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I'm so glad it finally snowed and not only feels like winter, but looks like winter, too.
My husband and I went on a great winter hike this past weekend. There's nothing like hiking in the snow. We hiked for 5 hours and it was gruelling, and difficult, and exhausting...and wonderful. The snow was fresh and soft, and we were the first one's hiking through many trails. With about a foot of snow in certain areas, it was tough. But we were fortunate that the sun was shining throughout most of the day and the wind wasn't too bad. The views were spectacular and we even ran into some friendly wildlife.
This is probably one of my favorite things to do over the winter, but with little kids at home, it's a rare treat. We're much more likely to enjoy movies and read books and visit our local library.
So if you are not the type to go out hiking in the snow, the library has the perfect solution. We're showing movies on Thursday mornings at 11 a.m. This Thursday, we're showing "Herb and Dorothy," a documentary about a husband and wife that become art collectors.
See you @ the library!
Miguelina Molina
Community Services Coordinator
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Hi everyone,
I have an amazing experience every day on my drive in to work. I have to drive through the Haverstraw Marina everyday and I get to enjoy the river. Every day it's different and it's always beautiful. It's just as amazing to watch on a stormy day like we had last week, as it was this morning with the bright sun. It's constantly changing and every day I get to take it all in.
Well, today was a particularly wonderful experience. As I was driving along the river's edge, I looked up, and there in front of me on a tree was an eagle. I couldn't believe it. I pulled the car over to the side of the road and told my 5 year old daughter to come and look. She was as amazed as I was. We sat and just watched for about 5 minutes. It had a white head and beak, brownish body and white tail. When it turned it's head in our direction my daughter cheered and I almost got emotional.
We eventually strapped our seat belts back on and continued on our way. But it had been a perfect moment and I felt blessed to have had experienced it.
Miguelina Molina, Community Services Coordinator
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For cheesecake lovers, there was only one place to be today – the Suffern Library! We had our Cheesecake Baking Contest today and it was great fun. Eleven contestants entered and we announced 3 winners. Laura Stalter came in first place with her turtle cheesecake. John Wolham tied for second place with his classic cheesecake and Marie Costanzo also tied for second with her Ricotta cheesecake.
Our wonderful and experienced judges were Richard Spielmann and Jim Mattern. These judges donated their time to the library for the contest and we are grateful.
I don’t have the recipe for the 1st place winner yet, but I’m going to share the recipes for both 2nd place winners. If you would like to share your recipe, please feel free to add it in the comments section.
Ricotta Pie (Marie Costanzo)
2 pounds of ricotta cheese (2 15oz. containers will do)
½ tsp of salt (optional)
6 eggs
2 cups of sugar
½ cup of flour
2 tablespoons of vanilla
Grated orange peel
4 tablespoons of Amaretto
Beat the eggs until foamy. Gradually add sugar while still beating eggs until mixture is thick and piled softly. Mix other ingredients and blend into egg mixture until smooth.
Pour into 9 inch spring form pan. Bake at 350° in middle of oven until firm and lightly golden brown for about 50-60 minutes. Remove from oven and place on cooling rack. Refrigerate when cooled. Sprinkle with confectioner’s sugar before serving.
My Cheesecake (John Wolman’s Cheesecake)
Crust
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 ½ tablespoons of sugar
1 stick (4 oz.) butter
Combine crumbs, sugar. Melt butter and mix with dry ingredients. Lightly grease bottom of 10 inch spring form pan with butter. Press mixture evenly into bottom of pan. Bake at 375° for 12-14 minutes.
Filling
2 ½ lbs. cream cheese
1 ¼ cups sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
6 eggs plus 2 yolks
Zest of 2 lemons and 2 oranges
¼ tsp each of lemon and orange oil
3 tablespoons of all purpose flour
8 oz. sour cream
Beat cream cheese and sugar until creamy and well combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating only until combined. Add yolks and vanilla, beating only until combined. Add citrus zest, mixing until combined. Add flour, mixing until combined. Add sour cream, mixing until combined.
