AUTHOR TO VISIT IOWA LAKES COMMUNITY COLLEGE

A famous author will visit Iowa Lakes Community College later this month to talk about his book which discusses growing up in rural Iowa around the Depression.

Arne Waldstein will speak at several locations on Jan. 25-26. Waldstein’s book, “Water Runs Downhill” is this year’s ‘Core Book’ at Iowa Lakes. (See accompanying stories for a description of the ‘Core Book’ and for a biography of Waldstein.)

Waldstein will appear at the Estherville campus on Tuesday, Jan. 25, meeting with students and giving an address in "The Max" at 10 a.m. He will then present at the Emmetsburg gym at 1 p.m. and meet with students and staff after that. In the evening, Waldstein will be featured at a forum and book signing at the Spencer Public Library at 6:30 p.m.

On Wednesday, Jan. 26, from 8:15-9 a.m., Waldstein will visit with a creative writing class at Estherville Lincoln Central High School, followed by a book talk with signing at 9:30 a.m. at the Estherville Public Library. At noon, Waldstein will be featured at a book talk, signing and lunch at the Spirit Lake Public Library.

First sidebar story – bio on Arne Waldstein

Arne Waldstein is the author of “Water Runs Downhill” printed by McMillen Publishing in 2003.

Arne Waldstein was born and raised on a family farm in the Sioux Rapids-Rembrandt area, the son of Swedish immigrants. He then moved to Fort Dodge, Georgia and St. Louis. He lived, worked and played with his parents and several siblings through the Great Depression and World War II.

In the book, Waldstein shares the hardships and joys of growing up on a family farm during the tumultuous second quarter (1925-1950) of the 20th century. Set in the Western corn belt, the stories epitomize much of rural America. After military service in cadet flight training in the U.S. Army Air Corps, he returned to Iowa and graduated from Iowa State University. He has worked as a farm loan fieldman, professional farm manager and operated a 160-acre grain and livestock farm in Buena Vista County.

In 1954, he began work as an Associate with Stalcup Farm Management and Rural Appraisal Service in Storm Lake. He became a partner in 1962 and retired after 20 years as President of the Corporation in 1999.

Throughout his life, Arne has felt it important to give back to his community and country through public service. He served in the Iowa Senate for two terms, has been involved with various agricultural delegations to Eastern European countries, and led many local boards in his communities.

Besides authorizing the book, “Water Runs Downhill,” he has written numerous articles on public policy. On a lighter note, he wrote a column for the Storm Lake Pilot Tribune newspaper entitled, “Perspectives.”

He currently resides in Waverly with his wife. There he is a member of the Waverly Public Library Board and is a member of the Buildings and Grounds committee.

Second sidebar story – background on the college’s “Core Book”

Each year, the college selects a ‘Core Book’ which is used as part of a cross-curriculum effort in several classes.

An example of this would be that a composition class might ask students to write their impressions of the book; a sociology class might discuss social issues presented in the book; while an art class might have students sketch what they think is a composite drawing of rural Iowa around the Depression.

The purpose of the core book is to establish cross-discipline dialogue about a common issue or theme; to stimulate critical thinking about a topic; to promote reading and conversation about important issues; and to provide multi-cultural awareness.

“Water Runs Downhill” was selected for the 2004-2005 college year. This is the second year that the author of the core book has been able to meet with students at the college.

This is the fifth year for a core book at Iowa Lakes. Past books have included “Postville,” “Two Old Women,” “A Lesson Before Dying,” and “Tuesdays with Morrie.”