Check it out: Renewed interest in libraries branches out to DVDs, Web, Wii

Kate Isom reviews the audio books at Shenandoah County Library in Edinburg in search of a biography to keep her entertained during an upcoming trip. She has been a library patron her entire life, but never more so than now.

Children's festival to showcase 20 countries

WINCHESTER -- Children can experience and learn about cultures from more than 20 countries at a free event Oct. 10.

Two local attractions free as part of Museum Day

Whether it's hands-on science exhibits or a step into history, two area museums plan to offer activities for all ages Saturday -- and admission is free, with a special coupon from the Smithsonian Institution.

Group sews gifts to donate to newborns in need

WINCHESTER -- Sometimes the smallest gestures are the ones most appreciated and most needed. That's what Elizabeth Parsons thought when she decided to begin the Virginia chapter of Afghans for Angels in 1999.

Through surgeries, health restrictions, Jamie Yowell stays positive

FRONT ROYAL -- Sept. 15 can't get here fast enough for Jamie Yowell. That's when he turns 13. Becoming a teenager is exciting for any youngster, but for this Front Royal lad, it will be extra special.

For the birds: Attract feathered friends by building them a house

On a recent mid-summer evening Diane Greco, of Star Tannery, and her grandson, Eli Fuqua, 3, visited the State Arboretum of Virginia at Blandy Experimental Farm in Boyce to monitor some birdhouses on the Bluebird Trail. A volunteer since 2003, Greco comes to the arboretum at least once a month, sometimes bringing along Eli who enjoys looking for signs of birds nesting along the trail.

Residents gearing up for annual yard crawl

WOODSTOCK -- Most 5-year-olds should have learned to walk by now, but the Route 11 Yard Crawl has done well enough to keep going as it does.

Summer fun: Whether home or travel, the season offers many options

Gas prices are soaring again. Budgets are getting tighter. And, bills are steadily piling. In the midst of a weakened economy, many families will be cutting back on their traveling this summer and planning cheaper outings closer to home. Residents in Winchester and other communities in the Northern Shenandoah Valley won't have to look far to find convenient vacationing alternatives, said Natalie Wills, executive director of the Winchester-Frederick County Visitor Center.

Pack a picnic: A safe outdoor summer meal is possible with precautions

Summer cookouts and picnics don't have to ruin your diet -- or your health -- when you follow some rules of nutrition and food safety.

Supervision, instruction key to preventing drowning

It's finally time to trade sweaters for swim trunks. Recent warm weather is sure to get warmer. With it, families begin their annual flock to area pools for some relief. But how can parents be sure their excited children are safe?