Come one, come all as the Friends of the Berne Library sponsor a dessert theater. This production, by the Hilltown Players now in its 41st year, brings the community a comedy: “A Bad Year for Tomatoes,” coming to life on May 5 at 7 p.m. in the Berne Senior Center.
Suggested donation is $10 per ticket or $25 for a family. You can get your tickets at the Berne Library starting on April 28 or right at the door on May 5. The desserts will be served at intermission. See you there for a side-splitting fun time.
Be a Friend
Thinking about joining or helping a community organization? How about checking out the next Friends of the Berne Library meeting on May 3 at 7 p.m.?
They lead several fundraising events throughout the year to support the library in their efforts to bring varied program opportunities for the public at little or no expense. The Friends have been a big force in the yearly “Music in the Park” series with refreshment offerings and basket raffles.
A well-used seed library was established in 2018 by a couple enthusiastic Friends members, String Bean and Broccoli Spear.
Looking ahead, the Friends will have an Ice Cream Social on July 9 at the Berne Town Park plus the annual five-week “Music in the Park Series,” mentioned above, during the summer months of July and August.
Additionally, the Friends help with the annual summer reading program. They also facilitate two StoryWalks. One StoryWalk lives at the Berne Town Park and the other over at the Knox Town Park. Check out the StoryWalks, volunteer, or donate to the cause.
Every helping hand and/or dollar is appreciated as the Friends continue their mission to help the library succeed in offering new and safe spaces for learning, research, sharing ideas, or just relaxing with a book or magazine in hand. You, our community, are the top priority. Thank you.
Flower power
Another edition of story time is coming up on Tuesday, May 2, at 10:30 a.m. with a flower theme sprouting. Hear a story or two, move to the flower power beat, and make a craft. Bring your young ones in to share story time in a family-friendly environment.
BKW artists
Hanging on the Friends art wall for the month of May are pieces created by Berne-Knox-Westerlo Elementary students. Thank you to Hannah Teeter for sharing her students’ artwork.
Thanks also go out to Rachel Empie who provided last month’s art wall created by secondary-school students. Be amazed at these students’ artistic endeavors through the end of the month.
Garden tour
The Seed Library is in full swing with people using the many offerings made available by the diligent efforts of the Seed Library curator. This summer, on Aug. 5, a planned garden tour is in the works. Interested in sharing your garden on the tour? Contact Ann at . As always, see you on the trail!
Director’s note
Stop in the library on Saturday, May 6, for Free Comic Book Day, Berne Library style. One comic book each.
Animals in “The Suitcase” by Chris Naylor-Ballestero are suspicious of a stranger but end up welcoming him. The book is featured at the April 18 Berne Library’s story time.
Story time on April 18 at 10:30 a.m. at the Berne Library will be about traveling. The book, “The Suitcase” by Chris Naylor-Ballesteros, taken from the Welcoming exhibit of books from the Upper Hudson Library System, will be featured.
The community of animals wants to know what is in the new animal’s suitcase. With a great surprise ending, kids will love this story.
Upcoming events
This programs are on deck at the Berne Library:
—Join the Homeschool Hangout on April 19 at 11 a.m. The featured activity for the day will be a family Lego challenge;
— The Pokémon group meets on Saturday, April 22, at 2 p.m.;
— Adult Craft Night, where participants will make a button flower, is on Monday, April 24, at 6:30 p.m.; and
— Story time on April 25 at 10:30 a.m. focuses on baby chicks.
with guest writer Penny
“Hi, my name is Penny and I’m 6 years old. My Aunt Sandra said I could help write some things for this week’s library article. She’s gonna type it cuz I haven’t learned how to do that yet.
“First, I want to tell everybody that April is National Poetry Month. I know because my really grown-up cousin is always telling me poems. MyAunt Sandra writes poems sometimes too, just like her Mom. That might be how my cousin got to writing poems.
“The library has lots of neat books with poems in it. One of my favorites is ‘Kate and Nate Are Running Late!’ Specially cuz I have an Uncle Nate and Aunt Kate who live really far away from me.
“Aunt Sandra says Kate Egan wrote it and it’s in the Rhyme/Song section where the picture books are with the brown dots. You should check it out some time when you visit the library.
“Another thing I want to say is about Pokémon Club on Saturday, April 8, and it goes from 2 to 3 p.m. They play games, trade Pokémon cards and share all kinds of things to do with Pikachu and his friends. Maybe you can stop in and have some fun with us.
