If your enthusiasm for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro is starting to grow, you are not alone. The games begin Aug. 5. Americans hope to bring home medals in many events including women's gymnastics with the help of talented Simone Biles.
When using the library's resources to research the Olympics, you will discover that there are actually three gymnastic disciplines. Artistic gymnastics for women has been in the games since 1928 and includes floor, vault, uneven bars and balance beam. Two additional types of gymnastics were added more recently.
Rhythmic gymnasts use a ball, hoop, ribbon, and clubs to create a floor presentation with a soundtrack. Trampoline gymnasts perform acrobatic jumps in the air. All three types of gymnastics demand great strength, flexibility, balance, and grace.
Story time
Children ages 1 to 5 will use grace and flexibility to perform action rhymes during the next Wee Read Storytime. Meet with Ms. Kathy on Tuesday, Aug. 2 at 10:30 a.m. for "Move It" . This program will help develop coordination and rhyming skills with stories, activities, and a craft.
Concert
The bands playing at the Music in the Park concerts could definitely provide soundtracks for rhythmic gymnastics. Or maybe they are best for a night of easy listening and dancing. Slim Pick'ins performs on Wednesday, Aug. 3 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Berne town park. Admission is free. Refreshments are available for purchase from the Friends of the Berne Library.
Science of sports
What is needed to balance on a board? Children ages 5 to 12 will investigate the "Science of Sports" at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 4. Join Ms. Kathy for this summer program on fitness before the library opens at noon.
Movie night
Superheroes are known for their strength and flexibility. Watch them in action during Movie Night at the Library on Friday, Aug. 5. The adventure film is rated PG-13 and runs from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Admission is free and refreshments are provided. Check our website for the title.
Field trip
Show off your athletic skills during the library sponsored field trip to FunPlex in East Greenbush on Monday, Aug. 15. The bus leaves the library at 9 a.m. and returns at 1 p.m. A two-hour ticket gives you access to unlimited go-cart rides, miniature golf, bankshot basketball, bungee trampoline, bumper boats, and more. Cost varies with your participation in the summer reading program. Additional information is available at the library or online at www.bernepubliclibrary.org.
Pokemon
Perhaps your enthusiasm is for other types of games such as the new craze, Pokemon Go. Pokemon trainers are welcome in the"gym” at the library no matter which color is in control. A rare pokemon character was found in the library just last week.
With the summer heat upon us, remember that the library is air conditioned. Come in and chill with us while watching the olympic games on the community room television.
July is Sandwich Generation Month. This is not referring to food, but to those Americans who are squeezed between caring for their own children and their aging parents. The financial and emotional cost of care can be overwhelming. The dedicated month is to draw attention to this group and their need for support and resources.
Story time
All three generations need to eat healthy. Yummy food is the focus for Wee Read Story time on Tuesday, July 26. Children ages 1 to 5 and their caregivers are invited to explore healthy eating with stories, activities, and a craft. Join Ms. Kathy at 10:30 a.m.
Concert
Bring your children and your parents to a free family event at the Berne town park on Wednesday, July 27. Two's Company is the featured band for the third Music in the Park concert. Reduce your stress by listening to easy rock music from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Take the night off from cooking by purchasing food provided by the Friends of the Berne Library.
Children’s program
Children ages 5 to 12 will be experimenting with sandwiches during their program at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 28. Ms. Kathy will guide you in ways to fuel your engine with healthy choices. The library opens to the public at noon.
Zentangle
In order to continue to care for others, the primary caregiver must also be sure to care for themselves. That means making sure you get enough rest, have time to exercise, and eat well. It is important to take a physical and emotional break. Consider participating in adult programs that focus on relaxing such as Zentangle or Yoga.
Melissa Borys is leading a Zentangle class for adults and young adults on Thursday, July 28 at 7 p.m. Zentangle is a fun, meditative art form that anyone can enjoy. If you can draw a dot, line, curved line, S shape, and a circle, you can create beautiful images from simple patterns. Please register with the library staff since class size is limited.
