Paula Chaffee Scardamalia will read from her new book, “In the Land of Vultures,” at the Rensselaerville Library on Saturday, March 16, at noon.
Local author Paula Chaffee Scardamalia will read at the Rensselaerville Library on Saturday, March 16, at noon.
She will read from her new book, “In the Land of Vultures.”
The book tells the story of Samara, priestess to the Goddess of Death, who has given up dreams of love and children — until she is rescued from the desert by a man who compels her to lie about what she is.
Paula will have copies of the book for purchase and signing.
Paula is book coach, dream and tarot intuitive, and the author of fiction and nonfiction. She wrote “Tarot for the Fiction Writer,” printed by Schiffer Publishing this year.
For 20 years, Paula has presented workshops across the country at: national and regional Romance Writers of America conferences and meetings; the San Diego University Writers Conference; and the International Women's Writing Guild.
Paula publishes a weekly e-newsletter on writing, creativity, dreams, and tarot. She was dream consultant for People Country Magazine, and is the award-winning author of Weaving a Woman’s Life.
Ayurveda 101 with Emileigh Tanner on Friday, July 13 at 7 p.m. at the library.
Ayurveda, literally translating to the science of life and living, is a time-honored health and healing system providing tools to balance one's mind, body, soul and spirit through simple dietary and lifestyle approaches. Ever wonder how you can attain health and well being while being fully self-empowered and living in accordance to nature? In this hour-long discussion, we will unveil the mystery of this ancient medical system and learn the basics to start living a life of balance.
Emileigh Tanner will discuss: Five Element Theory and how the elements manifest in the body; the three doshas, or biological mind-body constitutions; how to identify imbalance in the body and mind; and simple techniques to manage and avoid imbalance to promote maximum health, mental acuity and longevity.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
A gift from the Library of Congress: Congressman Paul Tonko, second from left, presented 30 books on Tuesday morning to the Rensselaerville Library. On hand for the occasion were, from left, Supervisor Steve Pfleging, Tonko, library Director Kimberly Graff, library Trustee John Gordon, Councilman Jason Rauf, and Assistant Treasurer Tom White.
The Rensselaerville Ramble: Trail Run and Walk is planned for Saturday, June 17. The Ramble is a fundraiser for the Huyck Preserve and the library. Registration is open and increases after June 7.
Museums
The Library has a number of Museum Passes this year. Borrow the USS Slater Family Pass to tour the USS Slater berthed on the Hudson River in Albany. The American Legion Clarke White Post #589 provided the support to obtain the pass. We also have the Clark, The Old Stone Fort Museum in Schoharie and the Albany Institute of History and Art in Albany. Museum passes are available to check out with your Library card for seven days.
Summer hours
During the months of May and June the Library will be increasing our hours. In addition to our morning hours on Tuesday and Wednesday we will be opening at 3:00pm in the evening. We hope that by opening early students will have more access to the resources they need.
Movie night
Movie Night on Thursday, June 15 and 29 at 6:30pm. Please visit the web site for more details. http://www.rensselaervillelibrary.org/movies.html
Trustees meet
The Library monthly Board of Trustees Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 20 at 7pm. Board meetings are normally held on the third Tuesday of every month except when noted. All Board meetings are held at the Library in the downstairs meeting room and are open to the public.
Get that interview
On June 28 at 7 p.m.: “How Not to Blow Your Interview.” Join us for an interactive discussion on what to do before, during, and after the interview. Participants will realize there are actually eight types of interviews and nine non-verbal interview skills. Come learn about the 13 toughest interview questions. Presented by Dr. Tom Denham of Careers in Transition.
Registration is Required for the workshop. These programs are supported by funds from the New York State Library's Adult Literacy Library Services Program, in partnership with the Capital Region Workforce Development Board and NYSED's ACCES-VR.
Thank yous
Thank you for supporting the Library budget increase and the Book Sale and annual Cocktail Party fundraisers this month.
