Do-It-Yourself Programs

Expertise is born in a library space!

In honor of the excellent programs developed and presented by the library professionals in our area, we will begin highlighting some of these programs in a "Do It Yourself" section on this blog.

Have you done something in your library that you would like to share? Contact Heather at dickersonh[at]einetwork.net!

Opportunity for Local Author Visit

Dennis Marsili, author of Excessive Forces: A Pittsburgh Police Thriller, is available for a visit to your library!A visit from the author will be a treat for readers who love police procedural novels, and who would like to know more about how fiction is inspired by the events of real life. Excessive Forces examines the real world of cops: brotherhood, crime, and intrigue, all set against a Pittsburgh backdrop.

Marsili, who has lived in Western Pennsylvania his whole life, spent 23 years - 11 of those as a Detective Sergeant - with the New Kensington Police Department before recently retiring. Currently, he writes the Pittsburgh Law Enforcement Examiner column, and teaches at the Indiana University of PA Criminal Justice Training Center. 

Contact Dennis at 724-212-5110 for more information and to schedule a visit!

CLP Main: Event Series

Next time you're in Oakland, head over to the Main location of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. Take a break while you are there and check out one of their free programs!

• Are Graphic Novels your passion? Attend the graphic novel discussion group on the 3rd Monday of the month at 6:30 pm. The next meeting is November 21. 

• Looking for something to do on a Sunday afternoon? CLP Main offers a variety of programs through their Celebrate the Arts Sunday Series! Each Sunday between 2 pm and 3 pm, the Quiet Reading Room is transformed by music, world cultures, and poetry and reading performances. Upcoming Sunday Series events:

• November 13: Peter King performs his unique blend of acoustic folk-pop.
• November 20: Poetry and Spoken Word with Anne Rashid.
• November 27: The Easter Watershed Klezmer Quartet performs dance music of Eastern Europe.

•  The People's University of Pittsburgh is CLP's lecture series to inform and inspire patrons! Stop by the Quiet Reading Room on Saturdays at 3 pm. Upcoming lectures: 
• November 5: Forgotten History of Pittsburgh Jazz - The Jazz Age in Pittsburgh
• November 19: Urban Chicken Farming
• December 3: Author Reading and Signing: Meredith Mileti

• HOW: Hands-On Workshop Series is a part of the People's University, and provides hands on workshops taught by skilled local crafters! Get creative and try new things! Upcoming workshop:
• November 1: Cardmaking with Julie! Get ready for the holidays and make greeting cards with paper, stamps, ink, glitter, and other fun items! (Pre-registration required: visit www.carnegielibrary.org)

Visit www.carnegielibrary.org for more information about the other great things happening in the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh!

Diabetes Expo on November 5, 2011

On Saturday, November 5, the American Diabetes Association will present a Diabetes Expo in Pittsburgh. This event is free to the public and offers health screenings, cooking demonstrations, and experts to offer prevention and management tips.

Visitors to the Expo can choose to follow a "Pathway For Better Health" at the event. Choose what pertains to you: prevention/pre-diabetes, type I, or type II diabetes. Each Pathway has specific workshops and topics related to healthy eating, active living, and motivation, among other things!


This event is located at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center on November 5, 2011. Contact Terri Seidman at 412.824.1181 ext. 406 or tseidman(at)diabetes.org for more information.

Alan Irvine is a Pittsburgher with a story to tell. A storyteller by trade, Irvine offers a host of storytelling programs to fit your library's current theme and interests. Want a spooky story for Halloween time? Check. Interested in Pittsburgh or Pennsylvania history? He's got that covered, too. Want to do something different at your Summer Reading Club? He can help!

Irvine specializes in bringing 1/2 and full hour programs into the library at an affordable price. Visit his website, check out his Facebook page, or give him a call to learn more!

email: alanirvine[at]aol.com
phone: 412-508-2077

Aging Institute Offers Programs For the Community

Established to improve the quality of care and overall health and well-being of older adults in southwestern Pennsylvania, the Aging Institute of UPMC Senior Services and the University of Pittsburgh offers educational programming for adults, older adults, and caregivers. Topics include: 

• Elder Abuse

• Advance Directives/Five Wishes

• Nutrition As We Age

• Urinary Incontinence

• How to Take Medication Safely

• How to Talk to Your Doctor

• Fall Prevention

• Late Life Depression

• Care Giving

• Ageless Wisdom

• Life Transitions

Additionally, the Aging Institute will create trainings and programming by specific request. Most programs are free of charge. (Currently, the Ageless Wisdom Training does carry a fee; however, opportunities exist to provide it at no cost).

Interested in hosting a program? Contact: the Aging Institute of UPMC Senior Services and the University of Pittsburgh at 1-866-430-8742 or email  aging [at] upmc.edu.

