There are just a few days left before Eleanor Graves’s array of pictures will be moving out of the Friends Art Gallery to make room for the new show. So, if you want to sip a wee taste of serenity and calm from Eleanor’s photo wall of outside beauty, you have until June 30 to swing by and do so.
Fortnite
Friday night, the 24th, at 6:30 p.m., all you Fortnite enthusiasts can get in on the Fortnite escape room adventure. Sign up and show up to join forces and solve the puzzles before time runs out. Enjoy the camaraderie of other gamers looking to decipher the clues and escape.
Outdoor Movie Night
On June 25th at 7:30 p.m., come on down to Outdoor Movie Night at the Library. This new venture is gleaned directly from suggestions made in the Journeys On the Page essay entries from this spring which asked participants to describe their ideal library.
Saturday night’s movie is an interactive cartoon movie featuring a memory challenged fish searching for her long lost parents. Movie-goers will receive a goodie bag of participatory props to press into service as the show reels along. Join the fun and bring a blanket.
Worth reflecting on
Following on the fish tales of movie night, you’ll have an opportunity to join the Journeys On the Page Essay wrap-up celebration on Sunday, June 26, at 1 p.m. in the community room. Six submissions, varied age groups, and fresh insights worth reflecting on.
Make a planter
Rolling into Monday, June 27, at 6:30 p.m., is an adult geared program from the summer’s Oceans of Possibilities events. Meet at the Berne Town Park for “Planters, Plankton and Manatees.” Make your own unique planter to add to your garden decor made from materials donated by Rudy Stempel & Family Sawmill and facilitated by Brian Stempel.
Learn a thing or two about ocean life as part of the package.
Story time
Jellyfish story time takes center stage on Tuesday, June 28, at 10:30 a.m. for the under-5 crowd.
Bowls for Books
Please add the Friends fundraiser, “Bowls for Books” event, to be held at the Berne Town Park pavilion on Sunday, July 10 from 2 to 4 p.m. You’ll be able to purchase a ceramic bowl that was created by community members at the pottery workshops in June.
Bowls are $10 each and Make Your Own Sundaes fixings courtesy of Stewart’s Shops will be ready and waiting for you. Proceeds benefit the library’s Incrediable Heldercon event this fall.
Questions? Call the library at 518-872-1246.
Happy trails
Finally, a big round of applause from the folks at the Berne Library to all the graduating seniors from Berne-Knox-Westerlo. Good luck and happy trails as you move on to your future explorations. Congratulations to all of you.
— Photo from Kathy Stempel
John Koethen helped kick off the Berne Library’s summer reading program with his Helderberg Marionettes.
You are hereby invited to join the mushroom man, Avery Stempel, at the Berne Library on June 21 at 6:30 p.m. He will share mushroom health benefits and more. Mark your library calendars and take advantage of this enriching presentation.
Take a peek at a recent encounter Avery had with a couple of local library supporters:
Marshall answered the door. “Hi Avery! Glad you could stop by. Everyone’s here and ready to talk mushrooms.”
Walking in wearing his mushroom hat and shirt, Avery stepped in for Sally and Marshall’s meet-and-greet.
Standing up, Sally gave Avery a hug. “Are you ready to be peppered with questions?”
“You know it, Sally!” Avery enthused. “Any chance I get to talk mushrooms is golden.”
“Great! Thank you,” Sally replied. Turning to greet the other guests, Sally welcomed everyone. “I’d like to introduce Avery Stempel, of Collar City Mushrooms. Avery’s open to any and all questions you throw at him.”
After introductions, Avery grabbed a cup of peach mushroom tea and got comfy in the plush purple chair located at the west end of the room. The questions started flying.
Derrick: “What’s your favorite part of the mushroom world?”
Avery: “Ah! It’s the constant discoveries! The way they grow, hunt, trade, communicate. The more I learn the more they fascinate me. We’re currently experimenting with oyster mushrooms to consume cigarette butts. Also, a plastic-eating fungus: Pestalotiopsis microspora.”
Stella: “You inspire lots of people with your energy and extensive knowledge. Who inspired you growing up?”
Avery: “I grew up surrounded by people who have each inspired me in unique ways. My Mom and Dad did a 4-H group that was constantly exploring. Mom now uses her creativity and research skills in developing programs for the Berne Library.
