Just over one year ago in Paris, France, American archer Matt Stutzman became a gold medalist at the Paralympic Games after defeating his competitor in a shootoff. Stutzman, who also won a silver medal at the London 2012 Paralympics, competed in the 2016 and 2020 Paralympic Games and is a Para Archery World Champion. On Thursday, October 16, Stutzman will be on hand to not only discuss his life and success as a Paralympian, but also provide a brief outdoor demonstration of his archery abilities, weather permitting. This demonstration will be held beginning at 6 p.m. in the lot directly across from the main library entrance at 7 Spruce Street, Gallipolis. Following this demonstration, attendees can join Stutzman along with Team USA Paralympic Head Coach Jonathan Clemins for a presentation in the library’s Riverside Room. Stutzman, who was born without arms, uses his legs and feet to perform many activities, including archery and drag racing. During his presentation, Stutzman will tell his story, from how he got started in archery to his current pursuit of drag racing, and how everyone can overcome unbelievable odds. Clemins, who in addition to serving nationally as the Team USA Paralympic Archery head coach, is also the head coach of the archery program at the University of Rio Grande. Clemins is a rural Appalachian native and had a previous career in law enforcement. He led Stutzman and Team USA at the Paris 2024 Paralympics where the archery team won two gold medals, including Stutzman’s gold medal-winning effort. All ages are welcome and encouraged to attend this program. The library will also be providing middle school and high school students in both the Gallipolis City and Gallia County Local school districts with the opportunity to hear Stutzman and Clemins’ presentation. with Matt Stutzman LIBRARY CLOSURES Columbus Day October 13, 2025 LIBRARY HOURS Monday - Friday 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM Saturday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Sunday 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM BOSSARD LIBRARY 740.446.7323 bossardlibrary.org 7 Spruce Street Gallipolis, Ohio 45631 October 2025 │ Vol. 9, Issue 10 THE BOSSARD BEACON The monthly newsletter of the Dr. Samuel L. Bossard Memorial Library Team USA Paralympian Matt Stutzman, pictured, won gold in archery at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Stutzman will be at Bossard Library at 6 p.m. on Thursday, October 16 for a brief archery demonstration and presentation along with Team USA Paralympic Archery Head Coach Jonathan Clemins.
Ages 3-6 Story time with the soccer team will be held at Gallia Academy High School, 2855 Centenary Road, in October. This special program will feature sportsthemed books, including Ready, Set, Go!: Sports of All Sorts by Celeste Cortright, illustrated by Christiane Engel, and Kick It, Mo! by David A. Adler, illustrated by Sam Ricks. Children, ages 3-6, and their parents/caregivers are encouraged to attend. Storytime at GAHS Teen Book Club Youth Services Programs Trivia Night Ages 13 and over Come out for Trivia Night and compete as an individual or play with your friends to test your knowledge of current events, history, pop culture, and more! Trivia Night is open to teens, adults, and families with children who are age 13 and over. The winning individual or team will receive a nominal prize and bragging rights. Light refreshments will be served. Adult Programs Evening Storytime Ages 3-6 Evening storytime attendees will enjoy a “Fall Fun” theme on October 2. On October 16, the featured book will be The Great Pumpkin Contest by Angie Rozelaar. Evening storytime is for children, ages 3-6, and their parents or caregivers. Ages 8-12 The Teen Book Club will discuss Wednesday by Tehlor Kay Mejia −a novelization of season one of the hit tv show featuring Wednesday Addams. Copies of the book are available to borrow from the library. During the meeting, the teens will enjoy creating their own “nightmare” portrait and are encouraged to come dressed in their Halloween costumes. Permission form required. Ages 7-9 At the In-B-Tween Club meeting in October, attendees will enjoy a reading of The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt by Riel Nason, illustrated by Byron Eggenschwiler. The In-B-Tweens will also create ghost portraits. Each In-BTween Club meeting features a book, craft, and games all with an engaging theme. For more information, please contact Rachael at rbarker@bossardlibrary.org or 740.446.7323. In-B-Tween Club Mothman & Mocktails Ages 18 and over The library will once again host a “Mothman & Mocktails” painting class. Attendees will get to paint along with Jody to create a Mothman design on a wine glass. Participants can also enjoy mocktails as they paint. To register, email programs@bossardlibrary.org or call 740.446.7323 x 229. Please provide your name, phone number, and email address. Registration is required.
