Somers Library
 
Newsletter 
October 2019 
 
 
Keys to the Past .... Gateway to the Future
80 Primrose Street
Route 139 & Reis Park
Somers, NY 10589
914-232-5717
email: [email protected]  
 
Summer Hours
Mon, Tue, Wed 10am - 5pm 
Thurs 11am - 8pm 
Fri 10am - 5pm 
Sat 10am - 5pm 
Sun - CLOSED 

 
Director's Corner

Sign-up for '1,000 Books Before Kindergarten'.
You will receive a packet with a reading folder, adult bookmark, child's bookmark and a sticker for your child.
Read a book (any book!) to your newborn, infant and/or toddler.  One book each night will yield 365 books per year!
Check out books from Somers Library or use your own.
For every 100 books read, come into the library and your child will receive a sticker for 100, 200, 300, etc. books read!

Have fun!

See Vicki or Beth in the Children's Room to sign-up- it's easy!



Andrew Farber 
Director
 
Our Programs Are Funded By the Friends of the Somers Library.

Adult Events  
* FOR ALL adult programs, call the library at 914-232-5717 or register using our  Online Calendar for upcoming events. All programs take place at the Somers Library unless otherwise noted. Registration required for most programs. 

Senior Benefits Information Center:  Click HERE for more information. 

Basic Computer Help by Appointment.  Do you need help using your computer? Would you like to learn more about how to work with word documents, spreadsheets, email, etc.? Please call the library to set-up an appointment with a knowledgeable volunteer who will meet with you at the library.  We encourage you to bring your own laptop or tablet to the library to use to practice. For more information or to make arrangements, please call the library (Reference Desk). 

Poetry Workshop for Adults. Thursdays, October 3rd through December 19th from 11:00 - 12:30 pm. (No meeting on 11/28) - Beginner and experienced poets "will hold these truths to be self-evident" that all poems can be created using trial and error, and serendipity along with learning the processes of craft in this poetry workshop. Discover your muse as Thea Schiller introduces established poems, leads discussions and creates in-class writing exercises, leaving time to write and share each week. Participating members will be encouraged to expand their repertoire of poems. new members are welcome! Please register.

Dealing With Dementia - Effective Communication Strategies. Thursday, October 3, 1:30 - 3:00 pm. Individuals living with dementia often experience changes in behavior that can be confusing to friends and family. For caregivers, learning to decode messages through attitude, tone of voice, facial expressions and body language can help both parties to connect and communicate in meaningful ways. This program will help explain the communication changes that take place in a person with dementia and identify strategies to connect and communicate at each stage of the disease. Presented by the Alzheimer's Association Hudson Valley Chapter. Please register.

Wreath
Create a Fall Seasonal Wreath (Adults). Thursday, October 10 from 1:30 pm - 3:00. Join us at the Somers Library to make an autumn wreath to get you in the mood for fall! Judika Lieberman will lead the class and all materials will be provided. Please register.


Race Amity of Northern Westchester & Putnam Presents The 1619 Project: Further Exploration. Sunday, October 13, 2:00 - 4:00 pm. The 1619 Project is a major initiative from the New York Times observing the 400th anniversary of the beginning of American slavery. It aims to re-frame the country's history, understanding 1619 as our true founding, and placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of Black Americans at the very center of the story we tell ourselves about who we are. Our discussion will further explore these contributions. Refreshments will be served. No registration required.

Navigating Your Way Through Medicare. Wednesday, October 16, 6:30 - 8:00 pm. Discover what every person needs to know about our country's premier senior health plan! This course is designed to address the life events for everyone who is Medicare eligible as well as Baby Boomers who are just entering that stage of life. Whether you are already retired or just wanting to learn about the various options available in our county, this course is for you. The following topics will be covered:
  • How to make the important decisions navigating through the Parts A, B, C & D
  • Whether to purchase a Medigap or Supplemental Plan
  • Whether to buy a separate prescription drug plan (PDP) or maintain prior employer's or union benefits
  • The differences and similarities of the Advantage Plans (known as Part C with D)
  • The various costs associated Medicare, Supplements or Gaps, Drug Plans and Advantage Plans
If you are a child of a Baby Boomer or someone who is already on Medicare, this course will help you help your family and friends. Please register.

