Adler Zahn raises funds for the library

Local reader Adler Zahn took the challenge of reading as many books as possible seriously. During the September meeting of the Friends of the Oneida County Library meeting, he was honored for his efforts with the Readathon event sponsored by the organization.

Earlier in the year, the call was sent out to all students in the valley—read as many books as you can during a monthlong period, and get a friend or family member to sponsor you with a pledge for each book you read. Despite all the reading that goes on in the valley, as attested to by the summer reading challenge, Adler was the only reader to fully embrace the Readathon. Not only did he participate, but he fully exceeded everyone’s expectations and stunned the Friends of the Library with his dedication and accomplishment.

Before presenting Zahn with official recognition and a Barnes and Noble gift card, the Friends of the Library met for a regularly scheduled meeting. Members reported on recent proceeds from book sales at the Oneida County Fair and the Welsh Festival. In total, the events raised a little under $500. It was noted that the location had done better for sales than prior years at the American Legion Hall. It was reported than many of the donated books were cleared out through $5 bags of books, and that all the volunteers did a wonderful job running the library tables at the events. Zahn had heard about the Readathon through a “McIntyre Minute” video in which the principal had announced the contest. Taking the challenge earnestly, Adler began calling friends and relatives to ask if they would contribute to the campaign. Over the month, Zahn managed to read 194 books, which netted him a total of $714.50. Among Zahn’s favorite books were the Galaxy Zack series and the Space Taxi series. Needless to say, the Friends of the Library were very grateful for Zahn’s impressive work!

The Friends of the Library is a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization that works to raise funds for various library projects. As a government entity, the library itself is not able to apply for some of the many grants available to libraries, while not-for-profits are. Currently, the library is working on applying for funding for constructing additional facilities, which Zahn’s contributions will go a long way toward supporting.

“We’re hoping to use him as an example for next year!” Friend of the Library Ann Rethard said. The Friends of the Library plan to sponsor the Readathon again next year, though they are hoping for more participation. After a discussion of changing up some of the details, the group decided to hold the event during February of next year, with more details to be released in the upcoming months.

Congratulations to Adler for his fantastic efforts!

Readathon winner Adler Zahn

Adler Zahn poses with the 194 books he read in March

FFA Auction Fundraiser brings in thousands to support program

Continued from front page number of items inspiring competitive bidding. Among the most popular items were Jazz tickets, a custom designable wooden sign board, quilts, an antique watch from the Lyons, a Cherry Peak family ski pass, a Sawtelle resort stay, a number of toolboxes and toolsets, a peddle tractor, and literally dozens of other items from local merchants, donors, and supporters of the FFA. A silent auction was also held on additional items for those not interested in live bidding.

Several of the items were crafted by members of the FFA organization itself, including several boot racks, a coffee table, a “self-filling” fire pit, and a completely unique picnic table surrounded by suspended swings.

Friendly but competitive bidding took place over the evening, with several of the big ticket items going for over a thousand dollars. Everything that was put up for auction sold, making the event a great showcase for the community’s support of such an important program. In addition to the auction, the event also raised money directly from individuals and businesses who were given the chance at the close of the auction to pledge direct donations to the club.

Among the donors and sponsors were Sandy Evans, Thomas Electric, the Malad Drive-In, Ward Feed and Seed, Nucor, Bryan and Terri Lyons, Valley Implements, Oneida Family Dental, The Gym, Daisy Hollow, Ganache, Central Service, Regan Brubidge, James and Jackie Sorensen, the Plant Peddler, John’s Towing, Kanine Korner, Sue Evans, Wittman Farms, Bomgaars, Henderson Hogs, Cherry Peak, Defend Lawn and Pest Service, La Grande AquaPlunge, Bamma Wamma’s, MDS Garden, IFA, Black Swan Inn, Burbidge Custom Timbers, Josie Alder, Davis Sod, Bryan and Savanah Martin, Dan and Cindy Coleman, Potter Ranches, Skin Haven, KJ’s, the Idaho Enterprise, Twisted Sage, Heston Jenkins, Blooming Wild Design, Valleywide Cooperative, Norco, Sawtelle Mountain, Penny Jacobsen, and a number of others who may have been missed in this list.

The FFA designed "Picnic Swing" was certainly the most unique item on display FFA students served up food at the auction

Malad DRIVE-IN

Lunch Specials 11am – 2pm

Monday - Chicken Bagel & Fry $5.95 Tuesday - Hard Taco $2.00 Soft Taco $3.00 Taco Salad $4.00 Wednesday – Chicken Cheese Snack & Fry $5.95 Thursday – Double Deck & Fry $6.95

FLU SHOT CLINIC Friday, October 7 7:00 a.m.— 12:00 p.m. Oneida County Event Center

459 South Main-Fairgrounds For ages 19 and older One Day Only-No Appointment Needed* Quadrivalent & High Dose

High Dose is recommend for individuals 65 and older

No Cost with Insurance Card OR $25.00 Quadrivalent Private Pay

Breast Cancer Awareness Event

Please join us on this special morning as we work together to reduce the number of deaths caused by breast cancer.

Drive by the hospital on 200 West and pick up your breakfast, breast cancer information and free gift.