Guilderland Library Notes for Wednesday, May 1, 2019
Pete Seeger, shown performing in 1979, will be celebrated at the Guilderland Public Library on his centennial birthday weekend: Friday, May 3, at 6 p.m. and Saturday, May 4, at 11 a.m.
Folk musician and beloved Hudson Valley resident Pete Seeger would have been 100 years old on May 3, and we’re commemorating him with a special slate of weekend activities!
First, join us Friday, May 3, at 6 p.m. for a special performance of songs by Pete Seeger and his contemporaries — The Weavers, Woody Guthrie, Lead Belly, and more — featuring the talents of local musician Michael Eck and friends. We’ll celebrate with birthday cake too!
Next, join us on Saturday, May 4, at 11 a.m. for a multimedia lecture and question-and-answer session celebrating the life and legacy of Pete Seeger. Noted music writer Jess Jarnow, author of “Wasn't That a Time: The Weavers, the Blacklist, and the Battle for the American Soul,” delivers this engaging talk, enhanced by photo projections and music.
This program is presented in partnership with the Empire State Plaza Performing Arts Center.
Better Angels Workshop
Good news: You can maintain healthy relationships with family and friends on the opposite side of the political spectrum.
The Better Angels Skills Workshop on Saturday, May 4, from 2 to 4:30 p.m. can help you do just that. You’ll learn strategies for respectful conversations that, rather than aiming to persuade, clarify differences, search for common ground, and affirm the importance of the relationship.
You’ll also practice the effective conversation skills covered. Register online, by phone, or in person.
Meditation And mindfulness
Looking for more clarity in your life? Attend this three-part workshop starting Monday, May 6, from 6 to 8 p.m., and learn how to incorporate mindfulness with techniques to guide the mind, relax the body, and deepen your well-being.
This workshop series is team-taught by three presenters experienced in meditation, yoga, therapy, and mindfulness. This three-part series continues on May 13 and 20; space is limited. Register online, by phone or in person.
Civics 101: The Electoral College
Ever wonder how the Electoral College works? If it’s still viable, or antiquated and in need of reform?
On Thursday, May 9, at 7 p.m., Dr. Anne Hildreth, associate professor emerita from the University at Albany’s Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, will cover this topic. Register online, by phone, or in person.
Mother’s Day Marketplace
Take a leisurely stroll through our Mother’s Day Marketplace on Saturday, May 11, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. to find something delightful for anyone on your gift list, or treat yourself.
We’ll have 23 vendors on hand offering a wide array of health and beauty items, kitchen tools, fashion, purses, jewelry, and much more. It’s also our monthly Better Books Sale day, so you’re bound to find something wonderful.
WMHT Presents: Planting Love and Flowers
Join us Saturday, May 11, from 10:30 a.m. to noon as WMHT’s Barbara Lukas leads our annual Mother’s Day program. Preschoolers through students in first grade are invited to plant a flower and vegetable to proudly present to Mom.
Children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. Register online, by phone, or in person.
“Miracle Met”
Meet Art Shamsky of the 1969 World Series Champion Miracle Mets and co-author Erik Sherman Saturday, May 18 at 2 p.m., featuring their book “After the Miracle: the Lasting Brotherhood of the 1969 Mets.”
Catapulting from “Lovable Losers” to World Series Champions in an improbably magical season no one saw coming, this is a rags-to-riches story that every Mets fan — and every baseball fan — will appreciate.
Mr. Shamsky will sign copies of the book, priced at $30, plus one other item for anyone who has also purchased a book. Register online, by phone or in person.
Voting info
We encourage residents to be well-informed in advance of the May 21 vote. We have three items listed on the ballot: library renewal referendum, board of trustees candidates, and 2019-20 budget.
You are invited to attend a one-hour session regarding our referendum, based on 2,108 survey responses and 18 months of prudent planning: Thursday, May 2, at 6:30 p.m. (with architect Paul Mays); Thursday, May 9, at 1 p.m.; and Tuesday May 14, at 10 a.m.
The presentation and plans are posted on our website, as well as voting information. Please click on “library renewal” on our home page to find out more.
Five candidates are on the ballot for three open seats on our board of trustees. Their information may be viewed on our website by searching “candidate” on our home page.
Our proposed 2019-20 budget of $3,987,713 is based on a tax levy of $3,892,813. It is not significantly different than last year, with a few modest adjustments. Details may be found in the May-June issue newsletter posted on our website.