Understanding and Responding to Dementia. Thursday, October 17, 1:30 - 3:00 pm. During the middle stage of dementia, the person with the disease often starts to exhibit new behaviors that can be confusing to the caregiver. These behaviors are a form of communication, and are essential to understanding the needs of the person with dementia. This program will help attendees identify common triggers for behaviors associated with dementia and learn strategies for addressing common dementia-related behaviors. Presented by the Alzheimer's Association Hudson Valley Chapter. Please register. 

Acrylics & Watercolor Arts for the Season. Mondays, 10/21, 10/28, 11/4, & 11/18 from 10:30 pm -12:30 pm. Don't You Love the Art? Join us as we explore the versatility of using acrylic and watercolor paint! Pack your bag, bring your supplies & I will provide instruction & inspirational music to help make creativity happen. Please register.

How to Be Part of the Press: An Introduction. Thursday, October 24 from 1:00 - 2:30 pm.  
Journalists are storytellers. They write and report news stories about everything from social issues and politics to sports and entertainment. A journalist presents information so people can form opinions and make prudent decisions. Join us to hear an introductory discussion by Jodi Weinberger, Editor in Chief of the Somers Record, the North Salem News, the Katonah-Lewisboro Times and the Yorktown News. Jodi will talk about the art of journalism, how one develops the skills to become a journalist, explain exactly what journalists do, and demonstrate how people with these skills can contribute to newspapers of all kinds. Seating will be limited.

WINK (WHAT I NEED KNOWN)- Important Information about Me.  Saturday, October 26 from 1:00 to 2:30 PM.  What if you are suddenly incapacitated, hospitalized, or worse? What vital information about you do family and friends need to know? The Friends of the Somers Library, in collaboration with the library staff and Tracy Christen Reimann, Esq., have created a program featuring a document that each person should complete in case of emergency, called "WINK (What I Need Known) - Important Information About Me". At the presentation, you will receive a copy of this document and will be instructed on its general use. A "WINK- Important Information about Me" document is a significant gift for your loved ones as well as a significant self-care document. Categories include Personal Information, Financial Information, Health Information, Information about my Home, Instructions for your Minor Child(s)' Guardian, HIPAA letter and Final Wishes. Each person completes and keeps their own document, to be left easily accessible to others, and includes the details they want to share - Registration is required to ensure your blank document copy is available.  

Westchester County's Mobile Shredder at Reis Park.  Monday, October 28, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm. Concerned about Identity Theft? The Mobile Shredder is coming to Somers! Now you can safely destroy unwanted personal records and documents! Documents that have personal information such as name, address, phone number, credit card number or Social Security number should be shredded before recycling.    ▪The Mobile Shredder is for Somers residents only. ▪Paper generated by businesses, schools, institutions, government or municipal offices is not accepted. ▪Each resident may bring a maximum of 4 file boxes; all papers must be free of clips, bindings, folders and files. ▪For more information about identity theft, call the Dept. of Consumer Protection (914) 995 - 2155 or visit westchestergov.com/consumer. For questions about recycling, call the Recycling HelpLine at 813-5425 or visit westchestergov.com/recycling.

Ongoing Events

Somers Library Book Club. Tuesdays,  10/22, 11/12, & 12/10, 6:30 - 8:00 pm. This Somers Library sponsored book club will be led by Diana Cunningham, who will select the books to be discussed at each meeting. The titles will be mostly fiction, but could also be non-fiction or biographical. The titles will be chosen in consultation with the Somers adult reference library, Tara Ferretti, and based on currency, not on best-seller lists, not new, varied in terms of type and format, and substantive or suitable for discussions. Any Somers library user can register/attend. . At the end of the current month's meeting, book marks with the following month's selection will be handed out, and members will have enough time to check out the next month's selection as they leave the library. Space is limited to 20 people.  Please register.  Please include your email address in your registration.  October Book:  Pachinko by Min Jin Lee.

Knit and Crochet Club.  Fridays from 10:30 am -12:00 pm. Join Kathy Neggers (facilitator) and other knitters and crocheters to enjoy working on individual projects together. Bring your project and supplies. Beginners are welcome! Just bring a pair of knitting needles or a crochet hook some yarn and learn the basics!

