Guilderland Library Notes for Wednesday, October 30, 2019

On Thursday, Oct. 31, children ages 19 months and up and their caregivers are invited to a Not-So-Spooky Costume Party and Story Time at the Guilderland Public Library at 10:30 a.m., complete with lively songs, stories, and dancing.

We’ll conclude with a rousing costume parade through the library. Then at 6 p.m., Stanley Kubrick’s classic thriller, “The Shining,” will fill our giant screen with larger-than-life horror. If you’ve never watched a movie here, you’re in for a sensory treat.

The trick is to hold on to your free popcorn while you shriek with delight!

Medieval and Renaissance Celebration

Treat yourself to some calming, meditative music at this month's GPL Sunday Concert series, Sunday Nov. 3 at 2 p.m. The Helderberg Madrigal Singers are collaborating with the Bleecker Consort to perform a lovely repertoire of Medieval and Renaissance music, played on period instruments. This uniquely captivating repertoire promises to be thoroughly delightful.

Family STEAM Night

The Siena Physics Club will be on hand Monday, Nov. 4 at 6:30 p.m. for our latest installment of Family STEAM [science, technology, engineering, art, math] Night. Kids in second through sixth grades, plus their families, are invited to partake in hands-on science activities designed to make learning fun.  Please register online, by phone or in person.

Self defense for women

This unique RAD (Rape Aggression Defense) class teaches women key skills, preparing them to face potentially dangerous situations with confidence and success. Taught by certified instructors of the Guilderland Police Department, this course incorporates lecture, discussion and techniques suitable for women of all ages and abilities.

It is inclusive to cis, trans, and/or nonbinary women, ages 16 and up. No prior experience is necessary, but seats are limited.  Participants must attend all three sessions. Upon course completion, you’ll receive a gift bag courtesy of GPL and local businesses.  If you have ever considered taking a self-defense class, here’s your chance! Sign up online, by phone or in person. 

November is Alzheimer’s Month

We’re offering two Alzheimer’s-related programs during November in partnership with the Alzheimer's Association of Northeastern New York. Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death on the United States.  Almost 6 million individuals are living with the disease, while at least 16 million tirelessly serve as their unpaid caregivers. This global health crisis impacts numerous families right here in our community. However, no one has to face this disease alone or without information.

On Wednesday, Nov. 13, at 6 p.m., Mary Moller, MSW, CAS, author of “Alzheimer’s Through the Stages: A Caregiver’s Guide,” will be here to talk about her experience of working with both Alzheimer's patients and their families, and in particular about the importance of caregiver self-care. Ms. Moller is Program Specialist at the Center of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease, at Albany Medical Center, and her book has received very positive reviews on both amazon.com and goodreads.com. Come learn more about this very important topic!  Please register online, by phone or in person.  

On Thursday,  Nov. 13 at 6 p.m., "Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia” will be presented.  This educational program provides a general overview for people who are facing a diagnosis, as well as those simply who wish to become better informed. Topics covered:  the relationship between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia; how the brain is affected by Alzheimer’s; risk factors and three general stages of the disease; FDA-approved treatments available to lessen some symptoms; what’s on the horizon for Alzheimer’s research; and helpful Alzheimer’s Association resources. Please register online, by phone or in person.  

“Something’s Happening Here”

Woodstock celebrated its 50th anniversary this year, and Mark Berger, author of “Something's Happening Here: A Sixties Odyssey from Brooklyn to Woodstock,” was there.

He’ll share his experience of attending this seminal event and read from his book chronicling this tumultuous time, what brought him to that meadow outside of Bethel, New York, and how this event shaped his future. Mr. Berger will sell and sign copies of his book after the talk.

Bus trip to NYC 

We’re teaming up once again with the Guilderland Chamber of Commerce for a festive excursion to midtown Manhattan on Saturday, Dec. 7. We’ll depart from Farnsworth Middle School promptly at 7 a.m., make one stop along the way, and arrive near Bryant Park at approximately 10 a.m.

Experience the dazzling sights and sounds of the city and fill the day with holiday shopping, world-class theater, exceptional dining – whatever you like!  We’ll leave at precisely 7 p.m. for the return trip home and be back at approximately 10 p.m.

The cost is $50 per person, and we expect to sell out. Please see: www.guilderlandlibrary.org/nyc to reserve your spot.