Yes, boys and girls, ladies and gents, tots and toddlers — story time is back from vacation! That’s right fans. Starting at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10, Thumbprint Art will be springing to action to delight the crowd.
Most everybody has thumbs. When you look closely, you can see all those little swirling lines across the soft tops. Add a little art product and voilá, Thumbprint Art is born. Combining reading, playing, talking, maybe a little song and dance and writing leads to early literacy goals hitting the mark week after week during the Berne Public Library’s story time programs. Always fun. Always interactive.
Family Farm Day
Sunday, Sept. 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Cornell Cooperative Extension's Family Farm Day at Two Rock Ranch opens the day to visitors for learning and experiencing many farm related activities. Kathy Stempel, director of the Berne Public Library, is hosting a table at this free family friendly event. Rain or shine there will be lively happenings at the library booth, and all around the farm, for all to enjoy.
Stempel, along with library trustee JoAnne Brady, recently participated in “Barnyard for Books” at the Altamont Fair. Reading stories, sharing books and connecting to community made for a great outreach experience. Thanks to all who visited.
Mini Expedition
Hey, if you didn’t get enough of the Library Expedition last autumn, join in at the mini expedition. Sign up ahead of time at the library. Then join us at the Crossings Park in Colonie on Tuesday, Sept. 10 from 4 to 7 p.m. Staff from the Berne Public Library will be there to represent our awesome library.
Library Programs
Two public interest programs are set to take place during the first full week of school. Mark your library events calendar for Sep. 10 at 7 p.m. for a “Cyber Security” program presented by John Borst, from the NYS Office of Information Technology.
Learn what you can do to protect your personal information while trolling the internet, paying bills, ordering merchandise. Find out which sites are generally safe and how to spot red flags for danger.
Following on the heels of keeping your electronic devices in good health is a program sharing tips on your physical being feeling well. It’s “Get Healthy: Stay Healthy - Prevent Diabetes” facilitated by Albany County’s Department of Health. Wednesday, Sep. 11 at 1 p.m. Tricia Bulatao, RDN and Selethia Garcia, CHW have just the insights you need to kick start that healthy lifestyle plan.
Information from their flyer states Prediabetes shows up in 1 of 3 adults. Many are unaware of signs indicating the disease. Take advantage of this free program to hear about getting healthy and staying healthy. Following the 20 minute talk is a question and answer session. Sign up sheets for both programs will be at the front desk. This gives the library an idea of how many people to plan for.
What a ride! Summer visited, summer moved on, and now it’s time to get back to school. The big yellow buses will soon begin their road crawls to gather and deliver students. Some of the Berne-Knox-Westerlo summer reading books are still available at the Berne Library just in case someone needs one for the 11th hour.
September’s word is “adventurous”
With a new month comes a brand new word choice from the Word of the Month Club. After August’s hil-aaaaar-i-ous findings, the group sat back with their summer tans and umbrella drinks to spew their choices onto the table.
Discussion spittled along to a roaring finish with adventurous rising to the top of the mound. So for September, be adventurous, use the word with an extended hand to the sky, write it in your journals. It’s a month for adventures.
Adventures resume
Other adventures resuming their regular schedules at the library this September include the Sunday Knit Wits, the Berne Sunday Book Club, and Tuesdays 10:30 a.m. story-time programs. Look for details in The Altamont Enterprise; the Berne Public Library’s Facebook page; and at www.bernepubliclibrary.org, the library’s web page. Or call the library at 518-872-1246 with questions.
Chauvot’s art
In the community room, another talented artist is sharing her works of art. Sara Chauvot has 18 to 20 paintings to display for the month of September. The paintings are predominantly done with acrylics, but she uses watercolors as well.
Sara Lutz Chauvot lived in Berne for just four years. Those four years were her years spent in high school at BKW. After graduating, she joined the United States Army and completed that career through the Army Reserves.
During her high school years, Chauvot said she had one painting assignment from her English teacher, Mrs. Lapinski. She took no art classes while attending school but keeps a vivid memory of that painting task as one of joy. Her artist mother and grandmother helped with the project.