Consumer Health Coalition Helpline

The Consumer Health Coalition will provide an overview of public health options and navigating the public health systems including medical assistance, CHIP and other free and low cost services.  Leslie Bachurski, CHC’s Director of Consumer Navigation & Organizational Development, helps individuals and families navigate our complex health and human services system. If you know someone who is uninsured and needs assistance in applying for public health programs (such as Medical Assistance or the Children’s Health Insurance Program – CHIP), please have them call the CHC Helpline. The phone number is 412-456-1877 and our services are free.

Contact: Leslie Bachurski at the Consumer Health Coalition to schedule this program.
lbachurski[at]consumerhealthcoalition.org, (412) 456-1877

Closure Speakers' Bureau

The Jewish Healthcare Foundation has been focused on raising awareness about end-of-life issues for several years.  We have learned many valuable lessons from healthcare professionals and consumers alike and we are prepared to share them with your library patrons at no cost through our Speakers’ Bureau…in November or any time of the year.

Please open the attachment for a brief overview of this initiative. Then go to www.closure.org to learn more about the twelve modules on end-of-life issues called Closure 101. These are the topics that our speakers are prepared to share with the public.  You may choose a single overview module for a one-time presentation or schedule a series that includes the lessons that you select. Our speakers are available for day or evening engagements. [Download the flyer]

The Bureau speakers are seasoned professionals with a passion for this work: physicians, social workers, attorneys, nurses, community outreach specialists and experienced consumers with hundreds of hours of experience among them. They have all been trained to present the interactive lessons to adults through lectures or PowerPoint presentations with accompanying handouts, like advance planning documents.

You may plan and schedule an engagement through an online request at www.closure.org or by calling Pam Vingle at 412-594-2583. We suggest a 6-8 week advance notice in order to schedule the right speaker for your audience.

November is the month for an important national observance. It’s National Hospice/Palliative Care Month –the perfect time to raise awareness among your patrons about end-of-life issues and advance planning. Thank you for all of the good work that you do in your communities. We look forward to hearing from you.

Contact: Pam Vingle, Project Manager, Jewish Healthcare Foundation
Centre City Tower 650 Smithfield Street, Suite 2400 Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-594-2583, vingle [at] jhf.org

More about Closure:

Closure is an education, planning and outreach initiative, developed by the Jewish Healthcare Foundation, focused improving the end-of-life experience. Its goal is to redefine quality care for people with serious illness by raising expectations and empowering them to seek a different healthcare experience at end of life— one that aligns with their values, beliefs and wishes, as well as their health status. Closure has two key components: Closure Community Conversations, which are designed to launch community dialogues about end-of-life issues and Closure 101, a curriculum of lessons developed to educate consumers and healthcare professionals about end-of-life issues and options.

The facilitated conversations include an initial overview of issues at the end of life, a clergy-led discussion of the influence of religion on end-of-life decisions, a two-part exploration of local tools and resources for advance planning, a candid conversation about individuals’ good and bad experiences at end- of- life, and a final session wherein participants develop a strategy/action plan for their community. 

The Closure 101 modules cover twelve topics about serious illness and advance planning from the moment of diagnosis to grief and bereavement. The lessons were written by experts in easy to understand language for consumers.  The lessons are available on www.closure.org   in audio or readable formats.  Site visitors complete an online assessment that directs them to the modules that will be most helpful to them.  Organizations may schedule a lesson or a series of lessons through the Closure Speakers’ Bureau. How-To Guides will soon be available to implement Closure Community Conversations or Closure 101 in communities across the country.

Poetry Together: An Intergenerational Writing Experience

As part of the ACLA Intergenerational Academy we are pleased to announce the following opportunity:

Poetry Together: An Intergenerational Writing Experience

Poetry Together is a four week writing series for students in grades 3 through 6 and older adults to collaborate through the creative process led by poets Judith Robinson and Jay Carson.  Poetry is, first of all, fun. It's fun to hear, and just as much fun to create. To create a poem takes imagination. Experience in the world also adds much to good poetry. This combination parallels what can happen when children and older adults work on poems together---a connection that can open doors of infinite poetic possibilities. What a great idea!

The four week program series will be held on Saturdays September 10, 17, 24 and October 1.  Workshops will be 90 minutes including writing time.  The fifth week will feature a community poetry reading from participants and teaching poets on Sunday, October 9 or Thursday evening, October 6.

Workshop size can range from 8 to 12 people with a 5-6 children and 5-6 adults. Participants will be asked to commit to all weeks of the series.

Each hosting library will be responsible for sharing and collecting brief pre- and post-surveys and photo release forms to participants; providing total attendance; and completing a concluding library survey. Hosting libraries will also be responsible for creating a local follow up intergenerational program that will engage program participants as well as new participants.

Library nominations will be accepted through Tuesday, August 16. Selected libraries will be notified before August 19. To nominate your library email leonettec [at] einetwork.net with answers to the questions below.

