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Polk County News Polk County Itemizer-Observer • November 11, 2015 3A Realism brings intimacy NEWS IN BRIEF Indy leaf pickup on Monday Western Oregon presents ‘Book of Days,’ tale of mystery, murder and cheese INDEPENDENCE — Independence will continue its residen- tial leaf pickup program on Monday. Leaf piles must be placed on city streets prior to Monday for pickup. Other dates are Nov. 23, Dec. 7, 14 and 28. For more information: www.ci.independence.or.us. By Emily Mentzer The Itemizer-Observer MONMOUTH — Even small-town America is sub- ject to greed, political and religious corruption. The residents of Dublin, Mo., are finding that out as a suspicious death clashes with a cheese factory and commu- nity theater production. Thinking about that cir- cumstance may induce a smile, but director of West- ern Oregon University’s pro- duction of “Book of Days,” David Janoviak, assures that this is more of a drama than a comedy. The play opens Thursday at 7:30 p.m. “It’s ‘Our Town’ meets ‘Blue Velvet,’” he said. American Playwright Lan- ford Wilson uses the town of Dublin “as a microcosm of the rest of the country,” Janoviak said. “He makes a broader statement about the American dream, about the rot that lives beneath the Mayberry veneer.” In the play, Walt Bates, the owner of the cheese factory, dies in a hunting accident. “I don’t think there’s been a murder,” said Zach Warner, who plays Sheriff Conroy Atkins. “Janelle’s character talks to some people and I tell her don’t worry about it, I have the facts.” Janelle Davis plays Ruth Hoch, the bookkeeper at the cheese factory and budding actress at the community theater. She suspects foul play, and, in her search for justice, creates dissention in the little town. Ruth lands the role of Joan of Arc in the play, “Saint Joan,” making “Book of Days” a sort of play within a play. Davis said she enjoys that aspect of the production. Nonprofit leadership training Saturday INDEPENDENCE — The Ford Institute for Community Build- ing will sponsor a nonproit board president and president- elect training from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday at the Inde- pendence Event Center, 555 S. Main St. The keynote presentation will be by John Frohnmayer. Work- shops will include helping your board understand its duties; understanding inancial information; introduction to risk man- agement; how good boards make great decisions; leadership team building; and long-range planning. For more information: www.nonproitsteward.org, or call 541-929-9320. Monmouth seeks ‘Engaged’ volunteers MONMOUTH — The city of Monmouth is looking for volun- teers to serve on four committees working on projects identi- ied through its visioning process, “Monmouth Engaged.” The four committees are: retail/restaurant, university/com- munity connections, bicycle/pedestrian friendly town, and community gathering places. Applications are due by Nov. 20. To apply, go online to www.ci.monmouth.or.us. Applications accepted for Adopt-A-Family KENT NEELY/ for the Itemizer-Observer Janelle Davis and Megan Doerfler, as Ruth and Ginger, discuss whether or not Earl may have committed the murder of Walt Bates, the owner of the cheese factory. Travel to Dublin, Mo. What: Western Oregon University’s production of Lanford Wilson’s, “Book of Days,” directed by David Janoviak. Where: WOU’s Rice Auditorium. When: 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, Saturday; 2 p.m. on Sunday; 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 18, 19, 20 and 21. Admission: General admission, $12; students, $7; seniors $10. For more information: w w w.wou.edu/theatre - dance/events. “There is an audition scene, (where) I get to use Shakespeare, so that’s cool to incorporate other parts of theater,” she said. Big-shot — or burnt- out — Hollywood director Boyd Middleton, played by Nick Halscher, at first enjoys the small-town atmosphere. “He really likes it at first,” Halscher said. “Because everyone knows each other and gets along.” However, Halscher’s char- acter is soon dragged into the real-life drama of Dublin. The play calls for cine- matic realism, Janoviak said. Actors are intent on being real and honest. It’s a new style of acting for the cast, but they are shining through the chal- lenges, Janoviak said. “I have a uniformly strong cast,” he said. “The cast is a good mix of seasoned col- lege veterans, people in the middle of their training, and those in the beginning of their training.” Being a character-driven piece, Janoviak said, “You re- ally get to know and get at- tached to these characters.” Davis said she has learned a lot about acting in the last few weeks of the fall term. “Realism, for myself, I’m finding really difficult,” she said. “It’s been really great, but it’s been challenging.” Warner said the production is an emotional roller coaster. The intimacy created by the acting style is compounded by the theater-in-the-round style seating