Enjoy some virtual lectures from other Massachusetts libraries this month!

Posted on by Sue

These are Zoom lectures put on by other libraries, who have shared the registration links with us, so our patrons can attend!

There are two at the same time on Tuesday night, August 1st at 7 pm:

White House By The Sea — A Century Of The Kennedys At Hyannis Port, offered by the Tewksbury Public Library-click here for more details and registration! You will also receive a link to the recording after the event.

“Author Kate Storey will discuss her brand new book, “White House by the Sea: A Century of the Kennedys at Hyannis Port,” in this ZOOM webinar. The book provides a sweeping history of an American dynasty that has left an indelible mark on our nation’s politics and culture.”

7 Scientific Reasons to Meditate Now, by the Shrewsbury Public Library-click here to register on their site!

“Join the Shrewsbury Public Library with Manish Saggar, PhD and Assistant Professor in Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University, for a virtual presentation of data from recent neuroscientific studies on how regular meditation practices improve our physical, mental, and emotional health. He will also discuss how, by focusing one’s attention during meditation, we can gain happiness and harmony.”

Later in the month, on Monday, August 28th at 7 pm:

An Evening with Bestselling Authors Lisa Jackson & Nancy Bush, also from Tewksbury Library; click here for details and registration!

“Bestselling authors (and sisters!) Lisa Jackson and and Nancy Bush will discuss their latest books in this ZOOM webinar. Jackson will discuss The Last Sinner, a gripping novel of suspense featuring two veteran homicide detectives matching wits with a twisted serial killer lurking in the shadows of New Orleans. Bush will discuss The Camp, a chilling novel of suspense where a diabolical modern twist on Friday the 13th meets Yellowjackets at a summer sleepaway camp isolated in the woods of Oregon.”

We’ve Got You Covered: Rebooting American Health Care

Posted on by Phoebe Acheson

Please join author Dr. Amy Finkelstein and former Obama administration official Dr. Christina Romer in a conversation about Dr. Finkelstein’s new book, We’ve Got You Covered: Rebooting American Health Care. The conversation will take place on Thursday August 17, at 2pm, in the Speck Auditorium at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole. The Speck Auditorium is in the Rowe Building, at Water Street and MBL Street. Books will be available for purchase via Eight Cousins.

We’ve Got You Covered, by Finkelstein and Liran Einav of Stanford, presents a wholly original argument and comprehensive blueprint for an American universal health insurance system that will surprise and provoke.

Amy Finkelstein

“We’ve Got You Covered is the clearest diagnosis of the American health care system I have seen. Thought-provoking, readable, and realistic yet optimistic, this book should and will reset the debate about how to fix health care.”
— Siddhartha Mukherjee, physician, biologist, and author of The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer

“I never thought the day would come when I say this about an economics book, but this is unputdownable. Witty, erudite without being overbearing, opinionated, and convincing–this book is a jewel. If you open the first page, you will want to know how it ends!”
— Esther Duflo, Nobel Laureate in Economics and co-author of Good Economics for Hard Times

Christina Romer

Dr. Amy Finkelstein is an Professor of Economics at MIT, a MacArthur Genius Grant recipient, and a lifelong summer resident of Falmouth.

Dr. Christina Romer was the Chair of the Council of Economic Advisors under President Obama in 2009-2010, and now teaches at the University of California, Berkeley.

Please register as space is limited.

Entomologist Larry Dapsis: 2 Upcoming Talks!

Posted on by Sue

We are thrilled to have Larry back for not one, but TWO, informative talks on things many of us need to know!

On Thursday afternoon, July 20th at 1:30 PM, he will present “Ticks: Educate and Protect Yourself” (click here to register).

Lyme disease is the most prevalent tick-borne disease in Massachusetts, and is now considered a public health crisis. In addition to Lyme, deer ticks can carry the pathogens that cause other illnesses.

This program will review the basic life cycle and ecology of deer, dog and lone star ticks. He will present a three-point protection plan: Protect Yourself, Protect Your Yard and Protect your Pet. Tick-Borne diseases are preventable! An update on a new invasive species, Asian Longhorn Tick will be provided as well as information about a candidate Lyme vaccine.

On Wednesday morning, July 26th at 11 AM, the talk will be “The Good, the Bad and the Bugly” (click here to register).

Gardening can be quite a challenge. Not every insect in a garden is a potential pest. We will review the common pests of fruits and vegetables, in addition to the fascinating natural enemy complex that helps keep them in check!

Larry Dapsis has been an entomologist since age 5. He has a B.S. in Environmental Science & Biology from Fitchburg State University and an M.S. in entomology from the University of Massachusetts – Amherst. He has forty years of professional pest management experience, for vegetables, cranberries and households. He joined Cape Cod Cooperative Extension in 2011 as the Deer Tick Project Coordinator and Entomologist.