For the past three years, Chauvot and her husband have been traveling the country in their motorhome. With an inner passion for art forged with inspiration from her mom and grandmother, Chauvot began focusing on and honing her “plein air” painting skills
Plein air, coined from the French, translates as painting outdoors in real time. Shadow and light constantly changing, render a whole new look for the same scene before you. With plein air enthusiasts in abundance, plein air artist groups, magazines, and conventions are alive and doing well.
Chauvot in 2018 attended the plein air convention in Santa Fe as well as San Francisco’s 2019 gathering. “The buffet of artists, demos and workshops made for an exciting experience,” said Chauvot. When asked if she had a home base, Chauvot replied, “Right now, we are still having fun exploring the country. We do driveway landings here and there with relatives. Other than that, this adventure is still going strong.”
Please visit Sara Chauvot’s art show at the Berne Public Library throughout the month of September.
Reminders
A quick reminder that the Berne Public Library will be closed for the Labor Day holiday on Monday, Sept. 2. Regular hours resume 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 3.
Adult summer reading team, please sign up for the planned 7 p.m. “Space Dinner” celebration on Sept. 8 at the library. Mark your calendars now and see you then.
Celebrating the successful conclusion of the Berne Public Library’s summer reading program was out of this world. Thanks to Stewart’s Holiday Match Program, arrangements for Planetarium Adventures presented by Chris Grubb was ready for lift off on Aug. 8.
The big gray inflatable planetarium found the perfect set-up space in the Berne-Knox-Westerlo Elementary School gymnasium. Once inside the round structure, audiences were surrounded by summer’s night sky of constellations. Grubb shared stories of stars, planets, legends, and lore.
Along with the inside show, refreshments, painting activities, and pencil puzzlers were available at the tables of exploration near the gym’s stage area. Those completing the 500 minute summer reading challenge received a goody bag and certificate.
Thank you to all participants. Thank you, Friends of the Berne Library, for applying for and receiving the Stewart’s Holiday Match Program. Thank you, Stewart’s, for offering the match programs. Thank you, volunteers, for setting up, cleaning up the crumbs, and filling those goody bags. Go, Team Planet Party!
Countdown
The Sept. 6 splashdown for the summer adult reading program is moving into the final countdown. Reviews are rocketing in. Stars are being marked next to such things as a read from the BKW summer reading list, watching a space movie, or leaping into a graphic novel set in the future.
Participants are asked to turn in their assignment reports to mission control by Sept. 6. The circ desk squad is fully trained and ready to receive your transmissions.
A space dinner is planned for 7 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 8, to applaud all your discipline and hard work in successfully navigating the program. Please add your name to the sign-up sheet hanging out at the front desk and reserve your spot at the space dinner festivities. Having a head count is helpful when ordering supplies for the evening.
Vibrant Edibles
You have one week left to view the brightly colored works of artist Laura Shore. Her “Edibles” adorning the community room’s art gallery wall and look like you could pluck them from the frame. Learn more about the artist at www.farmsharestudio.com and, when you visit the show, be sure to grab one of her postcards depicting her work.
Ahead
September sneak preview shorts — mark your events calendars:
— Story time returns from vacation starting at 10:30 a.m. on Sept. 10;
— Cyber security workshop is slated for 7 p.m. on Sept. 10;
— Information on Pre-Diabetes is planned for 1:00 on Sept. 11;
— Lyme Disease Prevention Program for 6:00 on Sept. 18; and
— Heldercon kicks off its 2019 show Sept. 21 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Volunteers are welcome.
Call the library at 518-872-1246 with questions. Follow the Berne Public Library’s Facebook page. Look for programs and updates at www.bernepubliclibrary.org.
Music in the Park: On Aug. 21 at 6:30 p.m., “Just a Bunch of Guys...and Some Girls” will perform at the Berne Town Park.
A lull hangs in the air as some folks are making a last dash to grab a mini vacay before September. With school looming just around the corner, a school-supply drive sponsored by the Friends of the Berne Library is underway.