In partnership with Judith Robinson and Jay Carson
(Fall; Weekly; Approximately $50 for supplies)

Nomination Questions
To nominate your library email leonettec [at] einetwork.net with answers to the following questions. For more information call Charity Leonette.

• Library & requesting staff member names
• What audiences, organizations or individuals are you currently working with who could participate in or support an intergenerational program? (for example a teen advisory board, school, senior center, assisted living facility, other library staff members)
• Where to you see programs and services to youth and older adults in the next 5-10 years?
• What vision do you have for intergenerational programming at your library? (includes intentional and purposeful collaborations between children or teens and older adults on series or ongoing basis)
• If you could create any intergenerational program or services (with no staffing or budgetary restrictions), what would it be?

Voices Together: An Intergenerational Singing Experience

As part of theACLA Intergenerational Academy, we are pleased to announce the following opportunity:

Voices Together:  An Intergenerational Singing Experience

Voices Together is a four week musical series for students in grades 5 through 8 and older adults to collaborate through the musical process. Ellen Gozion, local old songs and ballad singer, will demonstrate and lead traditional American folks songs, including story songs, love songs and party songs.

These will be fun singing circles, not voice lessons. Participants should enjoy singing, even if bashful about it. Being able to carry a tune is useful, and really nice voices are always enjoyed, but anyone with an interest in exploring singing traditional folk songs is welcome. We will begin singing as a group, and will break into very small groups each week to learn songs. Words to songs will be provided, but since we will practice learning songs from each other by ear, knowing how to read music will not be necessary.

The four week program series can begin on any Thursday between September 15 and October 6, ending date being between October 6 and 27 at an after school time. Workshops will be 90 minutes ending with an informal performance or "singing" for families/friends  of the participants during the last portion of week four.

Workshop size can range from 8 to 12 people with a 5-6 children and 5-6 adults. Participants will be asked to commit to all weeks of the series.

Each hosting library will be responsible for sharing and collecting brief pre- and post-surveys and photo release forms to participants; providing total attendance; and completing a concluding library survey. Hosting libraries will also be responsible for creating a local follow up intergenerational program that will engage music program participants as well as new participants.

Library nominations will be accepted through Tuesday, August 16. Selected libraries will be notified before August 19. To nominate your library email leonettec [at] einetwork.net with answers to the questions below.

In partnership with Ellen Gozion
(Fall; Weekly; Approximately $50 for supplies )


Nomination Questions
To nominate your library email leonettec [at] einetwork.net with answers to the following questions. For more information call Charity Leonette.

• Library & requesting staff member names
• Preferred start date and time
• What audiences, organizations or individuals are you currently working with who could participate in or support an intergenerational program? (for example a teen advisory board, school, senior center, assisted living facility, other library staff members)
• Where to you see programs and services to youth and older adults in the next 5-10 years?
• What vision do you have for intergenerational programming at your library? (includes intentional and purposeful collaborations between children or teens and older adults on series or ongoing basis)
• If you could create any intergenerational program or services (with no staffing or budgetary restrictions), what would it be?

Yoga Together: An Intergenerational Wellness Experience

As part of the ACLA Intergenerational Academy, we are pleased to announce the following opportunity:

Yoga Together:  An Intergenerational Wellness Experience

Yoga Together is a six week wellness series for students in grades 3 through 6 and older adults to explore yoga with certified yoga instructor from Yoga in the Schools and Yoga on the Square.  Yoga in Schools' vision is to make yoga available in all schools so that students and teachers develop mind-body awareness and the ability to nurture their own well-being. This series will feature yoga-inspired exercises to promote wellness for both younger and older participants.  Workshops will include:

• Breathing Exercises—to calm or to energize, to nourish and integrate the central nervous system
• Games/Activities—creative, systems-thinking based play to activate brain cells, improve mood and support non-competitive action
• Yoga Poses/Movements—grounding and invigorating the body and mind to dissipate tension, reduce stress and rebalance all systems of the body
• Time-in & Affirmations—time for self-reflection and whole brain processing to restore, recharge, and enhance learning more responsible ways of empowering the mind and body

The six week program series can begin in mid- to late-September at an after school time or on a weekend. Workshops will be 60 minutes with 45 - 50 minutes of instruction followed by journaling time.  The last workshop will be extended for a show and tell for students to share with family and friends what they have learned. 

Workshop size can range from 8 to 15 people with a combination of children and adults.  Participants will be asked to commit to 5 of the 6 weeks.

                                    

Each hosting library will be responsible for sharing and collecting brief pre- and post-surveys and photo release forms to participants; providing total attendance; and completing a concluding library survey. Hosting libraries will also be responsible for creating a local follow up intergenerational program that will engage program participants as well as new participants.

Library nominations will be accepted through Tuesday, August 16. Selected libraries will be notified before August 19. To nominate your library email leonettec [at] einetwork.net with answers to the questions below.

