1:00 PM: Past and Present: Embroiderers Guild of America- A brief history of the guild, showing of samples of kinds of embroidery, and a question/answer session where items brought by guests can be shared and identified. Presented by Delta Chapter, Delta Kappa Gamma Society International.

2:00-4:00 PM: Tina Lincer Art Exhibit Opening Reception- The exhibit of oils and collages will be on view from September 4-27. The reception is from 2:00-4:00 PM.

1:00 PM: AARP of Colonie—Chapter 2873

7:00 PM: Hudson Mohawk Bird Club: Birding While Sound Asleep - or - Using Flight Calls to Follow Bird Migration- Many birds, including warblers and sparrows, migrate at night, and they call as they fly. Some species can be identified from their calls either by listening or by viewing sonograms. For several years David Martin has been following the progress of fall migration by recording nocturnal flight calls at two locations in Albany County. He detects hundreds of calls on some nights and many thousands of calls each season. He will show how to identify birds from flight calls and present some of his results on the migration individual species. He also will discuss the relationship of flight call counts to wind, weather and radar observations. One of his goals is to develop baseline values for the timing of fall migration, as such data could be useful for observing changes in migration timing in response to climate change. Speaker David Martin is a retired biochemist and neuroscientist. He is a lifelong birder and has been recording natural sounds for many years. Some of these recordings can be found on his website naturebits.org. He is one of the many former presidents of the Hudson-Mohawk Bird Club.

7:00 PM: Local Currency for the Capital District- Interested parties from the four counties of the Capital District will meet to learn about and discuss the possibility of a local currency for our region.

10:00 AM: Helping Parents and School Districts Become More Efffective Partners— Special Education Mediation: A Collaborative Option for Resolving Disputes- This free informational session will offer attendees an opportunity to look at conflict differently, learn about tools and resources to enable people to communicate more effectively, and meet representatives from organizations available to assist parents and schools with communication issues. This program will educate attendees on conflict resolution, effective communication, and dispute resolution options, in particular mediation. Pre-registration is required. To REGISTER: Go to www.nysdra.org and click on this event under “Featured Events” Or call Alison at 518-687-2240 by September 7, 2012. Presented by the New York State Dispute Resolution Association (NYSDRA).

2:00-3:30 PM: Overdrive Downloadable Ebooks- Learn the basics of downloading digital ebooks from our free Overdrive service. You will learn the basics of the .pdf and .epub formats for digital ebooks and how to search for and check out titles from our digital catalog (digitalcollection.uhls.org). Downloadable Ebooks from our free Overdrive service can be transferred to PC’s, Ipad’s, and select eReaders, such as the Nook or Sony readers, as long as you have a valid library card number. Please note, the Kindle eReader is now compatible with the Overdrive downloadable service. Feel free to bring your laptop and/or eReader so that we can practice after class. Class size is limited and registration is required; call the Information Desk at 810-0314.

6:00 PM: College Planning and College 529 Plans- A talk about how to pay less for college, how to find the right one, and how to understand financial forms. Also, learn how 529 Plans work and what are the advantages of investing in them for college savings. Presented by Purshe Kaplan Sterling Investments. Reservations are required; call the Information Desk at 810-0314.

12:15 PM: Noon Book Review- Talk 1300’s Melody Burns will kick off our Noon Book Review series with a review of the new book What The (Bleep) Just Happened: The Happy Warrior’s Guide To The Great American Comeback by Monica Crowley.

7:00 PM: The Story Circle of the Capital District- The Story Circle was established to provide members an opportunity to tell before a live audience; to hear stories told; to give the community a roster of active tellers; and to encourage beginning storytellers. Members of the group tell tales to all ages at a variety of events and locations. Members of the public interested in learning more about storytelling or listening to stories are invited to attend. Anyone desiring more information should call 786-1271.

7:00 PM: Colonie Tuesday Night Live Poets' Corner- Local poets and writers of all ages are invited to present six to ten minutes of their original work at this open reading forum. The public is encouraged to stop in and listen. Hosted by William Robert Foltin (785-1252). (Training/Conference Room)

6:30 PM: Master the Art of the College Application Essay... and Stand Out from the Crowd!- High school seniors take heart— in just a 1 ½ hour workshop session you can create a draft of a winning college essay that you can craft into the essay of your dreams. Learn the statistics: the college essay ranks as a top consideration for admission and is the one area over which you have complete control. In this workshop, you will understand how to make your unique story, personality and style shine. You will learn to generate several compelling ideas, focus on one topic that reveals your most genuine side, organize your thoughts into a clear and fluid style, and stamp your writing with originality. Writing a memorable college essay can seem daunting, but this reassuring workshop will help you discover your own voice and use it to reap benefits during senior year and throughout college. Presenter Marea Gordett, MFA, is the founder and director of Big Mind Learning LLC, www.bigmindlearning.com, serving students of all ages in the Capital region since 1999. She was on the English faculty of Tufts University and Boston University, where she taught both expository and creative writing. Wesleyan University Press issued her book of poems, and her writing has appeared in many literary magazines. Reservations are required; call the Information Desk at 810-0314.

