Take a few moments to add these events to your library radar for September as another school year flies in for a landing. First is Kathy’s Library Outside movie night on Sept. 10 at 7 p.m. Saturday’s feature tells the continuing story of those little yellow pill-shaped henchmen who are ever loyal to Gru - supervillain wannabe.
If you’ve seen any of the first four installments, you’ll want to check this newest story with minions, Gru, and his rise to supervillain status plans. Gotta love those fashionable goggle wear-gear worn by the minion squad, right?
Members mingle
Next on the agenda of library calendar reminders is the fall start up of Book Club and Knit Wits, both run by Jodi Ebel. The return to Book Club meet-ups begin Sunday, Sept. 11, at 5 p.m. This is their “summer’s over, fall’s a startin’” mingle. Members gather to share their summer reading successes and kick off new titles to pursue for the upcoming months.
The gathering will be twofold, with the addition of a celebration for the Adult Summer Reading participants. Intel says there will be raffles and possible snacks for the evening.
As for the Knit Wits joining forces once again, they continue their lofty 500-hats goal, which was launched at the beginning of 2022. The game plan is to gather 500 handmade hats to be distributed to Hilltown community members before the winter season knocks us off our feet.
All who share the joy of yarn crafts are welcome to join in for the third-Sunday-of-the-month get-togethers as well as contributing to the 500 hats project. Questions about book club or Knit Wits? Call Jodi Ebel, at 518-860-4494.
Jot those dates down. September Book club at 5 p.m. on the 11th. Knitwits at 7 p.m. on the 18th.
Story time
Also, starting back up is story time Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. First up on Sept. 13 is the fun of bike riding. New bike helmets will be handed out at this wheelie fun bike story time peddling into view.
Incrediable Heldercon
One huge event that has been in the planning stages for months is the Incrediable Heldercon. This free family-fun event is in the starting gate for Sept. 17 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Marking their fifth successful year full of door prizes, costume parades, balloon animals, food trucks, game, and more, the committee is hoping for another fine turnout. Be sure to add it to your events calendar. Until next time, happy adventuring.
— Photo from Kathy Stempel
Julie McNulty from Via Aquarium brought sea creatures for the Berne Public Library’s end-of-summer celebration.
Read a poem about this book in Sandra L. Kisselback’s Berne Library column.
“Let’s Pop, Pop, Popcorn!” is a 2021 book by Cynthia Schumerth, illustrated by Mary Reaves Uhles. Here’s a view from inside a poem.
Popcorn!
By SLS
“Let’s Pop, Pop, Popcorn!”
An entertaining rhyming read,
Lots of pictures
And some words
Happy faces having fun.
Planting popcorn
Watching magic
As the corn grows up and up.
Cute puppy watching, watching
Very near the smiling crew.
Illustrations very telling
Shows that puppy peeking in.
Learn some popcorn science
Plus activities that’re fun.
“Let’s Pop, Pop, Popcorn!”
It’s worth an inside peek
You’ll find it at the library
If not now
Why not next week?
Check out and join the fun in “Let’s Pop, Pop, Popcorn!” the next time you pop in the library. Cynthia lives in Wisconsin and this is her debut picture book. Read it for a popping good time.
A word worth mafficking
The Word of the Month club loves the Reader’s Digest Large Print edition they pick up each month at the Berne Public Library. September 2022’s issue was especially delightful to them with several stories relating to language and words and their monthly favorite, Word Power quiz.
In this issue, it was a thrill to see a reference to widdershins, one of their previous word-of-the-month picks. It was referenced in an article touting the revival of at least 12 slang words from the 19th Century. Take a look at page 82 and see what you think about cattywampus, slantindicular, katzenjammer, and the lot.
Sasha pointed out a new word worthy of putting in their hall of fame of fun words. The word which was voted for unanimously by the group with a “Hear, hear” and “Jolly good” was maffick: “Celebrating with boisterous rejoicing and hilarious behavior.”
Now that’s a word worth taking home with you. Happy mafficking in September, from the Word of the Month Club!
Sharlene’s art
Now for a look at more intel on Sharlene Vanderbilt, September’s artist of the month hanging out in the community room’s Friends Art Gallery wall through Sept. 30.
