— Photo from Kathy Stempel
Comic author and illustrator, Ira Marcks, at center, in back, stands with kids who are displaying their work after attending his Berne Library workshop on creating comics.
— Photo from Kathy Stempel
At a Berne Library workshop, kids under the tutelage of comic author and illustrator, Ira Marcks, try their hand at drawing cartoon characters.
“Rock and Vole,” written and illustrated by Jennifer Sattler: a view. Fall in love with Vole. Her cute-as-pigtails facial expressions, her Harry Potter glasses, and her bigger-than-moon adventure plan outside her regular day-to-day.
Vole stretches, exercises for seven minutes, enjoys snack time of pumpernickel bread, stinky cheese and 12 raisins. Then Vole comfortably squinches down on her bed’s left side for shuteye. Every single day, after day, after day.
Follow along as Vole hatches her adventure, which goes along perfectly until —
Well, you’ll just have to borrow the book and find out. You’ll be sweetly rewarded and want to read it again and again and again.
“Check your pulse”
Those Word of the Month Club enthusiasts are blasting off for one outrageous December. Oh, wait, that was November. Have you brewed up any outrageous new learning projects?
Step in and have a peek at the word warriors and their December pick:
Cindy Leigh: “I like the idea of using a quote for December. It was an outrageous good time searching for them.”
Roxanne: “I know, right? Coming up with favorites was challenging. But, guess what?”
Eric, Charlotte, Devon, and Guinevere all snapped their heads toward Roxanne.
“I don’t know. What?” asked Eric.
Roxanne: “We have a three-way tie. Now, to gong in the tiebreaker.”
Charlotte: “Wait, let’s read them aloud before we pick.”
“Good idea,” said Roxanne.
“The first one’s from Arnold H. Glasow, humorist and businessman publishing his first book at age 92:
“‘A person with an hour to kill usually spends it with someone who can’t spare a minute.’
“The next two are author-unknown quotes:
“‘Never do anything you wouldn’t want to explain to the paramedics.’
“And ‘If you have nothing to be grateful for, check your pulse.’”
Everyone was chuckling and nodding approvingly.
“Ok, let’s pick our December winner,” Roxanne declared. “Hit it, Cindy Leigh.”
Cindy Leigh whaled the purple gong and Guinevere reached in the basket.
“And the winner is: ‘If you have nothing to be grateful for, check your pulse.’”
“Ok, everyone, let’s drink to that! December will be a fine month for acknowledging sparkles we encounter. Cheers!” And with a tinkling of glasses all around, December’s pick was posted on the board.
Community Conversation
Have you heard about the new Hilltown Community Conversation coming up December first? It’s an open invitation to community members to meet, explore, and share ideas about brain health and well-being with memes, quotes, and short videos to view and discuss. Sponsored by the library, facilitated by Kathy Stempel.
Listen, share, enjoy snacks, and relax in a friendly arena.
Wednesday, Dec. 1, from 6 to 8 p.m. — location to be announced. Please join us.
Mengo’s artwork
Quick reminder. Visit the library and view Sandra Mengo’s artwork occupying the south wall of the library’s community room through Nov. 30. December’s artist, Nettye Lamkay, coming soon.
— Photo by Sandra Kisselback
Sandra Mengo's paintings are on display now at the Berne Library.
— Photo by Sandra Kisselback
Sandra Mengo's paintings are on display now at the Berne Library.
Sally and Marshall settle near the fireplace with their mojitos and their blue cheese and roasted grape flatbread pizzas.
Each heavenly bite mixes tart and sweet, melding with a zing of thinly sliced red onion. Hot from the oven, throwing a drizzle of honey and a splinch of chopped green onion is added loveliness.
Tonight’s cozy chat circles around their recent visit to the library’s art gallery, featuring the work of Sandra Mengo. They fell in love with two pieces immediately and chose to purchase them.
It was especially rewarding knowing 25 percent of the sale is being donated to Open World Relief, a not-for-profit.