These events are free and appropriate for adults and teens. Please register by clicking the links above, or call the reference department at 508-457-2555 x 7.

Alzheimer’s Fantasy in the Key of G

Posted on by Phoebe Acheson

Join Kirsten Levy, an author with deep local roots (her great-grandparents were married in St. Joseph’s Church!) reading from her book. This author talk will take place on Monday, July 10 at 11am in the Hermann Room. Eight Cousins will have copies of the book for sale.

Alzheimer’s Fantasy in the Key of G is a tale in which unmoored thoughts become their own voyages into the past and future, revealing a story of family history and Irish immigration. Fran, the author’s mother, whose health is declining, is only one of the intertwined points of view telling the story.

A creative, narrative tale where fantasy and personal witness speak up for the patient.

Please register using the events calendar or contact the library.

Aging With Pride Screening and Discussion

Posted on by Phoebe Acheson

Decades of legal and structural discrimination have affected the well-being and economic status of many LGBTQIA+ older adults. The unique social, economic and health challenges they face are explored in the documentary Aging Matters: Aging with Pride, produced by Nashville Public Television. Join us for the viewing of this half-hour film that sheds light on what many in the Stonewall Generation have had to endure and fight for in hopes of enacting positive change for the community in the ongoing pursuit of equality.

This event will take place Friday June 2, 2023 at 3:30pm in the Hermann Room. All are welcome, and there will be light refreshments. We encourage you to Register.

Supported by Waquoit Church, Falmouth Jewish Congregation, Neighborhood Falmouth, Falmouth Senior Services, Falmouth Human Services, Falmouth Public Library and No Place for Hate.

Falls and Fractures in Older Adults: Causes, Prevention and Myths

Posted on by Phoebe Acheson

More than one in four people age 65 years or older fall each year. The risk of falling — and fall-related problems — rises with age. However, many falls can be prevented. Join the Library in partnership with Neighborhood Falmouth for a presentation on Falls and Fractures in Older Adults: Causes, Prevention, and Myths.

Dr. Michael Bihari, President of the Board of Directors of Neighborhood Falmouth, will lead a discussion about why older adults fall and what you can do to manage your risk, including a look at the pros and cons of medical alert systems. A list of resources will be provided including a home inspection checklist.

Join us Thursday May 25 at 1:30pm in the Hermann Room. This program is free and open to all. Please register.

Neighborhood Falmouth is a non-profit organization that provides support services to seniors in the Falmouth community. The organization aims to help seniors live independently and maintain their quality of life by providing services such as transportation, grocery shopping, yard work, minor home repairs, and friendly visits. Neighborhood Falmouth operates on a volunteer-based model, where volunteers from the community are matched with seniors who need assistance. This allows seniors to receive personalized support while also fostering a sense of community and connection among volunteers and seniors.

Wellness Classes with A Place to Breathe

Posted on by Phoebe Acheson

In January our wellness sampler classes are with instructors from A Place To Breathe. Each class operates independently: feel free to register for one or all of them.

Thursday January 5, 11am-12pm, in the Hermann Meeting Room: GraceYoga, with Betsy Hopkins West. Register.

GraceYoga is a practice that moves slowly and deliberately through yoga poses to enhance strength and flexibility. The class is capped at 20. Betsy has been practicing yoga for 12 years and teaching for one, and is a wonderful supporter of A Place to Breathe.

Monday January 9, 2-3pm, in the Hermann Meeting Room: Praying with the Body, with Saramaria Allenby. Register.

Praying with the Body combines optional movement with mindfulness and breathing. Class is capped at 20. Saramaria has been providing this practice in person and online for over four years and is a contributing board member of A Place to Breathe.

Monday January 23, 2-3pm, in the Hermann Meeting Room: Qigong, with Paula Reardon Webster. Register.

Qigong combines body-posture and movement, breathing, and meditation used for the purposes of health, spirituality, and general well-being. Class is capped at 20. Paula Reardon Webster teaches Qigong and is a contributing board member of A Place to Breathe.

Monday January 30, 2-3pm, in the Hermann Meeting Room: Break Thru Breathing with Deb Harrington. Register.

Break Thru Breathing incorporates karate and simple self defense moves with current breathing techniques. The goal is to bring a sense of calm while working the “issues out of your tissues” and develop muscle memory. Class is capped at 20. Deb is the founder and Executive Director of A Place to Breathe as well as a women’s self defense instructor.

