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About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 17, 2011)
Page 10 The INDEPENDENT, August 17, 2011 Between the Bookends by Nancy Burch, Librarian Vernonia Public Library Once again, thanks to those who worked on the book sale, those who do- nated books and those who bought books at the recent book sale sponsored by the Friends of the Library. This is the main fund-raising event of this organization whose main purpose is to provide support for the library—its programs and its mate- rials. Be assured that every item pur- chased or program sponsored is given a great deal of consideration, assuring that all proceeds are used to best serve the needs of the library. The success of this summer’s Reading Program can also be attributed directly to the volunteers—their reliability and willing- ness to undertake any task suggested by Jennifer Moloney and Linda Johnston, and to the parents who faithfully brought their youngsters to the programs and encouraged them in meeting their reading goals. The importance of those who help with library programs, with cataloging materials, with shelving books, etc. is directly propor- tional to the success of the library and cannot be stated ade- quately, but do know that you are all appreciated. I must give pub- lic recognition to Josette Mitchell, who took it upon herself to see that the entire area outside the library was weeded and covered with bark dust. Doesn’t it look fantastic? Some new library acquisitions could also be considered “fan- tastic”. Can you imagine what it would be like if you lost all of your memories every time you went to sleep? In S. J. Watson’s novel, Before I Go To Sleep, Christine awakes each morning with no idea of who she is, where she is, or who is sleeping next to her. Her husband starts each day by telling her the highlights of her life and background of the trauma causing the memory loss. As Christine secretly works with a new doctor and starts to document each of her days in a journal, she makes discoveries that link her story together and lead her to wonder if she can trust her hus- band or even herself. The reader will quickly realize that this is more than a psychological drama and is a suspenseful thriller and a book that I thoroughly enjoyed. Iron House, the new thriller by two-time Edgar-winner, John Hart, focuses on two brothers, Michael and Julian, who were raised and abused at the Iron House, an orphanage in the moun- tains of North Carolina. For two decades, Michael had been an enforcer in the world of organized crime, but when he wants to start life fresh with the woman he loves, escape from his past is not easily achieved. Deceit and violence lead to the place he’s been running from his whole life—Iron House. If you have en- joyed Hart’s previous novels, you will not be disappointed in this, his latest offering. Heather Gudenkauf’s, These Things Hidden, is about secrets which are revealed piece by piece as the story falls into place— offering shocking things, long hidden, yet not expected. Begin- ning with Allison’s release from prison, where she served time for an unforgivable crime, the book is written from the viewpoints of four different women, all linked to a little boy named Joshua. These women have different ideas and motives driving them, with the main objective of protecting Joshua and keeping him safe. I think you will enjoy this book and be as surprised as I was with the outcome. My other recommendation for the month is Faith by Jennifer Haigh. In this novel, set in the spring of 2002, many of Boston’s trusted priests have been accused of betraying the young souls in their care, with the devout McGann family becoming seriously affected by the accusations. There are details of Catholicism es- sential to the plot, but they don’t dominate this story of loyalty and family, doubt and belief. Even if you don’t find all of these suggestions as “fantastic” as I did, they are all well-written novels encompassing a fairly wide range of subject matters and are, at the very least, books for you to consider on your next trip to the library. Book discussion will take place Monday, August 29th at 5:30 with books by Eugene author Kate Wilhelm being discussed. Many of her novels involve fictional lawyer Barbara Holloway. She has also written science fiction, a book containing five novel- las (Children of the Wind), and my favorite—The Good Children. All interested people are invited to attend this informal group which usually meets the last Monday of the month in the library. Preschool Story time will resume in September and the After School Program will resume in October. Vernonia Public Library: 701 Weed Avenue Hours: Mon., Wed., Fri. 10 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Tues., Thu. 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 Tips given for safe summer sales Criminals are always looking for opportunities to avail them- selves of property, merchan- dise or money that doesn’t be- long to them. One of the best ways to avoid becoming a vic- tim is awareness. It is often said that one must think like a criminal in order to stay one step ahead. While there might be some truth in that state- ment, the best solution is to re- move the crime opportunities that we unknowingly create for criminals. In the event that you’re plan- ning a garage sale, here are a few good tips to consider to help you avoid personal, finan- cial or physical harm, to your- self, your family, and your prop- erty: 1. When planning a garage sale, consider inviting or joining with other neighbors and have a neighborhood-wide garage sale. This will create neighbors looking out for each other. 2. If possible, avoid conduct- ing the garage sale alone. Make it a family affair. Assign family members to certain tasks, i.e. one in charge of and guarding the cash box; anoth- er, assisting the customer; yet another, observing and making sure no one strays into areas of your property that are “off lim- its” to the public. 3. Make sure your garage is clearly marked and directs peo- ple to stay within a designated area of the garage. Separate items or areas that are not part of the garage sale. 4. If possible, have a wire- less or cell phone close by. Avoid having to run into the house to answer the phone. If asked by a customer to use your phone inside your house, do not allow it. If it’s a real emergency, place the call for them. 5. If asked by a customer to use your bathroom, do not allow it. Remember, you proba- bly have prescription drugs or other personal medications in your medicine cabinet that strangers would have access to if they entered your bath- room. 6. Make sure you lock all your doors (even from the garage into your home) and windows. 7. Do not leave the cash-box unattended. Periodically take large bills into a safe place in- side your home and avoid dis- playing large bills. 8. Do NOT accept personal checks, PERIOD. Tell the cus- tomer that you will hold the item while he/she goes to the bank or ATM and gets the cash. Never accept 3rd party checks. 9. Report any person that looks suspicious or is attempt- ing to sell you merchandise. 10. Take everything back into the garage after each day of sales. Do not leave anything outside. Montana fans to hold picnic The 21 Annual Montana Pic- nic on Saturday, August 27, will be held at Woodland Horse- show Park, west of I-5 on Go- erig Road about 1/4 mile to the south. If you lived in Montana, were raised there, or just love to visit Montana, you’re wel- come to bring potluck and join us with your family. The picnic will be from 11 a.m. to dusk, or around 7:00 p.m. Neighbors with last names that begin with A-J will bring a main dish, K-P will bring desserts of pies, cakes, cook- ies or custards, Q-Z will bring a salad or beverage. Bring serv- ings for eight in your dish. Please provide your own serv- ing spoons and plastic knives, forks and spoons. The Picnic Committee will provide plates, free coffee, fried chicken and pop. Bring the family. Enjoy a day by the lake.