Strings & things

Remember Cat’s Cradle? Anne Glover sure does. She makes strings come alive – with her special blend of stories and strings, you’ll never look at a shoelace the same way again. Professional storyteller Anne Glover, from Vancouver Island,  will tour the province during July and August, performing at 29 public libraries, from Digby to Windsor and all the way to Sydney. Her show is best for ages 4 and up. 

We are lucky to have Anne visit Nova Scotia. She’s been all over the world, but this is her first trip to our beautiful province and we can’t wait for you to meet her at six of our libraries. She will be in Hantsport on Monday, July 18 at 11 AM, in Kentville, Kingston, and Bridgetown on July 19, and in Middleton and Wolfville on July 20. Click on each town to find the exact time and location. 

Storytelling as an art form is both entertaining and acts as an educational tool. Historically, cultures have always told tales as a way of passing down beliefs, history and traditions. Storytelling stimulates children's imaginations and develops an appreciation of stories and reading. Anne's special style of storytelling will have your kids laughing and playing -- and you, too!

The tour is organized by the Council of Youth Services, which includes youth services staff from all nine public library regions in Nova Scotia, with funding provided by the Nova Scotia Provincial Library, the Department of Communities Culture and Heritage and the Nova Scotia Library Association. 

In Bridgetown we are partnering with the RCMP's Senior  Safety program to bring Anne Glover to children and their grown-ups, so kids, find a grandparent who wants to enjoy stories and bring them to the Legion Hall on Tuesday, July 19. In Kingston, the village is co-sponsoring the program, and in Middleton, the Friends of the Library are co-sponsoring the event on Wednesday July 20.  Thanks to all our sponsors and partners for helping to make this great program happen.

Find out more about Anne Glover on her website, and make your plans to see her when she is here in the Valley.

Seniors Week at Nova Scotia Public Libraries – October 18 – October 24, 2015

During the celebration of Canadian Library Month, Seniors Week is an opportunity for public libraries to focus on programming, services, books and materials for seniors provided by the nine public library regions in Nova Scotia. Throughout the year, library staff continue to welcome and serve older adults coming to the library.

The Annapolis Valley Regional Library’s eleven branches and Bookmobile have a wonderful list of programs and events planned. Some of the exciting events include Third Thursday Social Group in Windsor (October 15) with a display of artifacts from the West Hants Historical Society. Drop by the branch to test your knowledge. Or join Sue at the Berwick branch for a Kitchen Party. Perhaps now is the time to try Chair Yoga at the Isabel and Roy Joudrey Memorial Library in Hantsport. The programs offered in Bridgetown include a Recipe Swap, Seniors Travel and a Talk with Dr. John Ross about end-of-life options. The Kentville branch is offering a slide presentation on Miner’s Marsh.  The Rosa M. Harvey Library in Middleton has a full week of events including a presentation on Mona Parsons, and Seed Saving and Herbal Medicine.  For a complete list of all programs go to the Event page on our website: http://www.valleylibrary.ca/calendar.

 

Browse our online catalogue for some interesting reading material, such as iPad for Seniors or Senior Fitness.  Stop by and check out the creative displays of items chosen by staff at each branch. And this may also be a good time to celebrate our senior library workers!

Wendy Kearnes

Bookmobile & Off-Site services Manager

Member of the Service to Older Adults Working Group

Winter Safety Tips for Everyone

It happened. Winter has arrived. Looking outside we see the fresh new snowfall. It is a beautiful wonderland, but there are risks involved. On average, 1,200 people a year die as a result of shoveling snow. Add back injuries, shoulder dislocation and heart attacks, and snow shoveling is one of the most dangerous activities senior citizens can attempt. For tips to avoid snow shoveling hazards: Talk to your aging parents about shoveling snow safely go to this link.

 

Leaving the house in extreme weather may also be necessary for seniors. A checklist to keep seniors safe: 

1. Bring a cane or walking aid if necessary. 

2. Remember any medications you may need for the next 24 hours. 

3. Bring enough cash for bus or taxi rides. 

4. Wear anti-skid shoes and boots with the laces properly tied.

5. Tell someone where you are, expect to arrive and return. 

6. Pack water and a snack. If there is a delay, it’s important to stay hydrated and energized. 

7. Make sure you are wearing several layers and include a warm hat, gloves/mittens, and a coat. 8. Know your transportation options. Don’t drive unless it’s an emergency. 

9. Only walk on clear and dry sidewalks and use available handrails. 

10. Charge your cell phone and keep a list of emergency contacts. 

Be a good neighbor and check on seniors in your community. Perhaps offer transportation, or doing errands for them. Check on them during a storm.

Did you know that ice must me at least 10 cm thick to walk on, 20 cm thick for skating , and a minimum of 25 cm for snowmobiles? This link has further information.  And always wear an approved helmet when participating in activities such as skiing, sledding, snowboarding, skating or playing hockey. For more information use this link.

 

Be sensible with the temperature.  Sometimes it is too cold for anyone to be outside. Watch your children and keep them away from snowplows and snowblowers. Help children choose play areas with a warm shelter nearby. Teach them not to build a snow fort in a snowbank near the road. Children should be supervised when playing outside. Establish a buddy system with one or more of their friends. More information can be found at www.safekidscanada.ca or at this link. 

Don't forget to be sun safe. Even in the winter, you can still get a sunburn. Wear sunscreen with a minimum SPF # 15 or higher with UVA and UVB protection. Further information can be found here.

Drink up, and make a toast to winter! When you “see your breath” in cold weather, you’re actually seeing water vapour escaping your body. The dryer and colder the air, the more water you will lose through breathing and sweating. Start your activity well-hydrated and continue to sip as you walk, ski, snowshoe, or skate. Thirst is not actually a good indicator of your body’s need for water as it is a delayed response. Drink even if you do not feel thirsty!  Remember that drinks like coffee and non-herbal tea are diuretics and can actually contribute to your fluid loss. Try carrying a thermos with warm liquid, like herbal tea or apple cider.

Keep your animals safe this winter. Keep antifreeze out of reach and clean up any spills. Avoid use of salt and chemical melting products. Before starting your vehicle, give the hood a tap and check between tires. Keep your animal friends inside. If it is too cold for you to be outside, it is also too cold for them.

Winter driving can offer some dangerous conditions. For some sensible winter driving safety tips, go to this link.

Winter in the Annapolis Valley can be very beautiful. Learn more about winter safety for all members of your family, and help each other. 

Submitted by Wendy Kearnes, Outreach Services Manager.