THANKS FOR THE ARTS FEATURE
    I was delighted to read the article Keeping the Art Pulse Beating. The arts are a vital and elemental part of our community and individual well-being. Unfortunately, the arts are not immune to tough economic times.
Thanks for reminding us all to continue supporting our local artists. I want to mention that in Jill Barland’s comments about local visual artists, she failed to list local abstract painter Rebecca Crowell. 

Rebecca enjoys a growing national following with galleries in Sante Fe and Scotsdale, as well as local venues in Minneapolis and Madison. Check out her website. Thanks for all you do, V1.

– L. Tolbert, Eau Claire

A SARCASTIC THANKS FOR COVERING THE PATHETIC LOCAL ARTS SCENE
    I’ve thoroughly enjoyed your publication. Being from a city 325 miles to the south, I’m probably just a bit slow on the uptake.

    “Culture and entertainment” in the Chippewa Valley? That is meant as satire, correct? Please tell me I’m right. Oh God, it’s got to be satire.

    For instance, we’re supposed to find the Pythonesque humor on page 12. The headlines reading, “South Middle School almost sweeps poetry competition.” Either they did or, they did not.

    Also, what about, “Chippewa Valley almost entirely Swine Flu free?” On the off chance that everyone’s swine do not come equipped with a stink pipe? Another stab at humor?

    Perhaps one of the editors just learned the word almost and was “almost” showing their prowess with said word. May I suggest using either a dictionary or a thesaurus to find appropriate usages of words from now on?

    Also, how amusing was the quote by Ann Sessions in the feature article Keeping the Art Pulse Beating? “You get a Broadway caliber show at community theater prices.”
No dear, you do not. You get just what you pay for. Strictly amateur. Perhaps Ms. Sessions is not speaking of the Broadway that’s kept in NYC.

    Not quite grasping the humor intended in these examples; could just simply be that as I am from a major metropolitan area. I just do not appreciate the homogenous nature of the area.
Ending on a constructive note. I would genuinely appreciate reading anything from anyone with a dissenting opinion of the status quo.

    Keep Up The Good Work!

– Fiona O’Cennedi, Eau Claire