Beginning yoga
A beginning Yoga class will be held for adults at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 4. Cynthia Johnson will lead the class that focuses on developing strength, flexibility, and relaxation techniques. The class is limited to 10 participants so registration is required.
If your time is filled with caring for others, you may not be able to find time to travel to the library. Remember that there are free e-books, e-audiobooks, and e-magazines available through the Overdrive link on the left-hand column of our website www.bernepubliclibrary.org. All you need is a free library card.
Pope Francis said, "Together with a culture of work, there must be a culture of leisure as gratification. To put it another way: people who work must take the time to relax, to be with their families, to enjoy themselves, read, listen to music, play a sport.”
Educators feel that reading should be the number one leisure activity for the summer. Children ages 1 to 18 may still sign up for the summer reading program and earn a reduced fare to FunPlex on Aug. 15. The library has books to read for fun and assigned books to read for school. Adults are also encouraged to read by completing a summer reading challenge. Books on hobbies, the Olympics, and those written by comedians are all on the challenge sheet available at the library.
Adult programs
Upcoming adult programs focus on relaxing. On Sunday, July 17 join us for Spa Night at 7 p.m. with Crystal Keyes. Enjoy a shoulder massage and a facial mask while listening to calming music.
Then on Thursday, July 28, relax by doodling. Learn Zentangle with Melissa Borys at 7 p.m.
If you need to improve flexibility, attend the yoga program on Thursday, Aug. 4 with Cynthia Johnson. Because the class size is limited for all three of these programs, registration is required. Call the library at 872-1246 or e-mail to sign up for one or all events.
Story time
Listening to music is great for the mind, but dancing to music helps the body. On Tuesday, July 19, the Wee Read Story time theme is Dance, Dance, Dance. Children ages 1 to 5 and their caregivers are invited to join Ms. Kathy at 10:30 a.m. for stories, dancing activities, and making a maraca.
Concert
Dance or just listen to the music at the second Music in the Park concert. This event is at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 20 in the pavilion of the Berne town park. Enjoy the vintage rock music of Just a Bunch of Guys. Admission is free but donations for refreshments are appreciated. Hot dogs, baked goods, and more are offered by the Friends of the Library.
Sport program
What sport do you think of when you hear the term "extraordinary races"? Children ages 5 to 12 are invited to find out what Ms. Kathy thinks on Thursday, July 21 during the On Your Mark, Get Set program. The fun starts at 10:30 a.m. before the library opens to the public at noon. Iditarod and crayons are in the mix.
Remember that library programs are free and open to the public. In addition, anyone with a free library card may borrow items from the library. What is more relaxing then reading a good book?
A library provides resources to gain knowledge and enlightenment. Another type of enlightenment is the goal of Zen Buddhism, a sectarian movement within the Buddhist religion. Buddha, the historical founder of the Buddhist religion, was personally known as Siddhartha and Sakyamuni Gautama.
Buddha is quoted as saying, "To keep the body in good health is a duty... otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear." Since a goal of the library is to strengthen the mind, it is no wonder that fitness is the summer theme.
Programs encouraging healthy bodies and minds
Stop by the library to pick up a package explaining reading minutes and challenges. There is something for every age from 1 to 100. Participate in one, some, or all opportunities for your age group.
One must be in shape to perform acrobatics and juggling. Scotty Nut Nut Entertainment consists of a duo who will demonstrate their professional skills at the Hilltown Senior Center on Thursday, June 30. All ages are encouraged to attend this show that starts at 6:30 p.m. Interactive circus play for children follows the performance.
Movie night
On Friday, July 1 join us for Family Movie Night at the library. The animated film is being shown at 6:30 p.m. in the air-conditioned community room. Check our website www.bernepubliclibrary.org for the title. This newly released movie on DVD shows how peaceful co-existence is difficult to maintain. Admission is free and refreshments are provided.