“My Dad, Brian, shared his passions for music, woodworking, and sawmilling. My grandmother inspired me with poetry, piano playing, and her beautiful singing voice.
“Grandpa started his own sawmill business, which supported his entire family. He was a man who forged his own path. And my aunt ferried me to piano lessons, encouraged me to create, and took me smurf hunting. Smurfs live in mushroom-shaped houses in the forest, by the way.”
Sally: “Do you have other hobbies?”
Avery: “Yes, I’m a poet, musician, Boy Scout scoutmaster, and an avid board-game player.”
Marshall: “Awesome! Now, let’s all have some mushroom snacks and tea. Looking forward to your library talk on June 21st at 6:30.”
Summer Reading
Pick up your packets and join the library’s Oceans of Possibilities June events:
— Tuesday story times are at 10:30 a.m.: Turtles on June 21 and Jellyfish on June 28;
— Tween/Teen Fortnite Escape Room for kids ages 11 to 18: Friday, June 24, at 6:30 p.m.;
— Planters, Plankton and Manatees, for adults: June 27 at 6:30 p.m. at the Berne town Park; and
— Make a Hawaiian Lei for kids ages 5 to 10: June 30 at 5:30 p.m.
Call the library at 518-872-1246 for answers to your questions.
— Photo by Kathy Stempel
A young patron of the Berne Library reads to a fish. This year's Summer Reading theme is "Oceans of Possibilities."
— Photo by Sandra Kisselback
The Berne Library's Knit Wits group has a goal of gathering 500 handmade hats before next winter to distribute throughout the Hilltowns.
Artist alert! A new display hanging out in the Friends Art Gallery awaits you.
Eleanor Graves, who presented in November of 2019, is back with another fine array of photos for your own personal enjoyment through the end of June.
Eleanor’s keen eye snaps focal points to delight the senses. This month, enjoy hummingbirds, owls, sunsets, and flowers. A castle, some bridges, and lighthouses and foxes. Twenty-seven frames for your viewing pleasure.
Give yourself a relaxing treat and breathe in the serenity of nature. Now through June 30.
Join the party
My, oh my! A big summer library event is happening soon. It’s the Summer Reading kickoff party with a puppet show to help unwrap the Oceans of Possibilities summer reading library theme for 2022.
Join John Koethen and his marionettes as they perform the Frog Prince. After the show, participants can try out the puppets. Sign up or show up to enjoy the event. Everyone is welcome to join the reading party this summer.
Sign up and get your packets now to kick your summer reads in gear.
Go fish
Speaking of summer and the possibilities available at the library: Did you know you can check out fishing poles to use from our Library of Things?
Several poles are ready for pick-up whenever the mood strikes. Check one out today with your library card.
Dad’s Day
story time
Father’s Day falls on June 19 and Miss Kathy wants to help the 5-and-under crowd create cards for Daddy during her story-time show. Come with your little ones on Tuesday, June 14, at 10:30 a.m.
Hear some Father’s Day stories, make a card for Dad, and hang out with your story-time pals.
Pottery workshop
One more pottery workshop is available on Monday, June 13, from 4 to 7 p.m. Six slots are waiting to be filled.
Berne-Knox-Westerlo art teacher Colleen Skiff leads the workshop in the elementary art room. The bowls will be sold at the Bowls for Books event sponsored by the Friends of the Berne Library.
Help craft pottery bowls that will be filled with ice cream on Sunday, July 10, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Berne Town Park. Mark your calendar now for the “Bowls for Books” July 10 fundraiser.
500 Hats
Although Knit Wits take a break during the summer months, their 500 Hats Project remains in motion. Their goal of gathering 500 handmade hats for Hilltown area distribution is inching along. Contact Jodi Ebel at 518-860-4494 for more information.
Mushroom mania
A sneak peak to get you thinking about June 21 at 6:30 p.m. That’s the night you can experience firsthand knowledge of the many benefits of mushrooms.
From the Mushroom Man himself, Avery Stempel, of Collar City Mushrooms fame, you’ll learn all things mushrooms you never knew you wanted to know. More details in next week’s library newsflash column in The Altamont Enterprise.
See you on the trail!
New month, new newsletter, new programs to add to your library calendars and a new word from the Word of the Month Club. Hello, June!
