— 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.
Three women artists — Joan Johnson, Nancy Murphy, and Betsy Whitlock — have their work displayed at the Berne Library.
Marshall spilled up the driveway, waving The Altamont Enterprise, nearly losing his crocs in a puddle midway to the back door.
“Sally, paper’s here!” he helloed in as he reached for the handle.
Sally watched his approach and pulled the door open just before he did. He stumbled in. Sally caught him and they laughed.
“Sorry, Marshall. I couldn’t help myself,” Sally said as she pecked him on the cheek. He smiled and hugged her. “I’ve got tea ready,” said Sally. “Let’s sit in the sunroom and you can read through the great happenings at the library this week.”
“Sounds good, Sally.”
Settling in after a sip, Marshall flipped to the library pages.
Sally leaned back with her teacup in hand.
“The new art display in the community room is anchored and ready for viewing. Eleven pieces all together, from three different artists: Betsy Whitlock, Joan Johnson and Nancy Murphy.”
“Three of them, huh? That’ll be nice,” said Sally. Sally loves the art wall at the library.
“It says Betsy Whitlock grew up on a farm near Lake Champlain and then went to college at Albany State where she took a few art classes from Ed Cowley. At the time, he was the only teacher and she really learned a lot. He was a wonderful teacher.”
Marshall glanced over at Sally and she nodded with an audible “Hmmm.”
“When Betsy travels, she always takes her art supplies. Using watercolor and oil, she enjoys painting outdoor scenes and people. She likes gardening, has been avidly making art since retiremen,t and this is the first time she has hung her art in the library space.”
“I wonder how long she’s been retired?” Sally murmured. Marshall looked at her, shrugged and continued on.
“Joan is a watercolorist and enjoys doing outdoor scenes. Every summer, she visits Maine and gets together with some artist friends to relax and paint. Joan and Betsy take painting classes in Schoharie each year. That is until COVID came along.”
“Nancy got into taking art classes while living in South Carolina. After moving back to Altamont, she tried her hand at collage painting. It’s been a satisfying fit for her.”
“They sound like interesting ladies. Let’s visit the library tomorrow and check out their display, OK Marshall?” asked Sally.
Marshall nodded.
“There’s just a couple more things. The Berne Sunday Book Club is meeting at 7 p.m. on Sunday, September 12. Diane Chamberlain’s 2019 novel ‘Big Lies in a Small Town’ is September’s read. It’s set with two timelines, 2018 and 1940, in Edenton, North Carolina. Secrets, maybe a murder and definitely a mystery to unravel.”
“Keeping an eye on next weekend, the Incredible Heldercon is on the 18th at the Berne Park.
“There’s a bike ride at Corning Preserve on the 19th and Knit Wits are back on the schedule starting the 19th.”
“I now feel inspired to rejuvenate my sewing project after hearing that,” Sally added, smiling.
— Photo from Kathy Stempel
Kids learn about rocket tails as part of the Berne Library's Tails and Tales Summer Reading Program.
Big news to share
Just so you’re aware
There’s an adventure ’round the bend
And you’re invited to jump in.
Celebrating this round
Of summer readers young and older
It’s the Tales and Tails program
That’s a reading celebration.
It’s not just readers
Who are welcome to the party
Anyone’s invited to experience the show.
It’s a Reptile Adventure
Mark your calendars now
For September 7, where you’ll meet,
Scaly reptile personalities.
Please make it; you won't be sorry
And
Thank you very much
For being in the story.
Reptile Adventure — Animals you can wrap your brain around — will be at the library on Tuesday, Sept. 7, from 2 to 4 p.m. Everyone is welcome to meet the visiting reptiles with hands-on interaction. Are you ready for the adventure?
Group moves
Journeys On the Page, the library’s writing group, has moved to a new night and new online mode. Mingles happen the second Friday of the month at 7 p.m. using Zoom meetings. September’s mingle lands on Sept. 10. Journeys On the Page, where stories and ideas are shared in a safe, friendly environment.
Road trip! In your mind and on the page.
Gallery gals
Soon you’ll be meeting Betsy Whitlock, Nancy Murphy, and Joan Johnston, the dynamic trio sharing their art at the Friends Art Gallery. A new show is displayed each month on the south wall of the community room and these gals are the show stoppers for September. You’ll be enjoying a mix of watercolor, oil. and collage once the collection goes up Sept. 1.