Summer schedule
Two hours have been added to the library's summer schedule. The doors open at noon on Thursdays instead of 2 p.m.
The library will be closed on Monday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day so please plan accordingly. Due to the holiday weekend, the Book Club for Adults will meet on July 10 instead of July 3.
Story time
“When watching after yourself, you watch after others. When watching after others, you watch after yourself.” said Buddha. The first Wee Read Story time is on Tuesday, July 5. Children ages 1 to 5 and their caregivers that watch after them are invited to join Ms. Kathy at 10:30 a.m. The stories, activities, and craft focus on appreciating nature.
Friends meet
The Friends of the Library are watching over the community; providing them with entertainment and a means to exercise. The group meets at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 6 to discuss Music in the Park. If you can help at the concerts, please attend this meeting or notify Donna Gwin. The first concert is scheduled for July 13.
Reading programs
On Your Mark, Get Set...READ programs for ages 5 to 12 begin on Thursday, July 7. The fun starts at 10:30 a.m. when the library is closed to the public. Learn the dance steps to the jitterbug. Enjoy fitness games from the 1950s including jump ropes and hula hoops. Decorate a hula hoop to take home.
TAG
Zen gardens were created at Buddhist temples to aid in meditation about the true meaning of life. The teen action group will meet on Friday, July 8 to create a miniature Zen garden. Ms. Kathy leads this Mind and Body Wellness program from 6:30 to 8 p.m. All teens are welcome so grab a friend and head to the library.
Books on Zen Buddhism and other religions are available at the library. Visit us soon.
In the minds of students, summer begins when school ends despite what the calendar may say. And so, the crazy, hazy days of summer are here.
You will be hearing a lot about fitness of the body and mind for the next two months. Fitness is the 2016 national theme for public library programs. Many of our regular programs are taking a summer vacation but special programming replaces them.
The Berne Public Library has two summer components for children ages 1 to 18. One is attendance at programs that use games, sports, and healthy eating to promote fitness. Participate in one or all of the programs offered to your age group.
The other component encourages reading by challenging you to read for 500 minutes between June 24 and Aug. 11. Although 500 sounds like an insane number, it means reading about 10 minutes a day. Non-readers have someone read to them. On your mark, get set, read starting June 24. Children keep track of their reading minutes by signing up at the library or online at www.bernepubliclibrary.org.
Story time
There is no story time this week. Regular story time resumes on Tuesday, Sept. 13. In its place, Ms.Kathy has scheduled six weeks of Wee Read Story time for the summer beginning July 5.
Circus fun
The first unique program of the summer is a variety show of acrobatics and juggling on Thursday, June 30. A professional duo will perform at the Hilltown Senior Center, 1360 Helderberg Trail, Berne. This program is designed for all ages but only children will be allowed to try out the circus equipment after the show. Bring your friends and family for a free night of nutty entertainment beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Movie night
A zoo can be a collection of living animals or a situation marked by confusion. Either definition describes the film for Family Movie Night. The movie is being shown at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, July 1 in the air-conditioned community room of the library. Admission is free and refreshments are provided. The movie is rated PG.Adult reading
Adults have their own challenge and programs for the summer. Pick up a challenge sheet after June 24 and complete five of the 12 choices by Sept. 8. Attend any programs that interest you, including the book club on Sunday, July 10. Meet at 7 p.m. to discuss “The Boys in the Boat” by Daniel James Brown. This is a true story that emphasizes the wild amount of training required to be fit for Olympic competition. Note that this program is a week later than usual because of the July 4 weekend.
Congrats
Congratulations to the seniors graduating this Saturday from the Berne-Knox-Westerlo High School. Continue to learn and broaden your experience outside the classroom by coming into the library. For those who have more years of high school, your summer reading has been assigned.
Most of these books may be borrowed in hard copy or as e-books from the public library. All you need is a free library card, one of the tools for success.