After finishing “Best Year Of Your Life — Dream it!, Plan It!, Live It!” by Debbie Ford, the Word of the Month Club got together for a discussion. With chapter titles such as “Creating a Powerful Intent,” “Avoiding No-Cookie Zones,” “Creating Unforgettable Days and Aspiring to Excellence,” everyone nodded in agreement.
Lack of action is the real culprit blocking access to kicking things up a notch.
It was then that Cindy Leigh shared a brief conversation where the word “indolence” popped up.
“Indolence?” Cindy asked puzzled. “I’ll have to look that word up.”
And look it up she did. It fit perfectly with the group’s realization of action traction having star power. Sounds so simple, yet stymies so many.
Cindy Leigh continued by sharing a quick look at the meaning of indolence. “Avoidance of activity, laziness, lethargy, inertia, idleness, and one we’re all familiar with — procrastination.”
Chuckles erupted all around as they raised their glasses to toast “indolence.” They decided to be vigilant in looking out for signs of indolence trying to steal the “Best Year of Their Lives.”
“Oceans of Possibilities”
So, shove indolence to the curb and start taking action by signing up for the library’s summer reading program, “Oceans of Possibilities.”
A kickoff party is scheduled on June 11 at 1 p.m. with a puppet show. Join John Koethen and his marionettes as they perform the Frog Prince. After the show, participants can try out the puppets.
Sign up or show up to enjoy the event. Everyone is welcome to join the reading party this summer.
Book club
The Berne Sunday Book Club meets June 5 at 5 p.m. for its last get-together before the summer hiatus. Up for discussion is Lisa Scottoline’s 2021 historical novel “Eternal.” The drama unfolds using true events from World War II.
Don’t let the book club’s summer break stop you from enjoying library fun. Look for and sign up to participate in the adult summer reading challenges and programs from “Oceans of Possibilities.”
New readers are always welcome.
Trustees meet
This month’s Berne Library Board of Trustees members meet on June 9 starting at 6:30 p.m. Meetings are open to the public.
Action traction
Let’s hear it for June and taking charge of each day with a powerful intent. Indolence, be gone. Let action traction take the lead.
The Berne Public Library is holding a pottery workshop at the Berne-Knox-Westerlo school. The dates are June 2, June 6, and June 9 from 4 to 7 p.m. Pottery pieces will be used at the ice cream social in July.
For more information, call 518-872-1246.
Memorial Day
Look for the library float at the Memorial Day Parade. The library will be closed on May 30.
— Photo by Kathy Stempel
Rockets in the Park: John Freer and daughter Tracy showed Berne Library participants how to make and shoot off homemade rockets.
Broccoli Spear, Marshall, CindyLeigh, and Sandra took a break from this week’s column. We hope they are back with their antics soon.
Pottery workshop
The Berne Public Library has 12 spots open for the pottery workshop. The dates are June 2, June 6, and June 9. Pottery pieces will be used at the ice cream social in July.
Memorial Day
Look for the library float at the Memorial Day Parade. The library will be closed on May 30.
Blast off!
Last Sunday the library hosted the second annual Rockets in the Park. Thirty-three participants learned how to make straw rockets, cardboard rockets, and plastic bottle rockets.
John Freer and his daughter, Tracy, showed how to add fins and ribbons for different drag during propulsion. The rockets went very high, but not as far as would require Federal Aviation Administration notification.
Could the Berne Library be the only rocket library in New York State? Use the library to research that question.
Anyone interested in participating in a rocket club or learning about the annual event please call the library at 518-872-1246.
Another week bringing in a fine cast of characters visiting the library, checking out reading material, movies, books on CDs, music CDs, magazines, cake pans, and board games unfolds.
The characters filing through are no match for the characters starring in the Hilltown Players production of “Everybody Loves Opal” this weekend.
The Friends are sponsoring a dessert theater play being presented at the Senior/Community Center on Friday, May 13, at 7 p.m. Get ready for a side-splitting entertaining night of laughter, plus mouth-watering desserts at intermission.
You can pick up tickets at the library for a suggested $10 donation per person or $25 per family right up to 6 p.m. on the night of. The performance on the13th benefits library programs, thanks to the collaboration between the Hilltown Players and the Friends.
If you miss Friday’s show, there remain two more opportunities to catch the fun. “Everybody Loves Opal” sets up their dessert theater show at the Thompson’s Lake Church Hall at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 14. On Sunday, May 15, you can see the play in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Gallupville at 3 p.m.