Heldercon returns
Now it’s time to get your events calendar out and highlight Sept. 18. The Incredible Heldercon is back in town from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This free family event hosted by the library and sponsored by the Friends is once again being held at the Berne Town Park. Start thinking and planning what superhero you’ll be dressing up as.
Lots of action to experience at this cosplay party so get revved up to join in the fun.
Visit the library and check out the fully packed Incredible Heldercon raffle baskets that are part of the big celebration.
It’s starting. You can see subtle changes moving in. A few yellow leaves here, some reds over there. Daylight hours shifting. Rain drizzles every few days and August, sliding toward the finish line.
Joining the finish line slide is the library’s 2021 Tails and Tales Summer Reading Program with two final hurrahs.
Appearing Monday, Aug. 30, from 6 to 7 p.m. is the last Barnyard series visit with Terry’s Therapy pigs. Swing over to the library lawn and meet Albert Einswine and Tammie Swinett. If you’ve always wanted an up-close meet-and-greet with a couple of friendly oink oinks, now is your chance. See you there.
The finale, “Reptile Adventure — Animals you can wrap your brain around,” is on Tuesday, Sept. 7, from 2 to 4 p.m. Prepare yourself to meet turtles, snakes, and reptiles of the scaly persuasion. Questions? Call the library at 518-872-1246.
Rejuvenate
Now that you have added Terry’s Therapy Pigs and Reptile Adventure to your library calendar, how about a peek at the Word of the Month Club. The meeting is about to get underway, but out on Charlotte’s back porch, there’s a little tete-a-tete going on.
“What else did Roxanne say?” asked Charlotte.
“Oh, you know. The usual. Read. Visit the library. Explore, learn. Support your local — well, support your local everything,” said Devon.
“Yeah, that’s important stuff. Isn’t it?” asked Charlotte.
“Of course, of course. We all know the importance of reading, exploring and supporting each other in work and in play. And indeed, we know visiting the library offers limitless opportunities to discover an endless variety of topics. Especially with the added benefit of dipping into the collections of 36 different libraries in the Upper Hudson Library system.”
“So, what seems to be the problem?” asked Charlotte.
“Nothing really. It’s just that ….”
“What? What are you trying to say, Devon?” Charlotte prodded.
“It’s just that I want to ring the purple gong when we announce this month’s word,” Devon sheepishly replied.
Charlotte burst out laughing. She was laughing so hard she could barely speak. At that exact moment, Roxanne threw open the door and rolled in the purple gong.
Charlotte greeted Roxanne with a stifled snort and a big grin. “Hey, Roxanne, Devon wants to ask you something.”
Devon stiffened.
“Before we get to that, I need to ask you something, Devon,” Roxanne said
“OK,” Devon replied nervously.
“Will you do the honors with the gong today?” Roxanne smiled and handed Devon the mallet.
Devon stood tall, and with a huge grin whaled the purple gong.
Guinevere was there with the envelope and announced, “September, go all out and rejuvenate. Breathe new life into your September goals. Rejuvenate your menus. Refresh your mind. Update those mantras. Cheers to rejuvenating.”
Speaking of rejuvenating, popping up Sept. 1 is an all-new art show featuring the art of Betsy Whitlock, Nancy Murphy, and Joan Johnston. Tune in next week to meet these three talented artists.
— Photo from Kathy Stempel
The giraffe at the Berne Library was made out of flip-flops found on the beach.
Books in the Barnyard at the Altamont Fair. On Sunday, Aug. 22, the Berne Public Library folks have a spot squared out near the baby chicks building. Take a few moments to visit and listen to a chicken tale or two.
Before scuttling along, remember to get your take-home freebies courtesy of the library: lollipops, a book, and a magnet while supplies last.
Book/Hike
Also available for your interactive pleasure is the monthly Book/Hike scheduled on Aug. 22 from 1 to 2 p.m. Call the library for exact place details. You can also keep watch on the library’s Facebook page for upcoming events.
Animal Barnyard
Monday, Aug. 23 is the third installment of the library’s Live Animal Barnyard series. Meet Mary’s Chickens between 6 and 7 p.m. outside the library. Does it surprise you to learn there are more chickens on planet earth than any other bird species in the world? See Mary’s Chickens on the 23rd and perhaps you’ll discover a few other chicken trivia nuggets.
Summer Reading
The summer reading program, Tails and Tales, is winding towards the finish line. Keep those reading tallies going strong.
