The cartoon taught history, grammar, math, science and politics to youngsters but we "oldsters" will have fun filling in the answers. The show began this past Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at the historic Chief Theater in downtown Bemidji for a two-week run. The matinee will be at 2 p.m. today. Tickets are available online or at the box office open Wednesday through Saturday (or Sunday when applicable.)

The Bemidji Area Church Musicians Summer Recital Series will move to back to St. Philip's Church for 30-minute recital by Joe Henry on the organ that will begin at noon Wednesday (July 12) and a freewill donation will be accepted to support the scholarships given by BACM each year. A luncheon will be served at the conclusion of the concert for a nominal cost.

The Bemidji Public Library is hosting a new book club for both adults and teens who enjoy reading young adult books. The group will meet 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 18. The book for July's discussion will be "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith. Participants can stop by the Bemidji Public Library to pick up a copy of the book. Just by coincidence, I was reading a book "When Books Went to War" by Molly Manningthe stories that helped us win World War II. The most wanted and appreciated book with the soldiers was "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn." The private group that organized the publication of books for soldiers in the trenches was amazing in their efforts to keep the home fires burning. Smith was so appreciative of the soldiers writing letters of thanks to her that she developed some personal relationships with individual soldiers and always answered letters sent to her by the troops. Free and open to the public.

Walker Bay Theater opened its summer series with sold out performances of "North Woods Women, The Odd Couple" based on Neil Simon's play. Directed by Kay Dee Sanders, who also stars as Olive Madison, the play revolves around a group of women playing Trivial Pursuit while they wait for their friend to arrive. The show has a 3 p.m. matinee today and continues with Saturday and Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for seniors and students. Walker Bay is located in the lower level of the American National Bank building, 100 Highland Ave. in Walker. (A left turn off the main street of Walker.) A bit of a drive but well worth the effort.

Long Lake Theater in Hubbard, where familiar faces abound; has on stage "A Month of Sundays," which started on Thursday and continues the schedule of Tuesday through Saturday shows. Check out the website at Longlaketheater.com or call (218) 732-0099. Another playhouse well worth the effort to get there.

Marsh Muirhead will be master of ceremony for the Poetry Slam at 8 p.m., Wednesday, July 19, at Fozzie's Smokin' Bar BQ, 114 Third St. Those familiar with the guidelines of up to three original poems spoken by the participants for cash prizes of $100 down to $25 for the best three poems. Call (218) 444-5606 to register or show up early the night of the concert and register. This is usually an adults-only event and sponsored by Headwaters School of Music and the Arts.

Still time to register for the weekend fiddle camp on July 14-6 at the Nary SchoolCounty Road 9with Andrew Green and Renae Carlson. The camp is open to all string players who have been playing for at least a year. The camp will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday with a concert at 4 p.m. Students should bring a bag lunch on Friday and Saturday. Participants will need to register by July 12 and the cost is $60 per player. Call Green to sign up at (218) 766-4920.

Nicholas Jackson will perform at Farm by the Lake Summer Concert Series at 4 p.m., July 16, in Bagley, rain or shine. Jackson is an up-and-coming local entertainer who resides in Bemidji and has performed locally at: Brigid's Pub, Rail River Folk School, Bemidji State Park, Northern Inn, Wild Rose Theater, Bemidji State University, Minnesota State Fair, and area churches. Come out for a relaxing evening at the Farm. Future shows: July 23, Bluebird and July 30, Corey Medina & Brothers.

Northern Light Opera Co.'s summer production will be "South Pacific" on July 28-30 and Aug. 2-5. Because "South Pacific" takes place during WWII, a USO-style show at 6 p.m. Saturday, July 29, at Armory Square in Park Rapids is being created and performed by cast members to recognize/thank all veterans able to attend. As was the usual custom of USO shows, coffee and cookies will be served and Mike Carroll will serve as Bob Hope. The event is free and a donation to the USO will be accepted.

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PATT RALL COLUMN: Puttering in the garden and relaxing with books - Bemidji Pioneer