10:00 AM: NYS HEAP Vendor Update- Fuel vendors who participate in the NYS Home Energy Assistance Program will receive information on program changes for the upcoming heating season. DATE CHANGED FROM Sept. 11.

2:30 PM: Capital District Genealogical Society- "The Immigrant Swartwouts and the Bradt Connection." Peter Christoph, historian and editor of 12 volumes of colonial records, examines the life of 17th century Albany merchant Roelof Swartwout, his years as a Kingston public official, and some life-threatening crises he faced. In the process, Mr. Christoph demonstrates the possibility of fleshing out the lives of early settlers beyond birth, marriage and death statistics. German and Irish Special Interest Groups at Noon. The Computer Group begins at 1:00 PM followed by social time at 2:00 PM. The speaker/program begins at 2:30 PM.

2:00 PM: Fall Film Series: Children of Heaven- On the fourth Sunday of the next three months the Library will present a Fall Film Series. All films will begin at 2:00 PM. First up on Sunday, September 23rd, we will show “Children of Heaven” wherein two children concoct an elaborate scheme to cover up the loss of a pair of shoes in this family drama from Iran. The film earned enthusiastic reviews around the world and won the Grand Prix du Americas at the 1997 Montreal Film Festival. It was more popular with movie goers than the critics. Released in 1997. On October 28th, “The Kite Runner” will be screened. “Finding Neverland” director Marc Forster adapts author Khaled Hosseini's critically acclaimed novel about two childhood best friends forever torn apart as their country is ravaged by endless war and bitter strife in this 2007 movie which prompted numerous discussions as the book became popular for book discussion groups. Finally, on November 25th, “Caramel” will be shown. Caramel, released in 2007, is both an astute cultural study and a charming comedic drama from talented newcomer, Nadine Labaki, where a Beirut beauty salon serves as a microcosm of modern society in this look at liberated conversation in a conflicted society.

10:00 AM: Medicare 101- Medicare can be very confusing even if you are already enrolled, or if you will be turning 65 soon. Seniors must select from a dizzying array of options, including 50 different Medicare health insurance plans, 12 Supplemental Insurance (Medigap) policies and 48 prescription drug plans. It is no wonder that seniors may need assistance in evaluating Medicare plans and identifying those that best fit their needs. A trained counselor will be available to answer questions about Medicare benefits, coverage options, out-of-pocket costs, and how to evaluate and compare plans. Sponsored by the NYS Office for Aging and the Albany County Department of Aging. Reservations are required; call the Information Desk at 810-0314.

7:00 PM: Fiction Book Group- The group discusses March by Geraldine Brooks at 7:00 PM in the Youth Services Activity Room. If possible, please register ahead of time for the group by accessing the registration link on the following website: http://www.colonie.org/library/bdl.html. For further information, please email Paul Drezelo at drezelop@colonielibrary.org or call the Information Desk at (518) 810-0314.

10:00 AM: Overdrive Downloadable Audiobooks- Come in and learn the basics of downloading digital audiobooks from our free Overdrive service. You will learn the basics of the MP3 and WMA formats and how to search for and check out audio titles from our digital catalog (digitalcollection.uhls.org). In general, if you have an MP3 player, a PC, an Ipod or a smartphone you can download audiobooks free of charge using your library card number. We will then transfer the digital title to an MP3 device. The Overdrive service is free of charge to use, as long as you have a valid library card number. Feel free to bring your laptop and/or players so that we can practice after class. Class size is limited to 8 participants and registration is required; call the Information Desk at 810-0314. (Training/Conference Room)

5:00 PM: Are You Ready to Retire?- A successful transition to retirement involves consideration and preparation. Learn about the five areas to consider as you prepare for your transition into retirement: work; leisure and activity; relationships; income and benefits; and contingency planning. Presented by representatives of MetLife Financial Services. Reservations are required and seating is limited; call the Information Desk at 810-0314. (Training/Conference Room)

6:30 PM: Emergency Services for the Hearing Impaired- Dealing with emergency situations takes special consideration for persons with hearing loss. The Hearing Loss Association of Albany will join Town of Colonie EMS, Fire Services and Police Department representatives for a discussion on how to best approach dealing with emergency circumstances such as: How should we communicate with emergency responders? What safety devices are recommended for persons with hearing loss? How do we make a 911 call when we are unable to hear the dispatcher? In addition to answering these questions, the presenters are interested in hearing from US what they can do when we are in an emergency situation. Please join us to learn the answers to these questions and many more.

