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Next issue: 5/16
Library News
from South Country Library
May 2, 2023
Building community by sharing the wonders of learning, creating, and connecting with one another.
 
PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES FOR ADULTS
For any questions about adult programs, email jsalvatore@sctylib.org
 
 
Fiber Arts Crafting Circle
Saturdays, May 6 & June 3, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Bring your knitting, quilting, sewing, or other fiber arts project. Work on and chat about your current projects with fellow enthusiasts. This is not an instructional program. All are welcome.
No registration.
 
Exercise Programs
Registration closes at the start of the second session.
 
Chair Yoga
Mondays
10:30 - 11:30 AM
 
Join Lauren for this gentle yoga class using a chair to aid in strength, balance, flexibility, and mental wellbeing. 6 classes, $18.00
May 8, 15, 22, June 5, 12, 26 (no class 5/29, 6/19)
 
Yoga
Tuesdays
6:30 - 7:30 PM
 
Join Daniel for yoga with a mindful approach. All levels; modified poses offered. Focus is on a balance between the breath and movement.
8 classes, $24.00
May 9, 16, 23, 30, June 6, 13, 20, 27
 
Tai Chi
Thursdays
12:00 - 1:00 PM
 
Jim Cummings teaches the Beijing Tai Chi form; 24 movements for balance, stability, and overall health. 7 classes, $21.00
May 11, 25, June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 (no class 5/18)
 
Qigong
Fridays
10:00 - 11:00 AM
 
Gentle exercises help lower blood pressure and increase balance. Tom Linden instructs.
6 classes, $18.00
May 12, June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 (no class 5/19, 5/26)
 
 
Guided Meditation
Monday, May 8, 1:00 - 1:45 PM
Thursday, June 8, 6:00 - 6:45 PM

Michele will briefly explain the benefits of meditation and then lead a guided visualization meditation incorporating sound chimes. After meditating participants will have time to share their experience or ask questions. 
Everyone receives an affirmation card to keep. Bring a yoga mat or blanket or opt to remain seated. Click the dates above to register for one or both sessions.
 
 
Grow Your Own Food
Monday, May 8, 6:30 - 8:30 PM

This program covers all aspects of a four-season organic garden, including how to design and build your garden, making soil (compost), what to grow, succession planting, crop rotation, weeds, irrigation, seed saving techniques and more. Renato Stafford instructs. Click here to register.
Check out these upcoming classes by Renato Stafford:
Composting on 5/27 and Family Kitchen Organic Garden on 6/10.
 
 
ESOL Resources
English for Speakers of Other Languages
 
English Class
Mondays, 6:00 - 7:00 PM
May 8, 15, 22, June 5, 12, 26
(no class May 29 or June 19)
Free weekly class for English learners.
Click here to register.
Classes will focus on practicing speaking, reading, and writing. All skill levels are welcome. In partnership with Brookhaven Free Library.
 
 
Conversation Skills for English Learners
Thursdays, May 11 & 25, June 8 & 22, 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Practice your English conversation skills and improve vocabulary and grammar. 
For all English learning levels. 
Click here to register.
 
 
Senior Advocate
Tuesdays, May 9 & June 13,
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Reference Area -- Study Room C

Our advocate can help seniors find benefits for which they may be eligible and assist with the application process. Programs include SNAP, MSP, and HEAP. Drop in -- no registration.
 
 
Intermediate Mah-Jongg Class
Wednesdays, May 10, 17, 24
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

This class will put you into the next level of the ancient game of Mah-Jongg. 
Participants must be familiar with the tiles and have an understanding of the game. Jacqui Palatnik instructs.
Click here to register.
 

 
Game Day Wednesday
Mah Jongg
Canasta
Wednesdays, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Wednesdays, 1:00 - 3:30 PM
No registration required. Please sign in at each session.
 
 
 
Thursday Movie
Alice, Darling
Thursday, May 11, 2:00 PM
in the Library Community Room downstairs. Cookies will be available.
 
View the trailer & info here 
2022, Drama/Psychological Thriller
Rated R, 1h 29m
 
 
Rent vs. Buy 
Monday, May 15, 6:00 - 7:00 PM

 
This presentation will address some important questions regarding your residence needs, and will compare costs and benefits related to owning vs renting. Discussion will include budgeting and planning for the future. Register here.
Note: Attendees may also wish to register for Part 2: Homebuyer Programs, which begins at 7:30 that evening (details below).
 