If you are interested in donating, think comp books, notebook paper, folders, markers, crayons, glue sticks. Drop them off in the collection bin inside the library during regular open hours. The Friends thank you for your generosity.
Another bin waiting in the entryway looking to be filled is Girl Scout Troop 1482’s shoe-drive barrel. They are looking for matched sets of shoes, sneakers, slippers. Any type of footwear, with the exception of roller skates or ice skates, in good condition.
Summer Reading Program
The library’s summer reading programs for wee explorers up to teens wrapped up with the Planetarium Adventures show on August 8th. From liftoff to splash down, readers took on the 500 minute reading challenge and surfed their way to program completion. Gift bags, prizes, certificates and a round of high-fives were shared at the Planet Party finale. Congratulations and a round of applause for all the participants.
Adults taking on the challenge have a smitch of days remaining to finish their step into the summer reads for big kids. Submit some book reviews for tickets in the raffle offering, finish off the last few pages of that space travel book and do the happy dance for extra credit. Squeeze it all in up by September 6 and be ready to bask in the glow of success at the Sept. 8 space dinner.
Music in the Park
Music, Music, Music in the Park, Park, Park. The annual tradition of Music in the Park brings “Just a Bunch of Guys...and Some Girls” in for the final rockin’ show of the season. The energy from this group is on fire with their wide variety of instruments, personalities and pure enjoyment of blending music together.
Brian Stempel and Avery bring guitar and vocals to stage, Jim makes his fiddle sizzle, Pat vibes in with harmonica and Joanne smoothly sways her mandolin. Along with Gruesome, Jack, Patricia and John’s contributions, it’s anyone's guess who else may join the stage.
Mark your library events calendar for Aug. 21 at 6:30 p.m. for “Just a Bunch of Guys...and Some Girls” at the Berne Town Park. Refreshments provided by Friends of the Berne Library are an added delight to the evening. Your support of this popular music series is greatly appreciated.
Library hey-there notes
Story time is on vacation for the next three weeks starting Aug. 20.
Heldercon is on the horizon. Mark your calendars for Sept. 21.
A short and sweet library survey, to help the library serve you better, is located at the front desk for visitors to fill out. Thank you for your input.
Laura Shore is sharing a sprinkle of mouth watering paintings that are currently adorning the community room’s Art Gallery wall. You can tour the show throughout the month of August. Vibrant colors depict fresh fruits and veggies that look real enough to pick up and munch. “Fresh Painted Produce Every Day” is the banner line.
After years of nursing a deep passion to be a painter, Shore retired in 2013 and took on the role full time. Inspired by local farmers markets and CSAs (Community-Supported Agriculture), the fresh produce piling into her home soon clamored for starring roles in her art work.
Through her paintings, prints, and cards, Shore promotes local produce and the farmers who make fresh foods available. Donating a portion of proceeds to local groups supporting agricultural lands, the works are attracting attention.
Farm Share Studio art is popping up like a freshly-planted garden. Treat yourself to this creative show of local edibles teasing your taste buds in a most delightful way. Learn more about the artist at farmsharestudio.com.
Storytime
Angry Bird storytime leaps to action at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 13. From Rovio Entertainment the “Angry Birds Movie 2” will hit the theaters in a few days. What better time to shine a spotlight on Red, Chuck, Terence, Bomb and the Green pigs looking to work together to save their world. Music, a mission and a menagerie of personalities to make you smile. Who’s top on your list of the Bird characters? Join in on Tuesday for this special Angry Bird storytime program.
Music in the Park
Another special program tradition spills tunes into the air on Wednesday, Aug. 14 as Music in The Park brings in the Bluestones. This classically rocking band has been blasting out the tunes for a decade.
Brett Pulliam, who plays bass, got his start learning from youtube videos. Then he and a few of his chums began jamming every week and “eventually got good enough to play out,'' says Pulliam. In fact, they have a couple gigs lined up at the Helderberg Mountain Brewing Company on the weekend. Other band members include Rick Matlock and Kyle Pulliam doing vocals and playing guitar and Larry Wilson giving the drums a workout.
