COLUMN: Village News – Authors, reading and book launch

Village Books and Gifts offers a wide selection of publications penned by local as well as global authors for your reading pleasure. We have several great options to choose from: Mennonite history, East/West Reserve titles, novels, non-fiction, children’s books, German titles, a Low German dictionary, poetry, youth, genealogies, memoirs, cookbooks, Preservings publication, and so much more. Village Books and Gifts also shelve a large pre-loved section bursting with many hard to find and out of print publications. The museum as well as Village Books and Gifts are open to the public, Tuesdays to Saturdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Village Books and Gifts is hosting two spring author reading/book launch events

The first event is on Thursday, March 19 at 7 p.m. and will feature three local authors: Mari Klassen, who grew up in a conservative Mennonite Village in Saskatchewan, will share from her book A Dim Light. Laura Dueck (Brick by Brick) is an author/illustrator, who is also known by her oil paintings, scenic murals and ancient style page borders. Ronald J. Kornelson Timing: A Life in Little Stories is launching his first book, hot off the press. Ron is a charismatic storyteller, retired teacher, coach and auctioneer. Each participant will share portions from their writings and answer any questions you may have. This is a free admission event. Village Books and Gifts will have plenty of copies from each presenter on hand for you to purchase.

Inside the store at Village Books and Gifts you will find a unique selection of souvenirs. We have a rare collection of delicate embroidered earrings and necklaces called “Petit Point”, absolutely perfect for that special someone. MHV puzzles, hats, drinkware, and magnets have been very popular, as well as our Menno apparel. The gift shop has a unique selection of cards, postcards, kitchenware, quilts, rugs, picnic blankets and retro aprons made in-house by MHV’s auxiliary. We have truly one-of-a-kind items for all of your shopping needs. Quilts are purchased for birthday gifts, bridal showers and wedding heirlooms. The Mennonite Treasury Cookbook continues to fly off the shelf to a new generation of households wanting to keep traditional dishes alive through their very own unique culinary skills. MHV’s experienced and very creative storekeeper continues to sleuth and shelve unique, hard-to-find items. Looking for something that seems to elude all of your attempts to find it, Village Books and Gifts is your first place to contact, we have a historical treasure trove of items, stop by today and see what you can find.

The next author reading event is on Thursday, April 9 at 7 p.m. and will feature four local authors including Millicent Brake (Children’s Story Coloring Book and Honk, Honk), Canadian educator, author and poet Philippe Sabourin (Prairie Roots and Wings) a memoir written by retired professional agrologist with a love for Earth and its people; Harold Neufeld (Every Season Under Heaven) is a retired educator raised in rural Manitoba; and Don Hoeppner (Prayers From the Back Pew), a collection of prayers, with images of his paintings throughout.

Check out our website for upcoming events information at www.mhv.ca.

Upcoming events

March 19 at 7 p.m. – Local Authors’ Night. Hear from local authors Laura Dueck, Ron Kornelson, and Mari Klassen. Free evening with complementary refreshments.

March 21 – 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. – Pioneer Workshop Series: Seed Starting Workshop. Join MHV and Shari Pendergrast from the Steinbach and Area Garden Club for a seed starting workshop.

March 26 – 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. – Exhibit Explorers – Join us at the Mennonite Heritage Village for an engaging morning set among the fascinating artifacts in MHV’s gallery! During Exhibit Explorers: Craft & Story Hour, children will enjoy lively stories and creative crafts that spark imagination and curiosity. Free admission.

March 26 – 7 p.m. – The Russlaender Migration: From Revolution to Reflection – A film documentary about the 1920’s migration of Mennonites from the Soviet Union to Canada, and its commemoration a century later. Free admission, coffee & cookies included, donations gratefully accepted.

March 28 – 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Pioneer Workshop Series: Sourdough workshop – Join MHV for a sourdough workshop led by the staff at Old Church Bakery!

April 4 – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – The Great Easter Egg Scramble – This fun-filled community event brings together families for a day of Easter excitement including 65,000 chocolate eggs, root beer suckers, free Pret coffee and tons of great family activities like crafts, face painting and games. Bring your Easter baskets and your little explorers for a morning of fun as they roam the MHV grounds in search of chocolate eggs!

April 14 – 7 p.m. – MHV Annual General Meeting – Hear reports from the MHV board and management, receive the auditor’s report, and participate in the election of directors. Coffee and refreshments will be served.