Sharlene draws inspiration from her surrounding world. Whether it be the human figure, lighting fractures on varied objects, trees, flower gardens, or “a rusted tractor hidden in the weeds.” Some paintings result from visits to places like the Schenectady Rose Gardens, Olana, Washington Park, and barns in Schoharie County.
Holding memberships in the Colonie Art League, the Schenectady Art Society, and the Firehouse Artists keeps Sharlene occupied plentifully. Plus, she draws with the Union College Sketch Group.
The artist surely has put in her 10,000-plus hours towards an activity she is passionate about. Treat yourself with a visit to Sharlene Vanderbilt’s art wall all this month. See you on the trail!
Sharlene Vanderbilt painted “Miss Albany,” an oil on canvas, depicting the city’s iconic diner. Her artwork will be on display at the Berne Library in September.
Susplash, gurgle, water, and fins. Get ready for a fun-filled ViIAAquarium “Oceans of Possibilities” experience to help celebrate the library’s summer reading wrap-up for adults, kids, tweens, and teens. And, it’s not just for kids. People of all ages are encouraged to join the party for this interactive touch-friendly adventure with ocean-life invertebrates.
You’ll be introduced and invited to connect with starfish, urchins, and horseshoe crabs. All while learning about fish anatomy, ocean ecology, conservation, and the importance of the Earth’s water dwellers as they connect to our human world.
This free VIA Aquarium program, being held at the Berne Senior Community Center, gets under way Saturday, Aug. 27 at 1 p.m. Splash on over to 1360 Helderberg Trail and check out the “Oceans of Possibilities” being served up.
Goodie bags for a job well done for participants in the 2022 summer reading program are included in the sea scape.
Art
Just a few days left to enjoy August’s Family Fun Month. Maybe you’d like to design a wall of art showing your summer activities these past few months. The Friends’ group art wall coordinator, Ann Hein, is always looking for new displays to share with the community. This could be a family project in the making.
In the meantime, swing by and view the current display featuring Diane Wozniak and Jacqueline Smith’s art. Fifteen scenes to soothe your senses toward relaxing contemplation. Now until the end of August.
Next in the queue for September’s art wall is Sharlene Vanderbilt. Sharlene has an interesting art immersion backstory, which she shared in her bio. Growing up in the Hilltowns, Vanderbilt explored a number of art techniques encompassing drawing and painting.
Recently, she created an abstract using cold wax and oils on Arches paper — Arches paper being acid free 100-percent cotton paper. Vanderbilt’s art draws influences from such artists as Austrian painter Gustav Klimt, French artist Toulouse-Lautrec, Dutchman Vincent van Gogh, and American painter Jackson Pollock.
During the pandemic, Vanderbilt and other artists in the area met monthly and created plein air paintings in various places around the area. Attending both Pratt Institute and the Fashion Institute of Technology, the artist has taught art through continuing education venues and has a lengthy relationship as a freelance artist with a number of different companies. More on the artist will be shared once her show is in place.
Labor Day
As August melds into September, and the school year gets ready to start, please note that the library will be closed for Labor Day on Sept. 5. Regular hours resume on the 6th.
This week enjoy the great outdoors while watching a free “drive-in” movie at the library. On Aug. 20 at 8 p.m., the free movie features an orca killer whale captured and put in an aquarium and expected to be happy performing for humans. It includes a young boy who knows he has to help his friend get back to the ocean to live among his whale family and swim free once again.
Come on over to be part of this outdoor movie event. Just the right movie snacks are part of the show.
Hear Hebert
Comic book artist John Hebert, a Troy New York native, has a long list of credits to his name. He works for Marvel, Archie Comics, and a variety of other publications. He’s listed as a penciller on the Marvel database website with over 19 covers he has worked on. On Saturday, Aug. 20, you can hear an interview with Hebert starting at 2 p.m. in the library.
Fair stories
Have you experienced “Books in the Barn” at the Altamont Fair? This Sunday, the 21st, stop by to say Hi to Miss Kathy as she spreads the joy of reading to little ones. Make a bookmark, hear a story, and go home with smiles from visiting “Books in the Barn” at the Altamont Fair.