Music continues for another week on Aug. 21t to accommodate the reschedule of “Just a Bunch of Guys...and Some Girls”. Mark your calendars to attend these events in support of the bands and the library. Enjoy the opportunity to enjoy food, jokes and plenty of jamming from these talented musicians who entertain free of charge.
Three week break
Storytime will be on snooze for three weeks starting Aug. 20 but check out “Stories in the Barnyard” at the Altamont Fair. Look for it during fair week.
August is sailing into sight, which signals the flip of your library events calendar. It also brings the Word of the Month Club to the table to present its new focus for August.
After several long hours of tea, crumpets, and a rousing discussion of “hilarious” vs. “marvelous,” the group finally settled on “hilarious.” When you try hilarious on for size, remember there are four syllables with a stretched accent on l-a-r as it rolls off your tongue: “How was the meeting? It was hi-LAAAAAR-i-ous.”
Moon Landing
Moving on to marvelous: “The Eagle has landed”, July 20, 1969, Appollo 11. Remembering the 50th anniversary of the moon landing with a program for adult readers hot on the trail of completing their summer reading challenges.
Join in on Sunday, Aug. 4 at 7 p.m. for an evening of remembering. Where were you during the historic moon landing? Were you watching it on TV or listening to it on the radio? We’ll talk, write, have refreshments and share how the summer reading challenge is progressing.
Summer Snowman
Summer Snowman storytime is back by popular demand. Starting at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 6 Summer Snowman will be center stage with guest reader Broccoli Spear sharing the tale. Also on deck will be stars wrapping up the wee explorer gatherings for the 5 and under audience and their transporters.
Cartooning Class
In the evening on Aug. 6 from 6:30 to 8 p.m., a cartooning class led by Tom Payne is on the calendar. Anyone with an appetite for drawing is welcome. Do you have some cartoonish creations you are working on? Bring them along to share. Please register at the library.
Music in the Park
Sharing continues with another fine show for the Music In The Park series. Tunes fill the air Wednesday, Aug. 7 from 6:30 p.m. to dusk at the Berne Town Park. Pick ‘N Hops make their debut appearance with mandolin, dobro, bass and guitars.
Yielding inspiration from the Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival held annually in Oak Hill, Brian Gaddis, formerly of Slim Pickins, is the senior member of the quintet with guitar in hand. Gaddis is joined by daughters Stacey Gammon on mandolin and Faith Gaddis managing the dobro. Hanna McGuire plays bass guitar while Mary Viscio kicks it with her guitar.
Refreshments are plentiful thanks to the Friends of the Berne Library and jokes float over the crowd sporadically as the night plays out.
Summer Reading Program
Propelling forward, it’s Planet Party time! Highlight Aug. 8 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. for Planetarium Adventures at the BKW elementary school. Broken up into three showings, this free program splashes down as the finale to celebrate the library’s successful Universe of Stories summer reading program.
At 7 p.m. the youngest readers are welcomed in for “ABC’s of the Sky.” From asteroids to zodiac, finding shapes in the stars and drawing imaginary lines connecting them in patterns.
Next up is “Explore the Solar System” at 8 p.m. for ages 6 to 10. Planets, the Milky Way, moons and asteroid belts will be whizzing by for a stunning experience.
“Star Stories” at 8:45 p.m. involve Ursa Major, Orion the Hunter, Little Dipper and more in tales from ancient times for teens and adults to enjoy. Welcome to the Planet Party and thank you for taking on the reading challenges.
The library trustees are scheduled to meet on Aug. 8 at 6:30 p.m. for a shortened meeting and a visit to the Planetarium Adventure show. Questions? Call the library at 518-872-1246.
We don’t want to forget the teens, Aug. 9 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. WHAT GALAXY ARE YOU FROM? Make a star jar of your favorite constellation.
