Et Cetera

Murder She Wrote             The Fine Art of Murder                      By Don Bain                               Large Type Fiction                               Murder Mystery                               Reviewed by Connie Bennett     What fun this book was to read! It is part of an easy-going best selling series from a few years back and was actually based on a Universal Television series by the same name.

The Benton County Community Foundation will celebrate Community Foundation Week, November 12-18, to recognize the increasingly important role that community foundations play in strengthening localities and addressing community needs.  For more than a century, community foundations have served as a trusted partner and resource for generous people, nonprofits and communities.

The Last Kids on Earth     By Max Brallier and Douglas Holgate                               Junior Fiction; ages 8-12                               Reviewed by Connie Bennett    Attention Parents and other gift-givers! If there is a kid in your life who loves to read, or one that loves comedy-science fiction, here's a suggestion! I just discovered, through interaction with some young patrons, this awesome series at Vinton Public Library about monsters and zombie plagues!    Now in its third season, there is a Netflix Original series based on the book, which has gained a following of young readers of apocalyptic action novels.

Program Provides Education on College Financing and PlanningA program offering $1,000 scholarships is now open to Iowa high school seniors. Students not only have a chance at much-needed funds for college but can also learn ways to reduce college loan debt through the program.Iowa high school seniors may register for the Iowa Financial Know-How Challenge: Senior Scholarship at www.

Three Suggestions for Young Readers                                           Easy Readers                                           Picture books                  Reviewed by Connie Bennett    Since these books are all short, sweet, and perfect for this time of year, I've included them in a group review of wonderful stories that you will want to read aloud, or have read to you by your early reader!    The first suggestion is Go To Sleep, Groundhog! by Judy Cox.

Benton County Students Receive Scholarships Two Benton County students pursuing higher education opportunities have received financial assistance this fall thanks to scholarships from the Benton County Community Foundation and its host foundation, the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa (CFNEIA). These scholarships totaling $3,500 are part of CFNEIA’s largest total scholarship award amount in its 66-year history.

Apples Never Fall                   By Liane Moriarty                                                Adult Fiction                                                Mystery Thriller                               Reviewed by Connie Bennett    A real "mixed bag", this book is available in regular format, large-type, and Play More forms from Vinton Public Library.

The deadline for the 2022 Capture the Heart of America Photo Contest is fast approaching.Contest entries are due by Oct. 31, 2022. Photos submitted in the contest must be agriculturally related and help to preserve this important piece of America's story. Photos must be submitted by the individual who took the photograph. Contest sponsors, judges and SSNHA staff/members of their immediate family are not eligible to enter.

Hard Way Out of Hell:            The Confessions of Cole Younger                      By Johnny D. Boggs                            Historical Western- large print                            Pseudo- Biography                            Reviewed by Connie Bennett      Attention all history buffs, Civil War aficionados, lovers of Westerns, and anyone who loves a great story about a true legend!     I have mixed feelings about this book; I'm not sure whether to like it, or hate it.

Ten Iowa communities have been selected to participate in the Iowa’s Living Roadways Community Visioning Program in 2023.This award-winning program integrates technical landscape planning and design techniques with sustainable community action to assist community leaders and volunteers in making sound and meaningful decisions about the local landscape.