In partnership with Yoga in Schools and Yoga on the Square
(Fall; Weekly; Up to $50 of supplies costs)

Nomination Questions

To nominate your library email leonettec [at] einetwork.net with answers to the following questions. For more information call Charity Leonette.

• Library & requesting staff member names
• Preferred start date and time
• What audiences, organizations or individuals are you currently working with who could participate in or support an intergenerational program? (for example a teen advisory board, school, senior center, assisted living facility, other library staff members)
• Where to you see programs and services to youth and older adults in the next 5-10 years?
• What vision do you have for intergenerational programming at your library? (includes intentional and purposeful collaborations between children or teens and older adults on series or ongoing basis)
• If you could create any intergenerational program or services (with no staffing or budgetary restrictions), what would it be?

The Pittsburgh Six

A conversation with six Pittsburgh mystery writers who represent all dimensions of the genre, from literary who-done-its and police procedurals, to comic capers and historical writers, and even writing for young adults. Nancy Martin, Lila Shaara, Kathryn Miller Haines, Kathleen George, Heather Terrell, and Rebecca Drake lead a lively discussion of current and classic mysteries and thrillers and what it takes to take a writing project from conception to completion.

Time: 1.5 to 2 hours

Fee: $200, or sell books on your site and promise an audience of at least 25 patrons and we'll come for free

Contact:
Kathyn Miller Haines, kathrynmillerhaines [at] mac.com

Todd DePastino

Local author Todd DePastino offers several history programs based on his award-winning books, Bill Mauldin: A Life Up Front (W.W. Norton) and Citizen Hobo: How a Century of Homelessness Shaped America (University of Chiago Press).

WWII Cartoonist Bill Mauldin
This popular program is an illustrated talk on the great World War II cartoonist Bill Mauldin, an army infantry sergeant who rocketed to fame at age twenty-two with his wildly popular feature "Up Front." Week after week, Mauldin defied army censors, german artillery, and General George Patton's pledge to throw him in jail for insubordination to deliver his grim depictions of war to "Stars and Stripes" and hundreds of homefront newspapers. There, readers followed the stories of Willie and Joe, two wise-cracking "dogfaces" whose mud-caked uniforms and pidgin of army slang and slum dialect bore eloquent witness to the world of combat and the men who lived- and died - in it. We have never viewed war in the same way since.

The Great American Hobo
This multimedia program presents the history of the American hobo. Almost every child of the Great Depression can remember hoboes, who were once common sights on America's streets, roads, and rails. Few, however, know the hobo's colorful history which stretches back to the Civil War. Hobo subculture- what Todd calls "Hobohemia"- wwas a world apart with its own jargon, style, and ethical code. World War II brought hobohemia to an end and set hte stage for a new phenomenon we call "homelessness." Come learn the hsitory of these railriding wayfarers and hear Todd sing a verse or two of the hobo anthem, "Hallelujah, I'm a Bum!"

The March of the Bonus Army, 1932
This multimedia program presents the most dramatic episode of the Great Depression when 45,000 veterans and their families converged on Washington, DC to demand the "bonus" due to them for service in World War I. The crisis that flared ruined one president (Herbert Hoover) and paved the way for anotehr (Franklin Roosevelt). The saga of the Bonus Army stars some famous Americans (Douglas MacArthur) and soon-t0-be famous (Majors Dwight Eisenhower and George Patton). Come hear the story of this remarkable movement and watch original newsreel of the conflict that riveted teh country in the summer of 1932 and changed forever how our nation treats its veterans.

Details:
45 minutes to 1 hour
All ages, but of particular interest to older adults
$100 fee (negotiable)

Contact:
Todd DePastino, tdepastino[at]comcast.net

Michael Ayoob

Local author Michael Ayoob is available to speak at libraries about his novel In Search of Mercy and the experience of writing a book set in Pittsburgh. In Search of Mercy is a noir story about a failed hockey player trying to locate a long-vanished movie star.

Details:
45 minutes to 1 hour
Age 18 and up
Free

Contact:
Michael Ayoob, 412-606-2904
Visit the Michael's website to learn more about the book!

Gary Link

Local author Gary Link is available for speaking at libraries. To date, he has written three novels set in Pittsburgh in the mid-1800s. His newest novel, The Throughway, discusses the Underground Railroad and leaders of the black community in antebellum Pittsburgh. His first novel, The Burnt District focuses on three major historical events in Pittsburgh: the Great Fire of April 10, 1845, the Pennsylvania Main Line Canal, and the diary and life of Jacob Shoop. His second book The Spectrum, a Novel is a sequel to The Burnt District, and focuses on Pittsburgh's role in the Mexican American War. Gary is available to speak on any of his novels and the related historical events:

• Pittsburgh's Great Fire of 1845/Pennsylvania Canal


• Pittsburgh in the US-Mexican War


• The Underground Railroad in Pittsburgh and Southwestern PA

Details:
Gary accepts the standard honorarium given to speakers.


