The community has a new “little library” which has been installed outside the Mentone Post Office. This is a free library that’s open 24/7. You’re welcome to take a book that interests you, or to leave a book you think others might enjoy. Many thanks to local artist Lydia Randolph, who painted a scene on the box reminiscent of Vincent Van Gogh’s painting, “The Yellow Books”. It’s a lovely addition to the artistic landscape of Mentone. Thanks also to Mickey Luck for masterfully constructing the box, to Holley Midgley for setting the post, and to Little River Arts Council, who put out a call for artists and offered Lydia a stipend for her service. The library board paid for Lydia and Mickey’s supplies and offered them each a stipend. Your donations make projects like these possible

Saturday, September 8 at 1 p.m.
Learn how we can make a difference in our community, on many levels, using culture and the arts as a foundation. To learn more about this exciting concept, visit arts.gov
and search for “creative placemaking”.

Moon Lake Community Library is pleased to host Mike Burrell for an Author Talk on Monday, September 24, at 6:30 p.m. In his talk, entitled, “Resurrecting Elvis”, Mike will read a selection from his newly-released book, The Land of Grace, to acquaint readers with the book’s narrative voice. After a short synopsis, he’ll tell the eerie true story that inspired the book and talk about how he rescued the story from the graveyard of failed novels.  

What’s the story about? The book’s publisher, University of West Alabama, calls it “a wild roller coaster ride through the land of an insane Elvis cult.

“When a beautiful young woman takes Elvis impersonator Doyle Brisendine to a replica of Graceland, he first thinks he’s landed in some kind of amusement park staffed with actors playing characters from Elvis’ life, including some of Elvis’s relatives, the Memphis Mafia, and an impersonator who looks like Elvis in his last days. But Doyle quickly learns that he’s in the midst of a zealous cult built around the worship of the King, led by a ruthless high priestess called Mama. Since childhood, Doyle has secretly dreamed of being Elvis. Soon he’ll have to decide if he’s willing to pay a very high price to become the King of Rock and Roll.”

Pinckney Benedict, author of Miracle Boy, Town Smokes, and Dogs of God, a New York Times Notable Book, calls The Land of Grace “a terrific comic novel, a kind of Confederacy of Dunces for the Elvis crowd. Beneath the pompadour and the ashy jumpsuits and the great good humor of its prose, there’s remarkably serious commentary here.” Naeem Murr, author of A Perfect Man and winner of The Commonwealth Writers’ Prize says, “It’s almost impossible to put down this...impressive and compulsively readable novel.” Kirkus Reviews says, “Overall, the book artfully asks probing questions about the basic human need for mythology of whatever kind and about the point at which the tensile cord of innocent fascination snaps. An intoxicating tale that’s simultaneously gaudy and exquisite.”

Mike Burrell is a native of DeKalb County, Alabama and a graduate of Valley Head High School, Jacksonville State University, The Birmingham School of Law, and Queens University of Charlotte, where he earned an MFA in creative writing. His short fiction has appeared in: Still: The Journal, Southern Humanities Review, The MacGuffin, and the Livingston Press anthology, Climbing Mt. Cheaha: Emerging Alabama Writers. The Land of Grace is his first published novel.

The author will have books for sale and will be glad to sign them. Light refreshments will be served. There is no charge for this program. Moon Lake Community Library is located at 4607 AL Highway 117 in Mentone. Email [email protected] with any questions.

Moon Lake School Nurse Cheryl Wilborn will offer a free basic sewing class at the library on Thursday, September 13, at 3 p.m. If you’ve always wondered how to sew on a button, or make a simple hem, this is a great opportunity to learn these simple skills. Cheryl will have fabric to practice on. Feel free to bring an item that need basic mending, and Cheryl will teach you how to mend it yourself.

This month, we’re initiating the Moon Lake Book Club that will meet on Saturday, September 22, at 10:30 a.m. to discuss The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. Please join us to meet new friends and enjoy unique perspectives of this bestselling book.

Are you curious about Moon Lake School and how you can support the education of Mentone’s children? Moon Lake Community Library will host a gathering on Monday, September 10, at 5:30 p.m. so our entire community can meet Principal Mary Lance to learn more about the school and its plans and needs.

We are fortunate to have such a wonderful school in our little (rural) corner of the state. Founded over 100 years ago, historic Moon Lake School has educated thousands of children, many of whom have gone on to make great contributions to our town and the world beyond. Let’s continue that tradition by learning how we can best support the school’s needs and dreams. Moon Lake is a small school with a limited pool of parents to support it. The possibilities broaden when more individuals become involved. If the idea of supporting children in ways you’ve not considered is appealing to you, this is an opportunity to directly see how your assistance can be most valuable.

When Mrs. Lance came to Moon Lake School four years ago, the school was struggling. Since the end of her second year as principal, it has been ranked the best school in DeKalb County. This accomplishment is reflective of Principal Lance’s vision and drive, along with the dedication of Moon Lake’s teachers, parents, and other supporters such as the volunteer tutors which MERF coordinates. Let’s see how we can improve on such a solid foundation and truly serve our children. Light refreshments will be served. Children are welcome.