Set oven for 500°. Place a pan of water on the bottom rack.
Lightly grease sides of spring form pan with butter. Pour filling into pan. Bake at 500° for 13 minutes. Reduce temperature to 200° and bake for an additional 80-85 minutes. Center should still jiggle slightly when removed. Let cool and refrigerate over night.
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Even though I work at a library and I’m surrounded by books all day, sometimes I can’t figure out what to read next. I rely mostly on recommendations from other staff members and the public. I don’t belong to a book discussion group so I often ask people “what is your book group reading this month?” I can usually find a few good books that way.
I just recently finished reading the highly acclaimed book “The Help” which I thoroughly enjoyed. Afterwards, I read Jeanette Walls new book “Half Broke Horses” which I enjoyed, though not nearly as much as “The Glass Castle.” I brought home “City of Thieves” which I have not had a chance to start reading yet because I’m working on Pat Conroy’s “South of Broad.”
An easy way to find book reviews and make your selections is by checking our website. Not too many people know that we have a list of Fiction Bestsellers and Nonfiction Bestsellers complete with descriptions and reviews. You can sign up to have these newsletters emailed directly to you. If you sign up for them, send me a comment and let me know what you think. We have options where you can even look up New DVDs. Here's the link: http://www.booksite.com/texis/scripts/bookletter/addnluser.html?sid=5463
See you @ the library!
Miguelina Molina, Community Services Coordinator
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Our art history presentations with Irene Wisoff are always very popular and we know that many people are looking forward to coming on Wednesday the 20th. Well, please DO NOT COME that day. That presentation has been rescheduled to Thursday, April 8th at 1PM.
It’s going to work out beautifully with the upcoming Picasso exhibit scheduled to open at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in April. If you haven’t heard of it, here’s the scoop, “The unprecedented show, set to open on April 27, 2010, will be the first exhibition to present the museum's complete holdings of the Spanish artist's works as well as a selection of his prints.”
More information will appear in our next newsletter scheduled to go out in March.
See you @ the library!
Miguelina Molina, Community Services Coordinator
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First of all, Happy New Year! We have gotten off to a great start this year with adult classes and events. One of our first events was the Great Reptiles. Many people thought this presentation was mostly for kids but the fact was that we promoted it amongst the adults, as much as to children…and everyone responded. I was quite amazed by the animals. I have never been that close to an alligator, and can’t say that I loved it. The Burmese python was enormous and the Monitor Lizard was just cool! The room was bursting at the seams with the crowd. Now, I’m not much of a reptile girl, but I think I’m going to have to repeat this presentation for the ones that didn’t get in. When I do, you'll find out when you read our newsletter. It probably won't be until either summer or the end of the year.
See you @ the library!
Miguelina Molina, Community Services Coordinator
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You should be getting your winter newsletter in the mail by the end of the month. If you would like to sign up to have it emailed directly to you, just follow this link. You'll be the first to know of all of our wonderful events.
We have a great line-up for you in January. To help you with your New Year's Resolution to get fit this year, we are offering Pilates classes in January and Tai Chi classes in February. You have to register early for these if you want to get in. We are also going to be showing movies on Thursday mornings at 11 a.m.
One of our most exciting programs in January is "The Great Reptiles!" We're bringing in an alligator, a water lizard, a HUGE phython and other reptiles. That's scheduled for January 10th at 1:30 p.m. Bring the whole family and come early as space is limited.
Check our online calendar of events for a complete listing of events. There is something for everyone at the library.
Happy New Year!
Miguelina Molina, Community Services Coordinator
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Take a break from your busy holiday shopping and planning and come visit the library. We have a lot of wonderful events going on in the month of December.
Opera with Anne Tormela: December 10th at 1:30PM
Anne Tormela has been here several times to perform afternoon concerts for us and we keep inviting her back because she is just wonderful. She will sing many of your favorite opera selections, as well as selections from Broadway tunes. You can even make a request.
