(Oneida, NY – Feb. 2012) School-aged children can learn the secrets of snowflakes in Winter Wonders at the Oneida Public Library with Michele Ryan Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 4 p.m.
Children will learn how snowflakes are formed and how varied they can be, while doing their own experiment in snowflakes.
The program is free. For more information, stop by the Oneida Library, 220 Broad St., or call 363-3050.
Cazenovia Public Library news
(Cazenovia, NY – Feb. 2012) Until March 31, visitors to the Cazenovia Public Library Art Gallery can enjoy “Keeping Up Appearances,” the latest collection by local artist Elizabeth Cummings Monroe. There will be an artist’s reception Friday, Feb. 10, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Cazenovia Public Library Art Gallery.
Monroe uses watercolor, inks and acrylic paint interchangeably. She begins a painting with transparent watercolor in order to achieve a luminous quality and then moves to ink and acrylic for opacity and contrast.
“My current body of work features my usual unconventional abstract style in which I have now incorporated the human figure,” Monroe said. “I am constantly mesmerized by the human body, and in the past I painted people in a more realistic style, a style that I do not particularly enjoy. Now, I have found a way to incorporate a hidden world into my abstractions. The addition of a figure or groups of figures in my painting gives an immediate focal point for my viewer, and the painting becomes a mystery, story or puzzle to solve.”
The Cazenovia Public Library is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. Free transportation is available through CRIS-CAT for Cazenovia, Fenner and Nelson residents over 55 and ambulatory. Just call 655-0612 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. three to five days in advance. More information about this or other library events, call 655-9322 or visit cazenoviapubliclibrary.org.
Canastota Public Library News
By Elizabeth Totten
(Canastota, NY – Feb. 2012) February is a very busy month at the Canastota Public Library. With several programs and talks beginning, the library also begins its regular children’s weekly programming this month.
The Works of the Canastota Knitters will be on display in the library’s Lawson Community Room during the month. The knitters display will illustrate various stitches, techniques and yarn. An artist’s reception will be held on Sunday, Feb. 12 beginning at 1pm.
The Canal Museum Talks will continue at the library on Monday, Feb. 13 at 7pm. Matthew Urtz, the Madison County Historian will talk about “Madison County’s Contribution to US History.” Madison County was the home to some of the most innovative thinkers in American history.
Baby & Me Lap Sit with Miss Angela will begin Feb. 15 through May 23. The program will run every Wednesday at 10am.
Thursdays at 10am is our Preschool Story Time. Bring your preschooler for stories, games, crafts and a snack. This program will be held Thursday mornings beginning Thursday, Feb. 16 and will continue through Thursday, May 24.
The Canastota Libra-Teens will begin meeting every Wednesday afternoon after school. This group (grades 6 and up) will create fiction, hear speakers, make crafts and a whole lot more. The group meets from Feb. 15 through May 25 at 4:30p.m. If school is not in session there is no Librateen meeting.
The Isle of Man and More will the subject of a presentation at the Library on Tuesday, Feb. 21 at 7pm. Director Liz Metzger will offer a presentation on her recent trip to United Kingdom and the Isle of Man. Liz led a Rotary Cultural Exchange of medical professionals to England. Light refreshments will be served.
The Canastota Coupon Clippers welcome Jessica Jones who will provide an “Extreme Couponing” program Wednesday, Feb. 22 at 6:30pm. This presentation was rescheduled from a January date. The cost for this program is $10 per person which pays for the binder and handouts. Coupon Clippers meet the first and third Wednesdays of every month at the library at 7pm.
The Canastota Scrapbookers meet the second Monday evening of every month at the library in the Lawson Community Room. The group meets at 5:30pm. Bring your own photos and supplies and come out to work with us.
The library is home for two Writer’s Groups. One group meets on the second and fourth Tuesday afternoon (3 – 5pm) of each month and is hosted by Tish and Dean Dickinson in the Lawson Community Room. The second group meets on the second and fourth Monday evening of each month beginning at 6:30pm in the library’s Carnegie Room.
We have two knitting groups that meet at the Canastota Public Library. The Knight Time Knitters meet every Thursday evening from 6 – 8 pm. The Friday Morning Knitters meet each Friday at 10am – noon.
