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Recapping an outstanding Oktoberfest in Stafford
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The Vetter family won the Louann Talley Medallion Hunt, sponsored by the Larabee Library at the 35th annual Oktoberfest celebration in Stafford.
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Shawna Duvall and Dalton Hernandez, members of the Library Board, were on stage at the Oktoberfest explaining how to win a prize from the library.

STAFFORD — Oktoberfest was hot, windy, and wonderful. The Oktoberfest Committee has had another successful event promoting Stafford, Fun, and Family: Three live bands Saturday night! It was a memory making day. Thank you for all your work.

The Medallion was found within 45 minutes by the Joel Vetter family. I love to see the whole family participating in the hunt. They enjoyed finding the clues and learning more about Stafford history. How to split the cash prize was still being discussed. I heard a vote for a family outing, which would be great, because Larabee Library is all about “Making Memories With Family.” The clues are still on facebook if you would like to look back into Stafford throughout its history.

A shout out to Joyce Curtis! She was visiting from her home in Pratt and enjoying the festivities. We should have had her on a float to celebrate her 75th anniversary of graduating from Stafford High School. A missed opportunity to honor a great lady. If you know Joyce, give her a SHOUT!

The Alumni Banquet was a fun, fast, yummy event. Put it on your calendar for next year. Great people, great food. I really enjoyed all my time with the class of 1969. Dinner at Linda’s, supper at the food trucks, riding a float in the parade, shopping at vendor stalls, dinner at Alumni Banquet and the possibility of dancing to three live bands —  what a reflection of Small Town living!

We love it when people come to the library to relive old memories and show their kids the library. Friday, we got to visit with Rex and Penny Volker Hawver, (class of 1976) and their children from Texas. The Hawver and Volker families both are longstanding members of the Stafford Community and we had many memories to share. Saturday, I opened the library for the Carol Kaye Kiser family from Colorado. Carol Kaye Kiser, class of 1952, was an honored alumnus from Stafford High School. Her daughter and three grandchildren are from Colorado. They all were impressed with the changes at Nora’s and loved making memories here.


Coming up:

• Monday morning Reading Hour with Preschoolers 10-11 a.m.

• Book Challenge - Read Five get a Prize.

• Quick! Join us on facebook and have a chance to win a fun prize. All you have to do is: First, go to Nora Larabee Memorial Library on Facebook; second, like and follow the Library; third, do this before Oct. 11 at Midnight. 

• The Senior Center and the Library are partners in engaging a representative from SouthWest Kansas Area Agency on Aging  at the library, Nov. 7 for Medicare open enrollment. Save the date and call us for an appointment.

Bring your families to Nora’s. We love embracing your family history and looking to the future with you.

Our next board meeting is at 6 p.m. on Oct. 9


Gerry Hildebrand is the head librarian for the Nora Larabee Memorial Library. Phone 620-234-5762, email larabeelibrary@gmail.com or visit Facebook at Nora Larabee Memorial Library.