Opera Gala: Sunday December 13th at 2:30PM
This special concert will feature several performers, accompanied on piano by Inna Leytush.
Cherry Lane Elementary School Bell Ringers: Monday, December 21st at 1PM
They come every year wearing their white gloves and play some delightful holiday selections. This talented group of young musicians come from Cherry Lane Elementary school and are directed by Donna Cardillo.
Babes on Broadway: Wednesday, December 30th at 1:30PM
Have the week off after Christmas? Don't just sit at home. Come to this delightful concert with Susan Mirwis, who will perform Broadway tunes and jazz standards.
See you at the library!
Miguelina Molina, Community Services Coordinator
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When I was younger I used to enjoy waking up on Thanksgiving morning to the smell of the Turkey already in the oven. My brother, sister and I would watch the parade and then help mom with the preparations. Thanksgiving was always my mother's favorite holiday and we always had family and friends over. As we got older we would spend the day in the city watching the parade live and then head back home for the turkey. Life was good! Though people pass and times change, Thanksgiving remains one of my favorite holidays.
You might come from a family with traditional Thanksgiving recipes that you have passed down from generation to generation...like my father's amazing stuffing. Or, you might be a new family starting your own traditions and looking for something new. Whatever the case, this holiday season, visit the library. In our lobby, you will find books on cooking the perfect turkey, bringing a great side dish and much more. Pick up a couple of holiday music CDs and bring a movie home for the kids.
And don't forget...we are open on the Friday after Thanksgiving. This is the perfect place to bring the kids and keep them entertained while mom goes holiday shopping. Then you'll really be thankful for this library!
Happy Thanksgiving,
Miguelina Molina, Community Service Coordinator
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Autumn is my favorite time of year at the Suffern Library. Just about every window in this facility has an amazing view where you can come, sit and enjoy the beauty of fall. However, I do have a favorite spot. If you go down to the end of the adult reference room and sit in the reading area on the left hand side, you will feel like you are floating in a sea of autumn leaves. It's the perfect place to sit and enjoy a good book. (Check out our "We Love to Read" blog for some great book recommendations from the staff.)
While it’s raining on Saturday, stop by the library at 11:30 a.m. to try our Watercolour Tissue Collage Painting class. There is a $10 registration fee and we still have some spots available.
See you at the Library,
Miguelina Molina, Community Services Coordinator
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The weekends are usually busy and wonderful at the library. We try to schedule activities almost every weekend, so you’ll always make the library a regular weekend stop.
Coming up this Saturday, the tweens that are not already signed up for our Babysitting Workshop, still have time to register to come to Vivian’s program on Recycled Art. Making art out of old things is always fun.
Then on Sunday, you can bring the entire family to our belly dancing performance with Salacia. The performance starts at 1:30 p.m. in the large meeting room. This troupe has performed here twice before and is always a crowd pleaser. Salacia brings about eight dancers that perform in beautiful costumes. In the past, several dancers have performed using props such as a cane or tambourines, scarves and even swords. It can be very exciting. And the performance is generally appropriate for the entire family.
So if you are looking for something to do this weekend, stop by the library. I’ll be here!
Miguelina Molina, Community Services Coordinator
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It's a beautiful day in Rockland County and it was nice to see that with so many things going on, including the Suffern street fair, 80 people still chose to join us at the Library for Shirley Crabbe's performance. Her performance was phenomenal and the audience truly appreciated it. Ms. Crabbe was accompanied today on piano by Jim West.
Ms. Crabbe, a Rockland resident, has performed at venues such as Birdland, Madison Square Garden and the Paramount Theater. She took third place in the American Traditions Competition in Savannah, GA.
If you hear she is playing around the county, it will definitely be worth going to see her. Also, visist her website at http://www.shirleycrabbe.com/Home_Page.php.