“I’m happy we got these two pieces from Sandra,” Sally said. “I talked to her and she said the non-profit sponsors micro-pantries in Albany and Schenectady.”
Marshall nodded his head. “Yeah, I looked up their website and they also respond to disaster relief efforts like when places get hit with hurricanes and stuff.”
“Well, the Frog Pond Lily Pads piece will be a great addition to our meditation space,” Sally noted. “And, gifting the Palm Tree painting to my friend Faye is going to be a big surprise. Especially since, in our recent conversation, she mentioned she’d like to see palm trees someday.”
Marshall chuckled, “You do enjoy surprising people. That’s one of the things I love about you.” Sally smiled and gave him a quick kiss.
“Did you see in Sandra’s display bio that she’s exhibited in many Capital Region establishments?” Sally asked.
“No, I didn’t catch that.”
“Yes. She’s had showings at the American Italian Heritage Museum, the Emma Treadwell Nature Center, Schenectady Community College, Mabee Farm Historic Site, and Turf Tavern in Scotia.”
“Wow!” said Marshall. “I’m glad we decided to get a couple of her paintings. Somebody told me everybody should own a fine piece of art and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune to do so.”
Sally smiled and took a slow savory bite of her flatbread pizza. Marshall sipped his cocktail and put his arm around Sally, as they sat there in comfortable silence watching the fire, enjoying the moment.
Learn to draw
If you haven’t signed up already, reserve your seat for author-illustrator Ira Marck’s outrageously fun drawing workshop for 8- to 14-year-olds.
The workshop runs from 1 to 3 p.m. on Nov. 20 at the Senior Community Center. Call 518-872-1246 for sign-up or questions.
Library Knit Wits
By SLS
Knit Wits knit, crochet, and craft
You’re welcome to stop by.
Making hats and lots of things
At home and on the fly.
Knit Wits knit, crochet, and craft
And you can join them, too.
They’re meeting up on Sunday,
November twenty-first.
Bring your yarning interest
And meet new Knit Wit friends.
On Nov. 21 at 7 p.m., the Knit Wits will converge on the library for their monthly mingle. Everyone’s welcome.
Brain health
A Hilltown Community Conversation, on brain health and well being, is coming up at the Senior Center on Dec. 1 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Meet Sandra Mengo, self-taught artist. Twenty-seven of Sandra’s creations are currently hanging for your viewing pleasure on the art wall in the community room of the Berne Library now through Nov. 30.
Art has always been a hovering interest for the artist. Especially after going on a field trip, with her school’s French club, to a Chicago art museum. Viewing famous works by Van Gogh and other post-impressionist painters grabbed the young girl’s attention.
In Sandra’s words, “I was drawn to the bold colors and the energy that seemed to radiate from the paintings. There was a wildness about them that was electrifying.”
Sometimes skipping school and heading back to the city to commune further with the great works of art housed in various museums, Sandra was smitten.
Life choices eventually brought her to Africa. She met her husband there and, after a bit of time, they moved back to the States. Time traveling forward, Sandra needed a distraction from her high stress job.
Canvas, oil paints, and capturing outdoor scenes became her distraction on weekends.
After retiring, Sandra dove deeper into the painting life and went on to join the Schenectady Art Society, a group dedicated to finding platforms for members to display and sell their art. The society also challenges its member artists to reach beyond their comfort zone.
“The Art Society has helped me grow as an artist,” noted Sandra.
On your next library visit, check out the variety of Sandra’s art on the walls. From palm trees, to starry night scapes, to waterfalls and streams, you will be drawn in.
Coming up
These events are unfolding soon through your library:
— Monday, Nov. 15, at 6:30 p.m.: Medicare Basics, a program presented by Senior Services of North America will be held in the community room. Alyssa, a licensed insurance agent with the group, will head up the discussion on Medicare beneficiary options. Bring your questions and leave with answers;
— Nov. 20, from 1 to 3 p.m.: Meet and experience hands-on drawing tips from Ira Marcks, local author, illustrator, and creative genius. Marcks is offering a workshop for 8- to 14-year-olds, illuminating the graphic novel creative process. Kindly register for this special opportunity being held at the Senior Center located at 1360 Helderberg Trail in Berne by calling 518-872-1246; and
— Knit Wits are on the calendar for Nov. 21 at 7 p.m. in the community room. Get hooked in, include your projects and bring a few yarns.
