Welcome back to “Out and About;” the fun and feelgood “feature article” found exclusively in The Journal is getting some feedback and so far, so good. We have received our first “scoop” which will kick off today’s edition. If you know of things happening in our area that fit our fun and feelgood focus, please send a note to [email protected] and we will do our best to get the word out.

The Regina Auxiliary provides voluntary service to the local hospital at the Hastings campus, working to make every stay at Allina Health United Hospital – Hastings Regina Campus pleasant and comfortable, while receiving the best medical care possible. Through fundraising activities and generous donations, the Auxiliary has been able to purchase much needed hospital equipment that assists with diagnosis, treatment, and personal care. The “Bazaar,” a fundraiser normally held at the nursing home has been heavily attended and successful will not happen this year due to Covid. An alternative fundraising event has been created to assist in continuing the Auxiliaries mission. Mark your calendar for September 9th and 10th so you can attend the “REGINA AUXILIARY GARAGE SALE” at Resurrection United Methodist Church of Hastings, located at 615 West 15th Street. Be sure to watch The Journal for more information about this event and the mission of the Regina Auxiliary.

BOOYASIGNS are popping up announcing the 81st Annual event that benefits the

Hastings Fire Department Relief Association.

As you are already marking the calendar for September, you may as well add another thing to do on Saturday, September 10th beginning at 11am at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. Raffle tickets are on sale already and if you have never tried this concoction that is more than just a soup or stew, you should. An “Out and About” plan so far for Saturday, September 10th is garage sales in the morning, with a must stop at the Regina Auxiliary fundraiser and then, a bite to eat with additional fun and frolics at the Fireman’s Booya.

September 10th is shaping up to be one heck of a fun day in Hastings and the nightcap is one for the ages. Add some ink for RIVERTOWN LIVE: A Concert for a Cause, produced by the Hastings Area Rotary Club. This year, legendary classic rock bands

“Foghat” and “The Guess Who” will take to the Hastings Automotive Mainstage with Arch Allies on the Rotary Pavilion Stage. Limited supply Reserve seats remain along with General Admission and can be purchased at www.rivertownlive.com. The Hastings Area Rotary Club is always looking for new members and meets regularly on Thursday mornings at 7:30am at the Hastings Green Mill.

So, while Hastings seems to be the place to be, especially on September 10, there is plenty going on around the area in Miesville, Cottage Grove, Woodbury, and Prescott. The 2022 Minnesota Class B and Class C Baseball Tourney kicks off on Friday, August 19th and is being held in Faribault, Dundas and

Miesville. All the information, brackets and more can be found at www.mnbaseball.org. If you like good baseball, this is the place to be AND the ballparks in these communities will not disappoint. If you are cruising through Woodbury on Radio Drive on any given Sunday between 8am and 1pm, you do not want to miss the Farmer’s Market in the parking lot of the Woodbury YMCA Campus. Great produce, fresh and fair priced, along with other wares in a very open environment. Another fun “Out and About” stop before you get to Woodbury is Junction 70 in Cottage Grove. They have great food and a fun sports bar atmosphere. It is the opinion that Cottage Grove may lack a lot of options for dining out, but the ones they have are pretty good.

Speaking of pretty good food while you are “Out and About,” you might want to check out Two Rivers Bar in Prescott. From appetizers to meals that you will certainly need a takeout box for the leftovers, this place has it all and the rustic, cabin like theme creates a relaxed atmosphere as well. If you are looking for lighter fare, they have a couple salads that are top shelf. Down the street, rumor is that The Kitchen Table is THE PLACE to go for breakfast and the rumor has been confirmed… numerous times.

Again, if you have some scoops on business and/or community activities happening that would be good points of reference in “Out and About,” be sure to send the scoop to [email protected] and we will do what we can to get the info “Out and About.”

By Brian Schommer