Library's Fabulous First
January 15, 2024
Program participants at the table in the front of the room (from left): Klaus Dannenberg, Dale Spaulding, and David Carlton (standing) (photo by Julie Parker)
By Joan Muyskens Pursley
David Carlton, Klaus Dannenberg, and Dale Spaulding presented an amusing, poignant, and informative program in our library on Dec. 8. Each of these men has written a book, or in Dr. Carlton’s case, five books, that are very personal to them, yet of wide interest for others. Organized by the RR Library Subcommittee, the event was hosted by Joan Pursley and videotaped by Marcia Elving. The video appears on the library’s website RobsonLibrary.org.
David Carlton holds a doctorate in veterinary medicine from Texas A&M and has owned and operated five veterinary hospitals since 1976. His books Doc, Country Doc, Dallas Doc, Texas Doc, and Hey, Doc feature many zany adventures and moving moments of his long career. His story about a woman who brought in a goldfish with a blue pebble in its belly was a hit with the audience. And, yes, the “Doc” did succeed in extracting the pebble without killing the fish.
Klaus Dannenberg co-authored (with Bruce Black) Honoring Aging Parents. He began working on the book, subtitled How to Grow Up When Mom and Dad Grow Old, after spending 15-plus years caring for elderly parents. This guide uses real-life vignettes illustrating situations, emotions, and frustrations—experienced by Klaus and his co-author—to provide helpful counsel and emotional support for caregivers. It’s a good read and a book you might want to give to your children as you become less independent. Klaus holds a BS and MS from Auburn University and a PhD in Philosophy from Southern Methodist University. He worked in the aerospace/defense industries for more than 40 years.
A retired U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander, Dale R. Spaulding is a graduate of Auburn University and the U.S. Navy Postgraduate School. He spoke about and read a brief passage from Fortitude, his family history narrative, which won the 2023 Readers Favorite Silver Medal Award for Non-Fiction: Genealogy. A story of faith, patriotism, and determination, it weaves 400 years of his family’s history through national and international events.
Residents interested in sharing their family’s history with future generations will want to attend Dale’s OLLI course titled “Crafting A Family History Narrative.” It will be held here at Robson on Tuesday, Feb. 20, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Dale will share lessons he learned during his 20 years researching and writing Fortitude.
David, Klaus, and Dale’s books can be found in the RR Authors section of our library, along with books by a number of our other neighbors. We hope to feature additional Robson authors in future programs. If a book of yours is in our library and you would like to participate in one of these programs, please contact Joan Pursley at [email protected].
David Carlton, Klaus Dannenberg, and Dale Spaulding presented an amusing, poignant, and informative program in our library on Dec. 8. Each of these men has written a book, or in Dr. Carlton’s case, five books, that are very personal to them, yet of wide interest for others. Organized by the RR Library Subcommittee, the event was hosted by Joan Pursley and videotaped by Marcia Elving. The video appears on the library’s website RobsonLibrary.org.
David Carlton holds a doctorate in veterinary medicine from Texas A&M and has owned and operated five veterinary hospitals since 1976. His books Doc, Country Doc, Dallas Doc, Texas Doc, and Hey, Doc feature many zany adventures and moving moments of his long career. His story about a woman who brought in a goldfish with a blue pebble in its belly was a hit with the audience. And, yes, the “Doc” did succeed in extracting the pebble without killing the fish.
Klaus Dannenberg co-authored (with Bruce Black) Honoring Aging Parents. He began working on the book, subtitled How to Grow Up When Mom and Dad Grow Old, after spending 15-plus years caring for elderly parents. This guide uses real-life vignettes illustrating situations, emotions, and frustrations—experienced by Klaus and his co-author—to provide helpful counsel and emotional support for caregivers. It’s a good read and a book you might want to give to your children as you become less independent. Klaus holds a BS and MS from Auburn University and a PhD in Philosophy from Southern Methodist University. He worked in the aerospace/defense industries for more than 40 years.
A retired U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander, Dale R. Spaulding is a graduate of Auburn University and the U.S. Navy Postgraduate School. He spoke about and read a brief passage from Fortitude, his family history narrative, which won the 2023 Readers Favorite Silver Medal Award for Non-Fiction: Genealogy. A story of faith, patriotism, and determination, it weaves 400 years of his family’s history through national and international events.
