by Travis Ryder
Friday, Jan. 13
A tasting and investment solicitation event for an upstart brewery is on the slate for Friday night. Bemidji Brewing is gathering momentum to build a microbrewery in that city. New Year, New Beer is the title for the event, held from 6 to 10 at the Keg n' Cork downtown.
Saturday, Jan. 14
First Stage Gallery in downtown Virginia welcomes pointillism artist Rob Christensen. His work is on display there now, and he’s in town for an artist’s reception Saturday from noon to 2:30. He’ll will demonstrate the pen and ink process of creating detailed images comprised of single dots of ink.
Sunday, Jan. 15
Winter Under Ice is the event at Lake Bemidji State Park that exposes the effects and activity under the ice covered world of Lake Bemidji. A vehicle permit is required to enter the park, otherwise free from 2 to 3:30.
Monday, Jan. 16
The Great Decisions Discussion Group will kick off its spring schedule with a free session open to the public on Monday at 1, at the Heartwood Senior Living Center in Crosby. Thomas Hanson returns for the 4th year to present a well-informed analysis of Middle East uprisings known as the “Arab Spring”. He will discuss U.S. foreign policy and global implications and share his perceptions of current challenges. Hanson, now retired and a consultant, has had many assignments with the U.S. State Department in countries such as East Germany, France, Norway, Soviet Union, Sweden, Mongolia and Estonia. Hanson also appears in Baxter at the Lord of Life Church on Tuesday.
Tuesday, Jan. 17
Bluegrass duo Dailey and Vincent appear at the Reif Center in Grand Rapids Tuesday night. They lit up the bluegrass scene in 2008, taking their debut, self-titled album to #1 on Billboard’s Top Bluegrass chart. They collected seven awards at the International Bluegrass Music Awards, including Entertainer and Emerging Artist of the year – an unprecedented feat. Together they make breathtaking music, seamlessly connecting country music's roots to its future in exhilarating, full-throttle bluegrass. The show starts at 7:30.
Wednesday, Jan. 18
The Enough for All campaign comes to Itasca County next week. On Wednesday at 6, the Reif Center hosts a performance illustrating Members of Circles of Support and their experience of living in poverty. After the performance, at 7:15, there’s a reception at the MacRostie Art Center for the “Enough for All” art exhibit.
Minnesota History Datebook
Jan. 10, 1925 "The Arrowhead" is selected as the official moniker for northeastern Minnesota, the result of a nationwide contest sponsored by the Northeastern Minnesota Civic and Commerce Association of Duluth.
Jan. 8, 1934 During the Great Depression, the U.S. Supreme Court upholds a Minnesota mortgage moratorium law, a decision that state Attorney General Harry H. Peterson applauds as a "victory for the people of Minnesota that will enable many farmers and city dwellers to hold onto their homes until good times return."
Jan. 13, 1944 The cruiser Duluth is launched in Newport News, Virginia, christened by Ella T. Hatch, wife of Duluth mayor Edward H. Hatch. In May 1945 the ship becomes part of the U.S. fleet in World War II.
Jan. 8, 1971 President Richard Nixon signs a law creating Voyageurs National Park. The measure was supported by former governor Elmer Andersen as well as famed aviator and politician Charles Lindbergh.
Jan. 13, 1982 Nature writer and environmentalist Sigurd Olson dies in Ely. Born in Chicago in 1899, Olson served as a canoe guide in the boundary waters region and was active in environmental issues beginning in the 1920s, playing a prominent role in the battle for federal protection of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and serving as president of the Wilderness Society.