Some say that March “comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.”

I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for a little less lion and a little more lamb. I think everyone feels this way, which is odd since we’ve had a fairly mild winter with little snow or ice. However, this has been the worst cold and flu season I can remember. Everyone’s been sick at least once and some families have been sick since the dawn of 2015 (mine). If the end of winter means the end of this perpetual season for sickness, then I say bring on spring.

What better way to celebrate the end of winter than with music? On Sunday, March 15 at 2 PM the library will be hosting the City of McPherson Bagpipe Band. This extremely popular annual concert ushers in the new season of spring with traditional Celtic music played by an ensemble of bagpipes and drums. The players also take time to explain the traditional attire and accessories worn by bagpipers. Fun for the whole family, this concert is free, but you better come early if you want a good seat. Usually it’s standing room only by 2 PM!

Last month’s inaugural meeting of the Genealogy Group was very well attended! We’ll be having regular meetings on the third Saturday of each month. This month our meeting will be held on the 21st at 10 AM in the gallery. To be part of the group, you needn’t come to every meeting or have tons of experience with genealogy research. The meetings are open to everyone with all levels of experience. The group is focused on answering each other’s questions about genealogy research by learning from each other and using the group’s collective brain. Please consider attending the genealogy group if you have questions, reservations or an interest your family history.

One thing I miss about Missouri are the Lenten fish-fries on Fridays. Almost every Catholic and Lutheran parish has one. My home-parish has a catfish fry every Friday during Lent and sometimes I’m tempted to drive the eight hours to Missouri just for the fish. For whatever reasons, fish fries in western Kansas are few and far between. So this month, I’ll be borrowing a recipe from the Volga Germans for “fish medallions.” These fried fish cakes make a delicious, meat-free meal for Lenten observers or fish lovers. I’ll be teaching a cooking class on fish medallions on Friday, March 27th at 5 PM. You’ll be able to make and enjoy your own fish for dinner! Registration is required, so please call 625-9014 or email [email protected] to reserve your spot.

Here’s hoping that March and the beginning of spring usher in a new season of health and happiness for all Hays families.

The Kansas Room is located in the basement of the Hays Public Library and is open from 9 AM to 4 PM Tuesday through Saturday, and by request.

Lucia Bain is Kansas Room librarian at the Hays Public Library.