Apr 3 2026

Getting sealed in a time capsule

Hi everyone,

I have been given a 9″x12″ envelope that will be included in a time capsule to be buried on April 30 during the Birthplace of Route 66 Plaza Dedication Ceremony. At 4:00 that afternoon I’ll stand where the Colonial Hotel stood 100 years ago and read my poem to commemorate the occasion. Then, on the spot where the new highway was named, a time capsule will be sealed and not reopened for 100 years. I am honored to be given this opportunity to greet those who will examine its contents a century from now and two centuries since Route 66 first attracted the interest of our nation. I have until April 27 to decide what to put in my envelope. This picture of Sandy and me for sure!

What else should I include? My Route 66 poems for sure. I’m thinking about adding “My Book!” from Somebody Catch My Homework. That’s the one sandblasted on the Burton Barr Library in Phoenix. What else? I can only squeeze so much into a 9×12 envelope. Sticking in a bio probably won’t mean much to people 100 years ago. Everything will be different by then. I might include two other favorite pictures.

I think I’ll write a brief letter to folks of the future. Not sure yet. What would you say to someone who will be reading your words 100 years from now? Hmm. This will be my third time to be sealed in a time capsule. The first is located at David Harrison Elementary School. In that one I included the speech I gave for the grand opening of the school. The second is in Phelps Grove Park and includes a copy of Cave Detectives, a book about a Springfield cave (Riverbluff Cave). I need to get seriously back to the gym.

Apr 1 2026

Alicia Farris joins David Harrison and Friends at The Library Center on May 5

Hi everyone,

My May 5 program at The Library Center (6:30-8:30 p.m.) is 34 days from today. we’ll have about 123 entertainers on the agenda, ranging from 3rd grade students to well known singers, poets, and actors.

Here’s a little information about one of them, ALICIA FARRIS. The painting that she will finish during the show will be auctioned off with proceeds going to the library.

Alicia Farris’ work, articles and interviews have been published in the Internationally distributed fine art magazine, The Art of Watercolour, in which she won first place in the International Reader’s Competition, Artists and Watercolor Artist Magazine, Plein Air Magazine and others.  She delights in teaching workshops both Nationally and Internationally and has earned signature membership in several National and International watercolor organizations.  View her work and story at www.afarris.com

Apr 1 2026

And the word for April’s Word of the Month Poetry Challenge is…

Hi everyone,

I hope Spring has arrived where you live. Around here the wind is doing it’s work, blowing pollen and dust everywhere. It’s the coughy-sneezy season. SANDY and I are both taking meds for the flareup in our sinuses. My thanks to all who joined the fun for Word of the Month for March. I’m about to delete your poems and comments to make way for your work in April. I look forward to what you do with the word for April.

Sneezing

All things considered, I say we go with WIND for our April word. I can’t believe we haven’t used it before. So blow and wheeze and cough a sneeze away, dear friends. Tie yourself down and get to work!

Mar 31 2026

Mary Jane Mooneyham joins David Harrison and Friends at The Library Center on May 5

Hi everyone,

My May 5 program at The Library Center (6:30-8:30 p.m.) is 36 days from today. I don’t have an exact number yet of how many performers we’ll have to entertain you because some of the schools aren’t quite certain, but it looks like we’ll have 123. These range from 3rd grade students to well known singers to equity actors to the current poet laureate of Missouri.

Here’s a little information about one of them, MARY JANE MOONEYHAM. The painting that she will finish during the show will be auctioned off with proceeds going to the library.

MARY JANE MOONEYHAM
Mary Jane Mooneyham’s art is frequently selected for the nationally recognized Watercolor USA. There she is known for her remarkable three-dimensional watercolor paper sculptures, from a pair of moccasins to a Chinese takeout meal. Her latest piece, 7th Inning Stretch, proves she can even make watercolor paper sing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.” Tonight, she will work in two dimensions on a painting about the Mother Road.
Mar 30 2026

Working on introductions

Hi everyone,

A little more than one month from now it will be my privilege to host the program at The Library Center, David Harrison and Friends. We are announced in this issue of Bookends, Library News & Calendar of Events. The event will be held in the glorious new Hatch Auditorium, which seats500+ and will feature twenty gifted presenters and groups, entertaining us from 6:30-8:30 that Tuesday evening. Tickets are free and seating is first come basis. The parking lot will be busy so put this on your calendar with a note to arrive in plenty of time.

This week I’m pulling together introductions, the kind you read aloud while the guest presenter is approaching the stage. I’ll soon start posting them, one day at a time, between now and the event. I am extremely impressed by the contributions of these talented people who add so greatly to the cultural tapestry of Springfield and the community around. I think you will be too.