They Rode the Range @ Jackson

More than 100 people attended the Federation of Black Cowboys program in Jackson Feb. 26.

 

The Jackson Friends of the Library sponsored They Rode the Range, a wonderful Black History Month program at the Jackson branch on Saturday February 26^th.  Over 100 people filled the meeting room to listen to the Federation of Black Cowboys from Queens, New York. The enthusiastic audience learned of the rich history of the Black Cowboys in America’s West.

Several members of the audience took part in a roping competition between the guys and the gals.

After the program everyone was invited to share an authentic Chuck Wagon meal with the cowboys. The meal was prepared by the Kiwanis Club of Jackson and was mighty tasty.  Kiwanis member Danny Black, a welder by trade, made an authentic “come ‘n get it” triangle that brought the audience to the lunch table.  He donated the triangle to the cowboys at the end of the program.

As part of the event children were given gently used books by the Jackson Chamber of Commerce.

A special appearance was made by Cowboy Sparks!  He looked quite western with a cowboy hat perched on his head he entertained and posed for pictures.

Photos from the program can be found at http://www.flickr.com/photos/oceancountylibrary/sets/72157626048977717/show/

Danny Black donates his "come 'n get it" triangle to the Federation of Black Cowboys.

Odessa Klezmer Band @ JAX!

Ed Goldberg and the Odessa Klezmer Band returned to Jackson for some Klezmirim fun! We were filled to capacity with 90 patrons . Many of Jackson’s senior communities came out  to enjoy the happy foot-dancing music that originated amongst the Jewish populations of Eastern Europe.  The Klezmer band has been in existence since 1984 and they have played at numerous fairs, weddings, gypsy affairs, libraries, bar mitzvahs and even at city hall!

Soul Food dining @ Jackson

A couple of hundred people attended the five-hour Soul Food Saturday, Mar. 27 at the Jackson branch.

Besides the fine food cooked by Zarita and members of the Kiwanis Club of Jackson (Dan and Vicky Black, Fran Polito & Larry Meegan) participants were able to enjoy friendship, comedy, story-telling, singing and dance – all based on the African-American culture.

The menu included sweet potatoes, catfish, whiting (steaks and whole), ribs, chicken (grilled and fried), corn bread, green beans, potato salad, peach cobbler and breakfast items.  Zarita even mixed up two huge batches of her sweet tea.

Thanks to all who helped serve the food.  And a special thanks to Zarita for organizing the event, for doing just about all the cooking (on nearly no sleep), and even pitching in with the entertainment, singing and rallying the participants as they all enjoyed themselves.

A slideshow of photos can be viewed at http://www.flickr.com/photos/22036136@N07/sets/72157623723833860/show/

Connie Briscoe @ Jackson

OCL’s “Good for the Soul” committee presented New York Times best selling author Connie Briscoe Saturday Oct. 24 at the Jackson branch.

Her debut novel, “Sisters & Lovers” sold over 750,000 copies  Her latest novel, “Sisters & Husbands” was just released and has received strong reviews from the media.

We have a 3 minute video with Connie offering her hints for how to become a writer.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFNv0xA0O5Q  (And yes, I know there are two spots where you hear the rumble of a cart.)