JEANNE C. WHITE is a woman on a mission.
"Read! Remember! Re-act!" she writes on the inside cover of her book about children with AIDS, Rescue the Perishing. All proceeds from the book will benefit children with AIDS in Baltimore, White said.
The book, published recently by American Literary Press Inc., tells the true story of White's relationship with a 2-year-old girl she calls Mylia.
"Because of Mylia and the thousands of children like her, all over the world, whatever time I have left in my life will be spent in acting on behalf of these dear ones," she writes.
White, a retired English teacher who taught in Baltimore, lives in Heartlands Senior Living Village in Ellicott City. She met Mylia and other children with AIDS while volunteering at Barton School in Baltimore, which serves children with special needs.
"I knew about AIDS, but I never envisioned children suffering," White said.
The 47-page soft-cover book, written in the first person, describes the relationship between White and Mylia, from their meeting to Mylia's death. Although details and names have been changed, the story is true, White said.
"There was an instant bonding with this little one, who in addition to being HIV-positive, had cerebral palsy and was a ward of the state," White says in her book.
After Mylia died, White began to write. "It was a very sad time and sort of like a catharsis," she said, sitting in the library at Heartlands. "I needed to put it in writing so I would never forget the impact."
White, 63, says she is working on a second book, a fictional account about how "life should be" for children with AIDS. It took her about six months to write the second book in longhand, she said. Her husband typed the manuscript.
"Both of these books involve my heart to its very core," White said. She is looking for an agent who can turn the book into a best-seller because she wants the profits to go to those suffering from AIDS in China and Africa.
"I can't and won't ride to fame and fortune on the backs of these children, but I am compelled to do something," White said.
This month, White said, she held a book-signing at Heartlands and persuaded many residents to save pennies for the cause. She hopes that people who read her book will give time and money to children with AIDS.
"I have entered peace now because I realize that I'm doing something," White said.
To order the book ($7.95): 410- 882-7700 or 800-873-2003, www. erols.com/amerlit or send e-mail to amerlit@erols.com.
Summer fun
Local libraries are offering fun summer programs for young people.
On July 2, those ages 11 through 17 can create an Independence Day card and work on other projects. The hourlong program at the Elkridge branch library will begin at 4:30 p.m. Registration will begin tomorrow.
On July 16, children ages 5 through 8 can learn about protecting the environment through stories and activities at the Elkridge branch. The one-hour program will begin at 1 p.m. Registration will begin July 9.
To register for Elkridge branch programs: 410-313-5077 or visit the library.
On July 15, the Miller branch library will hold a puppet show for those age 6 and older and their families. Folk tales about dragons from Africa, China, Indonesia and Europe will be performed. The 45-minute shows will start at 4 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. Registration will begin July 8.
At 2 p.m. July 8, Mermaid Magic will feature stories, activities and crafts based on the mythical sea creature. Registration will begin July 1 for the 45-minute program.
To register for Miller branch programs: 410-313-1950 or visit the library.
School news
Congratulations to Todd Gleason and David Farhat. The Ellicott City residents recently graduated from Syracuse University College of Law in New York.
Kristin Stickles of Elkridge was inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi honor society of Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania. A graduate of Howard High School, Stickles is majoring in elementary education. She is the daughter of Kevin Stickles and Regina Hillman.