Two new dates added to Friday night Dinner Programs at the Palms Grill

[January 30, 2015]  ATLANTA - The Atlanta Public Library and Museum will host a series of Friday Night Dinner Programs at the Palms Grill Café from October 2014 through February 2015. The Dinner Programs feature local speakers who will present after dinner programs and/or activities at the Palms Grill Café. Dinner begins at 5:30 pm, with the evening’s program or activity starting at 7pm. 

Reservations are required and limited to approximately 50 people. The Palms Grill Café will feature a set of dinner specials, including homemade desserts for each program. Phone [phone] to make a reservation for any of the scheduled Dinner Programs.  

Friday, February 6, 2015 – The Mystery of Joe & Verna Rehrman: The Bucket of Blood

Sometime in the early afternoon on Tuesday, April 2, 1935 a murder/suicide happened involving Joseph and Verna Rehrman, owners of the Popular Inn, a roadhouse located on Rt. 66 just north of Atlanta. The mystery of exactly what transpired that fateful day will be recounted in a new narrative written by Terri Ryburn, based upon research conducted by the Atlanta Museum and the Atlanta Historic Commission – including new research conducted since last year. Come learn about this tragedy as we examine the mystery of The Bucket of Blood. This program is being brought back by popular demand after its original presentation last year. 

Friday, February 13, 2015 – J.K. Williams Distilling: Craftsmanship – Passion - Flavor

The descendants of Prohibition-era, bootleg whiskey-making master, J.K. Williams, felt a certain responsibility to bring craft whiskey and bourbon-making back to the Peoria area. Their great-great-grandpa was a family man with an extraordinary work ethic and an undeniable talent for making some of the best whiskey of his time. Join us as members of the Williams family share the story of how they opened their East Peorial-based distillery business in 2013. We’ll taste test some of their products and the evening’s menu will feature slices of Whiskey Apple Pie. Cheers! 

Friday, February 20, 2015 – Circulating Design 

For over a hundred years the city of Atlanta has enjoyed a unique Library environment. Travel back as we take an in-depth look at how the Library has changed and developed over the years. From its humble beginnings as a few shelves stored at the newspaper office to a collection of over 9,000 books housed in the state's only octagonal library, we will examine our small-town’s dedication to maintaining this center of knowledge and expanded horizons. Join us as we delve into the history of the Atlanta Library and get a glimpse of its possible future.

Saturday, March 21 - Jean Kerr and Paul Dennhart - Theatre Artists

Ever wondered how those sword fights happen on stage? Jean Kerr and Paul Dennhart, theatre artists, will give us a special backstage look at all the secrets of fight choreography and stage movement. They will show us how actors learn to move, jump, fall, and careen across the stage without getting hurt, as well as demonstrate some weapon technique. Jean is well known to our Library as she has served for two years as director of Arts Discovery Camp Theatre Week. She and her husband, Paul, teach at Illinois Wesleyan University.
 

Saturday, April 11 - Gary W. Moore, Author

 

Illinois writer Gary W. Moore will join us to celebrate Back to Baseball Month at the Library. Often known as "America's Storyteller," Gary will talk about his popular book Playing with the Enemy about his father Gene, whose remarkable life in war and baseball is the subject of a movie. He will also share insights into his life as a writer and share some of his work with us, including excerpts from his book on Buddy Holly. Gary is famous worldwide as an inspirational and motivational speaker, a successful entrepreneur and acclaimed musician. He is also a contributor to Chicken Soup for the Soul.
 

[Bill Thomas, Atlanta Public Library]