Friends want your
help for the holidays
Look for the Friends sock tree in the library. Bring in your new-sock donations to hang on the tree. All contributions will be distributed to local charities in need.
Also from the Friends, add your literary comments or art to foam cutouts available at the circulation counter. Your embellished cutouts will help decorate a tree sponsored by the Friends in the Festival of Trees event run by the Helderberg Family and Community Organization.
Are you a total planning machine? Or are you a free spirit unshackled by the confines of an inflexible to-do master — going about your day engaging in whatever wanders your way?
What do you think about setting your sights on an outrageous new learning project to up the neuron connections for November? Think of something you’d like to learn about and give it a whirl.
Here are a few thoughts to splash their way into your subconscious:
— Make 1,000 origami cranes and share them with your friends.
Look for the moving life story of “Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes” by Eleanor Coerr;
— Write a short story featuring pet adventures.
Check out “Brave the Page” by Rebecca and Grant Faulkner. A writing guide for youth yet beneficial for adults also. Prompts and author tips sprinkled throughout to get your creative writing juices flowing;
— Join an adult, sip, color and mingle meetup.
The Berne Library has a sweet supply of coloring pages just for you and recently hosted a successful Adults Coloring at the Library, after hours;
— Dip into Bonsai.
Lots of Bonsai books are available through the library borrowing system, including “Bonsai for Beginners: The Art of Growing Miniature Trees” by H.J. Larkin; and
— Become a master mushroom forager. Learn how to identify mushrooms. Gain knowledge of their health secrets. Start a mushroom tea room.
On the Berne shelves you’ll find “The Beginner’s Guide to Mushrooms” by Britt A. Bunyard and Tavis Lynch. Loaded with full color pictures, detailed descriptions and recipes. Candy Cap Mushroom Cookies anyone?
Events
Now that your neurons are tingling with excitement, here’s a look at library events scheduled over the next few weeks.
— Nov. 7 at 7 p.m.: The Berne Sunday Book Club discusses “The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency” by Alexander McCall Smith;
— Nov. 8 at 7 p.m.: Journeys On the Page meets via Zoom and in person. New York Times best-selling author Kathleen Grissom joins the group virtually to share insights and encouragement. Kathleen talked to us in May and graciously offered to check in six months forward to see how we were doing with our writing projects; and
— Nov. 11 at 6:30 p.m.: The Berne Library Board of Trustees meets, open to the public.
— Photo from Kathy Stempel
Berne Library director Kathy Stempel gestures to the "Thank you" sign and says, "The staff at the Berne Public Library would like to thank the over 34 volunteers that were unable to attend the volunteer recognition night."
The library is currently seeking applicants for two board-of-trustee openings immediately. Interested community members, please write a letter of intent and drop it off at the library. For more information, call 518-872-1246 and ask for Kathy Stempel, director.
Tabling
On Saturday, Oct. 23, from 2 to 6 p.m., you are invited to visit the “Hello Library” table while attending the Berne Community Octoberfest. Many organizations are participating. Stop by, say hi, and enjoy this family-friendly event that includes complimentary snacks, music, and hopefully sunshine.
Photo contest
Friends of the Berne Library want you to know about the 7th Annual Berne Public Library’s Juried Photo contest. While the formula is the same, the 2022 categories have been changed to heighten the excitement. Your new 2022 themes to choose from are:
— Vroom!;
— Garden Delights;
— Play Ball!; and
— All Creatures Great and Small.
