One unexpected but very welcome part of the Writer-In-Residence gig has been the joy of meeting other artists. Starting with the Racine Arts Council Board and staff through the former WIRs, it has been a real pleasure to be able to put faces to the names I had read about and to add new faces, names and stories.

I had the privilege of attending BONK! 117 at the Eco-Justice Center here in Racine. I can unequivocally say that BONK! is a HOOT! I was especially touched by the work of “Disco-Poet” Khari B. His form of social justice poetry is reminiscent of the outrage expressed by Lawrence Ferlinghetti in the Beat Poetry days along with the urban sensibility and eye for injustice of writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

The Eco-Justice Center was so very lovely. The performance took place in the barn on the farmstead property. Honking ducks complemented the musicians, cats wandered through the performances and the locale added fecundity and wit to an event already chock full of organic goodness.

Two things coming up; this coming Wednesday is an author visit in Kenosha. This free event is open to the public.

Bradford Community Church UU Book Club is proud to welcome Renee Engeln, Phd, author of Beauty Sick: How the Cultural Obsession with Appearance Hurts Girls and Women for an author discussion. The award-winning Northwestern University psychology professor reveals how the cultural obsession with women’s appearance is an epidemic that harms women’s ability to get ahead and to live happy, meaningful lives, in this powerful, eye-opening work in the vein of Naomi Wolf, Peggy Orenstein, and Sheryl Sandberg.

Wednesday, August 22nd, 6:30pm at Bradford Community Church. (5810-8th Avenue Kenosha. This event is accessible for people with a disability. Contact Jennifer Burns at jjburns1966@gmail.com for more information. https://www.facebook.com/events/1807323952638439/

And then, there’s my Obituary writing workshop!

Come and discuss with others what makes a good obituary. Whether you are putting your own story down on paper or anticipating doing so for a family member, this casual and informal discussion with a licensed funeral director will be informative and entertaining. Workshop will be offered four times to accommodate busy schedules, but you only need to attend one. This free workshop is presented by Racine Arts Council’s Writer-In-Residence Patti Fitchett.

Racine Arts Council Office 409-6th Street Racine

Patti Fitchett is a licensed funeral director and experienced funeral officiant. She writes the Matters of Life and Death column once a month in the Faith pages of the Kenosha News.

Visit Racine Arts Council’s event page to register. — 

Have fun Racine and Kenosha, whether you prefer the cannoli or the kringle, we are all one in pastry!