Middleburgh Library Notes for Thursday, February 22, 2018

The Middleburgh Library will host an Insight Meditation Retreat on Feb. 24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This is an introduction to Insight Meditation, and a chance for those with more experience to practice together. Insight Meditation is the practice of the clear continuous awareness of the flow of our lives — that’s all.

We practice it to have an open heart and a calm mind, to have patience and compassion for ourselves and for others, and not worry so much. We’ll go over the simple instructions at the start of the retreat, and any time someone asks.

Each silent meditation will be 15 minutes, then about 20 minutes between sitting, with a short talk, time to move, stretch,or  get some water. We’ll have a quiet 20-minute lunch break.

It’s OK to join and leave at any time during the retreat. Bring a lunch. Chairs will be provided; if you prefer to sit on something you’re more used to (special chair, cushion, bench, mat), bring it along. The retreat is open for teens to seniors. Registration is suggested; just go to the February calendar at the library’s website. Or stop in the library to sign up. There is no fee.

Story time

Get ready to move in an interactive story time on Feb. 27 at 10:45 a.m. designed especially for children from newborns up to age 5 and their caregivers. We’ll read books, sing songs, recite fingerplays, dance, and watch a short movie based on a weekly theme. No registration is required.

Mahjong Mania

Every Tuesday afternoon at 1 p.m., including on Feb. 27, a spirited group of people get together in the Community Room to play Mahjong. Don't know how to play?  No problem! They will teach you how.  No registration is required.

Insight Meditation

Join us for a simple group Azaen meditation practice on Feb. 27 at 5:15 p.m.  All are welcome. This is a place to sit still in safety; to allow understanding and compassion to arise; to cultivate loving kindness and acceptance.

Sitting here patiently in the unfolding of our community will help transform our world.  All are welcome!  No registration is required.

Wednesday Matinee

“Murder on the Orient Express” (PG-13) will be screened on Feb. 28 at 1 p.m.

Hercule Poirot, the best detective in the world, decides to leave on the Orient Express. The train is stopped by an avalanche. Little did he know that a murder was planned and that a person on this train was able of committing such crime. Will he solve this murder before the train starts working again?

No is registration required.  Free popcorn will be served.

Knitting Circle

On March 1, at 7 p.m., friendly ladies (men are welcome, but we haven't seen any yet!) will knit and crochet, embroider and quilt, and more. You can learn a new skill here or share your own special talents with others- or just craft in the company of friends.

Drop in anytime! No registration is required.

HEGS

Home Educators Group of Schoharie County will meet on March 2 from 10 a.m. to noon. HEGS is a group of homeschooling families with a wide variety of backgrounds, approaches to education, and religious affiliations.

It exists to provide secular support for homeschooling families, offer information about homeschooling, and to allow for sharing of educational opportunities. HEGS hopes to increase public awareness, acceptance, and support of home education in Schoharie County.

Chainsaw Safety: An Introduction

Mike Burns from Professional Forestry Services will present an instructional program for the occasional chainsaw user on safe operation and risk mitigation on March 3 from 10 a.m. to noon. This session is intended to be an introduction to chainsaw use and is not adequate preparation for felling standing trees.

Chainsaws are among the most useful and dangerous outdoor power tools owned and operated by landowners. Severe injuries include deep, jagged lacerations embedding foreign substances resulting from direct contact with the chainsaw; strains and sprains from improper handling; and contusions concussions and/or fractures caused by being struck by objects while cutting.

Improper long-term use may result in loss of hearing and diminished nerve sensitivity. The use, storage, and transportation of potentially hazardous materials necessary for chainsaw operation increases the risk of injury. While all danger cannot be eliminated, training and instruction have proven to be an effective way to mitigate the risk of harm to a chainsaw user.

Participants will not be using a chainsaw as part of the workshop. This workshop is free and is underwritten by New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health. Registration is required.

More

For more information, see our website at www.middleburghlibrary.info.