Notes from past meetings of the Program Planners Group
Crafts: Diane Giarrusso, Library director at Boxford, ran a program on how to make "Altered Books" using discarded books that are converted into works of art through painting, stitching, gluing, overlays, decoupage, etc.).
Cooking:
The following are speakers that Norma Gammon
has had speak at the Andover Library. Betsy Williams from Andover, author
of Backyard Pantry and other cookbooks, will talk about herbs, flower
arranging, cooking, Tussy Mussy bouquets, how to make flavored oils, vinegars,
with food you have on hand. Contact info: 978-470-0911.
Bill Collins, a chef from Beverly, will talk about Christmas hors d'oeuvres
(978-927-9006).
Birds:
Bird watching is a popular topic. Jim Barry from Ipswich (978-356-5505) does
programs on birds.
·Hugh Wiberg does programs on hand-feeding backyard birds and on growing
giant pumpkins. He's from Wilmington, MA.
Ideas for Speakers:
Carol Eyman,of the Nashua Public Library, mentioned she has a speaker coming
in to do a program entitled, "In Search of the Incas," He is an archaeologist
who did an expedition to find Paititi
this summer. She found the speaker through Eastern Mountain Sports.
· She has also found a speaker on stem cells and cloning (Lisa Boucher
Clark) through the UNH speakers bureau.
From Ann Wilson, Groton Library: Judy Lubershane is the lecture agent for Andre
Dubus III. She can be
reached at: Judy Lubershane Agency, Phone: 781-274-0717; Fax: 781-274-0671
E-mail: jlubershane@rcn.com
Music:
Julie Preston, Hamilton-Wenham recommends the jazz quartet, Paulo
Danay Jazz Band from Boston."excellent-- five musicians with a vocalist."
The UMass Lowell libraries are planning a program by Andy Karlok on the theremin, the world's first electronic instrument. It will cover its history, how it's used (in science fiction movies). For more info contact Ellen Keane at the UMass Lowell Libraries.
·Yankee Notions, two singers and entertainers from Western Massachusetts, perform a program of traditional songs for all ages. Contact Tim Van Egmond at 413-367-9304. (tim@swallowtail.com)
Community Programming
·Chelmsford is holding a Healing
Arts Fair
in October with yoga, massage therapists, reiki masters, etc. and then a
series of workshops throughout the year by local healing artists.
ALA Programs and other national programs
·
Storylines New England, a program of the ALA involving a series of book
discussions on public radio, was discussed. Many libraries would like to participate,
but are having trouble getting the local public radio stations to air the programs.
New Hampshire Public Radio is the only one nearby that is participating. Call
the radio stations and ask that they participate
·The September Project,
involves discussions of democracy, patriotism, current events, etc.
Election programs:
Consider contacting your local chapter of The League of Women Voters for programs
on election law, etc.
Project Vote Smart (Sue
Jefferson has used this nonpartisan group as a resource for the Wakefield
Library).
Gardens: From Norma Gammon in Andover: Norma highly recommends Leo Blanchette of Blanchette's Gardens (and member of the Mass Horticultural Society). Also recommended are Bob and Dana Fox, Rhododendron experts. (Contact info: Dana Fox, 44 Old Village Lane, North Andover 978-682-9553.)
Norma recommends performer Linda Kelley and her one-woman show, "Spoon River." Kelley portrays about two dozen characters in free-verse monologues using costumes and props. Kelley Productions of Charleton, MA (508-248-7775). About $250
Genealogy: Several libraries have held programs on Genealogy. Norma did a series in Andover. She pulls her speakers from The New England Historic Genealogic Society. Other resources for speakers can be found at the "Links" section of their website. http://www.newenglandancestors.org/links/?page_id=703&attrib1=1&seq_num=3
Kristina Worcester from Westford's Fletcher Library recommends Chris Tracy of "Avant Gardens" in Dartmouth for a great program on (dry) Stone Walls of New England. Contact info: 508-998-8819. Kristina said a lot of people attended this program. (A glance at the website for Avant Gardens may give you many other ideas for lectures and programs as well.)
Kristina also sends along the contact information for some interesting programs
that she told us about at a recent Program Planners meeting. Cooking
appetizers: Jean Kressy of "Cooking Light" JKRESSY237@aol.com
Orchids: Jean Stefanik New Hampshire Orchid Society Jeango4it@aol.com
There is a lot of interest in this subject because of the book, "The Orchid
Thief" and the movie "Adaptation."
Another hot topic is forensics. The Billerica Library held a program on forensics with experts on DNA, forensics and weapons. For more info on this contact Liz Bentz at Billerica. Does anyone have any other "hot topic" ideas or resources?