Contact:
Gary Link, thethroughway[at]live.com
www.publishedauthors.net/garylink

Chronic Disease Prevention Program

The Allegheny County Health Department offers free presentations on the importance of cancer prevention, risk factors, early detection, and screenings for colorectal, prostate, and ovarian cancer. These presentations can range from a brief 20 minute talk as part of a health topics panel to a longer lecture focused solely on one of the above cancers.

Details:
Free
Audiences of 18+ years

Contact:
Lorraine Starsky RN, BSN
Public Health Nurse
Chronic Disease Prevention Program
Allegheny County Health Department
412-247-7816
lstarsky[at]achd.net

Community LIFE: Five Wishes

Join Community LIFE in a discussion about Five Wishes- the first living will that talks about your personal, emotional, and spiritual needs as well as your medical wishes. Five Wishes has become America's most popular living will ebcause it is written in eeryday language and helps start and structure important conversations about care in times of serious illness.

Five Wishes is changing the way America talks about and plans for care at the end of life. You won't want to miss this overview of an essential resource for people of all ages.

This program brought to you by Community LIFE in partnership with the Allegheny County Library Association. Community LIFE is committed to enabling older adults to remain at home while preserving their dignity, independence and quality of life. We provide older adults with worry-free, fully integrated and coordinated health and social services.

Details:
1 hour including Q and A
Each person attending will receive a complimentary copy of Five Wishes
Each hosting library must have a minimum of 10 people registered in advance
Free

Contact:
Charity Leonette, leonettec[at]einetwork.net

Silver Scholars

Memory Maintenance for All Ages

This two hour, interactive class explains what the brain stores, how it stores information and how to increase opportunities to store more often. The class explores games and lifestyle changes that will shake up your routine and increase your "cognitive reserve."

Details:

1.5 to 2 hours

Adults of any ages

Reduced price for libraries- $100 plus the cost of the class participation booklet (negotiable)

Silver Scholar Computer Classes for Boomers and Beyond

Silver Scholars teacher computer classes specifically designed for individuals over age 50, but all are invited. The classes are fun, interactive, begin with the basics, and will help you become a computer wiz! To enhance learning, all classes are limited to 10 students.

Details:

There are 9 classes to choose from of increasing skill level. Each class consists of 2 meetings, each 2 hours long.

Adults age 50+

$40 per student- includes 4 hours of instruction and a large print book

Contact for both programs:

Silver Scholars at 412-283-0105

http://www.silverscholars.com/

American Liver Foundation Programs

The American Liver Foundation offers five free health education sessions and activities:

Liver Wellness

This program increases understanding of the liver and its role in maintaining health, liver illnesses, and liver transplant. The Liver Wellness program seeks to make liver wellness part of everyone's concern, whether or not they have liver disease.

Hepatitis C Treatment Choice Initiative (TCI) Program

The program is designed to address the needs of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) positive individuals, caregivers, and providers by providing them with the information they need to make informed choices. We will educated on nutrition, liver viruses, liver cancer, and liver transplantation.

THINK B

The American Liver Foundation's THINK B national campaign is designed to increase hepatitis B awareness, screening and treatment among at-risk populations, especially Asian Americans. It provides outreach and education to health care providers and patients.

Love Your Liver Youth Program

This program is an interactive education session geared towards elementary and high school aged youth to provide health education and support regarding important liver-related topics, including liver viruses, transplantation, as well as, family physical activity and nutrition.

Fatty Liver Information Program (FLIP)

This program is targeted to the general public, as well as people with liver disease. The program facilitates a greater understanding of the liver and its functions, discusses the development and progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and offers a multi-discinplinary approach for maximizing liver health.

Details:

Each program is 30-45 minutes

Various target audiences-see descriptions above

Free

Contact:

Suzanna Masartis, smasartis[at]liverfoundation.org

412.434.7044

www.liverfoundation.org

Alex Jones, Quintet and Trio

Alex Jones, principal clarinet of the Pittsburgh Philharmonic works with two musical groups that offer programming for libraries:

The Clarinet Quintet: A Musical Tour

Alex Jones has teamed up with the Washington Symphony String Quartet to bring you this program that begins and ends in Vienna, Austria. It starts with a recently discovered work fragment by Mozart for clarinet quintet in B flat. Then the tour moves to the opera house of Italy with Rossini's "Introduction, Theme and Variations" for clarinet and string quartet, based on two of Rossini's unfinished opera works. Then travel to Russia via the Orient Express with Glazunov's "Oriental Reverie." Head back to Vienna via the Black and Mediterranean Seas and stop off at Jerusalem to explore the three Hebrew Sketches of Russian composer Alexander Krein. Upon a brief respite, the program concludes with a Viennese daytrip to Budapest with Johannes Brahms's arguably best chamber work, the clarinet quintet in B minor, an expansive opus that couples Brahms late-romantic German compositional style with Hungarian folk melodies still heard today by street musicians playing the clarinet.

