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Summer Reading Program at Beecher Library  Share
On June 15, the Summer Reading Program began at the Beecher Public Library. Children of all ages are invited to sign up for a summer filled with great books and prizes. The fun begins with a book, donated by Children's Plus, being given to each child as he or she registers. Then, reading results in awards. The prizes are cumulative, and kids who read: -300 minutes earn an ice cream cone from Buddys Drive-In -600 minutes receive a sundae from Buddys Drive-In -900 minutes choose a book to keep.
Children are divided into three age groups: ages 0-6 years, 7-11 years, and 12 and up. Additional awards will be presented to the top three readers from each of these groups. In order to claim prizes, children should sign up at the library and turn in their parent- initialed reading log before the program ends on July 27. Adults like to read, too, and summer is a great time to make reading a routine. To encourage the habit, the adults can participate in their own library sponsored reading program. Reading three books entitles adults to an ice cream cone from Buddys or a small cup of coffee or tea from the Teapot Cafe. Prizes are also given for reading six books. The theme of the reading program is ''Read on the Wild Side!'' In keeping with the wild theme, Settler's Pond brought different species of kangaroos to the library to kick off the program. With about 50 kids plus parents present, the library was hopping, literally. Daisy Mae, an Australian Red Kangaroo, was allowed to roam the library while the children listened to Daisy Mae's ''mother,'' Pinky Janota, share facts about the animal. Daisy Mae will grow to nearly 7 1/2 feet tall, but at seven months old, she acts like a two-year old human. She was wearing a diaper and is known to throw temper tantrums by stomping her feet. Janota wears a pouch in which Daisy Mae snuggles. Sausage, chicken, Cheetos, and spaghetti are foods that Daisy Mae enjoys eating. Kangaroos can live 25-30 years in captivity so caring for Daisy Mae is a lengthy commitment for Janota. Other interesting details revealed are that kangaroos can run 30 mph, jump 12 feet high, and leap 25 feet forward. During the presentation, next to Janota stood Eva Saenz, Janota's granddaughter, who lives in Morocco, IN. Eva held Pearl tightly. Pearl is an albino Bennett's wallaby who faces a life of medical issues and is a bit skittish. As she grows, her sight will diminish. Currently, the sun hurts her eyes. An animal with special needs such as Pearl is Jonata's specialty. The love she has for the animals consumes her, and it was obvious, she wanted to share that love with the kids. Jonata boasted that over the last 16 years only one of her animals was euthanized because she believes strongly in providing animals with quality life. Janota spends her days creating a hoofed and exotic animal shelter and rescue center. In order to earn their keep, the animals are shown in programs a couple times a week. In addition, a yearly benefit is held. On June 27, the 11th annual fundraiser will be held at the farm from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at 1301 Offner Road in Beecher. Many events are planned and a zebra, camel, and wallabies are waiting to be visited. For more information about the day or Settler's Pond, log onto www.settlerspondshelter.net or call 946-2448. And hurry over to the Beecher Public Library so you can begin reading. Dawn Wolf is a reporter for Russell Publications.
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