Residents interested in sharing their family’s history with future generations will want to attend Dale’s OLLI course titled “Crafting A Family History Narrative.” It will be held here at Robson on Tuesday, Feb. 20, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Dale will share lessons he learned during his 20 years researching and writing Fortitude.
David, Klaus, and Dale’s books can be found in the RR Authors section of our library, along with books by a number of our other neighbors. We hope to feature additional Robson authors in future programs. If a book of yours is in our library and you would like to participate in one of these programs, please contact Joan Pursley at [email protected].
Robson Library Volunteers Celebrated at Receptio
Library Subcommittee members Nancy Tarpley, Joan Pursley, Patti Ewoldt, and Gil Clifton
By Lorraine Wilson
In a heartwarming tribute to the unsung heroes of the Robson community, the Robson Ranch Library Subcommittee hosted an after-hours event on Dec. 1. This special occasion, dedicated to honoring 75 devoted volunteers, illuminated the tireless commitment and passion these individuals pour into sustaining the library’s essence as a community hub.
From 5 to 7 p.m., the library played host to a jubilant congregation of Robson resident volunteers coming together to recognize and applaud the remarkable efforts of these dedicated souls. These volunteers, the lifeblood of the library, invest significant time and energy to ensure the library doors remain wide open catering to the needs of the entire Robson community.
The evening sparkled with warmth and gratitude, enveloping guests in an atmosphere teeming with camaraderie. The tantalizing spread of appetizers, wine, and a delectable cake added a delightful touch to an already charming affair.
Amidst animated conversations and shared laughter, a PowerPoint presentation stole the spotlight, capturing glimpses of all the volunteers. This visual ode underscored the immeasurable value of their contributions, showcasing their unwavering commitment to keeping the library accessible seven days a week.
Each volunteer was presented with personalized gift bags, a small token acknowledging their monumental dedication. This event, conceptualized by Gil Clifton, president of the Library Subcommittee, was flawlessly executed by the subcommittee members (Linda Bono, Sondra Clifton, Marcia Elving, Patti Ewoldt, Gary Koenig, Joan Pursley, Mitch Mitchell, Nancy Tarpley, and Lorraine Wilson), highlighting their stellar teamwork and collaborative spirit.
The night was an ode to unity and gratitude, fostering connections and a shared reverence for the dedicated library volunteers. As attendees bid farewell, their smiles echoed the sentiment of a celebration that exalted the ethos of service and community ingrained within Robson residents.
This event stands as a resounding testament to the communal spirit and unwavering dedication of these volunteers who are the beating heart, ensuring the library’s continual operation—a cornerstone of the Robson community.
For those yet to experience the enchantment of the library, an open invitation beckons to explore the CATC building and indulge in its plethora of offerings. The Robson Ranch Library’s website, www.robsonlibrary.org, serves as a treasure trove, offering insights into library events and Friends of the Library activities. Additionally, an easily accessible link to the library’s catalog at opac.libraryworld.com simplifies the search for specific materials from hardback books to audiobooks, movies, and even jigsaw puzzles—no password needed.
A heartfelt thank you resounds to all the volunteers whose unwavering dedication and commitment have transformed the library into a cherished haven. Their selfless service continues to enrich the lives of residents, solidifying that the Robson Ranch Library is an indispensable cornerstone of community life.
In a heartwarming tribute to the unsung heroes of the Robson community, the Robson Ranch Library Subcommittee hosted an after-hours event on Dec. 1. This special occasion, dedicated to honoring 75 devoted volunteers, illuminated the tireless commitment and passion these individuals pour into sustaining the library’s essence as a community hub.
From 5 to 7 p.m., the library played host to a jubilant congregation of Robson resident volunteers coming together to recognize and applaud the remarkable efforts of these dedicated souls. These volunteers, the lifeblood of the library, invest significant time and energy to ensure the library doors remain wide open catering to the needs of the entire Robson community.
The evening sparkled with warmth and gratitude, enveloping guests in an atmosphere teeming with camaraderie. The tantalizing spread of appetizers, wine, and a delectable cake added a delightful touch to an already charming affair.