“Oh, yeah! Tuesday story time is gonna be on April 11 at 10:30 in the morning and my Aunt Sandra says it’s going to be an egg hunt. Miss Kathy always reads a book to the younger kids who are 4 or less plus plays little games and sometimes helps us make a craft that we can take home with us. Cool beans.
“Well, I’m getting kind of tired so I asked Aunt Sandra if she could finish writing and she said OK and good job and I gave her a hug.”
Library events
Did you hear the library is hosting a visit from Logan Kline, author and illustrator, on April 11? He will present: “How to Make a Picture Book” workshop from 6 to 7:30 p.m., geared for teens and adults. Kline’s work has been in the Boxcar Children series as well as several magazines. Call i your reservation today: 518-872-1246.
Other important dates include:
— On the 13th, starting at 6:30 p.m., the trustees for the Berne Library get together for their once-a-month meeting for discussing, planning, and reviewing all things library. Meetings are open to the public;
— On the 14th, Journeys on the Page monthly writing group mingle is at 7 p.m. Interesting writers are always welcome; and
— Urgent message just in: Attention! Junior Iron Chef competition is now on the schedule for Friday, April 14, at 2 p.m. Kids ages 7 to 10 are invited to reserve a spot for this always creative, mouthwatering, fun event. Call: 518-872-1246.
BKW artists
And another thing. A new display is residing in the Friends Art Gallery courtesy of the multi-talented students from Berne-Knox-Westerlo. Prepare to be awed by their scope of artistry.
Get growing
Also, the seed library is open and ready to help your dream garden flourish.
Entering a rollover into the second quarter of 2023, April Fool’s Day is fast approaching. Have you ever tried to pick up that penny superglued to the floor? Or been fooled by the rubber vomit by the stairs? How about wearing two different colored socks?
Oh, wait. That happens all the time in some places. Who has time to match socks?
But serious or not, April Fool’s Day origins remain a mystery. Historians, longing to solve this yearly nod from pranksters and jokesters, have formulated theories based on the Roman festival of “Hilaria,” the medieval celebration called the “Feast of Fools.” and France’s switch from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian in the 16th century.
News of the switch traveled slowly with many continuing to celebrate the new year at the arrival of spring rather than Jan. 1. Those staying with the old ways were ridiculed. Wherever this day of silly fun started, it looks like it’s here to stay.
Coming up
All jokes aside, it’s time to set up the spotlight on programs in the library line-up:
— Starting with Book Club at 5 p.m. on April 2, the group is discussing “Anxious People,” by Swedish author Fredrik Backman. A quirky comedy involving eight strangers wrangled into a situation none could have seen coming. There’s a bank robber, hostages, an apartment open house, and a whole lot of grievances ready to spill into the mix;
— On Monday, April 3 at 6 p.m. you are invited to participate in a Cancer Screening Awareness program being made available to you by Cooperative Extension program educator Hesan Waly. Learn the importance of cancer screening that can often find disease in people with no signs of sickness. Bring your questions, leave with knowledge and answers;
— Tuesday, April 4 is story time at 10:30 a.m. for the 4-and-under kids. Hear stories, dance around, play games, and create;
— This is followed by Homeschool Hangout on the 5th at 11 a.m. for all homeschooling families to relax, share ideas and strengthen community; and
— Author/Illustrator Logan Kline is visiting the library on April 11 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. This “Making a Picture Book” workshop is geared toward teens and adults. Reserve your seat today for this hands-on workshop.
Word of the Month
And finally, the Word of the Month Club steps into fun with the Roman Empire as they walk the fine line of quid pro quo. Coming from the Latin meaning “this for that” or “something for something,” it’s a kind of bartering system. Although it can sometimes fall into murky territory, the Word of the Month Club is working with the positive side of quid pro quo.
“Hey, I know you are good with computers and I see you are very busy. How about you give me a few computer lessons in exchange for mowing your lawn.” Quid pro quo.
The club’s having a quid pro quo contest for the most “exchanges” navigated this April. Do you want to quid pro quo? It can open a whole new world.
Last week’s snow doozle changed the library projectory just a wee bit. The Hilltown Libraries spelling bee was rescheduled and happened on the 22nd. Story time opposites canceled its unveiling yet again.
And snow removal was implemented in full force. By the time you read this, here’s hoping the turmoil has settled down and we are beginning to enjoy friendlier weather.
