Help kick-start Hendersonʼs 125th Celebration by attending a good old fashioned Faspa Sunday, January 8th, 4 PM at Heartland Community School. Dr. Lauren Friesen will be presenting a PowerPoint overview of the history of the Mennonites, their Dutch origins, sojourn to Prussia and Russia and why they came to America. Immediately following, a traditional Faspa (zweiback, bologna, cheese, pickles, apple prieschka) will be served in the cafeteria. Free will donations will be accepted at this event.
Dr. Friesen is a 1961 Henderson graduate who like many who were raised and educated in Henderson have gone on to have successful and interesting careers. He is the David M. French Distinguished Professor of Theater at the University of Michigan-Flint and Director of the Master of Arts Program in Arts Administration for the University of Michigan. He is a frequent lecturer at theatre conferences in the United States and Europe.
Recent publications include co-translating the holocaust novel, “…but stones canʼt speak†from German to English and “Rothko†a two act play on the American Painter. Other publications include essays on playwrights such as Tennessee Williams, Arthur Miller, Friedrich Durrenmatt, Anna Deavere Smith and Warren Kliewer. He also authored the Bethel College Centennial Play “Castle on the Prairie†and the Goshen College Centennial play “Hawkfeatherâ€. He has researched and written articles on Mennonite History focusing on the historical background for the Russian (Henderson) Mennonite branch dating back to the 1580ʼs.
The public is invited to attend Dr. Friesenʼs powerpoint presentation in the school theater followed by the Faspa in the cafeteria. This event is sponsored by Henderson Heritage & Tourism and they will accept free will donations at the Faspa.
Shannon Siebert