Two divisions for the 8-by-10-inch entries on 11-by-14-inch mats include Juniors of ages 8 to 18 and Adults aged over 18. Enter your winning photos by Jan. 31, 2022. Info and entry forms available soon. Start scouting out that perfect shot.
Coloring zen
In conjunction with this month’s art display by Linda, colorist and poet, the library is hosting an adult coloring night. An after-hours evening of finding your zen, relaxing, and creating your own colorist art peace. Tea, light refreshments, and coloring tools included.
Register by calling 518-872-1246. Find out if relaxing by color light is right for you. See you here, see you there, see you on the trail.
— Photo from Sandra Kisselback
Linda, colorist and poet, displays her work in the Friends' Art Gallery during October.
Packed full, you say?
Yes, indeed. It’s jam-packed with things to do.
Take a peek at the lineup:
— Knit Wits: Those multi-talented Knit Wits. Crochet or knit or even sew, the Knit Wits have some yarns to pull. All you yarn crafters out there are welcome to join the group’s October meeting at 7 p.m. on the 17th;
— It’s a Volunteer Appreciation Reception on the 18th. Thanking library volunteers for giving of their time and energy, the library is putting on a spread. Summer music fiddlers and songsters, Library Friends, individuals contributing stories at scheduled programs, seed library and garden landscape coordinator, it’s time to say thank you. Connect with the conga line of thanks on Oct. 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the community room;
— Ready to let your pumpkin decorating talent shine? The library is sponsoring a pumpkin-decorating event paired with the Town of Berne’s Octoberfest. Go to your nearest pumpkin patch and choose a pumpkin. Decorate your pumpkin to the nines and bring it to the library on Oct. 20 between 4 and 6 p.m. The decorated pumpkins will then travel to the town’s Octoberfest on Oct. 23 from 1 to 6 p.m. Pumpkin-carving kits are available at the library while supplies last;
— Perfect month for Ghost Stories, yes? Glad you agree. There is a new book in town called “True Ghost Stories From Altamont & Surrounds.” Stories collected and edited by Tom Capuano and Thom Breitenbach.
Over 40 recollections from the Village of Altamont and better than 30 from the surrounds. The men who brought this fascinating book to life will be sharing stories, and their journey, with the public on Thursday, Oct. 21, at 7 p.m. in the library’s community room.
So many spirit sighting stories were shared, there’s a second volume in the works. Please join this ghostly talk on the 21st at 7 p.m.; and
— The artist known only as Linda, colorist and poet, treats visitors to colors so vibrant you just want to smile. All through October you can experience this uplifting show. Extending the pleasures of relaxation and calm, you are invited to an after-hours Adult Coloring Night at the library on Friday, Oct. 29, at 7 p.m.
Coloring pages, tea, and the pleasure of your company makes the scene complete. Please register by calling 518-872-1246. The library’s yours for the night. Or for a few hours anyway.
To plan your library outings, look for event listings at www.bernepubliclibrary.org, follow program announcements on Facebook, call the library at 518-872-1246 and read all about it in The Altamont Enterprise. See you on the trail!
— Photo from Sandra Kisselback
Linda, colorist and poet, displays her work in the Friends' Art Gallery during October.
Sara Chauvot will be providing an art class with watercolors on Friday, Oct. 8, at 2 p.m. Please pre-register.
Bring your concerns
To Senator Hinchey
Senator Michelle Hinchey, representing the 46th District since January 2021, has partnered with the Berne Public Library in setting up a mobile office in the library’s community room.
As chair of the Agriculture Committee and member of numerous other committees, Senator Hinchley is committed to bringing improvements to the lives of her constituents. Staff members from her office will be setting up shop on Tuesday, Oct. 12, from 1 to 6 p.m. in an every-other-month cycle.
Take advantage of this opportunity by bringing your concerns and questions to the attention of Senator Hinchey through these mobile office hours.
The 46th District encompasses all of Green and Columbia counties as well of parts of Ulster, Schenectady and Albany counties.
Trustees meet
The library’s board of trustees is scheduled to meet on Thursday, Oct. 14, at 6:30 p.m. in the community room. Trustee meetings are open to the public.