Janet Loske from Newburyport sends this: "I recommend a wonderful program appropriate for all ages. Richard Hughes brings his own keyboard to accompany REAL silent movies. He is coming here for a second visit in May and I know that I will have an enthusiastic audience. He brings two short movies and includes a musical introduction and brief history about silent movies. He can be reached at silentmovieshows@hotmail.com." If you have questions for Janet about this program you can reach her at: jloske@mvlc.org To read a newspaper article on the October program at Newburyport, click on http://www.townonline.com/arts_lifestyle/tv_music_radio/mrc_artmvsilentms10172003.htm
Julie Preston at Hamilton Wenham Library recommends Promopartner.com, a company that makes bags, hats, umbrellas etc., "Good quality at a low price." Bill Litton is the contact person.
Julie also sent this: A project called "Mirrors of Race" created by Derek Burrows uses photographs from the civil war era to spark discussion about issues of race. Appropriate for Adults and College students. You can contact him for more information at www.derekburrows.com. He presents many other programs for children.
Judy Lubershane is the lecture agent for Andre Dubus III.
She can be reached at:
Judy Lubershane Agency, Phone: 781-274-0717, Fax: 781-274-0671,E-mail: jlubershane@rcn.com
Another resource sent by Julie: "a great website for finding entertainment. It is called gigmasters, www.gigmasters.com. You put in the date of the event, how much you want to spend and you get 10 or more bids from these great bands! You can also listen to the bands' demos on the website and just contact individual bands and entertainers as well. They have a great rating system. We found some great entertainment for our programs this way."
Rhea Simon, jazz singer from North Andover (songs styling similar to Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughn) has a great voice. Can perform with her trio or quartet. Also solos and accompanies herself on piano. 978-685-6464.
Winter 2004
scrapbooking programs: Julie Preston at Hamilton Wenham Library sends this resource for scrapbooking programs. Patricia Goehlert has a company called “leaving prints.” She can be reached at 978-468-7379 or at her website at www.patricia.goehlert.leavingprints.us, or at pgoehlert@hotmail.com. She does all kinds of themed scrapbooks, gift albums, therapeutic scrapbooks, book of me scrapbooks, mom and me, cardmaking, etc. She did not tell me her prices but I'm sure that if you tell her what you need she would work with the library to make it affordable.
Ireland in Story and Song: Tom
O'Carroll from Newburyport does a history of Ireland in Story and
Song. He has a number of cd's and is very good. This is an adult event.
His phone number is 978-462-9954. Search on Tom O'Carroll and his website will
come up. His website is www.seacoast.com/~harpwand/tom/programs.html
***
eBay /Celtic & Irish Music: Cliff McGann does
Celtic and Irish Music Programs with his
wife, Kira. Cliff also does a program on Ebay. His eBay program
has been very popular at libraries. He had 58 people at the e-bay class
in Hamilton-Wenham. The class generally runs close to 2 hours as people always
have tons of questions. He also provides all the handouts. His web page is:
http://www.cliffmcgann.com/ (978) 244-0237
ceolach@yahoo.com
****
Women Artists: Leslie Sills, artist, author, and art educator
is available to give
presentations on women artists from her award winning books, "Inspirations:Stories
About Women Artists," "Visions: Stories About Women Artists,"
and "In Real Life: Six Women Photographers." Ms. Sills' talks, for
children and adults, have been highly recommended since she first began in 1989.
In fact, after the publication of "In Real Life," she was featured
on C-SPAN for Book TV speaking to 8th graders. Her programs are especially apt
for Women's History Month. You can learn more about Leslie Sills and her work
at www.lesliesills.com. Her email is
LESills@aol.com.
*********
Beginners Chess In Chelmsford a popular program is “Beginners
Chess for all ages
Presented by Glenn Davison” of Chelmsford. Here’s is a little of
Glenn’s description:
"Chess is a strategy game that is the most popular game in the world. In
one hour you will learn the basics of playing chess including:
*setting up the chess men
* using the pawns
* the pieces and how they move to win
* special moves
* ten tips for playing a better game
* how to win a game of chess in 4 moves
You will have a chance to practice what you learn by playing against other beginners.
Everyone is welcome."To reach Glenn you can email him at: davisong@comcast.net
Glenn also runs a fantastic Kite building workshop!
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Massachusetts Regional Library Systems Directory of Program & Performers.
Find the directory at:
http://www.semls.org/performer/login.asp
********
FUNDING SOURCES:
ALA's Public Programs Office offers these ideas for other Sources of Grants for Cultural Programming http://www.ala.org/ala/ppo/grantsandevents/othersources.htm
Be sure to look into your local cultural councils and visit the
Mass Cultural Council's web site..
Ideas for Community Programs