The Morningside Trio presents, It's Beethoven! Or is it?

Ludwig van Beethoven is a household name amongst classical music novices and experts alike due to his amazing command of the musical language and his innovation in pushing the envelope of musical expression. While arguably most famous for his symphonic works, he was a master craftsman of chamber music. His late piano sonatas contained notes that were not available in pianos of his time and his string quartets foreshadow the construction of pieces by much later composers. As part of his vast collection of chamber compositions, Beethoven wrote two trios for clarinet, cello, and piano. Beethoven's influence reaches composers even today, so it is not surprising that many composers have also embraced the trio of clarinet, cello, and piano. This program explores works written in the style of Beethoven. During each performance the audience is exposed to a work and asked to guess whether the piece was composed by Beethoven or another composer. Programs may include multiple works by Beethoven, ore even none, but what's for sure is you'll love the music. The Morningside Trio is a trio of clarinet, cello, and piano. Venues that have a functional piano are preferred.

Details:

1- 1.5 hours

Fee is negotiable

Contact:

Alex Jones, akj850[at]gmail.com

Morningside Trio website

Washington Symphony String Quartet Facebook page

Checks for Vets

Award winning author and veteran advocate Joseph Scott McCarthy will present his program Checks for Vets, a guidebook to help wartime service veterans and surviving spouses receive VA pensions to pay for long-term care (assisted living and home care).

Billions of dollars in VA pension benefits are available, but many disabled wartime service veterans and surviving spouses may not know how to take advantage of them. Joseph Scott McCarthy reveals the secrets that money is set aside for long-term care for those who served our country. The pension can pay up to $23,000 tax free for assisted living, nursing home, and non-medical home care, which can be the difference between living a safe, dignified life or struggling at home.

The guidebook, Checks for Vets, contains samples of all the forms needed, step-by-step directions, and tips for successfully filing a pension claim.

Details:
1 hour including questions
Free
Signed copies of the book available presentation

Contact:
Joe McCarthy
info[at]checksforvets.com or 412-715-8741
www.checksforvets.com

John Craig

Photographer and artist with 20 years of experience, John Craig, has two programs to offer libraries:

Taking Great Photographs
A two-part workshop geared towards learning professional photography. Topics include understanding exposure, ISO, F/stops, and shutter speed; how to use manual mode; natural light techniques; understanding your lens; and understanding white balance. While not mandatory for the program, participants are asked to bring a DSLR camera, if they have one.

CLAV hosted the workshop and had 40 participants with a waiting list of 25! Many other Allegheny County libraries have also hosted this workshop.

Details:
2 two hour workshops
library is asked to provide a projector and white board
$100 fee for photographer
Teens and adults

Unleashing Your Creativity
This discussion class is intended to inspire participants to pursue creative efforts. John will share his "10 Commandments for Creativity."

Details:
1 hour
$55 fee

Contact for both programs:
John Craig
craigphotograph[at]mac.com
724.355.9079
Art Blog

Building New Hope

Building New Hope is a non-profit organization that partners with coffee farmers and their families in Nicaragua. The goal of Building New Hope is to create sustainable development for the Central American communities with which they partner. In addition to their fair trade coffee project, Building New Hope operates a number of innovative, educational programs in Granada, Nicaragua. These include schools, scholarships, a veterinary clinic, and Granada's first lending library!

CLAV has had Matt Yough, Building New Hope volunteer, as a speaker and has been selling coffee as a fundraiser since November 2010. The program at CLAV was titled "How Fair is Your Coffee" with a coffee tasting and a discussion of Building New Hope. Building New Hope is open to other partnership ideas as well.

Details:
1.5 hour

Contact:
Matt Yough, matt[at]buildingnewhope.org
www.buildingnewhope.org

Gaming Trunks

ACLA has a variety of Gaming Trunks to lend out to any interested libraries. The trunks are free to use and can be borrowed for several days at a time. We have a variety of trunks available:

• 2 Wii trunks, each with 4 remotes and 8 games (we recently added Just Dance II!)
• 2 Guitar Hero trunks, each with 2 guitars
• 2 Board game trunks, each with a variety of board games

For more information about the trunks and to reserve one for your library, head over to ACLA’s Gaming Wiki. Also on that wiki are resources for planning gaming programs at your library; making the case for gaming (to your director or board) and game suggestions for building a gaming collection at your library.

Contact:

Charity Leonette, leonettec[at]einetwork.net
Kelley Beeson, beesonk[at]einetwork.net

PALS Book Clubs

PALS Book Clubs bring older adults together monthly for a stimulating conversation about a bestselling title and social interaction with their peers. Clubs meet late in the third week or early in the fourth week of each month. Book club kits arrive by the first of each month and include 10 trade paperbacks, 2 large print (when available), and one audio book. Books selection is done once a year and is based on recommendations by members.

