Page 10 The INDEPENDENT, February 15, 2007 Between the Bookends By Nancy Burch, Librarian Vernonia Public Library Don’t let the winter dol- drums get you down. There are many things at the library to help revital- ize your mind and spirit. Family movie night will be Friday, February 23 at 6:30, with Nanny McPhee as the featured movie. It’s a pleasant way to spend an evening with family, friends and free popcorn. Monday, February 26 at 5:30, Fannie Flagg’s novel, Welcome to the World, Baby Girl , will be discussed. Flagg not only serves another dose of southern humor, but keeps the reader guess- ing with the collection of amazing characters and events in this novel. Even if you don’t choose to join the discussion of this book, it should help in adding a little oomph to your life. The next Chautauqua presentation will be Monday, March 12 at 6:30 p.m. This program, Night of a Thousand Stars and Other Por- traits of Iraq, will feature slides and stories offer- ing an intimate portrait of Iraqis at home, work and worship. It is a program encouraging us to consider our cultural similarities and shared hu- man experiences, and should be a huge contrast to the pictures and stories of war that are usual- ly the images we see from that county. The pre- senter is Joel Preston Smith, a photojournalist from Portland who lived in Iraq for four months in 2003. This is another free program with refresh- ments provided by the Friends of the Library and the library board members. The Friends of the Library will be holding their Spring Book Sale on Saturday, March 17 from 10-4. Anyone having books to donate may leave them at the library during regular hours. There is quite a nice selection at present, including Illoria, and others, seek families videos and books for both children and adults. Reasonable prices will once again be the rule of the day for this sale. Barbara Delinsky’s newest novel, Family Tree , adds some thought-provoking concerns about race in America when a beautiful baby with African American traits is born to an illustri- ous New England family. James Patterson, Step on a Crack , is a tear jerker/thriller. Forever in Blue is the fourth and final in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series for teens (and adults) by Ann Brashares. The Audacity of Hope pres- ents Barack Obama’s “Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream.” How’s this for a variety of topics to stimulate and entertain? Don’t forget the regular programs for chil- dren—Preschool at 10:30 on Mondays, After school at 3:30 on Mondays, Chess at 2:30 on Fridays. Arts & Crafts meet on the 2nd Thursday at 1:00 and would love to have new members. They usually work on individual craft projects as they conduct their meeting and visit. Making the news quite regularly are instances where youngsters have been contacted by “not very nice” people they have met via the Internet. Parents who have given their youngsters written permission to use the Internet in the library might want to discuss, again, the dangers of giving personal information to strangers over the Inter- net. If you have forgotten the library’s policy re- garding Internet use, you are welcome to reread and reaffirm that you and your children under- stand and agree to this policy. Vernonia Public Library: 701 Weed Ave. Hours: Mon., Wed., Fri. 10 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Tues., Thur. 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Preschool Story Time: Mondays, 10:30 a.m., when school is in session. Phone: 503-429-1818 Illoria is waiting for a home. Those who know Illoria are im- pressed with her resilience. Af- ter many changes and losses in her life, Illoria’s spirit is still vibrant and her heart remains warm. This beautiful little girl has shining brown eyes and a soft, shy smile that reveal the sweetness she has been able to retain. Illoria is easy to adore! Active and coordinated, Illo- Healthy Start program receives two funding grants Healthy Start of Columbia County, a program of Commu- Pet of the Month Columbia Humane Society in St. Helens has a variety of wonderful pets available for adoption. Find the pet that’s right for you in the shelter at 2084 Oregon St. Monday through Saturday, 11 am. to 5 pm. 503-397-4353 Sadie is a young Chocolate Labrador Retriever Mix. A very playful, loving dog. She is friendly and would make a great fishing buddy. Sadie knows how to sit pretty and is eager to please. Please come visit Sadie today. The Columbia Humane Society is a No-Kill non-profit shelter dedicated to helping friends find each other since 1985. The Pet of the Month is Sponsored by: PBM Inc. Precision Building Maintenance, Inc. 503.556.3333 www.PBMaintenance.com LICENSED, BONDED, INSURED, CCB# 144926 nity Action Team, has been awarded two grants in the amount of $8,400.00. This pro- gram is funded by the Colum- bia County Commission on Children and Families. During the 2005-2007 bien- nium funding cycle, Oregon legislators incorporated into budget notes, a new expecta- tion that all Healthy Start Pro- grams would be required to seek a five percent cash match for the amount of Oregon gen- eral fund dollars that programs receive. Healthy Start of Co- lumbia County was able to reach this goal with the follow- ing two grants: The Oregonian readers in this year’s Season of Sharing contributed $8,000.00 to be used by the organization to help Healthy Start’s home visit clients meet basic needs. The second grant of $400.00 was provided by Columbia County Citizens for Human Dignity. This grant allows Healthy Start to provide neces- sary health and safety items for clients not covered by other re- sources. Action Ads INEXPENSIVE – EFFECTIVE 503-429-9410 ria thrives on physical chal- lenges such as running, biking, swimming or jumping on the trampoline. Her energetic, out- door play is balanced with qui- et indoor activities such as art projects. Illoria is bright and en- thusiastic, and does relatively well in school. Her self-esteem still needs a strong boost, and she will thrive in a home where she is fully doted upon. Illoria also has siblings with whom she is close and will ideally maintain some contact. Loving, patient adoptive par- ents who can provide a stimu- lating, yet secure, environment will be the lucky recipients of Il- loria’s trust. This child is one of approxi- mately 300 Oregon children available for adoption through the state. For more information on the availability of this child, or on how to become a foster or adoptive parent, contact the Special Needs Adoption Coali- tion at 503-542-2392 or DHS at 1-800-331-0503. Mariolino’s L e o n e tt i ’ s P i zz a & G ri l l Everything the Same But the Name! 721 Madison Ave.,Vernonia • 503-429-5018