January 19, 2005

Library throws 'Sleddi' party

Sleddi-Spaghetti Party fund-raiser for Long Lake library

By
Herald staff writer

      Residents of Long Lake Township who brave the cold - building snowmen and sledding down snow packed hills - can help make a positive contribution to their community.
      The Friends of Long Lake Library will sponsor their second annual Sleddi-Spaghetti Party fund-raiser from noon to 5 p.m., Sunday, at Twin Lakes Park, 6800 North Long Lake Road. The event is part of an ongoing effort to build a Long Lake branch of the Traverse Area District Library.
      Family oriented activities including sledding, a snowman building contest, games, music, hot chocolate and Moomer's ice cream, fireside stories read by local teachers and a spaghetti dinner are planned as part of an afternoon of fun and awareness raising.
      "Everything we can do to introduce people to this project is important, it's an awareness thing," said Larry Dobler, committee co-chair.
      "We have been working on this project for a couple of years now, and every now and then I will be talking to someone who says, 'I didn't know anything about that'. Hopefully, we will gain even more support for the project," Dobler noted.
      While the Friends of the Library committee has raised $200,000, they are still a long way from their goal of more than $500,000. The library will either be located at the corner of North Long Lake Road and Manhattan or on the grounds of Twin Lakes Park.
      "The nice thing is that we have a group of very dedicated people who have a real passion for the project," said Dobler who added that the Sleddi-Spaghetti Party is also the kick-off of a new fund-raising effort - 'Two for Three.'
      "We would like to encourage people to pledge $200 for each of three years. With their contribution, they would receive a brick with their name on it in the walkway to the library," said Dobler, noting that plans for the new building will be on display at Sunday's event.
      A $5 contribution for adults, $3 for children or $12 for families is requested for the Sleddi-Spaghetti Party. Families should bring their own sleds.