In partnership with Highmark PALS (People Able to Lend Support) Program

Details:
1 hour, monthly
free

Contact:
Charity Leonette, leonettec[at]einetwork.net

LifeLinks for Family Caregivers

LifeLinks for Family Caregivers is a six part educational outreach program planned to assist family caregivers by providing information on aging, caregiver issues and available resources within Allegheny County. Information is also available for long distance caregivers. This program is targeted to those currently caring for a loved one, those anticipating that responsibility in the future, and older adults themselves. Presentations occur on a monthly or weekly basis depending on the preference of the host library or corporation.

Each presentation has been designed to address a major area of concern:
• Caring for another and yourself,
• Keeping your loved one safe at home,
• Healthy aging,
• Living options,
• Legal issues,
• Community and medical resources.

This program series is brought to you by the Allegheny County Library Association
in partnership with LifeSpan.

Contact:
Charity Leonette, leonettec[at]einetwork.net

Conversation Salons

The purpose of ACLA’s Conversation Salons is to provide a forum for active participation in the discussion of the meaningful and interesting events of our time. Salons meet once a month in hosting libraries to discuss the topics of their choice. Subjects are usually general in nature and are drawn from such diverse sources as current events, the arts social and cultural issues, political, ethics, entertainment, science and technology. ACLA provides training to volunteers who serve as group discussion facilitators.

Conversation Salons are not book or journal clubs. No advanced reading is required. Conversation Salons are not political action groups. Conversation Salons do not lobby for causes or organized actions. They do not take stands on issues or beliefs. They are not affiliated with any political or religious group. Conversation Salons are not classes, self help or therapy groups or gossip circles. Conversation Salons are not debating societies with winners and losers. The sole purpose is good conversation and the exchange of ideas and opinions.

Conversation Salons began as a program geared towards older adults, but are expanding with meeting times that are accessible to adults of all ages. ACLA is hoping to pilot a Conversation Salon for Teens or an Intergenerational Conversation Salon.

Details:
2 hours once a month
free and open to adults of all ages

Contact:
Charity Leonette, leonettec[at]einetwork.net

Wise Walk

The Wise Walk is a ten-week community-connecting walking program for adults age 50 plus.  Interested adults of all ages are also welcome to participate.  Some libraries even make the program intergenerational.

Hosting libraries:

• Lead an organized walk on a regular day and time each week.
• Collect walkers’ weekly steps and provide program feedback.
• Receive pedometers, walking guides, t-shirts and healthy snacks.
• Use countywide promotional materials, tracking resources and DIY activities toolkit.  
• Often plan related programming using local resources and partners.

The spring Wise Walks will run during April, May, June and early July.  Fall Wise Walks run during September, October, and November. Some libraries host ongoing programs that continue year-round.

In 2012 thirty-eight libraries participated in the Wise Walk!

This program brought to you by the Allegheny County Library Association in collaboration with AARP and UPMC for Life.  Winner of an AARP 2009 Pennsylvania Library Services to Older Adults Award and an APPLS (Association of Pennsylvania Public Library Systems) Best Practice Award.  More program information can be found at wisewalk.pbworks.com. 

Details:
1-2 hours each week
Free

Contact:
Charity Leonette, leonettec[at]einetwork.net

Unlocking the Classics

Unlocking the Classics (UTC) is an Education and Community Engagement program of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra that gives individuals an insider’s view on the PSO and its upcoming concerts. Host Jim Cunningham, WQED’s Senior Executive Producer, explores the background and musical structure of masterpieces performed by the PSO. A Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra musician or staff member joins Jim at most sessions, presenting informally to the group by answering questions and offering personal insight. Sessions may address topics such as the history of the PSO, the history behind a particular piece of music, items of interest surrounding a particular orchestral instrument or orchestral section, and other information.

Unlocking the Classics serves to break down barriers between the public and the PSO by offering insight into the “human” aspect of the orchestra and allowing for direct, personal interaction between participants and PSO musicians/representatives. UTC sessions are usually one hour in length and are geared toward adult audiences of all ages.

Each hosting location must have a minimum of 20 people registered in advance of the scheduled program. You may like to collaborate regionally with another library or libraries to host and promote Unlocking the Classics. This is a great program for senior centers and highrises, high school music classes and other community partners to bring a group to. This program could also coincide with another "happening" at your library.

Evening sessions begin at 7:00 PM. Other times may be available upon request. Please note that this is an interactive educational program not a performance program. The PSO provides a flyer for promotion as well as posts upcoming UTC programs on their website.

Contact:
Charity Leonette, leonettec[at]einetwork.net

ACLA Intergenerational Academy Programs

As part of the ACLA Intergenerational Academy, we are pleased to announce the following opportunities:

Create Together: An Intergenerational Art Program
Create Together is a six-week art series for children entering grades 3 through 6 and older adults to collaborate through the artistic process. Each 2 hour workshop is taught by a local artist introducing participants to various media. The workshops will take place from 10 am to 12 pm on weekdays. All workshops start in mid-June (the week of June 13 or 20) and will run for six consecutive weeks. Workshop size should be 10-12 participants (5-6 children; 5-6 older adults returning each week). Participants are asked to commit to at least 5 or the 6 weeks. Most past participants have not known each other in advance; grandparents and grandchildren are also welcome.