The last Wednesday of every month is the library’s Book Chat. The book discussion begins at 1pm in the Lawson Community Room. February’s meeting will be on Feb. 29. The discussion will be featuring, “Lonesome Dove,” by Larry McMurtry. Books are available at the library.
Elizabeth Totten provides public relations for the library. For more information on these events and our regular weekly programming, visit canastotalibrary.org and click on the Mid-York Calendar of Events.
To the Editor:
(Oneida, NY – Feb. 2012) Last year, for the first time, the proposed Oneida Public Library budget did not pass. The library Board of Trustees asked an independent firm to conduct a community survey to help us understand this new phenomenon.
The results revealed three major themes that impacted the vote in a negative way: 1) many voters had no knowledge of the budget process or were unaware of the date of the vote; 2) other responders described misinformation they received from outside sources, or had simply misinterpreted the budget facts or overall purpose for voting; and 3) many potential voters just didn’t vote as the library budget has always passed, and they felt their vote wasn’t needed.
We want to be sure our voters have a better understanding of the library budget, the purpose of the vote and what it means for our community. Here are some important facts about the current Oneida Public Library budget:
The budget totals $360,252.
Two-thirds of the budget is for personnel, including benefits (three full-time and 12 part-time support staff). Support staffers receive little more than minimum wage.
Purchase of books and library materials, building maintenance and utilities are other large items.
The budget vote is for approval of the library’s operating budget. This has NOTHING to do with the exciting building project the Library has been discussing for years. No money from the operating budget is spent on the project.
The library tax appears as a separate item on residents’ property tax bills. This is a small tax – last year, the tax on property valued at $100,000 was about $40.
Any increases or decreases in the library tax do not affect other taxes on the bill. For example, a 1.5-percent increase on the library tax for a $100,000 property would mean an additional 60 cents for the library tax, resulting in a library tax of $40.60 for the year. It would not be applied to the other taxes on the bill.
Voter turnout for the budget vote is historically low. Last year, only 666 people turned out to vote; 241 people voted in favor of the budget, but 425 people voted against it. When the budget is defeated, the library must use the budget of the previous year, and since costs increase this results in cuts in services.
Any registered voter who resides in the library district (the same geographic region as the Oneida City School District) may participate in the budget vote. You need not own property in order to vote.
If you are going to be out of town the day of the vote, pick up an absentee ballot application at the library. A ballot will be sent to you Feb. 10.
The budget vote will be held Tuesday, March 6, from noon to 9 p.m. at the library.
A public hearing on the proposed 2012-13 budget will be held Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. at the library. Attend the hearing and learn the true story of the proposed budget. The Board of Trustees knows the facts regarding the budget, and we will be happy to explain them and answer any questions regarding the operation of the library.
Feel free to call a Board member: Eileen Kinsella, (315) 363-4632; Patricia Albaugh, (315) 761-9701; Pamela Graves, (315) 363-3459; George Miller, (315) 225-2010, Diane Roy, (315) 363-4383; Bob Wilkins, (315) 363-6065 or Kate Myatt, (315) 440-3146.
Above all, mark your calendar for Tuesday, March 6, from noon to 9 p.m. to attend the budget vote, and do your part to keep the intellectual spark alive in Oneida. Your vote DOES count!
Patricia K. Albaugh, Vice President, Oneida Public Library Board of Trustees
(Oneida, NY) Sen. David J. Valesky (D-Oneida) was named to a newly-created bipartisan Senate Select Committee on Libraries.
“Libraries are an integral resource in our communities, providing access to books, technology and education to people of all ages,” Valesky said. “I am pleased to serve on this committee, to focus on the specific needs of libraries in Central New York and across the state.”
The 19-member Select Committee may conduct meetings, conferences and public hearings, gather information and make recommendations on library-related legislative proposals.
New York has 750 public libraries, and that total rises to 7,000 when academic, school and special libraries are included. There are dozens of libraries and several library systems within the 49th Senate District.
Valesky has been a supporter of libraries throughout his service in the Senate. In 2011, he earned an “A” rating from New Yorkers for Better Libraries for his legislative work with respect to libraries.
(Oneida, NY – Feb. 2012) AARP will offer a two-day Driver Safety Program, The 6th Edition, which will be co-sponsored by the Oneida Public Library at 220 Broad St. Pre-registration is required as class size is limited. Sessions will be held on Monday Feb. 13 and Tuesday Feb. 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day.