Coming up
Now, let’s take a peek at what’s on deck for the week coming up:
— First in the queue is Pokémon Club on Saturday, March 25, at 2 p.m. All you Pokémon fans are invited to gather your trading cards and head to the library for an hour of comradery with like-minded Pikachu and friends enthusiasts;
— Also, on the 25th, you can take part in the Friends of the Berne Library’s annual “Book, Media, Puzzles & Games Sale” at the Berne Senior Center, located at 1360 Helderberg Trail, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mark your library calendar and take this opportunity to score lots of bargains. The sheer variety and volume of choices are always a wow moment;
— After the weekend, on Monday, the 27th, it’s Adult Craft Night, otherwise known as “Let’s Get Messy,’ with JoAnne. She will guide you in the making of a mini terra cotta Hoppy Pot with a spring/Easter motif. Call in your reservation if you haven’t already. And a gentle reminder that there is a $3 materials fee; and
— On the 28th get ready for Lamb Story Time. Baby lambs will be visiting the library courtesy of Emily Vincent of Two Rock Ranch. Equipped with their widdle diapers, they provide some crazy cuteness galore starting at 10:30 a.m.
Winning photographers
Finally, three cheers for the Friends Photo Contest and the winners who were announced on Sunday, March 5, when the original reception was rescheduled from the 4th. Winners received a $25 gift certificate to local eateries. And the winners are:
— Sara Macrini’s “Going Home” for Best of Show in the Junior Division;
— Jim Burghart’s “Berne a Doon” for Best of Show in the Adult Division; and
— People’s Choice Awards went to Ann Hein’s “Concentration,” in the Adult Division and to Abby Pasquini’s “You See Through Me,” in the Junior Division.
There you have it folks. The photos are available to view through the end of March. Then April will bring in a brand-new show for all to enjoy.
As followers of the Adult Craft Night, you may know the Monday night meet-up was canceled two months in a row due to storm shenanigans. JoAnne is trying again with a new craft and a new night.
This time, it’s paint and decorate a terra cotta planter with an Easter motif on March 27 at 6:30 p.m. There is a $3 materials fee. Sign up at the library or call in your reservation.
March Madness
in Library Land
March Madness gets under way over these next few weeks in basketball fandom. Here in Library Land, March Madness gets under way in book sale fandom. The Friends are in the midst of a book collecting and sorting frenzy in preparation for the annual Friends of the Berne Library Book, Media, Puzzles and Games Sale.
The sale is set for Saturday, March 25, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Senior Center location of 1360 Helderberg Trail in Berne. You can drop off donations for the sale at the Senior Center on March 18 between 9 a.m. and noon. Get yourself booked for a phenomenal treasure hunt when the doors open on the 25th.
Spelling bee
The Upper Hudson Library System launched an experiment in the shape of a spelling bee for adults. With the Hilltown Libraries Bee for Grownups behind us, it’s on to the next step. The finals are scheduled for 2:30 p.m. on April 30 at the Colonie Town Library.
Opposites
Story time on the 21st at 10:30 a.m. will feature the Opposites program, which was previously scheduled on one of those shenanigan weather days causing the library to close. What’s the opposite of up? How about night? And what about red? Does everything have an opposite?
Bring your preschoolers in for the opposite of a boring time because there’s nothing boring about story time at the Berne Library. Oh, and did you know March is National Reading Month?
Homeschool Hangout
Interestingly, World Poetry Day lands on March 22. What else is happening on the 22nd you might ask? It’s Homeschool Hangout for all the busy homeschooling families in the area. Mark your calendar to swoop in and enjoy a few moments with other families in the homeschooling arena.
Giving Week
One more thing. The week of March 19 to the 25 is National Anonymous Giving Week. Thoughts to ponder when you peruse the Friends annual Book, Media, Puzzles and Games Sale on March 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Senior Center in Berne.
I’m sure Marshall and Sally will be stopping by to score some bargains and you can too. Happy St. Patrick’s Day, everyone. See you on the trail!
“What’s happening at the library this week, Marshall?” Sally called into the kitchen.
Marshall just returned from getting the mail and she was sure he was getting a headstart on reading the library news in The Altamont Enterprise.
“Marshall? Hello?”
“Oh, sorry Sally. You know how I am when the paper gets here. I’ll be right in. I’m just getting us tea and a few of our newest batch of the cranberry orange scones we made yesterday afternoon.”
Sally popped in the kitchen to help transport things to their sitting area. Marshall was quick to join her and sunk into the sofa next to Sally.
“OK, let’s have a look at what programs of interest are coming up.” Marshall smiled at Sally as he snapped open the library news section.
Sally smiled back and chuckled. Marshall loved being dramatic when it came time to read library happenings. It was an enjoyable tradition that Sally looked forward to each week.
“On March 10th, the writing group, Journeys on the Page, has their monthly mingle at 7 p.m. using Zoom and in-house for those who like to join in person. That’s always the second Friday of the month.