Videos coming soon: Judy Petrosillo, Berne Public Library manager, center, holds a $350 award from Albany County to buy a video camera for teen programs. She is flanked on June 9 by the county legislators who sponsored the library’s application — Chris Smith, left, a Democrat from Berne, and Travis Stevens, a Republican from Knox.
— Photo by Kathy Stempel
Make way for ducklings: Marge Capuano, far right, from Albany County Headstart shows ducklings to the Storytime Kids at the Berne Library.
Father's Day is Sunday, June 19. The third Sunday in June was proclaimed a permanent federal holiday in 1972 by President Richard Nixon. Is it a coincidence that the date is close to the summer solstice? Dads often light up our lives and the first day of summer has the longest daylight of the year.
Lego League
Lego League is a great opportunity for dads to shine. Bring your children to the library at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 18. Use the library's Legos to create a summer scene that will be on display until next month.
Knit Wits
Many of our regular programs take a summer hiatus and return in September. The Knit Wits meet at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 19. Anyone interested in knitting or crocheting is invited to attend. The next time the group meets will be Sept. 18 so don't miss this opportunity to finish one of your projects.
Story time
The last regular story time of the season is on Tuesday, June 21 and will resume in the fall on Sept. 13. Children ages 1 to 5 are invited to join Ms. Kathy at 10:30 a.m. for stories, activities, and a craft. Wee Read Storytime is our summer program which runs for six weeks from July 5 to Aug. 9.
Inky Fingers
The Inky Fingers program is at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 23. Although it will be too late to make a Father's Day card, create cards that you will need throughout the summer. The next time the group meets will be the first day of autumn.
Help us out
Many of us have inherited pictures on slides from our dads. We recently received a request to borrow our slide projector but, alas, the library does not own one. If you have a machine that you could donate to the library, we would lend it to patrons in need. Contact Judy at 872-1246.
Summer programs
It may sound like the library is closing down for the summer. In reality, we are gearing up for many special programs so stay tuned. We kick off our summer programs with a professional duo performing an acrobatic and juggling variety show at the Hilltown Senior Center. The show is for all ages and begins at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 30. Interactive circus play for children follows the performance. Please save the date.
The East Coast of the United States should receive nearly 15 hours of sunlight on June 20. Enjoy it with your dad by bringing him to the library.
— Photo from Judy Petrosillo
Plant them and they will grow: Ann Hein, a member of the Friends of the Berne Library, spent an afternoon planting flowers to improve the entrance to the library.
When talking about gaming, designer Warren Spector said, "We set up a situation and let you interact with it and see the consequences of your choice. That's what gaming does." Whether you play fantasy wargames or board games, you are always learning something.
TAG
Teens will be playing life-size games during TAG on Friday, June 10. Join Ms. Kathy at 6:30 p.m. as the library becomes a giant Pacman scene. Games of life-size Jenga and Scrabble are also planned for the evening. Bring a friend and participate in the fun.
Board games
Adults will be playing board games at 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 12. Anyone interested in learning a new game or playing an old one should attend this program.
WWII scrapbook
Real war games are not as much fun. Linda Carman made a scrapbook of Hilltowners who participated in World War II from spotters to soldiers. The book is currently at the library for you to look through. It is interesting to see how many residents helped with the war effort.
Book discussion
Prior to WWII, the 1936 Olympics took place in Berlin. That time period is the setting of the next book for the Sunday Book Club. Request a copy of “The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics” by Daniel James Brown. The discussion about this true story takes place on Sunday, July 10.
Flag Day
The Revolutionary War gave our country its independence. According to the website USFlag.org, the first Flag Act was passed on June 14, 1777 to establish an official flag for the new nation. June 14 was established as Nation Flag Day by President Truman in 1949.
Story time
Red, white, and blue flags are the focus of story time on Tuesday, June 14. Children ages 1 to 5 and their caregivers are invited to celebrate Flag Day at the library. Join Ms. Kathy at 10:30 a.m. for stories, activities, and a craft.
