Local History- 50 Years at the PublicLibrary: An Evening with John Chidester
Celebrate local history at “50 Years at the Public Library: An Evening with John Chidester” on Wednesday, Feb. 18, from 6:30–7:30 p.m. at the Public Library of Mount Vernon & Knox County, 201 N. Mulberry St. Fifty years ago, a young librarian began his career at the library—and he never left. Join the community as John Chidester reflects on five decades of service, shares memorable anecdotes from his life and career as Library Director, and explores how both the institution and Mount Vernon have changed over time. Held in the Multipurpose Room, this special evening honors a legacy of dedication, learning, and leadership. If the moment arises, John may even reveal his favorite Beatle. Come help celebrate 50 years of inspiration and community impact.
Family Life Fundraiser
Join us for the Family Life Fundraiser on Friday, Feb. 20, from 5:30–8:30 p.m. at New Life Church, 665 Harcourt Road, Mount Vernon. This special evening supports Family Life ministries and directly impacts the lives of our kids and teens by funding summer camp experiences, event scholarships, ministry resources, and our SummerFest outreach that shares the hope of Jesus with the next generation. Enjoy a delicious dinner, live and silent auctions, a cash-and-carry table, and meaningful fellowship with our church family. Dinner opens at 5:30 p.m., with the auction beginning at 6 p.m. Free childcare for birth through 5th grade is provided. There’s no ticket cost—just come ready to give, connect, and make a difference together.
Monday, Feb. 16
Sign-Ups OPEN: Bocce + Track and Field
WHEN: 10-11 a.m.
WHERE: Knox DD, 11700 Upper Gilchrist Road, Mount Vernon
Winter Wildlife Clues: Scat and Tracks
WHEN: 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Brown Family Environmental Center (BFEC), 9781 Laymon Road, Gambier
Paint Event Burrata Woodfired
WHEN: 6-9 p.m.
WHERE: Burrata Woodfired, 668 N. Sandusky St., Mount Vernon
Speak Up! Why Free Expression is Essential for Diversity, Democracy, and Education
WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Oden Hall Auditorium, 107 College Drive, Gambier
Tuesday, Feb. 17
Knox County Pride Alliance: Telling Our Stories - Finding our Place: Queer Life in Rural Ohio
WHEN: 9:30 a.m.-Noon
WHERE: Habitat for Humanity, 200 N. Main St., Mount Vernon
Storytime with Miss Morgan
WHEN: 11 a.m.-Noon
WHERE: Gambier Community Library, 115 Meadow Ln, Gambier
Safety Council Meeting - Topic: Robotics Surgery
WHEN: Noon-1 p.m.
WHERE: Gallagher Center, 1451 Gambier Road, # 6, Mount Vernon
PRICE: $0-18
Wednesday, Feb. 18
Nutrition Hot Topics with Connections Fitness
WHEN: Noon-12:45 p.m.
WHERE: Connections Fitness, 1375 Yauger Road, Mount Vernon
Thursday, Feb. 19
Reiki + More
WHEN: 4:45-5:45 p.m.
WHERE: Brown Family Environmental Center (BFEC), 9781 Laymon Road, Gambier
All Write! Community Writing Workshop
WHEN: 6-7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Public Library of Mount Vernon & Knox County, 201 N. Mulberry St., Mount Vernon
Friday, Feb. 20
Alcove Dinner Theater: Rumors
WHEN: 6-9 p.m.
WHERE: The Alcove Restaurant, 116 S. Main St., Mount Vernon
Saturday, Feb. 21
February 2026 Foster Parent Pre-Service
WHEN: 9 a.m.
WHERE: 1200 Newark Road, Mount Vernon
Telling Our Stories: When We Share, We Shine
WHEN: 9:30 a.m.-Noon
WHERE: First Congregational United Church of Christ, 200 N. Main St., Mount Vernon
Showing Up: The Power of Being Seen
WHEN: 9:30 a.m.-Noon
WHERE: Habitat for Humanity, 200 N. Main St., Mount Vernon
Sip & Stitch
WHEN: 10 a.m.-Noon
WHERE: Happy Bean, 221 S. Main St., Mount Vernon
Memorial Service for William McCulloh H’99
WHEN: 1-2:30 p.m.
WHERE: Church of the Holy Spirit, 102 College Park St., Gambier
Senior Music Major Capstone: Nicholas Kloor
WHEN: 4 p.m.
WHERE: Kenyon College, Brandi Recital Hall, Gambier
Senior Music Major Capstone: Nicholas Kloor
WHEN: 4-5 p.m.
WHERE: Brandi Recital Hall (Storer Hall), 105 College Drive, Gambier
Alcove Dinner Theater: Rumors
WHEN: 6-9 p.m.
WHERE: The Alcove Restaurant, 116 S. Main St., Mount Vernon
Battle of the Bands
WHEN: 8 p.m.
WHERE: Horn Gallery, 105 College Park St., Gambier