Reading wrap-up
While on the subject of adults, those of you who signed up for the 2021 summer reading Tails & Tales experience are invited to the wrap-up celebration at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 15. There will be food, falderal trivia, prizes, and a drawing. Come share your fave reads from the summer.
Stories outdoors
On Oct. 13, Miss Kathy will be doing an 11 a.m. outdoor story time. Stop in and enjoy this week’s tale and a craft. See you on the reading trail!
This week’s library news is dedicated to those of you who just want the facts:
— The Word of the Month Club’s choice for October is kaizen;
— A new art display awaits you in the community room starting Oct. 1;
— Berne Sunday Book Club members meet Sunday, Oct. 3, at 7 p.m. to discuss the book “Big Lies In A Small Town” by Diane Chamberlain; and
— Community Conversation event: Monday, Oct. 4, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Community Senior Center located at 1360 Helderberg Trail.
Mark your library calendar and then add one or all of these events to your bulging schedule. Your presence and support is appreciated.
Now read on for a few details.
Kaizen
For those of you unfamiliar with kaizen — a short story. Originating in Japan as a business philosophy, kaizen’s meaning translates as change (kai) for the good (zen). Continuous incremental improvement is the approach. Use it to boost any area of your life, be it business or pleasure.
Linda’s story
The coloring artist, known only as Linda, is sharing several of her colorist works for you to enjoy this October. Linda has had a less-than-easy life.
Diagnosed with a neurological disorder at the age of 4, life was, and still is, challenging. Bullied in school with taunts, gum smushed into her hair, pushing over her desk and knocking her to the floor, the unkind nature of others was pure cruelty.
As several boys circled her desk in class one day, they demanded she give up her desk. “I’m doing my work,” Linda said.
One boy proceeded to knock over the desk, and Linda, to the floor.
That day, another classmate stuck up for her, grabbed the bully tight and offered the bully’s face for Linda to punch. Linda refused.
Linda wrote the classmate a thank-you note for sticking up for her. That boy kept that thank-you note in his wallet for over 40 years until it disintegrated.
Linda drifted into a reality, which has her believing she is less than accepted in the world. However, she rallies forth and continues to persevere through many trials and misfortunes rocking her world.
In her early twenties, Linda wrote a book of poetry, copyrighted and self-published it. Now, the coloring hobby gives her a respite with many hours of concentrated effort going into each piece.
Director’s note
The Berne Community Conversation will be in person or virtual with the link given after sign-up. The conversation will focus on questions that were previously asked of your local candidates running for office. We will explore positive ways to improve the community.
“What a drag, man! My library card expired.”
“Wait, what?”
“I can’t use my library card any more. It expired.”
“Oh, that’s no biggie. They set them up to expire every three years. Just call the library and they can update it for you.”
“That’s good to hear. I enjoy downloading audiobooks with my library card using the Hoopla app. I’ve even checked out a few movies. You can sign up for five items a month for 21 days each.”
“Five items is plenty to keep me busy.”
“Yeah, me too. I like listening to audios on my phone while taking road trips. The last CD I downloaded was a Japanese language and culture tape. Ohayo gozaimasu, sensei.”
“What does that mean?”
“Good morning, teacher.”
“Awesome! I’m gonna look into that Japanese tape. It sounds like fun.”
“Yeah. Go for it. And thanks again for letting me know that all I have to do is call up and have the library renew it for me. Arigato, Naomi-san. Thank you.”
Food literacy
Did you know September is Food Literacy Month. Amber Stott, food writer, blogger, and creative genius behind the Food Literacy Center operating out of California, positions September as Food Literacy Month.
Her message, her passion, and her mission is strong and relatable. Understanding the story of food. Knowing our food choices can help or harm is an important step in creating a healthier life for yourself and others.
A long-standing movement touts medical miracles from consuming key foods. Literature spilling the beans is everywhere.
