Berne Library Notes for Wednesday, June 15, 2022

You are hereby invited to join the mushroom man, Avery Stempel, at the Berne Library on June 21 at 6:30 p.m. He will share mushroom health benefits and more. Mark your library calendars and take advantage of this enriching presentation.

Take a peek at a recent encounter Avery had with a couple of local library supporters:

Marshall answered the door. “Hi Avery! Glad you could stop by. Everyone’s here and ready to talk mushrooms.”

Walking in wearing his mushroom hat and shirt, Avery stepped in for Sally and Marshall’s meet-and-greet.

Standing up, Sally gave Avery a hug. “Are you ready to be peppered with questions?” 

“You know it, Sally!” Avery enthused. “Any chance I get to talk mushrooms is golden.”

“Great! Thank you,” Sally replied. Turning to greet the other guests, Sally welcomed everyone. “I’d like to introduce Avery Stempel, of Collar City Mushrooms. Avery’s  open to any and all questions you throw at him.” 

After introductions, Avery grabbed a cup of peach mushroom tea and got comfy in the plush purple chair located at the west end of the room. The questions started flying.

Derrick: “What’s your favorite part of the mushroom world?” 

Avery: “Ah! It’s the constant discoveries! The way they grow, hunt, trade, communicate. The more I learn the more they fascinate me. We’re currently experimenting with oyster mushrooms to consume cigarette butts. Also, a plastic-eating fungus: Pestalotiopsis microspora.”

Stella: “You inspire lots of people with your energy and extensive knowledge. Who inspired you growing up?”

Avery: “I grew up surrounded by people who have each inspired me in unique ways. My Mom and Dad did a 4-H group that was constantly exploring. Mom now uses her creativity and research skills in developing programs for the Berne Library.

“My Dad, Brian, shared his passions for music, woodworking, and sawmilling. My grandmother inspired me with poetry, piano playing, and her beautiful singing voice.

“Grandpa started his own sawmill business, which supported his entire family. He was a man who forged his own path. And my aunt ferried me to piano lessons, encouraged me to create, and took me smurf hunting. Smurfs live in mushroom-shaped houses in the forest, by the way.”

Sally: “Do you have other hobbies?”

Avery: “Yes, I’m a poet, musician, Boy Scout scoutmaster, and an avid board-game player.”

Marshall: “Awesome! Now, let’s all have some mushroom snacks and tea. Looking forward to your library talk on June 21st at 6:30.”

Summer Reading

Pick up your packets and join the library’s Oceans of Possibilities June events:

— Tuesday story times are at 10:30 a.m.: Turtles on June 21 and Jellyfish on June 28;

— Tween/Teen Fortnite Escape Room for kids ages 11 to 18: Friday, June 24, at 6:30 p.m.;

— Planters, Plankton and Manatees, for adults: June 27 at 6:30 p.m. at the Berne town Park; and

— Make a Hawaiian Lei for kids ages 5 to 10: June 30 at 5:30 p.m.

Call the library at 518-872-1246 for answers to your questions.