Thank you to everyone for making our Annual Library Cocktail Party fundraiser a success. Special thanks to the Carey Center for Global Good for the hospitality, Jeff and Paul of Medusa Moonshine for the music and everyone who attended and shared an appetizer or dessert.
Youth Programs
Summer Reading Program sign up and activities begin on Saturday, June 17, and will go through Saturday, Aug. 5.
As part of the Rensselaerville Ramble Trail Run/Walk on Saturday, June 17 at 10:15 a.m. there will be a children’s program followed by the free 600 meter Wood Duck Dash at 11 a.m.
Saturday, July 1, children will have the opportunity to visit and read with a local Therapy Dog. A good reader takes practice and reading to a therapy dog provides children with a non-judgmental, comforting, furry friend who is attentive to their reading.
Rhymin’ Richie at Conkling Hall on Tuesday, July 11 at 6:30 p.m. Kids will work with Richie Phillips to brainstorm, write, practice and record a song which reinforces positive character traits. Richie Phillips is a veteran radio personality and state certified educator.
The Rensselaerville Library is celebrating National Poetry month in April. Once again we will have a Today’s Poem featured on our website throughout the month.
Last year, the Rensselaerville Library’s Poem-A-Day Project netted 1,250 pageviews. Again this year, in celebration of National Poetry Month 2017, the library will feature one poem by a local or not-so-local poet each day for the 30 days of April.
After the poem features, it will remain online for the rest of the month. Visit the library’s web site throughout the month to view a new poem each day.
The Poetry Month Schedule of events at Conkling Hall includes:
— The Favorite Poem Project on Sunday, April 2 from 2 to 4 p.m.: What’s your favorite poem? Come read it at the 12th Annual Favorite Poem Project. People of all ages are invited to participate in this Rensselaerville tradition of celebrating Poetry Month. Or just come listen as your friends and neighbors share poems they love.
Join in an afternoon of poetry, good company, and refreshments, emceed by Claire North. Readers may sign up at Conkling Hall beginning at 1:45 p.m. Communities around the country hold Favorite Poem readings as part of the Favorite Poem Project begun by former Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky in 1997; and
— Conkling Café Open Mic on Friday, April 21, at 7:30 p.m.: Conkling Café and the Library are collaborating during poetry month so bring your poems, sonnets, haikus and lyrics to share. All musical genres, spoken word, and performance art are welcome. Equipment is provided.
Come participate watch and listen to what your friends and neighbors are creating. Sign up at 7pm to perform. Open Mic is free with donations accepted. Open Mic is a monthly event and all ages welcome.
Alzheimer's Disease education program
April 6, 2017 at 6pm. If you or someone you know is affected by Alzheimer's disease or dementia, it's time to learn the facts. This program provides information on detection, causes and risk factors, stages of the disease, treatment, and much more. An education program by the Alzheimer's association. Please Register for this program. We need at least five participants.
Eat Smart for Brain Health
On Tuesday, April 18 at 6 p.m. join us for a program provided by Karen Roberts Mort of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Albany County. Emerging research shows that what you eat impacts the health of your brain. This presentation will highlight dietary and other health suggestions that are now thought to decrease your risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
Past participants have found this helpful whether their concern was prevention or in helping to slow the progression in family members. Please register. We need at leasfive registered participants.
Movies
Movies Night on Friday, April 14 and Thursday, April 20 at 6:30 p.m.We will also have a movie on Wednesday, April 19 at 10 a.m. Please visit the website for more details. http://www.rensselaervillelibrary.org/movies.html
Job workshops
Find a job now! Over the next few months we will have a series of workshops to support those looking for a new job or for someone wanting to brush up on their skills.
On Wednesday, April 12 at 7 p.m. join us for Skype for Job Interviews and Beyond. Learn how to set yourself up for successful Skype interviews. Learn and practice the basics of Skype, and get tips for making the long distance interview go as smoothly as possible. Presented by Sarah McFadden of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rensselaer County.
