The following article was written by Tim Gadzinski, a Marketing Associate at the Manitowoc Public Library.
Snow.
That single monosyllabic word is powerful enough to elicit a full range of responses, many of which are typically associated with the type of language produced by stevedores and vulgarians.
However, when that word is applied to the first gentle snowfall of the season—which, in a perfect world, takes place on a lazy, post-Thanksgiving Sunday morning—thoughts tend to land on the softer side. Much like the snow that lovingly frosts the leafless trees and Evergreens of our backyards and parks in a manner that makes one think that all the hustle and bustle of the Holiday Season may just be worth it after all.
With that first dulcet blanketing of the white stuff officially in the books for this near-winter, it feels like the absolute right time to call everyone’s attention to a new program that we’re putting into play this year at Manitowoc Public Library that we’re calling “A Holiday Gathering.” Here’s a bit of background on the new spin that we’re putting on an established event.
I’ve been on the staff of MPL for just over seven years now. When I came onboard, I noted that we didn’t really have anything taking place to ring in the wintery season other than some standard-issue things you’d expect to find in Youth Services. But, nothing that really showcased the abundant talents that are present in our community. So, to add a bit of luster to the holiday goings-on, I helped to organize something called “Holiday Melodies,” which brought together singing groups from around the area to add a bit of musicality to the season.
Tim Gadzinski
But, after a number of years (and an unexpected pandemic-related break in the action), it dawned on me that there were a number of creative expressions that weren’t being represented. And that hardly seemed fair. As such, we decided to change things up to be a bit more inclusive. Because there’s more going on during this most wonderful time of the year than just singing. There’s dancing and painting and storytelling and more.
In the name of diversity, we’ve created “A Holiday Gathering” at the Library from 1-4 PM this Sunday, December 3. And while there’s nothing wrong with flexing the Golden Pipes—in fact, there’s some absolutely gorgeous harmonizing that takes place this time of year—there’s simply a lot more going on creatively during this season of holidays. And it’s never a bad idea to reach for more form time to time.
While one element of this Sunday afternoon will serve as the Crown Jewel for this “Gathering,” a number of lovely other gems will definitely serve to make the event unique, including (in no particular order):
- An Appearance by Anthony Bauer Festivus Jazz
- “Waltz of the Flowers” Performed by Kaleidoscope Dance
- Oratory Storytelling Executed by a Trio of Local Luminaries
- A Painting Created Live by Local Artist Extraordinaire, Samantha Deeley-Burke
- An ASL Caroler Performing with Ukulele Accompaniment
That Crown Jewel I mentioned? None other than an hour of beautiful music brought to life by a string quartet comprised of musicians from Manitowoc Symphony Orchestra!
It’s a pretty impressive “Holiday Gathering,” don’t you think? The only element that’s missing is you, experiencing it all in from the toasty-warmness of MPL! It’s also a great time to bask in the sparkle of the Enchanted Evergleams at MPL, regardless of whether or not it’s your first visit this year or a glittering return.
We hope you’ll join us for an afternoon of celebrating creativity. “A Holiday Gathering” at MPL takes place Sunday, December 3, from 1-4 PM. We can’t wait to see you at the Library!