 
Homebuyer Programs 
Monday, May 15, 7:30 - 8:30 PM

Learn about various homebuyer grants, assistance and programs, who offers them, and their eligibility guidelines. This presentation walks you through the application process and timelines for these programs. Additionally, learn how to prepare for pre-approval when buying a home. Click here to register.
 
 
 
June Enrichment Kit
for Adults with Special Needs
 
Seashell Sand Painting
 
Create a beach-themed piece of art
using glue, sand, and shells.
 
Open for registration -- call or stop by Reference with your library card.
Available for pickup starting June 1.
 
 
Computer & Smartphone Class
Alternate Wednesdays, 7:00 - 8:30 PM

Basic skills. Click the links below to register for individual classes.
 
May 17: Email skills & safety
May 31: Web browsing - laptop
June 13: Web browsing - phone/tablet
 
 
Support Groups
 
SMART Recovery® Group
Every Tuesday at 7:00 PM
Ends May 9. Resumes in the fall, TBA.
 
Join our South Country group if you are recovering from addiction and looking for support. For people age 18+. Anonymous; no registration. Click here for more information.
 
 
Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiver Support Group
2nd & 4th Monday of each month, 1:00 - 2:30 PM
in Study Room A in the Reference Area
 
Join our Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiver Support Group, presented by Family & Children's Association and Parker Jewish Institute’s Willing Hearts, Helpful Hands, for caregivers of loved ones with dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Meetings provide these caregivers opportunities to meet with others, participate in educational programs, and have questions answered about their loved one's care.
Upcoming Dates:
5/8, 5/22, 6/12, 6/26,
7/10, 7/24, 8/14, 8/28,
 
9/11, 9/25, closed 10/9,
10/23, 11/13, 11/27, 12/11.
 
Registration is required:
Call (516) 292-1300 ext. 2264
or email randerson@fcali.org 
Funded by NYS Department of Health
 
 
 
 

Get a discount at local businesses by
showing your South Country Library card.
Click here to view the participating businesses,
and don't forget your card when you head out the door!
 

 
Passport Services by Appointment
We serve first-time applicants, minor applicants, adult applicants whose most recent passport was issued as a minor, and applicants who have lost their passports. 
Hours are by appointment only.
 
Click here for more information
& to submit an appointment form. 
 
You may also call us at 631-286-0818 x1.
 
Our service cannot renew a passport.
There is a separate process for that by mail.
 
Printed forms are available by the Reference Desk.
 

 
Social Work Services
Please note: Tuesday, May 9 is the final day
of Social Work Services for this semester.
Do you, or does a friend, need help finding resources to regain stability in life?
 
Angie and Kate are our social work interns from Stony Brook University. They can help with information, referrals, and paperwork for housing, treatment, social services, unemployment, food pantries, and more.
Click here for more information.
Mondays
9:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Angie Ghanie
aghanie@sctylib.org
 
Tuesdays & Fridays
5:00 - 9:00 PM
Kate Bollman
kbollman@sctylib.org
 
Appointments and walk-ins are welcome.
Appointments are available during the times specified above.
Call the library at (631) 286-0818 ext. 1, or email a specific intern at their email address above.
 

 
The Library has a Notary Public
Available Mondays through Fridays (subject to change).
Please call (631) 286-0818 for more information.
Fee: $2.00 per notarized signature
 
Services for Veterans and Job-Seekers
Helps veterans and their families navigate the VA bureaucracy, provides academic tutoring, and assists with employment transition.
Provides various tools to help with every step of the job search including résumé assistance, interview preparation, and career planning.
Each service provides live virtual assistance every day
from 2:00 - 11:00 PM. A current library card is required.

 
Résumé & Cover
Letter Assistance
from
South Country Library
 
Job & Career
Counseling
from
Patchogue-Medford Library
 
Internet Connection/Connected Devices
If you need assistance to afford broadband (fast & reliable) internet service and internet connected devices, click here to see if you're eligible to apply to or to recertify the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Note: This assistance program is provided by the federal government, not South Country Library.
 
 
 

The library is currently closed for construction; the building reopens on Saturday, May 6, at 9:30 AM. In the meantime, we have select services available -- click here for details.
South Country Library
22 Station Road
Bellport, NY 11713
(631) 286-0818
sctylib.org
 
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Library Hours
Mon-Fri: 9:30 am - 9:00 pm
Sat: 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Sun: 12:00 - 4:00 pm
 
Curbside pickup available
Mon-Fri: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Sat: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sun: 12:30 - 3:00 pm
 
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