WINONA - The annual Taster's Luncheon, sponsored by the Winona Friends of the Library, was held Monday, and nearly 200 patrons, friends, and guests attended the popular event.
The event, held in conjunction with National Library Week, features dishes prepared by member of Friends of the Library, and a collection of recipes served is given to each person in attendance. The theme of this year's meal was "Family Favorites," and casseroles, salads, and desserts from Winona's own dinner tables were presented.
According to Winona Montgomery County Library librarian Boostie Weed, 164 guests were served, and with tickets costing $10 per person, she said she was thrilled with the turnout.
Door prizes were provided by Hi-Grade and the Friends of the Library.
Weed said Winona's Friends of the Library are active volunteers and supporters of the library.
"We have 78 lifetime members of Friends of the Library," Weed said.
The group helps the library offset costs through fundraising efforts like book sales and the annual luncheon, and volunteers participate in the Summer Reading Program and help plan children's programs.
At this year's luncheon, James Middleton and the Duplicate Bridge Club of Winona were honored for their outstanding contributions to the library over the years. Weed said the Duplicate Bridge Club hosts a large bridge tournament each spring, and proceeds of the event go to the Friends of the Library.
Gloria Middleton accepted the award for her husband, James, and the Duplicate Bridge Club.
Keynote speaker for this year's luncheon was Winona's Keetha Mosley, author of Culinary Kudzu and More Culinary Kudzu.
Mosley, a Belzoni native, said her love of reading brought her to a career in writing.
"I grew up in a town with a Summer Reading Program," Mosley said. "My brother and I would ride our bikes to the library."
Mosley, a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi and a participant in the Master's program at the University of Mississippi in journalism, said she came to writing "sideways through food." After an internship with Weight Watchers Magazine, part of the Southern Progress, Inc., group from Birmingham, Ala., Mosley returned to Mississippi and soon began writing a food and entertaining column in the Belzoni Banner newspaper. Eventually, she would be a featured food writer for the Clarion Ledger.
An avid reader and library patron, Mosley said her love of reading came early, and it remains a beloved pastime.
"Books are just paper and cardboard, and when you open them up, you can go anywhere," she said.
Mosley is currently working on a novel, but readers can keep up with her through her monthly newsletter, Delta Dish, or through her blog, Write Kudzu. The website address is www.keetha.com.
National Library Week, begun in 1958, is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries across the nation each April, typically the second full week. This year's theme is "Worlds connect @ your library."
Post a Comment