— Photo from Kathy Stempel, director of the Berne Public Library
Good grooming: Aztec is brushed by children during his visit to the Berne Public Library.
“And thank you for building this library!” These words were heard from a youngster at the Berne Public Library last week. Can you imagine?
There was no prompting from a parent. No “I’ll give you $5 if you say this awesome thing about the library.” Just a spontaneous string of words blurted from the mind of a child. True story, boys and girls.
Those few words dial up a welcome boost of encouragement to continue scheduling programs; provide stacks of books — old and new — movies, and magazines; have cake pans that can be borrowed; provide passes to museums and an Empire State Park Pass; and create an environment to freely learn and explore. Thank you.
Books and Brews
The Berne Public Library invites adult readers to Books and Brews! Your presence at the Helderberg Mountain Brewing Company on Friday, July 26 at 7 p.m. could be the start of the newest flavor in book sharing. Bring your favorite book to 83 Main Street in East Berne and see where the discussion leads.
Beyond storytime
Join us for wee explorers at 10:30 a.m.,Tuesday, July 30. What does that mean, beyond storytime? With the Universe of Stories summer theme, it lends a hint of mystery from the horizon to the stars. The 5 and under wee explorers and caregivers are welcomed each week to hear a story, make some healthy wiggly moves and create an out of this world craft.
Trekking across the universe
On 1 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 11 at 1 p.m., for the 6-12 year old Star Crew. Sun, planets, lunar eclipse, beyond the stars in the Milky Way, comets racing across the sky. Trek across the universe with Star Wars space trivia, Star Trek tribble trouble and “Use the Force” to “Live long and...?” use a telescope to spot celestial wonders? Sharpen your space trivia during the universe trek on Thursday.
Music in the Park
On Wednesday, July 31 at 6:30 p.m. at the Berne Town Park enjoy Wood Chuck Wood. Band members include Chuck Fuller doing guitar and vocals, Rob Futterman on bass, Matt Schueler with vocals and Nick Warner keeping the drums hot. Their music CD “Picking Oranges” is available at the library.
Refreshments from the Friends keep coming week after week during the shows. Last week’s cancelled entertainment by “Just a Bunch of Guys” is being rescheduled. Sorry for the inconvenience this may have caused anyone. Keep your eyes and ears alert for the new date.
Forum
An informational forum will be held in the library’s community room from 3 to 5 p.m. on Monday, July 29. Mary Forman from the NY Connects and Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley Inc. is the facilitator. Stop in with questions and go home with answers. Learn about resources that may be available to help you remain comfortably in your own home. Find out what’s available in your community and beyond.
Cartooning
A peek ahead into August is showing a fun for all ages Cartooning Class. Tom Payne is preparing to help bulk up your creative talents August 6 from 6:30 -to 8 p.m. with helpful hints and suggestions. Sign-up sheets for the Cartooning program are ready for your autograph in your best cartoonish style. Questions? Call the library at 518-872-1246.
On Saturday, July 20, from 1 to 3 p.m., experienced scrapper JoAnne Brady presents “Treasures of Your Past” using archival scrapbooking. This free program will inspire you to pull out those family photos and documents to create a visual family history you can share with loved ones and friends.
Sign up sheets are at the front desk to reserve your seat. Questions? Call 518-872-1246 or check www.bernepubliclibrary.org for details.
Seed Library
New growth has sprouted at the Berne Public Library. The 2019 Seed Library, carefully planted and landscaped by Ann, code name Broccoli Spear and Marge, code name Bean Sprout, is in the building.
Here’s an excerpt from a recent interview in the garden with Broccoli Spear and Bean Sprout.
Interviewer: “Bean Sprout, what can you tell us about the new Seed Library?”
Bean Sprout: “Broccoli Spear and I have written to various seed companies and received over 200 seed packet donations of flowers, vegetables and herbs.”
Interviewer: “Broccoli Spear, you’ve both put in a lot of hours to bring this idea to fruition. What was your motivation?”