“Two other regular programs include Pokémon Club on March 11 at 2 p.m. for all Pokémon enthusiasts. And story time on March 14th. It’s going to be St. Patrick story time at 10:30 a.m. I bet there’ll be a treasure hunt for the kids along with some greenery and stories. We’ll have to bring Molly and Johnny to that one. They love story time with Miss Kathy.”
“That will be fun, Marshall. I’ll add that to the library calendar then call the kids later to confirm.”
“There’s mention of a new venture being undertaken by the Upper Hudson Library System and some of the local libraries. This event is for adults and is called ‘The Great Hilltown Spell-Off.’ Westerlo, Rensselaerville and Berne are joining forces in the preliminary round on March 15 at 6 p.m. at the Berne Public Library.
“Two-person teams compete, and winners advance to the UHLS Spell-Off finals on April 30th at the Colonie Town Library. Call the Berne library at 518-872-1246 or Westerlo at 518-797-3415 or Rensselaerville with questions or to sign up.”
Sally nodded as Marshall continued. “Big, big news! The annual Friends book sale is coming up on March 25th from 9 to 4 at the Senior Center. Also, a book drop on the 18th is scheduled at the Senior Center for anyone who wants to drop off donations then.”
Marshall glanced at Sally, scribbling on their library calendar.
“Excellent, Marshall. We always look forward to that book sale, don’t we?”
“We sure do, Sally. They always do such a bang-up job with the hundreds of donations they get each year. Cheers to the Friends and their annual book sale.”
As Sally and Marshall clinked their teacups they quietly sat and enjoyed their tea and orange cranberry scones as the sun sank below the horizon.
At 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 4, the Friends’ photo contest reception is set for applauding all the entries received for the 2023 show.
A Best of Show and People’s Choice award will be revealed. Along with refreshments, there may be an opportunity to meet Agnes Zellin and Paul Tick. They are each photojournalists in their own right who have given of their time and keen eyes to narrow down the choices for Best of Show each year when the contest rolls around.
Agnes and Paul, if their schedule permits, will share their most recent collaboration on the book “The Photographs of Brendan Fahy Bequette,” which honors the life of a young man who lost his life to a rare cancer in 2022.
Sales of the book are set to “benefit programs to nurture young artistic talent in all forms and disciplines.” More information can be found on this project at BFBfund.com.
The Friends thank all those who helped make this eighth year of the photo contest another successful event.
Coming events
These are upcoming happenings at the Berne Library:
— On March 5 at 5 p.m., the Berne Sunday Book Club is meeting to discuss itsa most recent choice, “My Dear Hamilton — A Novel of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton,” by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie.
As revealed in the book jacket blurb, Eliza Hamilton’s broken heart stems from trying to “understand the flawed man she married and the imperfect union he never could have created without her ….” The authors are both New York Times bestsellers of historical fiction;
— An emergency-preparedness event presented by Cooperative Extension is on the docket for Monday, March 6, at 6 p.m. Please sign up by calling 518-872-1246 or dropping in and adding your name to the guest list. Emergency-preparedness kits will be handed out at the program;
— Roar goes the lion as he sits on the hill looking over his kingdom. According to a National Geographic website for kids, lions live an average of 12 to 16 years in the wild. Also, even though the lion is known as “the king of the jungle,” most wild lions actually live in the savannah or grasslands.
A lion story time is coming to the library on March 7 at 10:30 a.m. Visit with your young ones for a roaring good time; and
— On Wednesday, March 8, at 11 a.m., it’s Homeschool Hangout for all you homeschool families looking for a place to relax, share ideas, and get together.
Gardens and gardening
Some folks are serious in their pursuit of putting in a big garden, some casually put seeds in pots around the yard, and some are of the pretend-gardening persuasion. Whatever flavor gardening you do, the Seed Library is open and ready when you are.
Also, speaking of gardens, a garden tour is being launched for a tentative date of Aug. 5. Are you interested in showcasing your garden? Let the organizers know by calling 518-872-1246 or by emailing ahein6711@yahoo.com.
The Friends are meeting on March 1 at 7 p.m. to firm up the finishing touches for this year’s photo contest. A reception for the photo contest kicks off on Saturday, March 4, at 10 a.m. Their reception itinerary includes awards, refreshments and a message that should be of interest to those keen on capturing the world we live in through the camera lens.
Two important elements of the Friends photo contest are Agnes Zellin and Paul Tick. The couple graciously travels to Berne every January to view and judge the entries. They also include words of encouragement and helpful suggestions to all the photographers.
