McCall library summer reading program draws record numbers
A record number of students participated in the McCall Public Library’s “Be Creative @ Your Library” summer reading program this year.
Library officials said 92 students registered for the elementary school program, a 51 percent increase over 2008. The students logged 1,385 hours of reading, compared with last year’s 678 hours.
There were also 18 students who completed a separate project in the middle school program.
“The numbers were so high this year,” said Meg Lojek, programming librarian in McCall. “But even more than the numbers, it is encouraging to see what fun the kids have reading, and how positive the parents’ reactions are to the programs.”
The higher participation is due to a growing awareness of the programs the library offers to families, Lojek said. “The community is really responding to that reputation,” she said.
The program is set up so that all children succeed and have fun, Lojek said. This fall’s second-graders recorded the most hours read and won an ice cream sundae party from the Barbara R. Morgan Elementary School PTA.
Other prizes for children were donated by Orbit Screen Printing and Design, the Fred Meyer Foundation, Toll Station Pizza, the Idaho Commission for Libraries, and the Manchester Ice and Event Centre. All children also received Popsicles from Paul’s Market on the last day of the program.
Lojek and fellow librarian Lida Clouser oversee the program, but they attribute much of its success to volunteers.
Community members donated their talents and performed during the program as musicians, actors, poets and artists. Teachers, a librarian and the principal from Morgan elementary also supported the programs on their own time.
“I was excited to see middle school students get involved too, volunteering to help us with many things,” Clouser said. “We couldn’t do it without the community support.”
Recent research has also shown participation in the summer reading program has an effect on academic success when students return to school.
Morgan Elementary Principal Jim Foudy conducted a study over the winter which showed that children who took part in the McCall library program suffered less regression than the general school population in almost all grade levels. Similar studies are being conducted nationwide, and the results are positive, Foudy said.
“The partnership between the public library and the school has been mutually beneficial,” he said.
For more information, call Lojek at 634-5522 or visit the Web site at www.mccall.lili.org.
Professor to bring snakes to Ponderosa Saturday
College of Southern Idaho professor Nick Peterson will bring his collection of snakes to Ponderosa State Park in McCall for two programs on Saturday.
A program for Junior Rangers will start at 9:30 a.m. at the Activity Center. A second program at 7:30 p.m. will be held either at the park amphitheater or at the Activity Center, depending on the weather.
The Junior Rangers program is designed for children aged 6 to 12. Children younger than 6 are welcome, but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Registration will be at 9:30 a.m. at the Activity Center, and children should come prepared to be outside.
The evening program is for families and others. Those driving into Ponderosa State Park will have to pay the $4 vehicle entrance fee unless they have an annual state park passport.
There is no parking at the amphitheater, but vehicles may park at the Activity Center or Meadow Marsh trailhead parking lots, which offer a quarter-mile walk to the amphitheater. Those attending are advised to bring insect repellent.
Group forms to monitor ethics in Idaho
Three local residents have formed Ethics in Idaho, a new statewide civic organization whose mission is to monitor and enforce employee ethics in the legal field and public office.
The group has developed programs to improve communication between citizens and the Idaho State Bar and Idaho Judicial Council.
A second program aims to expand public defender services by increasing the number of attorneys and allowing consumer choice, a news release said.
The main thrust of the organization is to support the Idaho Public Employees Accountability Act, a ballot initiative put forward by David Estes, an Ethics in Idaho activist.
The group’s board of directors are Helen Myrick of New Meadows who also serves as president; Anthony Williams of Donnelly, vice president; and Kermit Peterson of Donnelly, secretary-treasurer. Go to www.ethicsinidaho.org for more information.
Bunco Babes to hold tournament to fight cancer
The South Valley County Bunco Babes will host a bunco tournament on Saturday, Sept. 12, at the Cascade Senior Citizens Center to raise money to help fight breast cancer.
Doors open at 12:30 p.m., and games begin at 1 p.m. Bunco is a simple dice game designed to be played with a large group of people. Registration is $15 and will include games, food, prizes and a chance to win one of many themed raffle baskets.
Additional raffle tickets will be available at the tournament. Proceeds from the event will be donated to St. Luke’s Health Foundation Women’s Services. Seating is limited, and registration is required.
For more information or to register, call 382-6320 or e-mail chrisnancyb@msn.com.
McCall senior center to host Mad Hatter’s Luncheon
Outrageous headgear will be the theme of the day at the Mad Hatter’s Luncheon set for Saturday at the McCall Senior Citizens Center.
The event begins with a social at 11 a.m. with a lunch served at noon that features ham and asparagus roll-ups with fruit couscous and cake and ice cream for dessert. Cost is $6.50 per person with or without a hat.
Those who do wear hats will be judged and given prizes for prettiest, most colorful, craziest, most original and holiday special.
The senior center is located at 701 First St., McCall, next to Central District Health Department. Call 634-5409 for information.
Volunteers sought to take weather readings
The Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network is looking for volunteer weather observers who are willing to take daily measurements of rain, hail and snow in their back yards.
The only requirements are Internet access and an interest in watching and reporting on weather conditions. For more information, visit the Web site at www.cocorahs.org.
Duplicate Bridge
Here are results from duplicate bridge play on Sunday:
1. Don Louderbough and Dewey Wiens. 2. Olive Louderbough and Sherie Mohr. 3. Bob Everett and Emily Whitman.
The group meets at 6 p.m. each Sunday at the McCall Senior Citizens Center. For information, call 634-5485.
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