All about boats
Last week you sailed to islands near and far in your story-time boat. This week, you’ll be focusing on the boats themselves.
There are all kinds of boats in the waterways. You have your dinghies, rowboats, rafts, and gondolas. Boats powered by you and you alone with your trusty oars and boats using wind in their sails. Then of course there are the engine-powered motor boats.
Plus you have inflatable boats, house boats, banana boats, and yachts. There are lots more for sure when you go exploring the shores.
If you are in the Navy, those big sea vessels they cruise around in are known as ships. As a Navy man explained, “You can put a boat on a ship, but you can’t put a ship on a boat. But submarines, even though they are big enough to be ships, are called boats for tradition.” Ahhh, so that explains it!
With all these boats out there, Story Time Tuesday on Aug. 23 at 10:30 a.m. is bound to be a journey to add to your memory boats, I mean books.
Hanley shares her
publishing journey
Strolling in at 7:00, the monthly “Journeys on the Page” mingle kicks off. This week, we’ll have the pleasure of local author Ashlyn Hanley joining in to talk about the process of self-publishing and researching for her book, “Then and Now…Growing Up a Hilltowner.”
The mingle will be held in person and via Zoom. Call 518-872-1246 if you’d like to be in on this interesting conversation.
Painted doors
The library trustees announced a themed door-painting contest. Details are being worked out and will be shared fully when ready.
Director’s note
Teens and tweens are invited to a Gaming Parlor Night. All sorts of games will be available on Friday, Aug. 19, at 6:30 p.m.
Dust off your boat and wipe down your oars; you’re heading out to sea. More tales and fun roll out with this week’s story-time version on Aug. 16 at 10:30 a.m.
Join Miss Kathy as she explores an island theme with your wee ones. There are reported to be around 900,000 islands pinpointed around the world. Which islands will you be touring?
“Paint the Sound”
On Aug. 17 at 1 p.m., sign up for a new encounter called “Paint the Sound.” If you like dabbling in the unique, this is the place for you. “Paint the Sound” is a Zoom event you can enjoy from your home or at the library.
When you come to the library, there’s a nice perk waiting for you. All necessary supplies are provided for full-on engagement in the scene. Sign up today by calling 518-872-1246.
Doubleheader
Looks like there’s a doubleheader pulling in on Aug. 19. That’s righ,t boys and girls, ladies and gents. Starting at 6:30 p.m., Kathy will be running an evening for the tweens and teens with Game Night. There'll be board games and video games galore to toy around with. An early evening out for your tween or teen. What’s not to love? Plus, there’ll probably be a bit of snacking in the mix.
Strolling in at 7 p.m., the monthly “Journeys on the Page” mingle kicks off. This week, we’ll have the pleasure of local author Ashlyn Hanley joining in to talk about the process of self-publishing and researching for her book, “Then and Now…Growing Up a Hilltowner.” The mingle will be held in person and via Zoom. Call 518-872-1246 if you’d like to be in on this interesting conversation.
Free movie
For Aug. 20, it’s another free outdoor movie night in libraryland at 8 p.m. This week’s feature is all about a whale who wants to be set free. Who could that big old orca whale be? Join the evening’s entertainment and you will see.
Reading wrap-up
Summer reading has finished up for the preschool, elementary, and high school humans. That means it’s time to celebrate! And celebrate you will with the Oceans of Possibilities wrap-up program being brought to you by the folks from Via Aquarium. This indoor aquarium is located at the VIA/Port Rotterdam Mall in Schenectady. They bring part of their outreach programs to local schools and libraries with educational hands-on activities.
Be sure to add this to your library events calendar on Aug. 27 at 1 p.m. being presented at the Berne Community/Senior Center at 1360 Helderberg Trail. Come join the celebration! All are welcome.
— Photo from Kathy Stempel
Kids who learned about pirates at the Berne Library display their pretend tattoos.
There’s a new artist in town. In fact, there are two and they’ve added a display to the Friends Art Gallery wall in the library’s community room. Come by to view the pastel, oil ,and watercolor renderings of Diane Wozniak and Jacqueline Smith. Both ladies have had a long held passion for creating.
