Six new members of the Girl’s Sewing Club met in October, November & December.  After learning the parts of the machine and the basic use of the machine, the excited and eager girls made a pin cushion. They learned to sew on buttons by hand and also sew them on while using the sewing machine.  They practiced making straight stitches on scraps of fabric. The girls learned the difference between a flat and a shank button. They were also given a list of items of things required to make and complete prior to graduation. The six girls pictured are Mariyah Rodriguez, Ruthie Orella, Sophie Wesbecher, Najiyah Rodriguez, Isabelle Jalivay and Lillian Krantz. Also in the club but not pictured is Mary Alice Campbell, Cora North, Bella Krantz and Lacey Krantz.

On August 21st, 2017 the Sparta Public Library hosted a Solar Eclipse Gathering, in the lawn beside the library. It was a great success and the library had visitors from Trenton, IL, Springfield, IL, Bloomington, IL, Chicago, IL and from the states of Missouri, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Washington and Montana. Unfortunately, we didn’t know where everyone came from but we distributed a total of 383 FREE eclipse glasses. FREE popcorn was also offered and the library gave away 251 bags of popcorn. While everyone silently waited and watched just before totality, the excitement filled the air at the peak.

The Anime Club had its Grand Finale on Thursday, April 27, 2017.  They enjoyed a pizza party to include cupcakes, drinks and freshly popped corn.  The sky was the limit on their activities for the finale.  They played games, enjoyed Cos play, watched Anime movies and participated in art drawings.  They all had a great time.  Those in attendance were:  Chris Oliver, Mason Kelly, Trance Monroe, Tyson Mollis, Wesley Carson, Lee Mills, Dylan Cheek, Anthony Fajardo, Kevin Fajardo, Johnny Nation, Brandon Skrunk, Jadyn Yang accompanied by Laurie Penford.  One student was unavailable for the photo.

The Sparta Public Library celebrated National Library Week – April 10th – 13th. The week opened with 24 patrons within the first hour.  Monday was sub sandwich day, where the library gave MiCasa subs, chips and drinks to the patrons.  Popcorn Tuesday started the next day.  As each patron was leaving the library they were offered a freshly popped bag of popcorn.  We had a total of 53 enjoying popcorn throughout the day.  Wednesday morning was another highlight offering coffee and homemade chocolate chip, sugar, peanut butter and oatmeal raisin cookies.  The cookies were a hit and the library gave away eight dozen. Since the library was closed Good Friday and Saturday, the close of National Library Week was Thursday and it ended with that delicious kettle popped popcorn.  Each patron was allowed to put their name in the drawing each day for a tan and black personalized canvas library bag to be given to one valid library card holder.  The drawing was held on Easter Monday and Ashley Hickerson was the happy recipient of the canvas tote bag.

Thursday, March 30, 2017, five girls ranging in ages 8 – 12, were taught how to take ribbons and make hair bows. They also were instructed on how to take scrap ribbon pieces, feathers, trims, buttons, tulle, lace and stack to make a fancy hair bow and headband. The class was presented in a fun and enjoyable atmosphere. The girls enjoyed rummaging through the assortment of items to create their masterpiece.  A few different types of bows were on display. They were allowed to pick what they wanted and make it and take it home. All supplies were furnished.

March 28, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. “Dollar a Day Boys” was an hour-long multimedia program about the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), FDR’s work program in The Great Depression. Over 165,000 men enlisted in Illinois where they built a dozen state parks, worked on farms, built roads and much more.
Dressed in uniform, the Michigan based author Bill Jamerson presented a music and storytelling program about the CCC. He sang songs with his guitar, read from his book. The program was filled with laughter and many heartfelt stories.
In August of 1934 a CCC camp opened in Sparta. The men came into town on weekends and patronized stores, bowling alleys, billiard halls, went to the movies and attended church. This had an economic impact.

KID’S COOKING CLASS – Met Thursday, March 16, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. The Children learned how to use measuring utensils and mixed up a tasty treat of rice krispy treats. One measured rice krispies another measured marshmallows and the third person measured butter. The fourth person took the bowl to the microwave and then another one stirred the mixture.  Mrs. Lynette poured the hot mixture into the bowl of rice krispies and each child had the opportunity of mixing the treats, they then pressed their rice krispies into lined cup cake pans to form a treat that looked like a cupcake. After several mixtures were made the girls were trying to wait patiently for chocolate frosting and candy sprinkles which was the highlight of their cooking experience. Each girl took home several rice krispy treats.

Make Your Own Playdough; was held Thursday, March 9, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Children ages 5 – 7 were invited to attend. This No-cook fun Parent and Child playdough activity was a great success. The Children measured and mixed their flour and other ingredients to form a big dough ball. The playdough was colored with unsweetened kool-aid. The different fruit fragrances permeated the room. Each child took home their playdough. 7 children were in attendance and had a great time.