South Benton Library Project

THE STORY: Monroe residents have established the South Benton Library Project in hopes of raising $1.2 million by December 2010 to build a new community library. If the group is able to raise that amount by then, it will receive a $500,000 grant from Portland businessman and philanthropist John Gray. The new library would consist of 4,700 square feet. The current library at 668 Commercial St. is 1,250 square feet.

THE LATEST: Author Bob Welch visited the Monroe Community Library Nov. 18 to discuss and sign copies of his latest book, "My Oregon II." He donated 50 percent of the proceeds to the South Benton Library Project. Library specialist Lori Pelkey said 30 people attended the event, which raised about $420.

Raju Woodward

Avery Fishburn

THE STORY: Avery Fishburn, an eighth-grader at Philomath Middle School, had surgery in January to remove a tumor in his brain. He missed six months of school and was unable to participate in track in the spring. This fall, Avery was doing well in all his classes except math and was the No. 1 runner for the Philomath Middle School cross-country team, despite battling headaches nearly every day.

THE LATEST: Avery's headaches are getting worse, sometimes severe enough to keep him in bed all day. His mother, Carina Fishburn, said her son's doctors haven't been able to get the headaches under control. He is scheduled to meet with doctors at the neuro-oncology clinic at Doernbecher Children's Hospital in Portland in the next couple of months to discuss more options. The Fishburns have made numerous trips to doctors' offices as far away as Portland despite the fact their health insurance ran out last month. Donations can be made at any Wells Fargo Bank branch to the Avery Fishburn Donation Account.

Raju Woodward

Holiday markets

THE STORY: For weeks, stories in the newspaper have mentioned the pending arrival of various holiday markets and attractions hosted by local nonprofits in Corvallis and the surrounding area.

THE LATEST: Here is a roundup of the nonprofit seasonal markets now open:

The Art Center's newly remodeled Art Shop is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Sunday at 700 S.W. Madison Ave. The shop features fine arts and crafts by Oregon artists with a percentage of the sales benefiting Art Center programs. Information: 754-1551 or www.theartscenter.net.

The Corvallis Artisans Market Boutique is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sundays at 132 S.W. Fourth St. The market also is hosting a number of community concerts, benefit shows and art demonstrations. Information: 602-6215 or www.corvallisartisansmarket.

com. The last day will be Dec. 31.

International fair trade crafts and locally made gifts benefiting local charities are for sale at Gifts for a Better World, open for its final day from noon to 5 p.m. today at First Congregational Church, 4515 S.W. West Hills Road. Information: www.giftsforabetterworld.org.

Fine arts and crafts by 26 local and regional artists are for sale at Teal Artists' Cooperative, open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. Sundays at 202 N.W. Third St. A percentage of Teal's profits benefit Linn-Benton Food Share. Information: 754-6338 or www.tealartistcoop.com.

The Linn County Arts Guild is raising money for community art programs with the Handcrafted in Linn County Holiday Gift Store, open from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturdays through Dec. 26 at 631 Main St., Lebanon. Information: www.linncountyartsguild.org.

Nancy Raskauskas