Jacqueline shared her escapades of painting the Helderberg escarpment as a teenager. She has found joy in painting since she was 8 years old. After years in the work force and other responsibilities, she retired and began devoting her time to the arts. Jacqueline presents 10 pieces on the wall and holds memberships in various art groups. She is self taught.
Diane, who has also displayed her artwork at the Voorheesville Public Library, brings us five relaxing scenes from various threads of her life: her grandmother’s house in Vermont, the Pine Hollow Arboretum in Slingerlands, the Albany tulip festival, a backyard flower garden, and a barn.
Diane began taking watercolor classes during her life journey. A course at Sage College, a workshop at Greenville Arms, and studying under the watchful eye of Apgar Smith of Schoharie.
Both Diane and Jacqueline are members of the Bethlehem Art Association and the Albany Artist Group.
Give yourself a treat and visit their show now through the end of August.
Explore
Story Time Explorers is on the schedule for Aug. 9 at 10:30 a.m. Just two more story times left for the summer season. Come with your little ones to explore at the library with Miss Kathy.
Honor
On Aug. 10, please join Music In the Park’s final show for 2022 starting 6:30 p.m. at the Berne Town Park. Tonight’s event, featuring Two’s Company w/ Co., will be a special tribute to longtime band member Billy Dibble. Joining Two’s Company w/ Co. is another group Billy shared his musical talents with, Climb To Glory.
Hope you can make it to this special tribute.
Relax
On Aug. 12 at 6:30 p.m., try “Serenity, Sea Shells & Sea Lions,” being held outdoors at the library. This is a night for chair yoga, relaxation, and beach thoughts. Call 518-872-1246 sign up.
Listen
Appearing Aug. 17, a music and art workshop for adults called “Paint the Sound” launches at 1 p.m. It’s a Zoom event in the library or from your home. Supplies are provided when you attend the program at the library.
Be imperturbable
Now for a word from the Word of the Month Club. August is imperturbable. Meaning — unable to be upset. Unflappable. Calm. Relaxed. Tranquil. Serene. That’s imperturbable in a nutshell.
Roxanne, Cindy Leigh, and the gang are practicing honing their imperturbability skills this month. They may even float into September with the same goal.
Want to give it a go? You could start with “Serenity, Sea Shells & Sea Lions” on the 12th or “Paint the Sound” on the 17th for a relaxing good time.
Sally leaned over with her hands on her hips, appearing to try and catch her breath. Marshall and Sally were racing up the driveway to the back porch.
“Are you OK, Sally?” Marshall asked worriedly.
“Fine, fine. Just waiting for you to catch up so I don’t beat you by a mile,” Sally responded with a twinkle in her eye.
“Good one, Sally. Well, the race isn’t over yet. Bwaaa haaa haaa,”said Marshall, waving his fingers in the air in front of his face as if to summon his magical powers. Sally burst out laughing.
“Marshall, you are toooooo funny!” said Sally. Then she took off like a rocket before Marshall knew what hit him.
Sally and Marshall were all signed up for the library programs they wanted to attend over the next couple of weeks:
— On Friday, July 29, at 6:30 p.m. it’s “Tie-Dye, Tea and Turtles” at the Berne Town Park. Bring bandanas, T-shirts, pillow cases, or totes. You could even bring a pair of socks if you feel like jazzing up your foot wear. Just make sure it’s made from cotton for better dye absorption. Ask some friends to join you and experience the swirling colors of tie-dye on the 29th;
— Ocean Story Time splashes in on Tuesday, Aug., 2 at 10:30 a.m. for your 4-and-under crew. How many oceans are there on planet Earth? It could be four or five depending on which source you access. According to americanoceans.org, the largest ocean, the Pacific, covers 60 million square miles;
— Aug. 3 brings another Music In the Park event at 6:30 p.m. showcasing music by the Geezers. Grab your lawn chairs and enjoy the classic Geezer beat. Support the library, support the bands, and have a relaxing time in the park;
— Coral reefs are facing threats to their health. Scientists study what’s been happening and what can be done. Bring your 5- to 10-year-olds to Carrie’s hands-on Coral Reef Sculptures program. Carrie sets the scene with theme-related books, decorations, and a welcoming atmosphere. Come join the sculpture party on Thursday, Aug. 4, at 5:30 p.m.;
— Ever thought about giving chair yoga a try? On Aug. 12 at 6:30 p.m. you’ll have your chance with “Serenity, Sea Shells and Sea Lions”; and
— Then on Aug. 17, the library teams up with the Upper Hudson Library System for something new called “Paint the Sound.” This music and art workshop for adults will be via Zoom.