Teen Events  
* For ALL teen and tween programs, please call us at 914-232-5717, or register here for upcoming events. All programs will take place at the Somers Library unless otherwise noted. Registration required for most programs.                  
 
Admissions & Financial Aid: What it takes to get into college today! - Thursday October 10h from 6:30 - 8:00 pm - Presented by Stephanie Mauro of College Planning 101. In this class you will learn:
  • A time-line for success-where you should start in the college planning process.
  • How important are SAT & ACT tests and how they can make college affordable
  • What the more selective colleges really want to see in your student's application.
  • The financial aid systems and how they work and why it's important to have your expected family contribution (EFC) calculated BEFORE your student visits colleges
  • How to maximize your student's potential to receive scholarships, grants, and forms of merit aid
  • The differences between the FAFSA and CSS Profile financial aid forms and how they affect the cost of college
  • What financial aid really means to a family and how need is determined
  • The parental, student and other family assets that take away from qualifying for financial aid
  • The differences between the federal and private loan programs
  • How it's possible to attend a Private College for a Public College Price.
  • Two case studies showing how college planning makes a difference
  • And much, much more...... 
Space is limited. Please register.
 
Ongoing Events

Teen Anime Club - Every Wednesday* through June 3, 2020 from 3:00 - 4:30 pm. 
*(No meeting on 10/16, 11/27, 12/25, & 1/1). Join us in the Somers Library to watch anime from Crunchyroll on our big screen TV and hang out with friends! New members welcome! For teens 7th grade - 12th grade. No registration necessary.  

Teen Magic the Gathering Club - Saturdays, 10/5, 10/19, 11/2, 11/16, 12/7,  & 12/21 from 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm.  Come join us to play Magic the Gathering. Bring your own cards or borrow a deck to use from the library! New members & beginners welcome!  For teens 6th grade - 12th grade. No registration necessary.  
kids_with_art_supplies.jpg
Children's Events

FOR ALL Children's programs, click on the Online Calendar to register,  or call the library at 914-232-5717.

***

October Programs**- see website for dates/times:

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten:
See Vicki or Beth to easily sign-up and receive a packet to begin the 
wonderful journey of reading to your child. 
 Each packet contains a reading folder; adult bookmark; child's bookmark and a sticker.  
Come into the library to receive a sticker for each 100 books you read!

Mindful & Artful Parenting** with Lynn Cukaj!
Oct 21, Nov 18, Jan 13, Mar 23, Apr 20
7:00-8:00pm
Register here.

Make a Fall Tree (craft) with Doris Jane Smith**!
Tuesday, Oct 22@ 3:30-4:15.
Register here.

Fall StoryWalk!
Begins Oct 18-Oct 30. 
Read Hello, Fall by Deborah Diesen as your walk around the exterior of the library.  When you're done, come into the library for a cookie (during library hours)- 
courtesy of Friends of Somers Library!

Halloween Story Time & Parade!
Tuesday, Oct 29 @ 4:00-4:45pm.
Come dressed in costume and hear Halloween stories ready by Doris Jane Smith, 
then trick-or-treat around the inside of the library- 
candy provided by Friends of Somers Library.

**These programs require pre-registration.


*************

See website for specific dates and further detailswww.somerslibrary.org

PreSchool Story Time & Craft~ Oct 15-Dec 3
(for ages 4-5 years old~ without caregivers); 
Registration required~ minimum of 5 (five) registrants to run program.
Somers residents only
-Tuesdays 1:00-1:45 

K- 2 Book Clubs~ 
Kindergarten will meet Mondays: Oct 21- Dec 2 (no program Oct 14; Nov 11)
1st Grade will meet Tuesdays: Oct 15- Dec 3 (no program Oct 29)
2nd Grade will meet Wednesdays:  Oct 16-Dec 4 (no program Nov 27)
Time:  3:30-4:15
*Children must be in the grade for which they are registering.  
Registration required.
Somers residents only.  
Vicki DiSanto (Children's Librarian) will run these book clubs.