French City Writers’ Guild Ages 18 and over Both new and experienced writers are encouraged to stop by the library to attend the monthly meeting of the French City Writers’ Guild. Writers are encouraged to discuss their original works of various genres, including nonfiction, poetry, and genre fiction. Guild meetings are only for those age 18 and over. ‘Color Me Happy’ Adult Coloring Ages 18 and over Stop by the library to enjoy an adults-only coloring session. Coloring sheets and coloring gel pens/pencils will be provided or you can bring your own. Bring a friend and enjoy a relaxing coloring session and genial conversation. “Color Me Happy” is only for adults ages 18 and over. No children are permitted. Weekly Programs Storytime Ages 3-6 Join us each Monday morning for storytime. Each program features stories, songs, and crafts with an engaging theme for children. There will be no storytime on Monday, October 13, as the library will be closed in observance of Columbus Day. Yoga Ages 16 and over An hour-long Yoga session is held each Monday evening in the Riverside Room with a certified Yoga instructor. There will be no Yoga on Monday, October 13, as the library will be closed. Waiver form required. Pat-a-Cake Lapsit Ages birth-3 The library presents stories, rhymes, and songs with fun and engaging themes for the youngest of readers and their parents/caregivers each week. Needlework Circle Ages 12 and over Anyone with an interest in fiber art is welcome and encouraged to stop by the library each Wednesday afternoon for Needlework Circle and share their love of fiber art with like-minded community members. Anyone with an interest in learning to knit, crochet, or complete other fiber art is also encouraged to attend. ‘Game on!’ Game Day Saturday Ages 12 and over (under 12 with an adult) Bring a friend and stop by the library for Game Day. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Children ages 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Bring your own games or select a game from the library’s board game collection. Adult Book Club Ages 18 and over The Adult Book Club will discuss Everything’s Eventual, a collection of stories by Stephen King. Copies of the book can be borrowed from the library. The eBook and audiobook are available on the hoopla app. All interested readers are welcome and encouraged to participate. The Adult Book Club typically meets once per month at the library.
StoryWalk at the French Art Colony The StoryWalk title for October is Boo Stew by Donna L. Washington, illustrated by Jeffrey Ebbeler. StoryWalk is located on the grounds of the French Art Colony, 530 First Avenue. StoryWalk is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors and great children’s books! Cemetery Walk returns October 4 This year’s Cemetery Walk at Pine Street Cemetery and Pine Street Colored Cemetery will feature many unique past residents of Gallipolis and Gallia County. The Cemetery Walk will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 4 and attendees will get to interact with many living history performers as they wander the cemeteries on Pine Street. The performers, dressed in period costume, will introduce various citizens from the past. Among this year’s living history portrayals will be a female Civil War soldier, an early Broadway theatrical actor, the president of the Afro-American League, and a victim of the Titanic disaster − all past residents of Gallipolis and Gallia County. In addition, author Christy Touhey will have autographed copies of her book A Place of Rest for Our Gallant Boys: The U.S. Army General Hospital at Gallipolis, Ohio , 1861-1865 for sale. Rich Donahue will also demonstrate the proper way to clean a tombstone. The event is free and open to anyone with an interest in exploring the rich local history of Gallia County. Cemetery Walk is sponsored by Cadot-Bless Camp No. 126 of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, Our House Museum, Gallia-Vinton Educational Service Center, Gallia County Convention and Visitors Bureau, John Gee Black Historical Center, Gallipolis Railroad Freight Station Museum, and Bossard Library. At 6 p.m. on Thursday, October 23, the library will offer a pumpkin decorating program for adults. Attendees must register for this event. Pumpkins and all decorating supplies will be provided for attendees to create their own festive pumpkin. To register, please email programs @bossardlibrary.org or call 740.446.7323 x 229. Please indicate that you are registering for the pumpkin decorating class and provide your name, phone number, and email address. This program is only for those who are age 18 and over. Stories from haunted Ohio Jim Kleefeld will return to the library in October to present his “Ohio Hauntings” program and explore stories from Ohio’s haunted places. Beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday, October 17, Kleefeld will present a collection of legends and scary tales taken from real life accounts of investigations into ghosts and other haunted occurrences in the Buckeye State. Attendees at this program will also get to view Kleefeld’s personal collection of unusual and ghostly antiques and artifacts. For those with an interest in further research into this topic, Kleefeld will also include references to books, papers, and other research he has conducted investing ghostly events in Ohio. Kleefeld holds a bachelor’s degree in theatrical arts and a master’s degree in early childhood education, and spent many years in the field of education. He now presents hundreds of school and library programs all over the state each year. This program is open to anyone with an interest in scary stories or the paranormal.
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