You’ll be able to Zoom from home after registering and receiving the link or visit the library where the workshop facilitators will Zoom in. How would you paint the sound of a piano or a drum rhythm? Participants are encouraged to have paint, drawing and/or collage supplies on hand to fully engage in the workshop. Supplies will be provided when you attend the program at the library. Questions? Call 518-872-1246.
Marshall was pacing, looking out the window and pacing some more — anxiously waiting for Sally to get home from her chair yoga class. There were important things to discuss about library happenings.
He knows about ocean-related Tuesday story-time programs, summer reading sign-ups, and weekly community events sponsored by the library. It’s pinning Sally down as to what events they will be adding to their library calendar over the last remaining days in July that he wants to clarify.
I mean the month is swimming by at a fast pace and he and Sally haven’t even gotten over to see the new display in the Friends Art Gallery yet.
Marshall started talking to himself. “OK, Marshall, calm down, relax, and just get the library calendar and Enterprise out so you’ll be ready when Sally gets here.”
Marshall heard the door open, jumped up, and raced to the entryway. “Sally, you’re here!”
Sally laughed when she saw him carrying their library calendar and Enterprise in hand.
“Getting a little nervous, are you, about making sure we hit all the library highlights coming up? Let’s fix ourselves some tea and go out back to look things over.”
Marshall took a deep breath, smiled, and gave Sally a hug.
“Thank you Sally. You know me so well.”
And so the evening progressed. They added the art gallery visit to Saturday’s activities. Viewing Susan Nye’s watercolor images will be a rewarding treat. Marshall remarked on loving the artist’s determination of adding the art of watercolor painting to her skill set after retiring in 2014.
Always learning, always exploring. That’s Sally and Marshall’s motto.
Sally put her feet up as Marshall read the rest of the library news aloud.
Ocean Treasures
On July 26, bring your young ones to Ocean Treasures and Pirates Story Time with Miss Kathy at 10:30 a.m. You’ll be looking for buried treasure hidden in the stacks after reading a tall tale or two. Along with crafts and playtime, it’s an action-packed get-together.
Bluestone Band
After the stories are put to bed, set your sights for Wednesday at the Berne Town Park to enjoy an evening of music. It’s the third installment of the Friends and Library’s Music In the Park series.
Starting at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 27, The Bluestones Band will entertain you with their wide selection of traditional and classic rock. You can also visit the snack window and grab a few goodies to munch on while tapping to the Bluestones beat.
Tie-Dye, Tea, and Turtles
Coming up Friday, July 29, look for Tie-Dye, Tea, and Turtles kicking off at 6:30 p.m. at the Berne Town Park.
While the art of “tie-dye” has roots dating back centuries ago in China and Japan, the swirling designs became popularized in the U.S. by the hippies in the 1960s and ’70s.
Adding Tie-Dye, Tea, and Turtles on the 29th, plus the Bluestones on Wednesday, the 27th, Sally and Marshall’s remaining July library calendar was set.
How do those artists do it? Creating scenes that make you wish you could step into the picture and sit at the benches painted onto the canvas. Or go through a doorway to see what’s waiting for you on the other side. That’s the feel you’ll get when you visit the new Friends Art Gallery artist, Susan Nye.
Susan dove into learning new things after retiring from her job as a chemist in 2014. Putting her energy into the practice and study of creating watercolor images shares her talents in fine fashion.
Now, through the end of July, you’ll be delighted to view a number of painted locations from various parts of the world. Traipsing through the framed array you’ll find images from Italy, Greece, the Netherlands, and Chile. Places in California as well as Clarksville and Niskayuna in New York are also represented.
A total of 15 canvases awaits your keen eye. Take some time to swing by one afternoon and check out Susan Nye’s show in the community room.
Shark Marathon
Is your summer reading challenge paging along? Moving into month two of “Oceans of Possibilities,” the library’s community of readers are enjoying reading books and attending library programs.