A reservation may be made by calling Harold A. Mellen Jr. at 363-8357 or Marion Burback at 363-6160 and mailing your check or money order, made payable to “AARP.” Send all checks to: Harold A. Mellen Jr, 532 Lincoln Ave., Oneida, NY 13421. The course fees are: $17 (AARP members) or $19 (non-AARP members). Any individual with a valid driver’s license is encouraged to apply.
The two-day course takes into account many traffic problems that may confront experienced drivers. All sessions will be done with student workbooks, audio/visuals and classroom discussions pertinent to Driver Safety. Course participation is renewable by completing a “Refresher Course,” once every three years.
Morrisville Public Library news
By Michelle A. Rounds
(Morrisville, NY – Feb. 2012) This Friday Feb. 3 at 6:30pm we are going to have fun with our Friends. Bring a friend and join in the fun.
Ever wanted to see the 100 Greatest Movies of all time? Then join us as we watch The Godfather, the greatest movie of all time on Saturday Feb. 4 at 12:00pm. Refreshments will be provided. Please note: this movie is almost 3 hours long. Join us in March for the #2 greatest movie of all time.
Kiddies Korner, our preschool story hour, will meet again on Tuesday Feb. 7 at 9:30am and will be hearing stories about Valentine’s Day. Bring your toddler or preschool child in for a great time.
The NYS Paranormal Research Group will be here on Friday Feb. 10 at 6:30pm to share the results of the night they spent here in the library. Learn about some of their other investigations as well.
Come learn about Susan B. Anthony and how important she was in history on Wednesday Feb. 15 at 6:30pm.
Our next book talk will be Friday Feb. 17 at 12:15pm. The book being discussed is The Scent of Rain and Lightning by Nancy Pickard. Copies can be picked up now. Bring your lunch and join in the discussion.
Want to learn how to cross stitch? We will teach you on Friday Feb. 17 at 6:30pm. All materials will be provided. See you then.
The Library Board of Trustees will meet on Thursday Feb. 16 at 6:30pm. The public is welcome to attend.
Don’t forget you can pay off old fines with canned goods this month. Or you can just donate items to our canned food drive. All items collected go to the Morrisville Food Pantry. Help out your community today.
The Library will be closed on Monday Feb. 20 to observe President’s Day. We will reopen Tuesday at 10am.
Michelle Rounds is the library manager. The library is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 12pm to 8pm, Tuesday and Thursday 10am to 8pm and Saturday 10am to 4pm.
Born in Cuyler, New York, Tom Whitmarsh spent 37 years as an engineer in Alaska. His Exhibit, “Alaskan Art” will be on display at the New Woodstock Free Library through February 29. Whitmarsh is now a resident of DeRuyter.
New Woodstock Free Library news
By Norm Parry
(New Woodstock, NY – Feb. 2012) A collection of works by multitalented and storied artist Tom Whitmarsh will be on display at the New Woodstock Free Library Feb. 4 through 29. There will be a reception for the artist from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 4.
Originally from Cuyler, Whitmarsh spent 37 years as an engineer in Alaska, where he discovered the northwest coast native wood carving traditions. He added wood carvings to his developing painting pursuits and began selling and exhibiting his works in local Alaskan art shows.
He retired to DeRuyter in 2009. His most recent works include scenes from the local landscape.
Though he had very little formal art training, Whitmarsh’s paintings and carvings show an engineer’s eye for detail and structure. His wood pieces are visually dramatic and arresting. His paintings express his close connection with the mysteries of the wilderness and the harsh realities of life in the great outdoors.
“We are delighted to present this truly iconic collection of works by our new neighbor Tom Whitmarsh, who has chosen to settle here in retirement,” said library exhibits Chairwoman Nancy Edwards. “The scope and variety of this collection is truly remarkable. Some of the works are of imposing size and all are strikingly original.
“Our community will have the opportunity to enjoy the unusual and fascinating works Tom has brought with him from his long sojourn in Alaska. Tom Whitmarsh the man and Tom Whitmarsh the artist are both people you’ll love to meet. This is one of Tom’s first big shows in New York, and it’s a must-see event for those who appreciate unusual art and native creativity.”