Amidst animated conversations and shared laughter, a PowerPoint presentation stole the spotlight, capturing glimpses of all the volunteers. This visual ode underscored the immeasurable value of their contributions, showcasing their unwavering commitment to keeping the library accessible seven days a week.
Each volunteer was presented with personalized gift bags, a small token acknowledging their monumental dedication. This event, conceptualized by Gil Clifton, president of the Library Subcommittee, was flawlessly executed by the subcommittee members (Linda Bono, Sondra Clifton, Marcia Elving, Patti Ewoldt, Gary Koenig, Joan Pursley, Mitch Mitchell, Nancy Tarpley, and Lorraine Wilson), highlighting their stellar teamwork and collaborative spirit.
The night was an ode to unity and gratitude, fostering connections and a shared reverence for the dedicated library volunteers. As attendees bid farewell, their smiles echoed the sentiment of a celebration that exalted the ethos of service and community ingrained within Robson residents.
This event stands as a resounding testament to the communal spirit and unwavering dedication of these volunteers who are the beating heart, ensuring the library’s continual operation—a cornerstone of the Robson community.
For those yet to experience the enchantment of the library, an open invitation beckons to explore the CATC building and indulge in its plethora of offerings. The Robson Ranch Library’s website, www.robsonlibrary.org, serves as a treasure trove, offering insights into library events and Friends of the Library activities. Additionally, an easily accessible link to the library’s catalog at opac.libraryworld.com simplifies the search for specific materials from hardback books to audiobooks, movies, and even jigsaw puzzles—no password needed.
A heartfelt thank you resounds to all the volunteers whose unwavering dedication and commitment have transformed the library into a cherished haven. Their selfless service continues to enrich the lives of residents, solidifying that the Robson Ranch Library is an indispensable cornerstone of community life.
Friends of the Library: First Book Discussion of the Yea
Leaders of the February book discussion: Julia Kellogg, Marsha Scholze, and Richard Kushmaul
By Dianna Lucas
You are invited to the Robson Library on Thursday, Feb. 15, at 2:30 p.m. for the first book discussion of the year. Julia Kellogg, Richard Kushmaul, and Marsha Scholze will be leading the discussion on Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI, by David Grann.
Even though the events depicted in the book are historical, happening in the early 1920s, very few people learned about them until this book was written in 2017. Marsha Scholze is especially interested in this topic, because these events took place shortly before her father grew up in the same area of Oklahoma. However, she never heard him speak of them during his lifetime.
Our leaders will discuss what caused these events to happen, what happened, and whether or not this could happen again. Perhaps other groups of people could be affected in a similar fashion in the future.
The birth of the FBI came out of the true-life murder mystery presented in this book. J. Edgar Hoover took credit for bringing justice in the case. However, we will discuss whether justice was brought to those who deserved it.
The Martin Scorsese movie version of this mystery, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro, was released in theaters late last year. If you saw the movie but didn’t read the book, you will want to be a part of this discussion. There are many more details in the book that were not included in the movie. You will want to hear what you missed.
Even if you haven’t read the book, you are invited to attend the discussion. Perhaps you will be intrigued enough to read it.
You are invited to the Robson Library on Thursday, Feb. 15, at 2:30 p.m. for the first book discussion of the year. Julia Kellogg, Richard Kushmaul, and Marsha Scholze will be leading the discussion on Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI, by David Grann.
Even though the events depicted in the book are historical, happening in the early 1920s, very few people learned about them until this book was written in 2017. Marsha Scholze is especially interested in this topic, because these events took place shortly before her father grew up in the same area of Oklahoma. However, she never heard him speak of them during his lifetime.
Our leaders will discuss what caused these events to happen, what happened, and whether or not this could happen again. Perhaps other groups of people could be affected in a similar fashion in the future.
The birth of the FBI came out of the true-life murder mystery presented in this book. J. Edgar Hoover took credit for bringing justice in the case. However, we will discuss whether justice was brought to those who deserved it.
The Martin Scorsese movie version of this mystery, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro, was released in theaters late last year. If you saw the movie but didn’t read the book, you will want to be a part of this discussion. There are many more details in the book that were not included in the movie. You will want to hear what you missed.
Even if you haven’t read the book, you are invited to attend the discussion. Perhaps you will be intrigued enough to read it.