Dealing with difficult coworkers
On Tuesday, May 23 at 7 p.m. the library presents Dealing with Difficult Coworkers You got the job, now how do you navigate the personalities in the workplace? It's easy to work with those who are easy to get along with. But how do you treat a difficult person, someone you don't understand or can't relate to? Learn strategies to deal with them and make conflict productive. Presented by Evelyn Neale of Colonie Town Library and Milestones.
Interviewing
On Wednesday, June 28 at 7 p.m. come join us for How Not to Blow Your Interview. Join us for an interactive discussion on what to do before, during, and after the interview. Participants will realize there are actually eight types of interviews and nine non-verbal interview skills. Come learn about the 13 toughest interview questions. Presented by Dr. Tom Denham of Careers in Transition.
Registration is required for each workshop. These programs are supported by funds from the New York State Library's Adult Literacy Library Services Program, in partnership with the Capital Region Workforce Development Board and NYSED's ACCES-VR.
Youth programs
Tuesdays, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. join us for a multi-level Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math program aimed at a variety of ages. The group/parents will select the next week’s topic at the end of each session — the goal is to address the educational needs of children in our community by integrating the disciplines and stimulating young minds.
Story time
StoryTime with Movement & Music – Wednesdays, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., stories, music and movement activities for parents/caregivers and children. This program is designed as an early literacy program aimed at developing and reinforcing the skills that children need to be successful learners. Parents and caregivers this program also provides the opportunity to develop a local social support group.
Craft
Kids stop in and check out the craft table downstairs and discover crafts to work on your own.
Activities
Tween and Teens STEAM activities on Wednesday evenings from 7 to 8 p.m. with a different program each Wednesday of the month.
— On April 5, Coloring a great way to relax and give your creativity a boost;
— On April 12, Writer's Workshop — Like to write? Spend time working on your stories;
— On April 19, Makey Makey Kits - Invent things with a circuit board, alligator clips, and everyday objects; and
— On April 26, the project is yet to be announced.
Help
Homework Help on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. Please see Lee Ackerman-Sawyer or email .
Board meets
The library monthly board of trustees meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 25 at 7 p.m. Board meetings are normally held on the third Tuesday of every month except when noted. All Board meetings are held at the library in the downstairs meeting room and are open to the public.
Writing group
The Writing Group meets on the second Thursday of the month. On April 13 the group will meet at 7 p.m. in the downstairs meeting room. Come share your work, receive feedback and spend time working on your own project.
Poetry group
Poetry Group meets on Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m., April 11 and 25. Come share your work, receive feedback and spend time working on your own project. The poetry group meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month downstairs in the library.
We have a fantastic opportunity for kids to come into the Rensselaerville Library during the February school break and use robots to learn how to code. The equipment can be used by all ages, preschool through teen.
The Upper Hudson Library System is providing KIBO, Cubetto, and Colby the programmable mouse for these special free programs. Here is the schedule:
— Tuesday, Feb. 21 from 10 a.m. to noon explore coding and robotics; and
— Wednesday, Feb. 22 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. join storytime and Cubetto and from 6 to 8 p.m. explore Cubetto and robotics.
Steam
On Tuesdays, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. enjoy a multi-level Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math program aimed at a variety of ages. The group/parents will select the next week’s topic at the end of each session - the goal is to address the educational needs of children in our community by integrating the disciplines and stimulating young minds.
Story time
Enjoy StoryTime with Movement & Music on Wednesdays, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., stories, music, and movement activities for parents/caregivers and children. This program is designed as an early literacy program aimed at developing and reinforcing the skills that children need to be successful learners. Parents and caregivers this program also provides the opportunity to develop a local social support group.
Homework help
On Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. Lee Ackerman-Sawyer or email youth@rensselaervillelibrary.org for homework help.