What does food literacy mean to you? Is it understanding nutrition labels and nutrition basics? Maybe it’s knowing a protein added to breakfast keeps you full and energized longer than scarfing down a couple Boston cremes on the run.
Cooking a meal from scratch using fresh ingredients from the local farmers’ markets. That’s part of food literacy. Growing your own vegetables and learning how to process and store what you grow. Food literacy.
To highlight the power of food, the library has pulled some books from the shelves to help you dig in and digest. Drop by for free sample recipes now through the end of September in celebration of Food Literacy Month.
Community Conversation
In other library news, please add the Oct. 4 Community Conversation event to your library calendar. From 6 to 8 p.m. at the Senior Center, join other community members in an opportunity to express your thoughts on positive improvements you’d like to see the town move towards.
This is sponsored by the library through a grant from Libraries Transforming Communities, a branch of the American Library Association
Questions? Call the library at 518-872-1246.
Art on display
Oh, one more thing. Remember to visit this month’s art display in the community room. Just a few days left to see the stunning works of Betsy Whitlock, Nancy Murphy, and Joan Johnson. See you on the trail!
— Photo from Kathy Stempel
The Berne Public Library is bridging the digital divide with 20 hotspot devices from a Kajeet grant.
The Incredible Heldercon is in sight. It’s just a few hours away. Starting at 11 a.m., on Sept. 18, organizers of the full slated day of family-friendly events will be ready to welcome visitors into the Berne Town Park.
Do you have your costume ready so you can participate in the Cosplay Parade scheduled for 1 p.m.? Anyone from toddlers to 99-plus-ers can dress up as a superhero — all in the spirit of fun and entertainment. Think Halloween party without the pumpkins.
Plans for the day include a K-9 Unit demo, balloon animals, Caricature Drawing with Chris, door prizes, food, raffle drawings, face-painting, a photo booth, and crafts.
Scarpa’s Food Truck will be there as well as the Friends of the Library’s food booth and Emma’s Incredibles Lemonade Stand.
Sara Chauvot, one of the featured artists in the Friends Art Gallery, is offering visitors a drawing demonstration.
Oh and there’s more! Sumo suit wrestling, scavenger hunting, and a Pirate Obstacle Course.
Plus it’s free admission for one and all.
Get your costume ready and get yourself and lots of your friends over to the Berne Town Park on Saturday, the 18th, for an Incredible Heldercon experience.
Haig’s books
Two books, one author. One fiction, one nonfiction. A view.
British author Matt Haig has written and published numerous books. His work includes screen plays, fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books.
Two recent publications flying off the shelf are “The Midnight Library,” a work of fiction hitting stores in 2020, and “The Comfort Book,” a nonfiction gem published in 2021.
Both books broil up hope, life choices, and what-ifs. In “The Midnight Library,” meet Nora Seed, who thinks life isn’t worth living anymore. She lost her job, her cat, family, and friend connections.
Upon entering the weirdly physical Midnight Library, Nora finds Mrs. Elm, her library teacher from elementary school. Nora’s journey jumps into an infinite number of books, regrets, surprises, and multiple life choices. Sometimes you’ll feel like you’re holding your breath as you zing in and out of parallel universes, searching for key ingredients to living a meaningful life.
In “The Comfort Book,” the author starts by telling you: “I sometimes write things down to comfort myself.”
Entering the meat of the book greets you with thought-provoking lifelines. Could be a couple pages of words under the page heading or just a one liner.
Like the Portal page: “Each of us has the power to enter a new world. All we have to do is change our mind.” Or under the heading Short: “Life is short. Be kind.”
Read back to front or visa versa. Each vignette stands on its own.
Haig reminds us things can be messy in life but “Nothing is stronger than a small hope that doesn’t give up.”
Director’s note
The library is proud to announce that we have 20 new Smartspots to loan out from a generous grant by Kajeet.
Mark your calendar for the library’s first Community Conversation on Oct. 4 from 6 to 8 p.m. — virtual and in-person.