Guilderland Library Notes for Tuesday, November 22, 2022

Cyber attacks and fraud schemes are dramatically on the rise as these threats become more sophisticated and highly coordinated. It’s estimated that more than 53 million United States citizens fell victim to malicious internet schemes in the first half of 2022.

Investment fraud is the most costly form of cyber crime, with an average of $70,811 lost per victim. Seniors are especially at risk.

Learn practical steps you can take to help protect yourself by attending “Cybersecurity and You” on Tuesday, Nov. 29, at 5:30 p.m. (no registration required). Samantha Baltzersen, a special agent in the FBI for more than 18 years and supervisor of the Albany Field Office’s Cyber Squad, will share tactics and best practices to make yourself a harder target for cyber criminals.

Topics to be covered include:

— Investment frauds and crypto investment scams;

— Grandparent scams;

— How business email compromises can affect your real estate and business transactions;

— How phishing and ransomware affect us all; and

— How to raise your cyber defenses.

Memoirs

in the Morning

We’ve always suspected it, and this book confirms it: dessert can, in fact, be a game-changer! You’re invited to meet with us virtually Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 10:30 a.m. to unpack “Dessert Can Save the World: Stories, Secrets, and Recipes for a Stubbornly Joyful Existence,” by Christina Tosi. The James Beard Award–winning founder of Milk Bar and host of Bake Squad shares her personal stories and wisdom for igniting passion, following your joy, and creating a satisfying life.

Sign up on the Events tab of guilderlandlibrary.org – all registrants will receive a Milk Bar cookie! Also, look for the “Memoirs in the Morning” group on goodreads.com to weigh in online.

Backyard

Bird Feeding

Calling all nature enthusiasts, outdoorsy types and bird watchers! Join us for an information-packed virtual presentation on the best way to attract and feed birds in your backyard.

Teresa Murphy, president of the Audubon Society of the Capital Region and a Rensselaer County Cornell master gardener, will discuss: various types of bird seed and bird feeders, how to create a bird-friendly habitat, and how to keep your birds safe.

Every registrant will get handouts on the topics, along with a brochure describing the chapter’s work. Please register online to receive the Zoom link.

Medicare

Medicare enrollment ends on Dec. 7! Whether you’re currently on Medicare, newly eligible, or gathering information to help plan for the future, you’ll want to attend this important virtual seminar on Thursday, Dec. 1, from noon to 1:45 p.m.

Speaker Vicki Beyer, of Beyer Health Plus, LLC is an unbiased resource dedicated to helping seniors with their health insurance and financial questions. A major concern when retiring or turning 65 is how to cover or cap medical costs, which can be disastrous. With hundreds of choices, it can be a very complex process to decipher.

This presentation will cover: Medicare basics, important terminology, enrollment periods, plan types (Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement with Prescription), plan recommendations, and cost assistance.

Please register on the Events tab of our website for the link.

Teen Tech

Help Desk

National Honor Society students from Guilderland High School offer tech help every Thursday (except Thanksgiving), 4 to 6 p.m. Drop in for customized assistance with smartphone applications, downloading books to devices, email set-up, and more.

General info

Masks are encouraged. Curbside pickup is available.

Overdue fines have been eliminated at GPL; patrons will be billed for the replacement cost of lost items.

Passports can be initiated at the library; please call Circulation at ext. 2 to set up an appointment.

Contact us at 518-456-2400 or ask.librarian@guilderlandlibrary.org.