2:00 PM: Sonny and Perley present She Wrote the Song: A Tribute to the Female Composers From the Golden Age of Popular Song- Last December the musical duo of Sonny and Perley gave a wonderful “Great American Songbook” concert here. On Sunday September 30th at 2:00 PM they will be returning with their program “She Wrote the Song: A Tribute to the Female Composers From the Golden Age of Popular Song.” This program, Sonny writes, “highlights music written or co-written by women composers, many of whom in the early decades of popular song had to struggle for recognition and acceptance in their field. Composers and lyricists being celebrated are Dorothy Fields, who co-wrote classics such as The Way You Look Tonight and I’m In The Mood For Love, Ann Ronell who gave us Willow Weep For Me, and Carolyn Leigh who penned the classic Young At Heart. Peggy Lee, Edith Piaf, and other significant international and contemporary composers may be included as well.”

Introduction to Computers: Gateway to the World Wide Web
Date: September 20 @ 2:00 PM
Are you a computer novice? This hands-on computer course is designed for individuals with little or no previous experience. The course will focus on developing skills in the following areas: 1) Basic understanding of the Windows environment. 2) Ability to use the computer mouse. 3) Ability to use the computer keyboard. 4) Ability to access computer programs and files. This 2-1/2 hour class is limited to 6 participants.

Introduction to the Internet
Date: September 26 @ 2:00 PM
This class is designed for library patrons who have little or no experience with the Internet, but who are basically competent with using a computer. Learn Internet terminology and how to access the Internet from home, work, and at the library. Emphasis will be on browsing the Internet using an Internet browser’s toolbars, menus, and hypertext links. The class lasts approximately two hours and is limited to 8 participants.

Intermediate Internet: Using Search Engines
Date: September 13 @ 6:00 PM
Contact Zina Shevchik at 458-9274 (press 0) to register for this class.
This class is designed for library patrons who have experience using the Internet, and are very familiar with using the computer mouse, keyboard and the Windows environment. Learn the best methods of searching the Internet. We will explore the many search engines and directories available to aid you in your informational quest. WARNING: This is not an Introduction to the Internet. We ask that you have already spent time online and have a modest understanding of the Internet.

Basic Word Processing and File Management
Date: September 12 @ 10:00 AM
This class explores the basic features of the Microsoft Word 2007 Screen from top to bottom. The purpose of this class is to encourage students to perform basic editing functions on a prepared document, to create a folder in Windows Explorer, and to save the document to the folder. Students should have dexterity with the mouse, keyboard experience, familiarity with the Windows environment, and a sense of humor. The 2-1/2 hour class is limited to six students.

Introduction to Microsoft Excel 2007
Date: September 6 @ 6:00 PM
This class will explore the basic features of Excel. Students will learn how to create a worksheet and perform simple calculations and manipulations with data. Students should be familiar with the Windows environment, the keyboard and be able to use a mouse. Students may take this more than once if they feel they need more practice with the basics. This class will be 90 minutes and is limited to eight students.

Microsoft Excel 2007 II
Date: September 20 @ 6:00 PM
This class is designed for library patrons who have completed the Introduction to Excel class or are already familiar with the basics of entering and manipulating data in an Excel worksheet. Topics such as sorting data, customizing tables and creating graphs and charts will be explored. This 90 minute class is limited to eight students.

Facebook for Beginners
Date: September 10 @ 7:00 PM or September 24 @ 2:00 PM
What is Facebook? Why do I need it? Once I have it, how do I use it? Once I start using it, how do I keep myself safe? In this Social Media Lecture, you will learn basic survival tools for navigating the hazards and joys of Facebook. Designed for those library patrons who have already created - or are thinking of creating - a facebook account. Basic understanding of computer terminology and function is helpful. Class size is limited to 8 students.

Coming Soon

URL: http://www.colonie.org/library/calendar.html
Last updated August 30, 2012