Friends of Marathon Public Library
Monday, October 27th, 2008
Arlene Griffis and James Evans
Friends of Marathon Library Hold Successful FundraiserOn October 25-26 the Friends of the Marathon Public Library held a fundraiser at the Marathon Community Center. The group sold books that library staff had removed from inventory, as well as some Christmas ornaments and hand-knitted scarves and hats. On Sunday the Friends hosted a salad luncheon which was attended by approximately fifty people. After the luncheon Marathon photographer James Evans presented a slide show of a collection of people, places, and things around the Big Bend region. The entire audience was spellbound during the approximately fifteen-minute program, which was set to background music. Although all of James’s pictures are breathtaking, he has a special talent for photographing people, as he seems to have the ability to photograph their very souls along with their faces. Many of these “people” pictures evoked strong emotions in those present, particularly those who have lived for a long time in the area. Shedding a few tears, Marathon resident Carol Townsend said, “David and I moved here in 1995 and so many of those were people we knew back then who are no longer with us.” Evans, who in 2003 had his photography book “Big Bend Pictures” published by University of Texas Press, is considering a second book proposal featuring these photographs. Friends President Arlene Griffis said “This was such a successful event for Friends of the Marathon Library. The money raised will help fund several of our projects for the coming year. We want to thank each person who donated a salad or salads, as well as those who purchased books and made other monetary donations. Our patrons are always generous and are willing to come to our aid in times of need. A town the size of Marathon is so fortunate to have a library.”Librarian Carol Townsend and assistant Shirley Rooney will continue to sell the Christmas ornaments and scarves throughout November and December at the library.
On October 21, the Marathon ISD Board of Trustees honored the volunteers who worked with the kids in the Marathon Public Library’s Summer Reading Program, Texas Jubilee. Superintendent Conrad Arriola stated that the board appreciates the efforts of those who work with MISD students during summer on reading skills, as it helps bridge the gap between spring and fallsemesters. Pictured left to right are Arlen Griffis, Eula Mae Colemenero, David Townsend, Carol Townsend, Shirley Rooney, Carol Henthrone, Hal Henthrone, and Laverne Avery. Others who volunteered, but not present to receive their awards were Steve Griffis, /sky Townsend, Ashley Canales, Don and Jackie Boyd, T.J. and Tracie Joyner, Mary Baxter and Luke Novavich.