90th anniversary celebration of the Coon Creek Watershed Project, which Linda Schulte shared with the author during the q & a section.

Thank you to our fellow Vernon County libraries, the Driftless Writing Center, the Coon Valley American Legion, Jeff Nania, and to everyone else who made this event a success.

Get Painting! 8 Creativebug Classes that are a Stroke of Genius

Aug 19, 2023

looking for new and fun painting ideas? Here are eight Creativebug Classes sure to get your creativity flowing!

Did you know that you can access a whole host of online crafting classes for free with your library card? Follow this link to create an account using your Winding Rivers Library Card. https://www.creativebug.com/lib/wrls

We hope this list will inspire you do some crafting of your own.

1. Painting Textiles in Acrylic Ink

First up is this imaginative class using acrylic ink. 

“Artist, instructor, and textile enthusiast Missy Dunaway explores why we collect textiles, where they come from, and what can they teach us as artists, all through the medium of acrylic ink. In this class you’ll follow along in order to capture and recreate heirloom textiles of your own, using the examples of a quilt, a carpet, and a scarf.”

2. Acrylic Ink Painting: Capturing Complex Scenes

Looking for something a bit more challenging? This class takes an in-depth look at recreating beautiful scenes using acrylic ink. 

“In this class, Missy works with acrylic ink to render two complex scenes that capture the romance and nostalgia of the moment. In each painting, she mixes nuanced shades from a limited selection of colors and works in loads of detail. Missy shares her technique for mixing ink on the page, pushing and pulling elements until reaching the desired effect. Finally, she shows how to re-evaluate the darks and lights to pull the image into dazzling balance.”

3. Intuitive Painting

Discover the wonders of intuitive painting with abstract artist Flora Bowley in this three part series on Creativebug! From gathering inspiration, to creating your masterpiece this class takes you step by step through the process. 

“Immerse yourself in the world of abstract artist and intuitive painter Flora Bowley.  In this epic three-part course, you’ll not only learn how to observe the world around you and tap into your creative intuition, but also how to take a brave, curious and open-minded approach to painting with acrylics.”

4. Found Image Painting

Are you a total beginner? Start here!

“Feeling artistic but intimidated because you don’t think you can draw? Molly shares her process of creating a piece of art based on found imagery. She covers where to source material as well as how to group and gather elements into a painting. The final image is translated through your own hand – with all the artistic charm and none of the self-doubt that too often creeps into creating art.”

5. Watercolor Silhouette

Create a striking design with ease by following this watercolor class!

“This project appeals to a range of personalities, since you can be loose with creating the watercolor effect and then add structure with a crisp silhouette. Christine shows you different watercolor techniques to build texture and dimension, from layered washes to dry brushing and splattering. The result is a fresh update on the classically Victorian way to capture the likeness of someone you adore.”

6. Landscape Watercolor Painting

Learn how to capture the beauty of nature through watercolor!

“Be inspired by images of the outdoors or pull from your own travel photography in this landscape painting class, taught by artist Kristy Rice. Learn how to visually break down a landscape into three separate planes and paint them using watercolor washes. Then, add detail and dimension with watercolor pens. Whether you’re an avid traveler or love to paint from reference, Kristy demonstrates how to infuse your brushstrokes with emotion in order to capture the feeling of a place.”

7. Oil Painting 101

Have you always wanted to try oil painting? Start with this class!

“Oil painter, Erika Lee Sears, creates an original piece of art everyday. She breaks down the age-old tradition of oil painting and makes it easy and accessible, from mixing colors, to playing with shadows and light, to the final varnish. Whether you’re a curious beginner or seasoned painter, there will be tips and tricks in this crash course for everyone.”

8. Acrylic Painting for Beginners

Here is another great three part class for those just getting into painting.

“Get a firm foundation in acrylic painting with this fun three-part series taught by artist and professor Lisa Solomon. Lisa covers the basics of Acrylic Painting for Beginners, from learning about different tools and brushstrokes to creating your very own masterpiece. This class is chock-full of information, so grab your paints and get ready for an engaging journey in Acrylics 101.”