Have a blast
My oh my oh my. Rockets are set to fly.
Join rocket enthusiast and Aerospace Educator John Freer and his sidekick, Tracy, at the hands-on Family-Friendly “Rockets in the Park” event being held in the Berne Town Park on Saturday, May 15, at 1 p.m.
Learn about propulsion, mass, gravity, and drag. You’ll get the chance to build your own rockets and see them blast off to the sky.
500 hats
Later that day, the Knit Wits gather to knit, crochet, loom, and yarn about one of their many projects. Currently underway is the 500 Hats Project. Their goal is to gather 500 handmade hats to distribute to children and adults in the Hilltown area.
New members, please drop by any time on their third Sunday of the month get-togethers from January to May and September through December. Knit Wits will next meet at 7 p.m. on May 15 in the library’s community room.
Color explosion
Lots of great artwork from the elementary school art classes is hung and ready for viewing on the Friends Art Gallery wall in the community room. Thirty-six separate pieces burst forth with a color explosion as you enter the room.
There are a few lighter gray-scale drawings as well. Come in and check out these budding artists’ art projects. Totally free and worth the trip.
Time to plant
The Seed Library’s holding drawers are jam-packed with healthy varieties of seeds ready and waiting to help get those gardening projects up and growing. Broccoli Spear encourages one and all to plant a few seeds for fun and curiosity.
Story time
For story time Tuesday on May 17 at 10:30 a.m., Miss Kathy has picked a Friends theme to share with your little ones. Bring your favorite stuffed toy friend to join the party.
Zenjoy
“Celebrate Little Things Corner.” Clouds. Look up. Zenjoy. Breathe. Smile.
This week, in the “Celebrate Little Things” corner, it’s a celebration of something much bigger than a dollop of ice cream. More far reaching than a pebble across the pond. Huger than the soccer fields around the globe.
The party involves multitudes of honorees with remembrances of those, past and present, earning the title. Cheers to a Happy Mother’s Day to all you moms out there. Hope you’re all served breakfast in bed, are finding lots of free time to read your favorite books, and stumble upon myriads of sparkly moments to jazz up your day.
Story time
Look out, boys and girls, it’s Transportation Story Time at 10:30 on May 10. Moms and dads, grandmoms and grandads, sitters and friends, bring the little ones in to join Miss Kathy for an up-close and personal look at the world of transportation. Maybe you’ll form a moving train game and follow the engine for a chuga chuga around the stacks. Stories, movement and play rule the day.
Firearms class
If you haven’t already, now is the time to sign up for the Basic Home Firearms Class being held in the community room at 6:30 p.m. on May 10. James Darrah, firearms safety instructor from the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation, will share his knowledge for all those interested.
Call the library at 518-872-1246 and save your spot.
Trustees meet
The Berne Library Board of Trustees gather on May 12 at 6:30 p.m. These meetings are open to the public.
Dessert theater
Only one week left to pick up your tickets to the Friends of the Berne Library sponsored dessert theater event “Everybody Loves Opal.” The Berne Community/Senior Center will be home to the Hilltown Players production on Friday, May 13, at 7 p.m. It’s a lighthearted comedy sure to give you a chance to unwind and relax. Did you catch that tasty teaser about dessert being involved?
Tickets for the May 13th showing of “Everybody Loves Opal” may be picked up all this week in the library at the circulation desk.
Berne Library Director Kathy Stempel built an evil robot eating up all the Earth's resources in connection to her Earth Day program.
“Hey, Marshall. I’m heading over to the library; do you want to ride along?” Sally called out.
“Thanks anyway. I’m working on archiving our favorite Altamont Enterprise library articles,” Marshall shouted back.
“OK. I’m going over to pick up two tickets to the play being sponsored by the Friends of the Berne Library on May 13th at the Berne Community/Senior Center,” Sally responded.
“What play is that?” asked Marshall.
“‘Everybody Loves Opal.’ It’s being directed by that awesome lady Rebecca. She’s with the Friends group as well as a library trustee, among other things,” Sally added.
“Oh, yeah. She’s really cool. I like her a lot,” Marshall nodded. “How much are the tickets?”
“It’s a suggested donation of $10 individually or $25 per family. Plus there are desserts available at intermission.”
