“The purpose of a story is to enrich your experience. A story doesn’t POINT you there, it puts you there. In a sense, a story is a form of transportation. It lifts you from where you are reading and carries you to another time and another place.”

www.poynter.org

“The Writer’s Group gathers each month at the Cultural Centre in Bird Island. It includes poets, essayists, short story writers, novelists and some who simply feel the urge to scribble something down on paper. It’s an eclectic bunch that finds commonality in our shared reverence for the written word. Mosty, what we do is talk…and talk…and talk. We share our work with one another. We talk about writing in general and we talk about life. Some might think it odd to talk about life in a former funeral home, but we don’t think that at all. As writers we understand that it’s not odd, that it’s just ironic and writer’s love irony. It’s also why we love the Cultural Centre, a place that celebrates irony and life. So, if you feel the urge to scribble, why not join us? We meet at 7pm on the second Tuesday each month. Our only requirement, our only standard, is a love of the written word. And we talk, a lot.” 

 

Chuck Brown 2020

For more information contact Paul Heyl at: paulheyl@hotmail.com

Have a passion for music? So do we! Bring your instrument and join us Thursday evenings.

The Cultural Centre in Bird Island is fully accessible, and dedicates Wednesdays and Thursdays to the elders of our community. These vibrant clubs enhance the social fabric of Bird Island, Hector and Olivia. 

Bridge Club gathers every Wednesday from 1-4PM in the main gallery at the Cultural Centre and Dominos Club meets every Thursday from 1-4PM. There is plenty of room for additional clubs like Scrabble or Backgammon.

Contact Rosemary at birdislandculture@gmail.com  or call (320)365-1011 for more information on bringing your club to the Cultural Centre.

Chess Club is held Mondays, after school, and children are introduced to the strategic game of Chess. Children ages 8-13 sign in upon arrival, have a fresh fruit/vegetable snack and are mentored by Mr. Bud Setzepfandt in creative thinking and problem solving. Thinking of becoming a chess mentor? Call us at (320)365-1011

Friday nights at 7:00PM Alcoholics Anonymous offers support for people in recovery. Please call (320)365-1011

The programs of Youthful Arts inspire creativity, problem solving and confidence building. This art experience class for ages 8-12 is directed toward art appreciation, the use of many different mediums and materials, techniques and the creative process. 

During the school year, classes are held immediately after school. Children are transported to the Cultural Centre by their school bus, after signing in they have a fresh fruit/vegetable snack and water before classes begin. Summer art day programs are held on the green space of the Cultural Centre.

Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL) is an evidenced-based strength, balance and fitness program for adults 65 and older. Performing exercises that improve strength, balance and fitness are the single most important activity that adults can do to stay active and reduce their chance of falling. SAIL meets every Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00-11:00AM

The Cultural Centre’s main gallery seats fifty people comforably for lectures, conferences, and workshops. For all day conferences or workshops, we utilize local restaurants and catereres to prepare your meal.

“Tall Grass Tales” is an event of the written word and oral traditions. This event features the published and unpublished works of local writers and storytellers twice each year, Spring and Fall. We welcome you to participate or be part of the audience where laughter shakes the rafters.

The Tea Parties are held in February, near Valentines Day, and December, near Christmas. Paula Sing’s creative “Fascinators” bring the festive atmosphere to all the Tea Party guests. We incorporate music, local literary works and yes, we loce to socialize while sipping tea or coffee in vintage china cups.