Broccoli Spear: “Stirring up interest in gardening for food and pleasure. Making a variety of seeds available to the community and giving young people the opportunity to start a mini garden of their own.
Interviewer: “What’s been the response to your Seed Library?”
Broccoli Spear: “People seem to be excited about the idea and are taking seeds home at a rapid pace.
Bean Sprout: “We’re looking forward to seeing new gardens springing up.
Interviewer: “Thank you both for making this Seed Library happen. The library and gardening community is grateful.”
If you have a few moments, pop in and check out the ease of bringing home a few seeds from the new Seed Library and add some color to your garden.
Story Time
Story time for the wee explorers aged 5 and under invites you in at 10:30 a.m. on July 23 with space ships at the ready. What’s it like to be an astronaut in an orbiting spaceship with various items floating around the cabin due to no gravity? Hang on as you hear a story, move at space warp 9 and make a craft.
Star Crew
For the 6 to 12 group, Star Crew Thursday shoots for the moon July 25 at 1 p.m. It’s all part of the Universe of Stories summer reading. Books exploring space and the moon are located throughout the library. Activities, reading and exploration comes together for all Star Crew members.
Music in the Park
Music in the Park continues during week 3 of 6 this Wednesday, July 24 starting 6:30 p.m. at the Berne Town Park. On stage “Two’s Company” entertains with their classic rock and roll repertoire. Dennis White takes the mic while guitar picking, Mary White adds the bass guitar, Bill Dibble guitars it and Glen Gray drums on. Refreshments provided by Friends of the Berne Library, jokes provided by Kathy.
Book discussion
Another new event on the Berne Public Library launching pad is the “Books and Brews!” gathering at the Helderberg Mountain Brewing Company. An outside the library building box get together for adults. Bring your favorite book on Friday, July 26 at 7 p.m. to 83 Main Street in East Berne, to discuss books and enjoy a brew if you so desire. It’s “Books and Brews!” Friday in the hilltowns.
— Photo from Sandra Kisselback
Just a Bunch of Guys and now Some Girls will be appearing live, on the Berne Town park stage this Wednesday, July 17, starting at 6:30 p.m.
Aztec, a miniature Palomino horse, will be visiting the Berne Library at 3 p.m. on Monday, July 15, for a “Meet a Mini” program for all ages.
Sharon Frisbie found Aztec in Texas when he was 2 years old. Frisbie became the fourth owner of this gentle creature. Golden colored with a white mane and tail, 8-year-old “Aztec loves being hugged and fussed over,” says Frisbie.
Standing 33 inches tall, with eyes that will melt your heart, it could be love at first sight. Please mark your calendar for the 15th to meet Aztec and learn some horse lingo, care, and grooming. If, after meeting Aztec, you’d like to meet him again, you can be sure to see him every year at the Altamont Fair.
Story Time
Where will the 5 and under Wee Explorers be going for story time at 10:30 a.m. on July 16? Up to the moon, that’s where. Speaking of moon phases, which include waxing crescent, waning crescent, new and full, on July 31 is a special moon called the Black Moon - the second new moon in a single month. The full moon lands on the 16th. Pile on your astronaut gear to hear moon tales, make like a lunar eclipse and rally up the craft making call.
Story Show
The 6 to 12 year old Star Crewsers may be getting a visit from galactic researchers for story show and do at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 18. “Take Me to Your Leader” - beep beep, zwaggle zwaggle, urp. The leader may be in hiding so prepare for the mission with your favorite search and find device.
Music in the Park
Kathy Stempel introduced “Music in the Park” over 15 years ago. The band who entertained at the very first “Music in the Park” back then is strumming with energy to rock your world. Just a Bunch of Guys and now Some Girls will be appearing live, on the Berne Town park stage this Wednesday, July 17, starting at 6:30 p.m.
Brian Stempel and his Wednesday-night jammers have been making music together for nearly 20 years. Avery livens it up with his guitar, Jim sizzles on the fiddle, Pat whales on the harmonica, Joanne adds mandolin. Patricia and John hit the guitar strings in a fiery fashion.
