Join author and editor Keith Lesmeister as he shares rural stories with unique perspectives. Using The EastOver Anthology of Rural Stories: Writers of Color, Keith will discuss the art and sweat of creating an anthology and will share his broad experience as a writer, editor, and publisher living in Decorah, Iowa.

Marcy West, the former executive director of the KVR, reads from her book, which introduces the magnificent Kickapoo Valley Reserve and provides a fascinating overview of how this amazing property is permanently protected through a unique agreement with the Ho-Chunk Nation and the State of Wisconsin.

Children’s author and journalist Dean Robbins presents an entertaining and inspiring multimedia program based on his picture-book biographies You Are a Star, Martin Luther King, Jr., The Fastest Drummer: Clap Your Hands for Viola Smith!, The Shape of Things: How Mapmakers Picture Our World, and The Fastest Girl on Earth!: Meet Kitty O’Neil, Daredevil Driver. Emphasizing audience participation, Robbins helps kids understand how they can become real-life heroes themselves.

Tom Mosgaller, co-author of Pulling Together: A Handbook for Community Change, shares success stories from Southwest Wisconsin featured in this essay collection and explains the framework needed to guide people in the process of community change. The book captures the stories and lesson learned by real people seeking positive change in their communities, and gives inspiration and practical guidance to get things done while being an antidote to the politics of polarization that pull us apart. Pastor Michele Engh of Viroqua, one of the storytellers featured in the book, will also share her story.