Movie night
On Thursday, Feb. 23 enjoy movie night at 6:30 p.m. please Visit the website for more details at http://www.rensselaervillelibrary.org/movies.html.
Board meets
The library monthly board of trustees meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. Board meetings are normally held on the third Tuesday of every month except when noted. All board meetings are held at the library in the downstairs meeting room and are open to the public.
Writing group
Due to the weather the writing group has rescheduled to Feb. 16 the group will meet at 7 p.m. in the downstairs meeting room. Come share your work, receive feedback and spend time working on your own project.
Poetry group
The poetry group meets on Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. both Feb. 14 and 28. Come share your work, receive feedback and spend time working on your own project. The poetry group meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month downstairs in the library.
Save the date! Rensselaerville library’s annual greenery sale is scheduled for Dec. 3, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. We will have fresh cut trees from Medusa, and wreaths, sprays, and roping for sale along Main Street. Inside we will have activities for the kids and local vendors, gift certificates, homemade cookies sale, raffles, and a mini used book sale.
Movies
Movie Night on Friday, Dec. 16 at 6:30 p.m. Movie Morning on Wednesday, Dec. 28 at 10:30 a.m. Please visit the website for more details.
Memory loss
Are you concerned about memory loss? A representative from the Alzheimer’s Association will be providing a basic education program on Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. Please register for this program.
Youth programs
These youth programs will be offered in November:
— STEAM: Tuesdays, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. there is a multi-level Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math program aimed at a variety of ages. The group/parents will select the next week’s topic at the end of each session. The goal is to address the educational needs of children in our community by integrating the disciplines and stimulating young minds.
— Story Time with Movement and Music: Wednesdays, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m, stories, music, and movement activities for parents/caregivers and children. This program is designed as an early literacy program.
— Monthly Craft Project: Kids stop in and check out the craft table downstairs and discover crafts to work on your own. The last week of December several of the craft activities offered throughout the year will be back out.
— Teen Hang Out: Wednesday evenings from 6 to 7 p.m. teens stop in and create your own program.
— Homework Help: Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. Please see Lee Ackerman-Sawyer or email
Writers meet
The Writing Group meets on the second Thursday of the month. On Dec. 8 the group will meet at 7 p.m.
Poetry Group meets on Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m., Dec. 13 and 27. Come share your work, receive feedback and spend time working on your own project. The Poetry group meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month downstairs in the library.
Giving
Consider supporting the library with one of these shopping services that give back to local organizations of your choice. When shopping with smile.amazon.com, Amazon will donate to 0.5 percent of your eligible Amazon purchases sign up at https://smile.amazon.com/ch/14-1409657 .
Or create an account with Giving Assistant and once you set up the Library as your charity an average of 5 percent of your purchases will be donated to the Library. Visit https://givingassistant.org.
There are many ways to make a contribution. Visit http://www.rensselaervillelibrary.org/donate.html for details and the variety of options including a one-time gift by credit card, an ongoing monthly contribution, or a donation of securities the website will provide instructions. Thank you for supporting the library this holiday season.
Thank you to everyone who came out to support the annual library lawn party on Sept. 3.
A special thanks to the following: Mame and Victor Schrager for providing the use of their lawn; Carlsen Gallery for their tent; Ommegang Brewery for the beer; Tops Friendly Markets for their donation; Bill Bensen for the cheese and fruit display; and all our friends and neighbors who generously brought hors d'oeuvres and desserts.
Story time
On Tuesday, Sept. 20, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., stories, music, and movement activities for parents/caregivers and children as well as opportunities for parents to develop a social support group. The focus is on pre-literacy and pre-math skills and school readiness.
Mommy and me
On Tuesday, Sept. 27, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., stories, songs and movement activities for parents/caregivers and infants and young toddlers. Also opportunities for parents and caregivers to develop a social support network. Focus on strengthening parent/caregiver-child bonds, pre-literacy activities- simple stories, movement, rhymes and play.
Craft project
Kids stop in and check out the monthly craft table downstairs and discover a project to work on your own.
