September 05, 2012
Friends of Morris Library dinner is Sept. 22
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Doug Feldman, a former major league baseball scout, author, and university professor, is the guest speaker at the Friends of Morris Library’s annual gala dinner on Sept. 22 at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
The public is welcome to participate in the evening. The reception begins at 5:30 p.m. in the rotunda on the first floor of Morris Library followed by the catered dinner at 6:30 p.m. in the Hall of Presidents and Chancellors.
This year’s menu features hors d’oeuvres and salads that include stuffed red tomatoes, Genoa salami cornets with herb cream cheese, prosciutto-wrapped melon, baby greens with roasted lay apples, blackberries, walnut and blue cheese served with caramel vinaigrette dressing. The entrée options are New York strip loin with béarnaise butter and red wine mushroom sauce or almond encrusted salmon with mango carrot slaw. Each entrée features Boursin smashed red and gold potatoes and sesame infused green bean salad, with a dessert of bourbon crème and fresh berries. Drinks and rolls are included as well.
Feldmann, associate professor in Northern Kentucky University’s College of Education, scouted for three major league teams, and coached high school and college baseball and football. He is the author of nine books about baseball. His writings focus on baseball and baseball life on and off the field, as well as the game’s sociological impact on the country.
His works include “El Birdos: The 1967 and 1968 St. Louis Cardinals” and “Gibson’s Last Stand: The Rise, Fall and Near Misses of the St. Louis Cardinals, 1969-1975.” In “Gibson’s Last Stand,” Feldmann relates interesting details about the players and their backgrounds, frequently connecting them to past and current stars. The book explores Gibson’s life and looks at his last years with the team.
Proceeds from the annual fundraiser go to the Friends of Morris Library fund that in turn supports the education mission of Morris Library. The organization has worked for more than 50 years in support of Morris Library, hosting events, sponsoring special exhibits, contributing to endowments and underwriting a variety of activities for the library. The group has purchased a wide variety of materials for the library including books, computers and software, as well as raising funds for a new library patio.
Tickets for the evening are $75 per person. The deadline to RSVP is Sept. 14. Seating is limited, so organizers suggest early registration. For tickets or more information about Friends of Morris Library or the dinner, Kristine McGuire at 618/453-1633 or by email at kmcguire@lib.siu.edu.