Book Report: Two poets’ work in the spotlight

One of the many attributes of Wisconsin’s Thomas R. Smith that attracts me to his poetry is his reverence for past writers, some of them almost forgotten, like John Clare (1793-1864), who was probably driven mad by England’s Enclosure Act of 1809.

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‘River is life’ to be shown Sunday evening

The movie “The River is Life” will be shown for free from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 22 at Freedom Park in Prescott.

Book Report: A triple treat this week

Here are two good reads to take on your last trip to the cabin up north.

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Strawberry field day is at Sam Kedem Nursery

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is having a field day in Hastings for strawberries.

Book Report: Words written, then read between the lines, provide ‘lyrics’ of a different sort

We lost one of America’s literary treasures last year when Bill Holm of Minneota, Minn., and the world left us to mourn his passing and glory in what he left behind.

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Davidson, Alongi release fifth ‘Jennifer Scales’ book

Fans of Hastings resident MaryJanice Davidson have a new book to read. “Rise of the Poison Moon,” the fifth book in the Jennifer Scales series, was released July 27.

Exhibitors during the Fair

Exhibitors will be at the Round Barn, Picnic Shelter and Outdoors.

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Book Report: Misspellings are thorns in the sides of many

Fifty years ago in Bowling Green, Ohio, a fellow named Charlie Perkins made the best goldarned bologna outside of Bologna, Italy. Business was so good, Perkins put a new neon sign out of his little butcher shop at the edge of town.

Registration still open for Bridge to a Cure

It is not too late to register a team for the 16th annual Hastings Bridge to a Cure Aug. 6.

Book Report: Murder, intrigue are prime topics this week

Kudos to Julie Kramer for yet another well-told mystery entitled “Silencing Sam” (Atria, $23.99).

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Hastings woman’s book recalls World War II

She lived it and now she is writing about the World War II years. Hastings resident Yvonne Cecchini’s latest book, “The Seabee and His Sidekick … A Tale of World War II,” is dedicated to her uncle Ed Nesbitt who was a Seabee. He was also the major male role model for Cecchini after her father died when she was a child.

Book Report: Taking an inside look of 1939’s World’s Fair

I’m fond of books that deal with just one year in the life of world history.

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Prairie Island Wacipi is July 9-11

The Prairie Island Indian Community hosts the annual Dakota Singing and Dancing Championship Wacipi Celebration Friday, July 9 through Sunday, July 11. Experience Native American history and traditions through these exciting competitions. This magnificent event is free and open to the public.

Book Report: Perfect reads to have along when not fishing

It’s time to go to the lake. Worrying about that seven-day hiatus when it rains morning, noon and night, or when the fish all stop biting?

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Hastings woman qualifies for Boston Marathon

Monique Crisp of Hastings will be running in Boston next year. Besides placing her 22nd out of 470 women in the race and sixth out of 104 women in her age group, her time of 3:38:17 in the Minneapolis Marathon June 6 qualified her for the Boston Marathon.

• Monique Crisp
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