Last week, we had an informative session for our first Family Caregiving program. AARP presenters spoke about the challenges of caring for an older loved one in need of special care. They discussed creating a care plan for the future. Attendees seemed happy to meet others who are navigating through this process. Many people expressed interest in the information from this event, but were unable to attend. We are looking to host it again via Zoom this winter. We are also thinking about starting a care giving support group in town, in light of the demonstrated need. If you are interested, please contact me directly. 

 

Also last week, our pilot (and guinea pig) 4H group went on a short hike for its final meeting of the 2024-2025 year. We begin a new year in October with monthly meetings as we prepare to participate in the Deerfield Fair next fall. Your first step to participate is to register your child with the library. We will then direct you to sign up with the national 4H group. This coming 4H year, we begin with scarecrow making, wreath making, and holiday cooking. All 2026 planned activities will center around the interests of participating kids. All projects will focus on the various competitive Deerfield Fair categories. More hikes will be planned for this year than last. We are also thinking about a new format where older kids meet twice a month to learn how to teach younger kids about the monthly chosen topic.

 

Don't forget to check out our new calendar to keep track of all of our upcoming events.

 

Have a wonderful week,

Melissa

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last week, Cornerstone Visiting Nurses ran a program on fall prevention. According to the CDC:

"Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death among adults ages 65 and older, and the fall death rate is increasing. The age-adjusted fall death rate increased by 41% from 55.3 per 100,000 older adults in 2012 to 78.0 per 100,000 older adults in 2021" and this number has continued to rise.

 

 

We encourage you to be aware of the statistics and to educate yourself about preventing falls. The National Council on Aging just released its 2025 National Falls Prevention Action Plan. Though it is long, It is worth perusing to learn about the issues and see how you may protect yourselves and your loved ones.

 

Join your professional librarians in our continuing exploration of AI. Learn about what deep fakes are and get tips to spot them. Learn the history of deep fakes and get your AI questions answered.

 

Did you know that librarians are information experts? Both Michelle and Melissa have advanced degrees in library science, which explores information in a multitude of forms. AI is just the newest form of information we dive into. From oral communication, to the printed word, to multi-media and digital information in all its forms, your librarians are educated and have taught on a wide range of topics on this subject. Need help with information? Come to us! If we can't help you, we will find the other information professionals who can.