Every Friday the visiting giraffe greets visitors with an invitation to guess her name. One young eye-sparkling little lady gushed, “I love seeing the giraffe when I come in cuz then I know it’s Friday, the day the giraffe always visits.”
You have a few more Fridays to get a peek at the flip-flop sculptured giraffe and submit your guess of her name before the Reptile Adventure program’s summer reading wrap-up in September.
Questions? Call 518-872-1246, check the library's website or Facebook page for more details on eventful library happenings.
As always, thank you for joining in.
— Photo by Sandra Kisselback
“Reflections”: Karen Zimmers has 17 pieces of her artwork on display at the Berne Library.
Trolling the internet reveals lots of celebrations recognized by select fans. Celebrations like National Watermelon Day, Toasted Marshmallow Day and Lighthouse Day. Or you might support National Sponge Cake Day, Just Because Day, or Tooth Fairy Day.
Commemorate this. Throw a bash hailing that. Who hatches these ideas?
Put that thinking cap on and you’ll likely rail out a list of unique celebrations. With celebrating in mind, raise a glass to Bad Poetry Day on Aug. 18. Bring in your Bad Poetry to share without fear. Cheers and a hiss to Bad Poetry! Here’s some to get you in the mood:
First the red tailed hawk
Went for a walk
Then the hawk had a long talk
And fell down
Rocket Tales are firing up
On Monday the 16th
At the Berne Town Park
It’s gonna be a blast
So be there at 5:30
It’ll be a hilarious serious family adventure
Making your own rockets soar
Music In the Park
Wraps up it’s five-week series
With “Two’s Company”
At the Berne Town Park
It starts at 6:30
On Wednesday the 18th
Bop, bop, swishity swoo
Dance to tunes
Move your foot
Chocolate Pecan Pie Day
Melts your resolve
By joining Lemonade Day
On the 20th
Simultaneously, together
The library’s having
A bird-watching walk-along
For adults —
Wrapping with a pizza party at
The pocket park
Next to the Fox Creek
That’s Friday, August 20th
Starting at 6:30 p.m.
Walk, talk, notice, eat.
Marshall and Sally
Now, let’s take a peek into Marshall and Sally’s afternoon on the dock where they are celebrating “Reading Library News Outside Day.”
“So what do you think of Bad Poetry Day, Sally?” asked Marshall.
“I think it’s hilarious. Honestly. The things they come up with.”
“I know, right? In addition to Rocket Tales, Music In the Park, and Bird-Watching Walk-along/Pizza Party, there’s a piece here about Karen Zimmers, the August artist displaying her art at the library,” Marshall added.
“Read me all about it, Marshall,” Sally prompted.
“It says here, Karen was born in Glenville, but her family lived many places due to her father’s work: California, Indiana, Chicago, New Hampshire. Boston was home for 20 years before settling in Niskayuna. Karen retired from a career in technology management and then went back to school in her late 50s studying paralegal and criminal justice at Russell Sage. She earned a master of science degree at Albany Law in legal studies.”
“Wow,” Sally said. “Read on, Marshall.”
“Karen’s inclination toward artistic endeavors started early, at age 6, while learning to knit sitting on her mother’s lap. As an adult, Karen participated in paint-and-sip events and art classes. She finds painting relaxing and fulfilling.
“Being a cancer warrior, Karen appreciates life’s magic. Nature inspires her. She loves using vibrant colors, painting clouds, flowers, and oceans. Her 17-piece art display theme is ‘Reflections’.”
“Nice,” Sally said, smiling. “That art display sounds inviting.”
— Photo by Sandra Kisselback
Colleen and her service dog, Cheswick, enjoyed the Berne Library's Career Dogs program.
— Photo byKathy Stempel
Music in the Park, supported by the Berne Library, had record-breaking attendance on July 28 as Geezer performed.
Remember to celebrate Root Beer Float day on Aug. 6. Grab your super-size bag of potato chips and float ingredients. Start a new tradition. Invite your friends over and make some “remember when” moments for the shelf.
Pay Attention Attitude
By SLS
OMG! It’s August already!
How do the days blip past so fast?
Is there a way to savor moments
Before they’re gobbled up
And in the past?
Building up your “memorable moments”
Is an easy thing to do.
Just decide to start your day
With pay-attention attitude!
Wake up! Start now! Get going!
Try a risky treat ...
Give those things you’ve never tried
Or those things you’ve done by rote
A whole new chance to lead you
Toward a life that is a hoot.
