Et Cetera

Families who will have students in college for the 2023-2024 school year can take the first step in the financial aid process now.The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, for 2023-2024 became available on Oct. 1. Students and their parents should fill it out early to ensure the best consideration for available college funding, which may be limited.

In celebration of Veterans Day, Western Governors University (WGU) has launched a new scholarship for active-duty military personnel, veterans and their spouses who are interested in furthering their education. The “Military Appreciation Scholarship” valued at up to $2,500 each, is open to new students who plan on enrolling in any of the online, nonprofit university’s 60+ undergraduate and graduate degree programs in IT, business, K-12 teacher education, and health professions, including nursing.

Ringo's Tombstone                  By W.R. Hardwood                                                    Large Print                                                    Western                                                    Reviewed by                                                            Connie Bennett     As this story opens, with a traditional feeding and watering of the horse and the last of the coffee on the campfire, John Ringgold faces an age-old dilemma.

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.