A Place to Breathe is a registered nonprofit whose mission is to provide caregivers and professionals with a place for respite, tools for self-maintenance, and supportive programs to build resilience, maintain well-being, and continue on the path of helping those with life-challenging illness.

The wellness sampler program is sponsored by the Trustees of the Falmouth Public Library.

Therapeutic Qi Gong Class

Posted on by Phoebe Acheson

Join us in the Hermann Meeting Room from 11am-12pm on Tuesdays, November 1, 8, 15, and 22 for a short series of classes to sample Therapeutic Qi Gong with Alexandra Lancaster. Please register for these free classes, as space is limited. For this series, register once for all four classes, as the classes will build on each other. If you cannot attend all four classes, please leave the space for someone who can.

Therapeutic Qi Gong consists of 36 repeated movements that target the muscles and joints of the body from head to toe. The movements are done slowly and gently and incorporate deep breathing to help you focus on yourself during this time, making this routine a meditative one in addition to its stretching, coordination and balance challenges. This series of movements can be learned, allowing you to do it on your own in sections or in its entirety. It all takes place while standing, although the assistance of a chair or a wall is allowed :-).

Alexandra Lancaster learned Therapeutic Qi Gong ten years ago by taking an in-person course off-Cape, and she continues to be re-certified every few years. Although these movements are part of Traditional Chinese Medicine and channel the energy along the meridians, this course will concentrate only on the physical movements and the focusing of the mind. No mat is needed, but comfortable clothing is. Socks are encouraged; shoes that are flat and not too supportive are ok; athletic sneakers, of course, are fine if you need them.

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Chair Yoga with Janet in May!

Posted on by Jessica O'Connor

Join us for Chair Yoga with Janet on Thursdays, May 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th from 11am-12pm in the library’s Hermann meeting room! Chair Yoga with Janet is free and is sponsored by the Trustees of the Falmouth Public Library. Registration is required for each class and each class is limited to 25 participants. Use the links below to register for the classes that you would like to attend.

May 5th: Register.

May 12th: Register.

May 19th: Register.

May 26th: Register.

Chair-supported yoga is a complete practice of seated and standing poses, stretches, and a final relaxation. It is appropriate for everyone, regardless of age, experience, or level of fitness. We’ll focus on improving flexibility, strength, breathing, and balance in a calm, supportive atmosphere–all with no need to get on and off the floor. All poses and breath exercises will be done either seated in a chair or standing, with the option of using the chair for just a bit of extra support.

Janet Gardner is a 500-hour graduate of the Kind Yoga School in Centerville and is a registered Yoga Alliance teacher. Janet has a passion for sharing the benefits of yoga with everyone. She has been practicing yoga for four decades and teaching yoga and meditation in Falmouth since 2016.

April is Autism Awareness Month

Posted on by Sue

Autism is a developmental learning disability that affects how a person thinks, learns, senses, moves their body, communicates, and relates to people and the world. Autistic people have different abilities, needs, interests, and personalities.

I have had the gift of working with, and caring for people with Autism for the last 12 years. First working in a private school for 2 years, and then starting and running for a non-profit residential home for young adults with Autism for the last 10. I can say that it has been rewarding, challenging, and life-changing.

If you are a parent, sister, brother, or caretaker of someone with Autism my heart goes out to you for all your hard work, patience, and love. If you are someone with Autism my heart goes out to you, I know first-hand how special you are and how you fill the hearts of others with joy. There are a lot of parents and caretakers home right now (myself being one), taking care of someone with Autism comes with many unique challenges and being home-bound makes it even more difficult. Right now more than ever, the library is an excellent resource for you with books, movies, classes & activities.

(We have many eBooks and audiobooks on Overdrive, on your computer, or on most devices with the Libby app. You just need a CLAMS card! We also have some movies available on our Hoopla platform, with any Falmouth-issued library card. Go here to access our online resources. Give us a call, or email us, if you need help getting started!)

Here are some great titles about Autism (eBook links when possible, but also are also available from us as print books!):

The Autism Playbook for Teens by Carol Moog (CLAMS eBook link)

Be Different by John Elder Robison: Adventures of a free-range Aspergian with practical advice for Aspergians, misfits, families & teachers (CLAMS print book link)

A Friend for Henry by Jenn Bailey (eBook link)

The Reason I Jump : the inner voice of a thirteen-year-old boy with Autism by Naoki Higashida, translated by KA Yoshida and David Mitchell (eBook link)

In a Different Key: the story of Autism by John Donvan (eBook link)

A Mile in His Shoes (film), produced by Jack Nasser ; written by Jason Koornick ; directed by William Dear (CLAMS DVD link)

By Tracy, from the North Falmouth Library.

Category: Health