Friends of the Weimar Library have busy month ahead

The Walk Across Texas program sponsored by Friends of the Weimar Public Library and Colorado County AgriLife will jump-start your “get fit” new year’s resolution promises.

First, gather 7 friends, co-workers, neighbors or classmates and create a name for the team. Then register by calling the Public Library at 979-725-6608 or Texas Agri-Life at 979-732-2530. Finally, be prepared to start walking on April 8.

It’s an easy challenge, and everyone can participate. There are no meetings, no pre-set goals, and no hassles. The simple goal for each team is to record the distance it walks. Walkers report to no one. They just go online and enter their distance walked either daily or weekly.

Competition is the motivation, and what a way to promote your business, your school, or your organization. Neighborhoods can compete against neighborhoods or friend groups against one another.

In addition to walking, each team member’s favorite physical activity can also be logged as “miles walked.” For instance, 30 minutes of moderate intensity aerobics equals 1.5 miles walked. A convenient, simple method of converting activity minutes to miles is provided to participants on the Walk Across Texas website.

Historical fiction writer Barbara Ortwein is visiting the library from Germany with plenty of stories to tell.

On Friday, April 5 at 11 a.m., Ortwein will present her Texas saga trilogy on German immigration to Texas by highlighting recognizable places and families.

In her books, Ortwein combines the story of her fictional characters with the real story of the actual people involved in the settlement of Texas.

Her fictional main characters interact with historic people including many of the actual immigrants involved in the German settlements in Texas from 1844 to 1847.

In Ortwein’s trilogy of books, titled “Between Worlds, Never to Return”; “In the Heart of Texas, But Not Yet at Home”, and “At Journey’s End: Texans Forever!”, she weaves a tale of those involved in the emigration and settlement of places residents will recognize, including a description of Weimar when the first teacher arrives on a train to begin her new life.

Ortwein interacts with her audience in a relaxed presentation and takes time to answer questions at the end of her presentation.

In celebration of National Poetry Night, the Friends of the Weimar Public Library will present its 3rd Annual Open Mic Poetry Night at 6:30 p.m. on April 25 at the City Gazebo.

Poets are invited to read a personal favorite poem or a poem that they wrote themselves.

Here are a few fun techniques to get started for those who hesitate to participate.

Try doing a Blackout poem: Take a piece of junk mail or an article or another piece of writing. Then make a poem by blacking out words.

Another way might be to sit down and just write for ten or twenty minutes and explore whatever comes to mind. Look at what’s emerged and underline any words that stand out. Rewrite the piece while trying to tighten up your language and capturing the essence of the topic.

Another beginner template could be using the first letter of a word or a name. Finish the line with a succinct description of the word or name.

Give it a try, and even for those who don’t produce a poem to read, please come out and experience what other community members share.