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Ready for another wonderful weekend? My weekends are always busy with activities and events for the whole family…and generally they are inexpensive or “almost” free. This weekend we are off to the mountains to do some camping and hiking. But if you have not made plans yet, here are a few suggestions:
Spend an hour at the library tomorrow during the library’s book sale. The library is selling tons of Books on Tape which we have removed from our regular collection. The prices are unbeatable. You can purchase books for as little as $.50 without having to worry about ever returning them.
After your hour at the library, head out to your favorite museum. Don’t forget that tomorrow is Museum Day 2009 and many museums are offering FREE admission. Just register to get your museum pass online:
http://microsite.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/
If you would rather be out enjoying nature, take a 3 mile hike up High Tor Mountain. Register in advance for this hike:
http://www.rockland.org/details.cfm?CAT=9&SS=0&listingID=6621
If you are more in a celebratory mood, head to Bear Mountain for Oktoberfest. There are always lots of vendors, food, music and fun for the entire family. Admission is free and parking without an Empire Pass is only going to set you back $7.
Have a great weekend!
Miguelina Molina, Community Services Coordinator
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By the end of the month, or early October, you will recieve your Fall Newsletter in the mail with a wonderful list of all of the programs we have going on from October thru December. There are too many to highlight, but I wanted to take the time to mention just a few of the programs that we have scheduled for the fall, starting with our new discussion on short stories.
Short Stories: Sights and Insights
Dr. Ann Fey will lead this six-week discussion series which will meet on Tuesdays at 7PM from November 3rd to December 8th. If you have ever attended one of Finkelstein Library's film discussions at RCC, then you probably already know Dr. Ann Fey.
Ann Fey, Professor Emeritus of English, SUNY Rockland CC, holds a bachelor's degree in English and Philosophy; an MA in Comparative Literature from the Graduate School of Arts and Science at Columbia University; a M.Ed. in Education and an Ed.D. in Communication from Teachers College Columbia University. Dr. Fey has created the series and selected the reading materials. She will introduce each session and will guide the participants through the discussion.
Some of the best plots, most controversial characters, and involving places in literature are found in modern short stories, each a favorite of its type. Authors include John Updike, Kate Chopin, Ernest Hemingway, Bernard Malamud, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Joyce Carol Oates, and Tim O’Brian. We will read a total of sixteen stories, most at home, and discuss our reactions and impressions. We’ll look at the author’s style and tone.
Registration starts October 16th at the adult information desk. You will recieve a folder with reading materials and important information.
Monthly Book Discussion Group
Don't forget that Delys de Zwaan leads a monthly book discussion at the library on the third Tuesday of the month at 7:30PM. Pick up a book at the adult information desk.
Poetry Roundtable
Our poetry roundtable generally meets on the third Monday of the month at 7PM. Bring your favorite poem or an original poem to share with the group.
Issues and Problems in Modern Thought
The Philosophy group is now shifting from the discussion of Plato to some more contemporary philosophers. Newcomers are welcome to join the group. They generally meet on Friday mornings at 11AM, once a month. Check the library's calendar or call us at 845-357-1237 for the dates.
Current Events Discussion Group
This group, which also covers the Great Decisions topics, meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 7:15PM. Led by John Collins and Stu Shpetner, these discussions will keep you up-to-date on all of the latest issues. In February 2010, they will begin discussion of the Great Decisions topics which include: Special Envoys, Preventing Genocide, Global Crime, US-China Security Relations, Global Financial Crisis, Russia and its Neighbors, The Persian Gulf, Peace-building and Conflict Resolution.
If you have any questions about adult programs or you would like to suggest a program, please feel free to email me or call 845-357-1237.
Miguelina Molina, Community Services Coordinator
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If you're interested in socializing and meeting people, then join us on August 18th for a social hour at the library. From 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. we simply sit around talking, meeting people and having refreshments. If you would like, you can bring a joke to share with the group.
Register for this event online so that we know how much to buy in terms of refreshments. All are welcome.
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