An open and shut case: The Deseret News receives a bimonthly press release from Brigham Young University about genealogy and family history classes offered at Utah Valley Regional Family History Center at the Lee Library. The university obviously updates a master file on a word processor when it sends out its regular press release because each mailing includes an incorrect schedule for the history center. According to the press release, the center is open from 9 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. every second and fourth Sunday of the month and from 8 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Monday through Saturday.
The daily schedule, which gives researchers only three hours to do their genealogical hunting, seems rather limiting. Or, it's a mistake and the release should say the center is open until 10:45 p.m.One of our Salt Lake editors called the center recently to inquire about the daily hours. The first person to answer the telephone was a woman who said she had worked there less than a week and wasn't sure what the exact hours were.
She transferred the call to another individual. A man who took the call informed the editor that he wasn't authorized to give out that information.
Hours of operation are top secret? Our editor called back later and didn't bother to identify himself and got the "authorized" information. The center is open daily - except Sundays - from 8 a.m. to 9:45 p.m.
The land of Os: Osmondmania is about to strike Provo again. On Dec. 9 Provo resident and Osmond fan Linda Sosa is hosting an unofficial "Osmond Nostalgia Night" at East Bay Inn. The event costs $5 per person and is limited to 75 persons.
"Any one interested in attending should dig out the purple socks, brush up on Osmond trivia and song lyrics and prepare to enjoy celebrating Donny's birthday (Dec. 9) at this premiere Osmond Nostalgia Night," Sosa's announcement states.
The night's events will include reminiscing, memorabilia, an auction, games, videos and socializing. Proceeds of the auction will be donated to the Children's Miracle Network, Sosa says.
The highlight of the evening will be a performance by Jared Osmond, son of Virl and Chris Osmond, who is launching his own showbiz career.
Attendees also are invited to participate in essay contests. One theme is "Puppy Love and Beyond - How the Osmonds Have Influenced My Life." The other: "Living in the land of Os." Winners of the essay contest will receive special prizes, Sosa said.
If you want to join the Osmondmania, you have to register by Sunday, Dec. 5. Sosa's address is 255 N. 1600 West, No. 75, Provo, UT 84601.
"Loose Change" appears in the Deseret News on Mondays. Got an idea for the column? Call Brooke or Dennis at 374-1162 or fax us at 377-5701.