Join a book club at the library
Give journaling a try
Come listen to the Bluestones
At Music In the Park.
It happens Wednesday evening
And goes until it’s dark.
Wake up! Start now! Get going!
The journey is upbeat ...
Adopt the tune of noticing
Wings and hooves and grunts
The library’s live animal series
Continues through the month.
Chickens on the 23rd
Lambs’ll be here on the ninth
Pigs visit on the 30th
And that’s no sly sty joke.
Wake up! Start now! Get going!
Just decide to start your day
With pay-attention attitude.
It’s a choice that can’t be beat.
Emily’s Lambs
Emily’s Lambs will be at the library, Monday, Aug. 9, from 6 to 7 p.m. Since it’s National Book Lover’s Day, perhaps you’ll want to read a book to the lambs. What could their favorite stories be? Any guesses? Looking forward to seeing you at Emily’s Lambs visit on the 9th.
Story time
It’s a Boo Boo Bear story time and preschoolers are invited to join Miss Kathy for a 3 p.m. date on Aug. 10 with some bears and a story and a craft.
Bluestones
Music In the Park with the Bluestones is happening Wednesday, Aug. 11. Pop over to the Berne Town Park at 6:30 p.m. for tunes, jokes, snacks, and raffles. This is the fourth show in the five-week music series sponsored by the Friends of the Berne Library.
Artwork
What other new things are showing up at the library? It’s a whole new show for the Friends’ art-gallery wall, featuring the artwork of Karen Zimmers. Be sure to stop in and check it out through the month of August.
Heads-up
Be a bird. Fly overhead, watch some live bird cams around the world. Tell your favorite animal stories — there’s a little sky action scheduled in two weeks. Just wanted to give you the heads-up. Aug. 16 at 5:30 p.m. is Rocket Tales at the Berne Town Park. On Aug. 20 at 6:30 p.m., it’s a bird-watching party for adults. Questions? Call 518-872-1246.
— Photo from Kathy Stempel
Kelley Doolin’s goats visited the Berne Library as part of its barnyard series.
— Photo from Kathy Stempel
Sara Chauvot teaches a watercolor class at the Berne Library.
Sally got to the phone just before the answering machine picked up.
“Hi Mom, did you see they’re going to have lambs at the library’s live animal series?” Teresa asked.
“Hi sweetheart. No, I haven’t heard that. Your father hasn’t come in with The Enterprise yet. Did you read it online?” asked Sally.
“I saw it on the library’s Facebook page. That nice girl, Emily Vincent, is going to be there with some of her lambs. Do you want to join us? Harry and I are going to bring the kids to it.”
“That sounds like a wonderful idea,” Sally replied. “Is your sister Molly going?”
“She’s going to get back to me. Jonathan might have a sports thing that night,” Teresa said.
“Oh, right. Well, what time and day is it going to be?” asked Sally.
“It’s Monday, August 2nd from 6 to 7,” Teresa told her.
“OK, I’m putting Emily’s lambs on the calendar for Monday, August 2nd, at 6 o’clock and your father and I will meet you there. Maybe we can all go out for ice cream after?”
“Sounds good, Mom. See you Monday then. I’ll relay the message to Molly.”
Sally cradled the phone, then picked up the new book she recently checked out from the library for the adult summer reading program. Cat Warren’s true story about raising and training a cadaver search dog, “What the Dog Knows: The Science and Wonder of Working Dogs” is turning out to be quite a learning experience.
Music in the Park
A couple other things happening in libraryland you might want to know about includes the third featured band for the Music in the Park series sponsored by the Friends of the Berne Library.
This Wednesday, Aug. 4, you can tap to the music of the Hilltown Ramblers. Starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Berne Town Park you’ll find some tunes, an array of delicious treats for purchase at the snack window, and probably a few jokes from the M.C. Make it a night. Maybe you’ll see Sally and Marshall there, dancing up a storm.
A slimy treat
Thursday, Aug. 5, at noon, 5- to 12-year-olds are invited in to make some Blobfish Slime with Carrie. Who doesn’t like playing with slime?
After a blobfish story time, children can make their own slime blobfish complete with googly eyes! Turn your Thursday into a slimy treat for the kids and then take out some books or movies for the weekend. Questions? Call the library at 518-872-1246.
