Author and artist Jody McFerren is such a devoted fan of The Golden Girls that he created a book, Back in St. Olaf, devoted to his favorite character, Rose Nylund, played by actress Betty White. Anyone who has seen the 80’s sitcom about four mature women living together in Miami has heard Rose’s bizarre stories of family and friends in her hometown of St. Olaf, Minnesota. Carefully cataloging the stories, sayings, and characters was only the beginning of McFerren’s labor of love.

This former restaurant owner created recipes, maps and even designed St. Olaf’s Monopoly-type game called GoogenSpritzer. McFerren, who has worked with CNN and PEZ Candy, Inc., has created gorgeous illustrations for the soon to be published book.

A launch party for Back in St. Olaf will be held Tuesday, Aug. 7, at Blake’s on the Park, 227 10th St. from 6 to 8:30 p.m. For more information visit www.facebook.com/BackInStOlaf .