Berne Library Notes for Wednesday, November 17, 2021

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.