Leisure

Special quilt remembers Margo Hell, celebrates women’s friendship

The giant and brilliant quilt that now hangs on the wall at Curves in the International Mall is a colossal work of art, as well as a conversation piece for the members who go there for their regular workouts.
But what the quilt represents is much more than that, says owner and manager Becky Olson. The warmth and the detail of the colorful king-size creation also symbolizes the bond and the intimacy of which many of the women who attend Curves have come to enjoy and rely.

By WAYNE BARRON

Another season of the Border Concert series was launched in finest style last Friday night when Barynya hit the stage at Backus Auditorium. The Russian folk dance and music ensemble put on a lavish, high-energy show that had the audience cheering.
Barynya, consisting of 10 musicians and dancers, played traditional Russian instruments and performed the ethnic Cossack, Ukrainian and Gypsy dances with an enthusiasm that left the audience breathless.

MINNEAPOLIS — Booted by the Republicans from its usual annual venue at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, the top 10 performers from American Idol presented their touring show to a deafening crowd of about 12,000 at the Minneapolis Target Center on Aug. 31.
Starting with No. 10, the singers performed in order of the date each left the show, and each sang several numbers — most of them songs originally performed on the FOX TV hit series.

GB Leighton, the headline band for the International Falls Bass Championship Saturday night, comes with noted demand and some good logistical fortune for event organizers. The band is looking forward to their first appearance in International Falls, according to founding member, Brian Leighton.
“We’re going to have a good time, so come out and see the band and bring your dancing shoes,” Leighton said. “We are going to play stuff to get you moving.”

Sister of local brothers Pat and Tom Porter, Evelyn Porter Torblaa writes about their childhood

It took some courage for Evelyn Porter Torblaa to write this account of her Borderland childhood entitled “Echoes of Home.”
In the book’s introduction, she writes: You will laugh, weep, feel sorry and even pity a character. You may also experience rage or compassion. As you relate to my stories, your memories will surface, the good and the bad...”

Accomplished playwright and former resident to hold children’s workshop

A drama workshop for Borderland kids entitled “The Actor’s Imagination” is scheduled at the Backus Community Center Aug. 18-22.
Jeannine Coulombe, playwright, theater artist and teacher, and former International Falls resident, will be teaching the workshop.

Currently on exhibit in the front lobby at the Falls Public Library is photography by Mary Hilke of Rainy Lake.
This segment of Mary’s work features mainly nature photography, with lake scenes and botanical still life. Also featured is a photo of Mary’s husband, Bob Hilke, rowing “The Merry Bobber,” the small rowboat of his childhood which he recontructed.
The work will be displayed until mid-August.

At least $5,500 was raised for Backus Auditorium improvements at Friday night’s “Summer on the Border.”
Once again, the community gathered to support the continuous upgrading of the historic landmark.
The variety show was presented by local actors and musicians. It was directed, for one last time, by Beckie Aitken.

Yesterday’s mopeds are now full size fun and highway safe

Kevin and Linda Hendrickson were in International Falls Friday to scout out the area as a possible route for their MinnMax scooter club.
The group attracts full-size scooter riders from around the state and nation for tourism road trips.
The Hendricksons reside in Britt, which is just outside of Virginia. They said the first event along the North Shore last June went well and they are planning a Borderland group ride next year.
“We are planning to come to the Falls next June,” said Kevin.

Utterly Otterly Day is tale of discovery

Mary Casanova says “there’s more than a little of me in ‘Little Otter’.”
The award-winning and distinguished Ranier author is referring to the main character of her latest picture book “Utterly Otterly Day,” published by Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers.