A reading program for the (record) books

Some parents can’t wait to share their great news with the family.

Parent-teacher week means folks get the lowdown on how their little darlings are doing so far this year in school.

Let’s hope parents are pleased with reports in the Stanwood-Camano School District because the Camano Island Library Pilot Project reports a record summer for its reading program.

More than 300 kids kept a log about what they read. Those who read at least 10 books got to choose a free book to keep.

Others who read even more got a cookie as big as their heads and other prizes.

Thanks to those who sponsored entertainment and paid for rewards, including the Sno-Isle Foundation, the Camano Island Library Friends, Stanwood Viking Village, Camano Coffee Island Roasters, Islanders Restaurant and Westside Pizza.

Children’s liaison Mary Jennings was delighted with the success of summer reading.

“Children’s services folks work very hard to find just the right balance of incentives and programs to engage families in summer reading,” Jennings said. “Research shows that children who read over the summer maintain reading levels they work so hard to achieve during the school year. Those who don’t read may lose a significant level of ability.”

She especially enjoyed seeing Mom, Dad and the kids at the library.

“It’s truly wonderful to see so many families participate.”

I wrote Oct. 19 about oncologist Georgia Edwards, who trains dogs to do advanced sniffing for fun and competition, called K9 nose work.

She said she received complimentary feedback from the column about the nosework program on Whidbey Island.

“Thanks for letting the public know about this type of fun training that is open to all dogs, especially those who, for whatever reason, are unable to participate in the usual dog activities and competitive sports,” Edwards wrote via email.

There is a nosework program planned for Monday at the South Whidbey Island Parks and Recreation Building, 5475 Maxwelton Road in Langley.

It will be taught by Kathy Holbert with Northwest Noseworks.

“Scent Theory and Its Practical Application to Successful Searches” is planned for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. And a lecture on “The Use of Human Remains Detection K9s in Iraq &Afghanistan” is planned for 6 p.m. Monday.

The day and lecture costs $120 for a working spot or $60 to observe.

To hear the lecture, it costs $15 or $7.50 for ages 12 and younger.

For more information, call Miriam at 206-362-4163 or email mimmery@yahoo.com.

Kristi O’Harran: 425-339-3451; oharran@heraldnet.com.

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