Et Cetera

 The Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa’s (CFNEIA) 2023 scholarship application deadline is 8:00 p.m. on March 8. Students may apply for scholarships available through CFNEIA at www.cfneia.org/scholarships.  CFNEIA awarded $635,781 in scholarships to high school, college and adult students in 2022. A total of 277 scholarships were awarded to students pursuing higher education opportunities and the average amount awarded was $2,295.

YAY!!! I'm so excited about this one... Anna has spent the better part of last week updating our website, connecting all the links and making it so much easier to use! Go to https://www.shellsburg.lib.ia.us/ and check it out!! We have a calendar of events, a "what's new" link so you can see what we've just gotten in, as well as lots of he

A Pho Love StoryBy Loan LeReviewed by Connie Bennett, Vinton Public Library ClerkYoung Adult FictionImagine coming to a new country as a war refugee, and being perceived here as the enemy, even though you only want safety for your family, and a new start. This book is not a political message, but there are elements that evoke the terrors of the Vietnam War, and the turmoil of the families caught up in the chaos.

Once again, Benton Soil & Water Conservation District (Benton SWCD) will be recognizing up to three students interested in conservation and agriculture by offering scholarships. Benton County High School Class of 2023 students pursuing programs of study in any field of conservation or agriculture are eligible for the Conservation Scholarship. While many college majors qualify, preference will be given to students pursuing programs of study in conservation.

Lincoln and His BoysBy Rosemary WellsJunior FictionReviewed By Connie BennettI’ll bet you think you know all there is to know about Abraham Lincoln, don't you? Well, surprise! I was looking for a book highlighting Lincoln, since his birthday was this last Sunday, and I found this book for young people! Written by Rosemary Wells, this book includes beautiful illustrations by Irish artist P.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville announces its Dean's List, honoring those full-time students who earned high honors in the fall 2022 semester.College of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture and the College of Liberal Arts and Education require grade-point averages of 3.75 and above for Dean's List honors, while the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science requires students to reach at least a 3.

Northwest Iowa Community College announced students who were awarded scholarships based on their desire to enter the lineman profession, academic achievement and leadership qualities.Students in the Powerline program at Northwest Iowa Community College, Sheldon, IA were recently awarded scholarships based on their desire to enter the lineman profession, academic achievement and leadership qualities.

Scheduling for VITA, a free tax preparation program, now availableUnited Way of East Central Iowa (UWECI) opened its free service; Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) to the public on Thursday, Jan 19 by taking appointments online and over the phone. Navigating taxes can be confusing and challenging for some families. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) is a free volunteer-run tax preparation service provided for low-income households.

 A Man called OveBy Fredrik BackmanAdult FictionReviewed by Connie Bennett        First of all, don't try to tell me that you've "never heard of it", because that is almost impossible!  This book was first published in Great Britain in 2014, and then in paperback form in 2015 by First Washington Square Press, NY.

         In a nod to Black History Month, I will be reviewing books that highlight the viewpoints of People of Color.  Since children are colorblind to skin tone, I'm starting the month with a trio of storybooks with beautiful pictures and simple messages for the youngest among us.  Come along and join me!                                                              ~~~                                                  Don’t Touch My Hair!                                                      By Sharee MillerChildren’s Picture BookFiction  (or is it?)Reviewed By Connie Bennett         This story is short and sweet, much like the little girl in the book!  Aria loves her beautiful black hair, and the way it grows up and out, and bounces when she runs.