Game night
Family game nights are Tuesdays from 6 to 7 p.m. with, activities for all ages. We have Wii, board games, or bring your own.
Teens
On Wednesday evenings from 6 to 7 p.m. teens come check out the menu of activities or create your own at the teen hangout. On Sept. 28 there will be a teen movie at 6 p.m.
Homework help
Help is available upon request. Please see Lee Ackerman-Sawyer on Tuesday or Wednesday evenings or email youth@rensselaervillelibrary.org.
Board meets
On Tuesday, Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. there will be an annual library board of trustees meeting. The annual meeting will share accomplishments over the past year, election of new trustees and officers. Regular board meeting will follow.
Adult coloring
The library’s coloring book club will meet on Sept. 22 at 6 p.m.
Technology help
Would you like one on one computer or technology help? Kim is offering individual sessions in the library to help get you started with almost any common everyday computer an Internet questions. Appointments are required, please call the library at 797-3949 or email Kim.
Poetry group
The library invites you to join the poetry group organized by Tom Corrado. The group meets from 7 to 9 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month from September to December. For more information please contact Tom at .
Library wish list
Consider donating to the library, we are looking for funds to purchase or donations of the following items: a coat rack, counter height table, children’s educational toys, Apple iPad or tablets. Chairs, we are looking for desk chairs and kitchen table or meeting room chairs, and a portable microphone system.
We have a Wii gaming system and are looking for more games and controllers. Consider donating your DVDs to the library.
Thank you to everyone who participated and volunteered to make the first annual Rensselaerville Trail Run and Walk a huge success. Please feel free to share with us any suggestions you have for improvement.
Summer reading
The 2016 summer reading program theme “On Your Mark, Get Set…Read!” is underway for all ages. You can register online and set your summer reading goal. Make sure to check out all the programs we will have available to keep kids’ minds and bodies active all summer.
Details and registration can be found at http://www.rensselaervillelibrary.org/summer-reading.html. The program is supported by Stewart’s Holiday Match, Price Chopper, Zoom Flume, FunPlex FunPark, and the Upper Hudson Library System.
July youth programs
On Tuesday, July 26, join us for storytime from 4 to 5 p.m. The theme is pets with stories, music, and fun. Snack and juice are provided.
The monthly craft project for kids is creating our own treasure chest, a variety of templates available and each week in July discover a new jewel to add to your treasure chest.
On Tuesday, July 26, we will use Maker Space for stress balls and squishy balls.
On Wednesday evenings from 6 to 7 p.m. teens come check out the menu of activities or create your own. Teens, the 2016 Read it Forward (read it and share it) book is available for pick up. The title this year is “The Raft” by S.A. Bodeen. Complete the survey and be entered to win a prize.
Special events
On Tuesday, July 19 from 5 to 6 p.m. kids will explore kitchen chemistry with Lee.
The Friday night movies during July start at 6:30 p.m. Visit the web site for more information.
There will be an author reading by local author Darryl McGrath on Friday, Aug. 5 at 7 p.m. He will be reading from her new book “Flight Path: A Field Journal of Hope, Heartbreak, and Miracles with New York’s Bird People.”
The library’s board of trustees meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 19 at 7 p.m. Board meetings are held on the third Tuesday of every month except when noted. All board meetings are held at the library in the downstairs meeting room and are open to the public.
The writing group is taking the summer off. The group will return to meeting in September on Thursday, Sept. 8 at 7 p.m.
Our poetry group will meet on Tuesday, July 26 at 7p.m. Come share your work, receive feedback, and spend time working on your own project.
The coloring book club will take a break until the fall. In the meantime, if you want to stop in anytime and color on your own, materials will be set up in the living room and the meeting room. Coloring is a great way to relax and give our creativity a boost.