For more about Tom Whitmarsh and samples of his works, visit midyork.org/newwoodstock; for more information on any library event or service, call 315-662-3134, or visit the library web page. Find and “Like” the library on Facebook.
Norm Parry is library director for the New Woodstock Free Library. The library is open Monday through Friday from 1 to 5 p.m., Monday and Wednesday evenings 7 to 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
When the Oneida Railway Co. electrified its rapid-transit system in 1907, Oneida residents could travel comfortably and swiftly from downtown Oneida to Syracuse or Utica with only one transfer, as shown here circa 1910. (Photo courtesy of the Madison County Historical Society)
Oneida Public Library News
(Oneida, NY – Feb. 2012) Back by popular demand, railroad historian John Taibi will reprise at the Oneida Public Library on Saturday, Feb. 4 at 1 p.m. his talk on “Oneida’s Third Rail,” the story of the Oneida Railway Co. and the West Shore Third Rail connecting Utica with Syracuse between 1907 and 1930.
Because many in the overflowing crowd who came to hear Taibi speak early in January had to be turned away for lack of room in the library’s Meeting Room, he has offered to repeat his presentation for those who missed it the first time around.
The Oneida Railway Co. began service in Oneida in 1885 with horsedrawn coaches that shuttled between Madison Square near Oneida’s New York Central Station up Main Street to the West Shore Station in Oneida Castle, now the site of the Rite Aid on Rout 5. In 1907, electrification of the West Shore opened up interurban rapid transit, making Oneida a key junction for east-west and north-south travel.
Taibi is the author of “A Ride through the Countryside: on the Syracuse and Chenango Valley Railroad,” “Remembering the New York, Ontario and Western Railway,” “Rails along the Oriskany” and other works about Central New York railroads.
The program is free and open to the public.
For more information, stop by the Oneida Library, 220 Broad St., or call 363-3050.
Monday, January 30, 2012
2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.: Impact Committee – Madison County Promise January 17
3:02 p.m. and 8:02 p.m.: Oneida Rotary Club Meeting with Rich Vindigni “Ireland”
3:31 p.m. and 8:31 p.m.: Town of Sullivan Board Meeting of January 18
3:52 p.m. and 8:52 p.m.: Oneidas Club with Pat Albaugh – OPL Budget Vote
4:11 p.m. and 9:11 p.m.: Oneida Common Council Budget Meeting of January 17
Tuesday, January 31
2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.: Oneida Public Library Presents: John Taibe “Oneida’s Third Rail”
3:29 p.m. and 8:29 p.m.: Oneida Public Library Presents: Cheryl Pula “The Children’s Crusade”
– The 8th Army Air Force in World War II
Wednesday, February 1
2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.: Canastota Central Schools Board of Education Meeting of January 24
3:54 p.m. and 8:54 p.m.: Oneidas Club Meeting with Elise Allen: “The Market Place”
4:16 p.m. and 9:16 p.m.: City of Sherrill Commission Meeting of January 23
Thursday, February 2
2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.: CAC Series: Oneida County Office for the Aging: “ Services and Programs for Seniors”
2:51 p.m. and 7:51 p.m.: Oneida Rotary Club Meeting, with Mike Healy “Oneida Healthcare Web Site”
3:10 p.m. and 8:10 p.m.: Village of Vernon Board Meeting of January 23
(Cazenovia, NY – Jan. 2012) Every Monday from 1 to 3 p.m., Calixto Suarez, a retired engineer with extensive computer knowledge, has kindly offered to provide free computer tutoring at the Cazenovia Public Library. Anyone interested in acquiring computer knowledge, including e-mail, searches or other computer skills is invited to call the library at 655-9322 to reserve a time.
Library computers will be available for your use or you may bring your own laptop.
A second free eReader lab will be held Thursday, Feb. 9, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Twenty-five people attended the first lab, but many others have shown an interest in learning more about eReaders and comparing the popular devices. Library staff will be on hand to answer questions and show users how to borrow eBooks from the Mid-York Library System.
Users with eReaders should bring their personal devices with them, while those interested in exploring eReader options will have the opportunity to handle the Kindle Fire, Kindle Touch and Nook Color.
Following the session, participants will have the opportunity to schedule a one-on-one lesson with a library staff member.
All events at the Cazenovia Public Library are free and open to the public. For more information, call 655-9322 or visit cazenoviapubliclibrary.org.