“Great! I’ll see you later, hon,” said Marshall, smiling and giving Sally a quick hug. “Looking forward to seeing ‘Everybody Loves Opal’ with you on the 13th, Sally.”
“You betcha! Marshall,” replied Sally as she headed out the door.
Coming up
Sally and Marshall sure love supporting their library. You are invited to join the support bandwagon any time. Take a look at what’s coming up:
— The Berne Sunday Book Club mingles on May 1 at 5 p.m. “The Four Winds” by best-selling author Kristin Hannah is on the table;
— May 5 at 7 p.m., the Friends of the Berne Library meet to firm up plans for their dessert theater, “Everybody Loves Opal,” on May 13. Secure your tickets at the library before it’s too late. Future Friends projects include the Music in the Park series, summer reading, and help with the Journeys on the Page essay reception wrap-up on June 26;
— Start registering now for a firearms safety program presented by National Rifle Association firearms instructor James Darrah on May 10 at 6:30 p.m. Call the library at 518-872-1246;
— Rockets in the Berne Town Park on May 15 at 1 p.m.;
— New artwork for May’s offering on the Friends Art Gallery wall. April gave us artwork from Berne-Knox-Westerlo’s middle and high school creative geniuses. May brings us masterpieces from the elementary classes led by art teacher Colleen Skiff. Be sure to take a peek at the new show; a
— “Celebrating Little Things” focuses on wildflowers this week. Get out there and enjoy what’s popping.
Dostadning
Now let’s visit the Word of the Month Club.
Cindy Leigh just finished listening to Margareta Magnusson’s “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning,” known as “dostadning” in Swedish. Subtitled: “How to Free Yourself and Your Family from a Lifetime of Clutter.” Cindy brought “dostadning” to the attention of her word-loving friends.
They were a little reluctant at first. However, after Cindy’s enthusiastic presentation, they warmed up to the idea and decided to go all in.
Roxanne struck the purple gong announcing May’s newest exploration.
“Dostadning! May we all go forth with exuberance.”
“And, we could sell our love-’em-or-lose-’em items to benefit the library!” Eric added. “Cheers to dostadning!”
You’re never alone while at the library. When popping in to do a browse-about, plenty of characters respectively wait in repose ready to spring to life when you open a book.
There are scientists, vampires, detectives, legendary music stars, presidents of the States and foreign lands. Witches, global explorers, backyard adventurers, doctors, nurses, and chefs. Harry Potter, of course, and Nancy Drew, too. As you stroll down the aisles checking out the titles, think about who’s inside ready to take you on a new journey.
That’s just the way it is in libraryland. So many people, places, and things to discover. Plus celebrations abound each month with activities to stimulate your imagination, boost your knowledge, and relax your mind and spirit.
This Friday’s “Celebrate the Little Things” shines a light on drawing. Everybody can draw whether it be stick figures, a circle with a couple of dots and a curved upward arc, or a delightful dragon or two. Check out the artwork hanging in the community room courtesy of Berne-Knox-Westerlo students. You have until the end of April to immerse yourself in their show.
Story time
On Tuesday, April 26, story time brings you and your 4-and-under charges face to face with recycling methods in a cheerful, fun manner. Join Miss Kathy at 10:30 a.m. for a ride on the recycling bus. Call 518-872-1246 and make your reservations to join the mingle.
Earth Day
On Saturday, April 23, you’ll want to set the timer for participating in the Earth Day Family Challenge at the library from 3 to 5 p.m. There will be five hands-on activities to puzzle out. Prizes and a family-friendly atmosphere awaits you. Here’s to making every day an earth-day encounter.
Poetry Month
Did you remember April is National Poetry Month? On April 29, folks behind the poets.org website, tout the day as “Poem in Your Pocket Day.” With lots of fun ways to get involved, maybe you have an inkling of a poem tickling your brain chamber just itching to get out. Write a poem, read a poem, share a poem.
Build a poem tree with leaves boasting some of your poetic thoughts.
Building a Poem by SLS
If you were a poem,
Would you rhyme?
Would you laugh?
If you were a poem,
Would you run outside
And find a path?
Would you share tales
Of your adventures?
Or take a trip down memory lane.
If you were a poem,
Maybe you’d find a way
To meet characters at the library
That wait patiently on the page.
Tune in next time for more celebrations on the trail. Happy Earth Day!