And then there’s Gruesome and Jack and the chance of surprise guests popping in with their own brand of musical energy. Refreshments will be made available by the Friends of the Berne Library.
New Programs
Two new programs are on the radar for this coming week. First up at 7:30 p.m. on July 18 is “Stories Under the Stars” at Two Rock Ranch located at 73 Turner Road in Berne. Bring a flashlight and be prepared for a new reading experience on the farm. Join Emily Vincent and her band of local sheep residents for some baaavelous fun and entertainment.
On Saturday, July 20 from 1 to 3 p.m. JoAnne Brady will be leading “Treasures of Your Past — Family Photos and Papers.” This free hands-on program will show you how easy and relaxing it can be to put your family history in order.
Using all those boxes of family photos and special papers giving clues to your loved ones’ lives, you will learn the papers, rocks, and scissors of archival safe scrapbooking. Gain confidence in creating these priceless scrapbooks to share now and with future generations. Sign up sheets are at the front desk to reserve your seat. Questions? Call 518-872-1246 or check www.bernepubliclibrary.org for details.
Fireworks touch the sky with sprays of color on Thursday through the weekend and around the Helderberg Hills, lakes, and backyard hideaways. It’s a celebration, a welcome break from the weekly swoosh, an opportunity to read your newly-checked-out library book.
A celebratory element envelops the Berne Sunday Book Club’s July 7 gathering as well. It’s a reader’s-choice free-for-all. Share your which book and why at the 7 p.m. huddle. Part of the evening includes stirring ingredients together for the night’s 2019 Adult Summer Reading kick-off partaaay — “Armchair Astronaut.”
There will be refreshments, READsquared or paper sign-up registrations, kibbitzing with fellow book lovers, and energizing the night with challenge choices sitting on the launching pad ready for liftoff. Read your way through five or more of the suggested cues by Sept. 6 and receive raffle tickets, a gift, and a foodie night on Sept. 8. Mark your calendars now.
Use Universe of Stories to guide you through a galaxy of new experiences. You’ll be pleasantly hoisted toward the stars on an expedition of cosmic possibilities.
Please join in on Sunday, July 7, at 7 p.m. Any questions? Call the Berne Public Library at 518-872-1246.
Wee Explorers
On July 9, Wee Explorers, ages 5 and under, are off to find 10 little aliens. Will the 10 little aliens be sitting in their ship as one jumps off and then there were six? Wait, that can’t be right, can it?
Stop in at 10:30 a.m. on July 9 and find out for sure what those 10 little aliens are up to as you hear a story, explore, and make a craft.
Constellation exploration
On Thursday, July 11, at 1 p.m., the Star Crew of 6- to 12-year-olds are invited in for constellation exploration. Learn what’s awake in the night sky from the Milky Way to Ursa Major and the Big Dipper splashing a drink to its darkened canvas.
Gaming in Space
When July 12 slips into evening at 6:30 p.m., the teens are invited in for Gaming in Space — a night to chill for the 13- to 17-year-olds.
Board meets
The Berne Library Board of Trustees meets on July 11 at 6:30 p.m. Meetings are open to the public.
Hilltown Ramblers
Music in the Park news flash! Take note!
On Wednesday, July 10, at 6:30 p.m., the Hilltown Ramblers are taking the platform in the Berne Town Park. This group started its musical journey over 25 years ago during a jam session at the Old Woodshed Bar.
From there, the group performed at county fairs, parks, and many sold-out Caffe Lena shows. In 2003, “It’s About Time,” a self-produced CD was available to long-time fans.
Dick Stock, playing mandolin, and Mo Safford making his five-string banjo hum are the original Ramblers. Other players joined and left along the way but Stock and Safford kept jamming along.
Wednesday night, Jim Selkirk on guitar and Ed Krzykowski, who’s been playing bass with the group for five years, round out the stage. A mixture of bluegrass, traditional, contemporary, old country, and their own original homegrown tunes are on the playlist. See you at the park.
Next week: Just a Bunch of Guys.