Recently, Agnes and Paul embarked on a project involving a talented young artist whose life was cut short. A rare form of cancer took photographer and filmmaker Brendan Fahy Bequette’s life in 2022. He was 25.
When in the throes of grief, one can spiral into the abyss of sadness or choose to celebrate a loved one’s life. Brendan’s parents chose to honor and celebrate through the eyes of their son. That is, by way of the camera lens.
Familiar with the 2015 book of photographs compiled from the work of Agnes and Paul, while living in the New York City area in the 1970s and ’80s, Brendan’s parents, at their son’s wake, approached Agnes and Paul with a request: “Would they be willing to build a book of Brendan’s photos from the thousands Brendan shot in the last 18 months of his life?”
The result is a compilation of nearly 40 photos curated and produced by Mark Joseph Kelly, Agnes Zellin, and Paul Tick. “The Photographs of Brendan Fahy Bequette,” the book, shares Brendan’s legacy.
“Sales of the book benefit programs that nurture artistic talent in all forms and disciplines.” Brendan’s book will be available directly for purchase at the Friends photo contest reception. Go to BFBFUND.com to learn more.
Upcoming events
Now for a brief rundown of happenings on the fun horizon:
— Feb. 25, at 2 p.m.: Pokemon Club. Come one, come all and let the trading begin;
— Feb. 27, at 6:30 p.m.: Adult Craft Night where making stuff is what the cool kids are doing. Get your creative juices flowing at Adult Craft Night. You’ll be making a Salt Shaker Snowperson. There’s a $3 supply fee and two open spots if you want to sign up; and
— Feb. 28 Story Time, at 10:30 a.m.: You can be happy or sad. Angry or calm. Hilarious or serious. What’s the opposite of party pooper? Why it’s fun-maker of course! That’s what’s in store at Opposites Story Time. Stories, movement, and crafts all rolled up in one heaping pile of fun.
Mystery word
If you’re wondering about the Word of the Month Club’s March word, the club members are still pondering C.H.A.O.S. solutions. That’s “Can’t Have Anyone Over Syndrome” in case you missed the last memo. See you on the trail.
Director’s note
Pair up with your spelling-bee partner for the Hilltown Spelling Bee. Adults can pair up with your favorite teen or teams of adults will complete on March 15.
Get your Pokemon fan club together and bring them over to the interactive Pokemon movie night on Feb. 17. The show kicks off at 6 p.m. and includes snacks, beverages, and smiles. Add it to your library calendar now as a reminder to swing by and enjoy the show.
Also, for all you Pokemon enthusiasts out there, you’ll be excited to hear about new Pokemon-related adventure books now being added to Berne’s library collection.
“Dangers of Vaping”
What do you know about vaping? According to WebMD, vaping is addictive. Along with numbers of adult users, many young people are taking part in the activity and there are serious health risks involved.
Besides nicotine and vaping liquid as part of the formula for e-cigarettes, hookahs and vape-pens used for vaping, the devices also contain several chemicals. In addition to cancer-causing chemicals, there may be heavy metals such as nickel, lead, and tin in the mix.
On Feb. 18 at 1 p.m., Cooperative Extension is presenting a free informational meeting on the “Dangers of Vaping.” There are reports of vaping affecting memory, concentration, and attention spans, just to name a few side effects.
Call today to reserve your seat and learn more about the vaping scene. The first 12 people to sign up and attend receive a free flu kit.
Knit Wits
Calling all Knit Wits. It’s time for the monthly get-together this Sunday, the 19th, at 7 p.m. Bring your projects, your questions, and your enthusiasm to the table. Are you yarning for an interesting project or have one to share with the group? Come on down.
Mardi Gras story time
Mardi Gras, French for “Fat Tuesday,” is one gigantic carnival, parade, and party in the French Quarter of New Orleans every year. Thousands of people flock to the city to participate. They are famous for it.
This year Mardi Gras falls on the 21st and what do you know? Story time Tuesday is the 21st. So it’ll be Mardi Gras story time at 10:30. Bring in your little ones and join the celebration.
Homeschool hangout
Homeschool hangout’s biweekly schedule is on board again for Feb. 22 at 11 a.m. Share ideas, relax and grab some books for your family of homeschoolers.
Vote for your
favorite photos
Another successful showing of participants in the Friends annual photo contest are up and calling. You are cordially invited to peruse the 29 adult and 15 junior entries and vote for your favorite in each division. Voting ends Feb. 28.
Winners will be announced at the Photo Contest Reception on Saturday March 4.