Water damage
The library looked like a war zone last week. The west side of Berne received heavy rainfall on Sunday, May 29 causing water to seep into the library. Thanks to Diane Cook and Marion Burghart who helped with the drying process before the water damage restoration company arrived. Everything should be cleaned, repaired, and back in place by this weekend. Fortunately, the water did not reach the bookshelves. Thank you for your understanding when story time was cancelled on May 31.
Are you living your life to the fullest? Author Terry Pratchett stated, "It is often said that before you die your life passes before your eyes. It is in fact true. It's called living."
Olympic winners often seem larger than life. As you learn more about them, you find that their life stories include many struggles. One of these stories is told during movie night at the library at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, June 3. The film is rated PG-13 for thematic elements and language. Check the library's website for the title. Admission is free and refreshments are provided.
Book discussion
The past events in the life of Alice Edevane resulted in intertwined destinies. Alice is a character from Kate Morton's novel, “The Lake House.” The book club will meet at 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 5 to discuss the story. All interested adults are invited to join the conversation. The book for next month will be “Boys in the Boat” by Daniel James Brown.
Fishing
Arthur Lawton had to hold on for his life while catching a 69 pound Muskellunge. According to the Department of Environmental Conservation, this is the largest freshwater fish caught in New York State. Muskellunge are now in season and fishing licenses for those 16 and older are available from the Berne town clerk. If you are under 16, no license is required. Fishing poles for children may be borrowed from the library. Take note that these poles are not designed to handle large fish but do include hook, line, and sinker.
Read to a dog
Ariel, our tail waggin' tutor, enjoys hearing all types of fish stories and children benefit from reading aloud. Ariel and her handler Amber will be at the library from 4 to 6 p.m. on Monday, June 6. Stop in or call the library to register for a time slot.
Story time
The theme for Storytime on Tuesday, June 7 is fish. Children ages 1 to 5 develop pre-literacy skills with stories, activities, and a craft. Join Ms. Kathy at 10:30 a.m. for lots of fun during this special time of life.
Trustees meet
The library’s board of trustees play a large part in the functioning of the library. Their open meeting is at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 9. Interested community members are encouraged to attend.
Teen games
The teens start their "Game On" events at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, June 10. This month the group is playing life size games of Pac-Man, Jenga, and Scrabble. All teens are welcome so bring a friend and be the life of the party.
The library has something for every walk of life. Make use of your community resource.
Although Veterans Day honors all United States military personnel, Memorial Day was established as a day for remembering those who died during their service. This includes over 405,000 persons who gave their lives during World War II.
Holiday schedule
The library is open on Saturday, May 28, but closed on Monday, May 30, in observance of Memorial Day. Look for the library float in the parade down Route 443 which begins at 9:45 a.m. The road closes from the Hilltown Senior Center to the Berne-Knox-Westerlo School during the parade so please plan accordingly.
On Memorial Day, there will be a yard sale at Dr. Kolanchick's home diagonally across from the library. Anyone wishing to set up their own table and sell items may use this space under the condition that the proceeds go to the library. For buyers, you can find treasures and support the library at the same time.
Story time
Red, white, and blue is the theme for story time on Tuesday, May 31. Children ages 1 to 5 and their caregivers are invited to participate in this pre-literacy program. Join Ms. Kathy at 10:30 a.m., for stories, activities, and a craft.
Friends meet
The Friends of the Library group meets on Wednesday, June 1. This group gives an Olympian effort toward all its fundraisers. Plans are being made for the Music in the Park concerts in July and August and your help is needed. Even if you would rather not attend meetings, paying dues to become a member is a great way to support the library, and gives you a vote in how their money is spent. Offering to work at the food booth during the concerts or making baked goods would also be appreciated. Contact President Donna Gwin at .