Coming in August we will have a four-week primer on cosmology and astronomy with Mike Lawrence, a physics teacher for 40 years. Topics include the big bang, exoplanets, stellar evolution, the death of stars, and (for good interdisciplinary measure) the poetry of the cosmos. No math required. The program will run on Tuesday evenings at 7p.m. from Aug. 2 through 23.
The annual greenery sale at the Rensselaerville Library is on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 9 to 2 p.m., with wreaths, trees, and local vendors. There will be fresh-cut trees from Medusa, a homemade cookie sale, cookie decorating for kids, and a used book sale. Please contact the library if you are interested in being a vendor. Vendors may also go to this link and fill out the form HYPERLINK "http://goo.gl/forms/U5ORh4e1vH" http://goo.gl/forms/U5ORh4e1vH.
Poetry
Poetry Tuesday evenings are at 7 p.m., on Dec. 8 and 22. Come share your work, receive feedback, and spend time working on your own project. The poetry group meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month downstairs in the library. For questions please contact Tom Corrado at HYPERLINK "mailto:[email protected]" .
Writing group
On Thursday, Dec. 10, join the writing group at 7 p.m. to share your work and receive feedback or just spend a few hours working on your own project. The group meets monthly on the second Thursday of the month downstairs in the library.
Learn about essential oils
On Saturday, Dec. 12, at 11 a.m., join us and learn more about essential oils with Karen Chenel and doTERRA. Essential oil use has spiked in popularity as many people have made the choice to use natural products.
Essential oils have become common in household products, treating everything from: anxiety, allergies, digestive ailments, and chronic pain. Their multiple uses have added to their popularity; potentially benefiting users physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. All participants will make a headache blend to take with them. This program is free but please register so we can plan accordingly with supplies.
Board meets
The library’s board of trustees meeting is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 14, at 7 p.m. Please note that due to the holiday this is a change to the regular third Monday schedule. All board meetings are held at the library and are open to the public.
Coloring book club
The library’s coloring book club for adults will meet on Thursday, Dec. 17, at 7 p.m. Coloring is a great way to relax and give our creativity a boost. Coloring books designed especially for adults have more intricate designs and patterns. Coloring pages, colored pencils, markers, and crayons will be available or bring your own.
Holiday schedule
The library will be closed on Thursday, Dec. 24 and Friday, Dec. 25, for the Christmas holiday, and then on Thursday, Dec. 31 and Friday, Jan. 1, for the New Year’s holiday. We will open regular hours on Saturday, Dec. 26 and Saturday, Jan. 2.
Reptile adventure
On Wednesday, Dec. 30, at 3 p.m. join us for Reptile Adventure an educational organization that brings live animals into libraries. This program is free thanks to funds raised at the Lemonade Stand during the 2014 Cycling Festival. The library will open early for this program.
Holiday gifts
Did you miss out on the IndieGoGo Haiku Project campaign? Well the shipment of bandannas for $20, and dish towels for $30 has arrived at the library. Those of you who ordered items, they will be on their way to you shortly.
These are great ideas, for holiday gifts and you are supporting the library 100 percent with every purchase.
Library plan
The Board of Trustees of the library is updating the long-range plan that will guide future development of the library. In order for the plan to reflect your ideas and interests, we ask that you take a few minutes to complete the survey. Follow this link to complete the survey online HYPERLINK "https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RensselaervilleLibrary" https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RensselaervilleLibrary. The survey is also being mailed to the residents of the town of Rensselaerville. Please complete your survey online or return the print version at one of the drop boxes located at the library, town hall or Hilltown Café. We will collect responses until Dec. 31.
Museum pass
The library has a museum pass to the Clark. The pass is good for one adult admission to the Clark. Check it out with your library card.
Amazon Smile Foundation
Are you shopping on Amazon this holiday season? Consider supporting the library through Amazon’s Smile Program. Visit smile.amazon.com and select the charity you would like to support. The Amazon Smile Foundation donates 0.5 percent of the eligible purchase price. Thank you to all who have already selected the library.