and cozy set. “Really, just let yourself im- merse in it,” Halscher added. Building blocks comes to Falls City By Jolene Guzman The Itemizer-Observer FALLS CITY — Family Building Blocks (FBB) and the Wagner Community Li- brary are teaming up to offer a monthly literary inspired “play group” at the library beginning Thursday. FBB offers families with children 5 years old or younger home visits, play groups and seminars for parents. The organization recently opened an office in Dallas to help meet the need in Polk County. Sara Matthews, Family Building Blocks’ Polk County family outreach coordinator, said the program wanted to revive its play group sessions in Falls City and decided to host them at the library. “We just wanted to get fa- miliar in the area, build a presence,” Matthews said. “Let people know that we are a resource.” The play group location Sudoku Solution gave organizers an idea. “Since we are using the li- brary space, we morphed it i n t o a s t o r y a c t i v i t y,” Matthews said. The hour-long session will be the second Thursday of each month from 10 to 11 a.m. at the library, 111 N. Main St., Falls City. Matthews said sessions will include reading a story and then doing a related ac- tivity. This month the story will be about color and com- bining colors, so the activity could involve painting. The program is for children ages Parent-child story time What: Family Building Blocks story-play time in Falls City. Where: Wagner Community Library, 111 N. Main St. When: Second Thursday of the month starting Thursday. Of note: The program is for children 5 and younger and their parents, but siblings are welcome. Snacks will be served. For more information or to RSVP: 503-877-8473 or 503-787-3521 x 319. DALLAS — Dallas Adopt-A-Family will be taking applications starting Monday at the Academy Building, 182 SW Academy St., suite 220 in Dallas. Applications will be taken Monday through Nov. 20 from 4 to 6 p.m. and on Nov. 21 from 2 to 4 p.m. A program of The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center Social Services, Adopt-A-Family provides food and children’s gifts for local families in need. Once families apply, churches, individuals and local organi- zations “adopt” them by providing a holiday meal and presents for each family member. Last year, the event served more than 1,000 individuals, in- cluding 500 children. This year, the campaign expects to serve more than 200 families, with 80 families already adopted. More “adopters” are needed. Those wishing to adopt a family should contact Melissa Baurer by Dec. 5 at 503-798-4876 or by email at Melissa.Baurer@usw.salvationarmy.org. For more information: 503-507-6269. First leaf collection in Dallas begins DALLAS — The irst of two scheduled leaf pickups in Dallas will take place on Saturday and Sunday. Republic Services will be collecting leaves left in the street. Residents wanting to have leaves collected this weekend should make sure to: • Rake leaves in long rows parallel to the curb at least one foot away from the curb. • Avoid blocking driveways, bike lanes and storm drains. • Don’t place leaves in the street until just before the collec- tion is scheduled to begin. Only leaves will be collected, no trimmings, brush, grass or other yard debris. A second leaf sweep is scheduled for Dec. 19 and 20. Also, three leaf disposal locations are open until Dec. 31. Residents can drop of leafs at: the parking lot adjacent to Lyle Softball Fields; Southwest Allgood Street near the gate to the parks oice; and the east end of Hankel Street. For more information, Republic Services at 541-754-0444. Sit, Sip and Shop Bazaar and Craft Fair Find your treasure! Saturday, Nov. 14th • 10 am - 4 pm Oak Grove Grange Hall 5 and younger and the hope is parents will stay and par- ticipate. “We just want to strength- en family bonds and provide fun and supportive activities Happy 104th Birthday Hourtense Marie Depweg (Bebe) Born Nov 14, 1911 She started cooking and baking at a very young age. Hard working, light eating, non- smoker. She enjoys crocheting and reading books. Her family, Yvonne, Marlene, Carol, Lolly and their families are her life. Love from your family! parents can do with their children,” Matthews said. Though the program is in- tended for children 5 and younger, their siblings are welcome as well. locally We deliver e through & worldwid 2670 Oak Grove Rd, Rickreall Take Hwy 22W, turn at Restlawn Cemetery, 3 miles to Grange Hall Find bazaar name on Facebook for list of vendors. Saturday, Nov 14, 2015 137 SW Court St, Dallas ● Refreshments by Coy’s Cheesecakes ● Special sale items ● Drawing for prizes FREE gift bags to the first 50 shoppers! • Flowers • Silk Arrangements • Gifts • Balloons • Candy • Cards • Plants 503-831-1410 FREE Carnation for those who donate food item for the Dallas Food Bank Mon-Fri 9-5 • Sat 9-5 www.heartstringsflorist.com New Bookstore in Dallas! 147 SW Court Street Hours: 10am - 5pm ~ Closed Sundays Look for us on