— Photo from Kathy Stempel
At the Friends of the Berne Library’s Bowls for Books event, from left, Ann Hein, Becky Waldenmaier, pottery teacher Colleen Skiff, and Carrie Needham smile as they pose with handmade bowls that were filled with ice cream donated for the occasion by Stewart’s Shops.
“I hate to read!”
Several gasps were heard as heads whipped around, staring in disbelief. The July meeting of the Word of the Month Club was being held in the park. Mingling under the shade of the giant oak tree, mushrooming over their picnic area in the east garden, members shushed each other as they pretended not to eavesdrop.
Are there really people who hate to read? Suzy sidled over to the end of the table to peek at the speaker making the declaration. To her surprise, it was a white-haired man who looked to be in his fifties and not a youngster, as she first suspected.
Rejoining her Word of the Month Club pals, the group launched into a rousing discussion about bibliophobes and bibliophiles. The group decided right then and there to spend the rest of July and all of August researching the nuances of bibliophobes — people who hate, fear, or distrust books — and bibliophiles: those with a deep appreciation for the written word. People who love how books feel, how they look and how they smell. People who enjoy browsing book sales, libraries, and used-book stores.
Roxanne mentioned reading about one bibliophile who paid $11.5 million for a copy of John James Audubon’s “Birds Of America.”
Are you a bibliophobe or a bibliophile? Inquiring Word of the Month Club minds want to know.
Read-aloud rundown
Meanwhile, over in Marshall and Sally’s backyard, it’s time for Marshall's favorite Friday read-aloud to his bride.
Sally put down her book, “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig, when she saw Marshall.
“Got the newspaper Sally. You ready to hear the week’s rundown of library events?”
“Definitely! Let’s see what’s in store for us.”
Career Dogs
“Well, we already signed up for the Career Dogs program tonight, the 23rd, at 7 p.m. They’ll start with a zoom meeting with two people familiar with the Guiding Eyes program.
“One of them has helped with puppy raising and the other one, Nancy, has been blind since birth. She got her first guide dog in 1986.
“After that, we’ll be meeting Cheswick, a dog who alerts her owner, Colleen, when her blood-sugar level is down. There’ll also be dog trivia games plus refreshments.”
“We’ll make sure we get there early,” said Sally.
Cole Hill hike
“Then, on Sunday, the 25th, at 2 o’clock, Kathy Stempel has a Book/Hike planned near Cole Hill, weather permitting. Those hikes are always fun with Kathy at the helm.”
Geezer
“On Wednesday, the 28th, at 6:30, the second Music In the Park series kicks off with Geezer. That’s the band Tom Nag is in,” said Marshall with a side glance at Sally.
“That’ll be a fun night,” said Sally. “Anything else?”
Frankentoys
“Yes, indeed. For Thursday, July 29, at 7 p.m. teens are invited to ‘Frankentoys Break ’n Remake.’ The kids will break down different toys and then remake them.”
“Hmmm, that sounds different,” Sally murmured softly. “Hope the kids take advantage of it.”
— Photo by Sandra Kisselback
Sara Chauvot's artwork is on display at the Berne Library through July 31.
Seeds, ladybugs
and Music in the Park
By SLS
Lots of seeds
Are newly arrived
Stocking the seed library
From top on down —
Herbs and veggies
Flowers too
All now available
For gardeners like you.
You can order online
Or stop in and browse.
New seeds to look at
Broccoli Spear says:
Come down
They’re free! And there’s plenty!
To add new growth to your gardens
And all around town.
****
After the seeds are all planted
Check out the programs
Lined up for your pleasure.
There’s a brochure
You can pick up
From the girls at circ central
It gives you the playlist
For this summer’s treasures.
Ladybugs will be painted
Along with a new little librarybox
For the Thompson’s Lake Campsites,
So wear your painting clothes.
That would be on the 15th of July at 6:30
So sign up and play.
****
Music in the Park
Is getting ready to launch
After a year of vacation
Due to things in the past.
First up on stage
In the Town of Berne Park
Are Just a Bunch of Guys
Where some gals join in too.
You can step to the beat
Or join in with their songs
On July 21st
Starting precisely at 6:30.
We’ll see how it goes
Short and sweet makes it neat
High and low starts the show.
****
As is always suggested
Whenever you need to
Call for details or to ask any questions
The number, you know,
Goes exactly like this:
It’s 518-872-1246.
Or check on our website,
Facebook’s there too
Sharing with you
All the library news.
****
Thank you for spending
A few minutes here
Have a great weekend
Now go read a book.