Movie night
In 1931, Berlin, Germany was chosen for the site of the 1936 Olympics. The Nazi Party rose to power in 1933 and its racist policies led to an international debate about a boycott of the Games. The Nazi party blatantly promoted their vision of the superiority of the Aryan race; yet Jesse Owens, a black American, took home four gold medals in the track and field events.
Movie night at the library is at 6:30 p.m., on Friday, June 3. This month's movie centers around those 1936 Olympic events. The film is rated PG-13 for thematic elements and language. Admission is free and refreshments are provided. Make this your weekend night out in the Hilltowns. Visit www.bernepubliclibrary.org to see the movie's title or contact the library at 872-1246.
Book discussion
The book club meets at 7 p.m., on Sunday, June 5, to discuss “The Lake House” by Kate Morton. Any adult interested in discussing this novel is welcome. The book for next month is a true story, “Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold” at the 1936 Berlin Olympics by Daniel James Brown. Request a copy soon so you can finish reading the book before the next meeting on July 10.
The 1940 and 1944 Olympics were cancelled because of World War II. Despite the devastation caused by the war, London held the summer Olympics in 1948. Rationing was still in place in Britain and no new venues or Olympic village were erected. Because of this, the 1948 Olympics came to be known as the Austerity Games.
Learn more about World War II and the Olympics by using the resources from your library.
"Shellebrate" World Turtle Day on Monday, May 23. This day was initiated in 2000 by the American Tortoise Rescue to increase respect and knowledge for one of the world's oldest creatures.
Co-founder of ATF, Susan Tellem says, " These gentle animals have been around for 200 million years, yet they are rapidly disappearing as a result of smuggling, the exotic food industry, habitat destruction, global warming, and the cruel pet trade."
Learn more about turtles and tortoises using library resources.
Lego League
Try making a turtle from the library's Legos during Lego League on Saturday, May 21. Meet at 11 a.m., with other children ages 5 to 12 and express your creative side. Projects will be displayed in the library until next month when they will be disassembled and used again.
Game night
There is a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle game, but adults will not be playing that on Sunday, May 22. During game night they are more apt to be playing Settlers of Catan or Scrabble. If you are interested in playing board games, join this group at 7 p.m., in the community room.
Story time
Turtles will be the theme for story time on Tuesday, May 24. Children ages 1 to 5 and their caregivers are invited to join Ms. Kathy at 10:30 a.m. for stories, activities, and a craft. The children develop pre-literary skills in a fun environment and the caregivers have a chance to socialize. Story time is followed by Family Playtime until noon.
We considered having real turtles to look at but ATF says not to bring turtles into areas with children under the age of 12. There is a real risk of contracting salmonella, a bacterial infection, from water turtles. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and vomiting appearing one to three days after exposure. Adults should wash their hands thoroughly after touching a turtle or its water.
Library closing
The library closes at 2 p.m., on Tuesday, May 24, because the assessors are using the building for the annual Grievance Day. If you would like to challenge the assessment of your property, please contact them at 872-1448, ext. 107 to make an appointment. Information is available online at berneny.org, click on "Boards and Departments", then click on "Office of the Assessors." The library's computers are connected to the printer if you need to print the necessary forms.
Inky Fingers
Have you ever received a card for World Turle Day? Enjoy designing one at the Inky Fingers program at 7 p.m., on Thursday, May 26. Come out of your shell and make greeting cards with the help of this talented group
Holiday closing
The library will also be closed on Monday, May 30, in observance of Memorial Day. Look for the library float during the town of Berne Memorial Day parade. Remember that Route 443, Helderberg Trail, will be closed for the parade which starts at 9:45 a.m., from the Hilltown Senior Center and finishes at the Berne-Knox-Westerlo School.
As novelist Alex Haley said, "Anytime you see a turtle on top of a fence post, you know he had some help." If you decide to protect a turtle from traffic, be sure to move them to the side of the road they are headed toward. Please don't put them on a fence post.