Last week, a Lighthouse STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) event for 5- to 10-year-olds was facilitated by Carrie Needham and this week an “Everything Shark Marathon” is being tried out for the tween/teen crowd. Join Kathy Stempel’s Shark Marathon on Friday, July 15, at 6:30 p.m. Sign up and show up for some surprises and fun.
“Growing Up A Hilltowner”
On Monday, July 18, at 7 p.m., you are invited to greet and meet local author Ashlyn Hanley. Sharing her recently published book, “Then and Now…Growing Up A Hilltowner,” you can find out about Ashlyn’s journey to authorship.
Gathering stories from local folks in the Hilltowns, Ashlyn folded the stories into a book for future generations to enjoy. This project enabled Ashlyn to complete her Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest and most prestigious award in Girl Scouting.
Be a part of local history and help congratulate Ashlyn Hanley for all her hard work.
Dolphin Story Time
Dolphins swim, play, and charm the world. Some readers may remember Flipper as she danced into our hearts in the mid 1960s. Following the summer reading ocean theme, kids age 4 and younger can join Miss Kathy at story time on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. This Tuesday, the 19th, Dolphins swim into the spotlight. Hear a story, visit with friends, and be on the lookout for dolphins leaping about.
Hilltown Ramblers perform
As week two of the Library and Friends’ Music In the Park series continues, you’ll be entertained by the Hilltown Ramblers on July 20. The show starts at 6:30 p.m. Have a night out in the park to support the library, listen to music, and check out snacks from the Friends kitchen. Keep reading and rockin’ on.
“Hoo-ga,” Guinevere said.
“Hoo-ga?” repeated Roxanne. “How do you spell that?”
“It’s spelled h-y-g-g-e. It’s from Denmark and its meaning essentially wraps itself around a sense of warmth, coziness, and charm. A feeling of contentment and well being, community and shared gratitudes. Denmark’s ranked as one of the happiest places in the world and hygge is a deeply embedded characteristic of Danish culture.”
“It’s got my vote for the word of the month,” Cindy Leigh said. Eric, Devon, and Charlotte nodded in agreement. As did the other members assembled for the Word of the Month Club mingle.
“OK, then.” Roxanne smiled and rang the purple gong to make it official.
“Here’s to embracing and creating our own sense of hygge in July. Brew some tea, savor the sunset, start a family jigsaw-puzzle project. Enjoy an early evening impromptu get-together. Raise your glasses to the joys of discovering hygge in July.”
Cheers to hygge!
As you go about experimenting with the idea of hygge, there are numerous books on the subject that can be ordered with your library card. Such as “The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living” by Meik Wiking.
Upcoming events
After ordering some books, get your library calendar out for adding a few events you may want to add to your schedule of things to do:
— Starting with July 5, you can bring your under-5 family members to Seahorse story time at 10:30 a.m. Following the “Oceans Of Possibilities” summer reading theme, each week Miss Kathy visits different aspects of ocean life to share through stories, movement, and games;
— On July 6 at 7 p.m., you are welcome to join the Friends of the Berne Library monthly meeting. Putting the finishing touches on July 10’s “Make Your Own Sundaes” in the Berne Town Park. Volunteers are always welcome to join the mix;
— Put the “Make Your Own Sundaes” date at the Berne Town Park, Sunday, July 10, from 2 to 4 p.m. on your calendar. Pottery bowls made by community members in a three-week pottery workshop run by retiring art teacher Colleen Skiff are part of the program for just $10 each. You can then take the opportunity to fill your bowl with ice cream and all the fixings courtesy of Stewart’s Shops — a fun way to spend a Sunday! Become the owner of a one-of-a-kind bowl and then fill it with a tasty dessert; and
— July is also the start of the Music In the Park series. Starting with “Just A Bunch of Guys and Girls on July 13 at (special memorial starting time) 5:30 p.m. this is one of the biggest summer events the Friends help sponsor. All kinds of snacks will be on hand to for you to enjoy while relaxing to the summer music beat. See you on the trail!
Director’s note
Look for the Berne Public Library at the Emma Treadwell Nature Preserve on July 13 at 3:30 p.m. for a special story time.