Grades 3-5 Book Clubs~
Grade 3:  Oct 3, Nov 7, Dec 5
Grade 4th/5th Combined:  Oct 17, Nov 14, Dec 19
Meeting day is Thursday from 3:45-4:45  
Bus transportation available- bus #K
Registration required. 
Somers residents only. 
Children must be in the grade for which they are registering.  
Beth Levine (Library Assistant) will run these book clubs.

Babytime for children ages 0-2 with caregivers on Tuesday @ 10:30.
Sept 10-Oct 29 (no program Oct 1, 22)
      
Toddler Story Time for children ages 2-3 with caregivers @ 10:30:
Thursday:  Sept 12-Oct 31 (no program Oct 24)
OR
Friday:  Sept 13-Nov 1 (no program Oct 25)

Registration is now necessary, and you must have a Somers Library Card.

See the Story Time, Book Clubs and Program schedules  here.   

Bits and Pieces

Flowers 
The flowers that you see at the library are sponsored by the Friends of Somers Library and donated by local businesses. We thanks Mancini Realty for October's flowers.

Art Gallery
Art Exhibit: Paintings by Susan Barrett at the Somers Library. October 1 - 31, during library hours.  This exhibition of Barrett's paintings is representative of the work she has been doing for the past five years, comprising acrylics, watercolors, drawings and photo collages. Barrett reacts to her environment, internalizing the objects she focuses on and explores the ordinary and ways it can be transformed by both light and the juxtaposition of objects and situations. When Barrett works, she is often weaving together images from sometimes completely different sources or perhaps intertwining multiple perspectives of the same place. Barrett collages the photos digitally or with scissors and glue, creating composites that she paints from. Barrett did her undergraduate work at Rhode Island School of Design and New York University. She then received a M.A. in painting from Hunter College as well as a degree in art education.  She has exhibited throughout the New York metropolitan area in both galleries and institutions and has been teaching for 25 years.  Most recently, she had a solo exhibition at the Anna Bisland Historic 1928 House in Bronxville (April) and was featured in Art Show Bedford 2019. Her work can be found in numerous private collections.

News from the
Friends of the Somers Library

Please join the Friends of the Somers Library for these upcoming events:

 
Race Amity Day: The 1619 Project: Further Exploration  
Date: 10/13/19
Time: 2:00-4:00 PM

Description: The 1619 Project is a major initiative from the New York Times observing the 400th anniversary of the beginning of American slavery. It aims to reframe the country's history, understanding 1619 as our true founding, and placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of Black Americans at the very center of the story we tell ourselves about who we are. Our discussion will further explore these contributions. Refreshments will be served. No registration required. Location: Program Room.
************************************************************************************************
W.I.N.K.: "What I Need Known"
  NEW Date: 10/26/19
Time: 1:00-2:30 PM

Description:
 W.I.N.K. (WHAT I NEED KNOWN)- Important Information about Me:
Join us on Saturday, October 26, 2019 from 1:00-2:30 PM- What if you are suddenly incapacitated, hospitalized, or worse? What vital information about you do family and friends need to know? The Friends of the Somers Library, in collaboration with the library staff and Tracy Christen Reimann, Esq., have created a program featuring a document that each person should complete in case of emergency, called "WINK (What I Need Known) - Important Information About Me". At the presentation, you will receive a copy of this document and will be instructed on its general use. A "WINK- Important Information about Me" document is a significant gift for your loved ones as well as a significant self-care document. Categories include Personal Information, Financial Information, Health Information, Information about my Home, Instructions for your Minor Child(s)' Guardian, HIPAA letter and Final Wishes. Each person completes and keeps their own document, to be left easily accessible to others, and includes the details they want to share - Registration is required to ensure your blank document copy is available. Please contact the library at 232-5717 to register. 
Location:  Program Room
Contact: 
Tara Ferretti
Contact Number: 914-232-5717
Presenters: Susan Berkow / Tracy Reimann
For more information about the Friends of the Somers Library, please email us at: [email protected]


From the Somers Library Foundation...

S
Please visit www.SomersLibaryFoundation.org to register to run or walk, or to volunteer, and help improve your great library.

Somers Library Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
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