On Sunday, August 7 a collaborative art exhibit will be hosted at the Brew House Association, Studio 101. Hosting libraries are asked to commit to 2-3 hours on Saturday, August 6 to help prepare the gallery for the final show and attend the exhibit for participant recognition.

Each hosting library will be responsible for sharing and collecting brief pre- and post-surveys and photo release forms to participants; providing a list of participant names and total attendance; collecting weekly artwork with participant names until the exhibit; and completing a concluding library survey. Hosting libraries will also be responsible for creating a local follow up intergenerational program that will engage art program participants as well as new participants.

Library nominations will be accepted through Tuesday, May 10. Selected libraries will be notified before May 15. To nominate your library email leonettec [at] einetwork.net with answers to the questions below.

In partnership with the Brew House Association
(Summer; Weekly; Up to $300 in supplies purchased by library)

Intergenerational PALS Book Clubs
The Intergenerational PALS Book Clubs are open to high school students in grades 9-12 and older adults to foster intergenerational discussion and connections within each hosting community. Clubs meet monthly late in the third week or early in the fourth week. Books arrive on the 1st of each month including 10 trade paperbacks, 2 large print (when available) and 1 audio book with discussion resources.

Hosting libraries are asked to connect with their local high schools as well as provide feedback including monthly attendance and book title suggestions from readers. Library nominations are taken on an ongoing basis.

In partnership with the Highmark PALS (People Able to Lend Support) Program
(Ongoing; Monthly; No Cost)

Nomination Questions
To nominate your library email leonettec [at] einetwork.net with answers to the following questions. For more information call Charity Leonette.

• Library & requesting staff member names


• Preferred start date


• What audiences, organizations or individuals are you currently working with who could participate in or support an intergenerational program? (for example a teen advisory board, school, senior center, assisted living facility, other library staff members)


• Where to you see programs and services to youth and older adults in the next 5-10 years?


• What vision do you have for intergenerational programming at your library? (includes intentional and purposeful collaborations between children or teens and older adults on series or ongoing basis)


• If you could create any intergenerational program or services (with no staffing or budgetary restrictions), what would it be?

LifeSpan Senior Medicare Patrol

Our partners at LifeSpan would like to offer Senior Medicare Patrol presentations to interested area libraries. More information about the program is below. Through this program retired Medicare beneficiaries teach other Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries about health care fraud and what they can do about it.

In response to the billions of dollars lost each year to health care fraud, the US Administration on Aging (AoA) developed the SMP program to help consumers understand more about health care fraud. Retired Medicare beneficiaries teach other Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries about health care fraud and what they can do about it.

The SMP program empowers seniors through increased awareness and understanding of healthcare programs. This knowledge helps seniors to protect themselves from the economic and health-related consequences of Medicare and Medicaid fraud, error and abuse. SMP projects also work to resolve beneficiary complaints of potential fraud in partnership with state and national fraud control/consumer protection entities, including Medicare contractors, state Medicaid fraud control units, state attorneys general, the OIG and CMS.
The PA-SMP has contracted with LifeSpan to be one of the three Regional Volunteer Coordinators to enhance the presence of the PA-SMP in various regions throughout Pennsylvania.

Details:
30-45 minutes plus Q&A

Contact Information:
LifeSpan Volunteer/Coordinator, Susan Anthony
santhony(at)lifespanpa(dot)org

Laughter Yoga

It's a Laughter Yoga Club - and we're not joking - we're just laughing! Laughter Yoga Club is a place where folks get together to do relaxation exercises based on laughter. No jokes, clowning, puns or put-downs are used in the commission of this type of laughter – you don't need any joke telling ability or a great sense of humor - just the willingness to laugh, have fun and relax. We use some gentle breathing and stretching exercises combined with everyday activities to simulate laughter in order to stimulate joyful, wholesome laughter.

We laugh with you, never at you, for laughter's sweet sake. This form of "laughing-at-the-sound-of-laughter" is based on Hasya (laughter) yoga and current research. Our fearless leader will be Dave Russell, CLYL (Certified Laughter Yoga Leader). Dave has been certified by the American School of Laughter Yoga. Visit http://www.laughteryoga.us/ where you will find links to articles on the benefits of laughter.

Details:
$95 Library rate

In advance of the program Dave will discuss publicity and confirm registration of 10 or more people.

Contact Information:
Dave Russell
(412) 271-7660
dmdixierussell(at)aol(dot)com

Welcome!

This is the new ACLA Directory of Programs for Adults. Although we share ideas in meetings, this is a permanent source with all the necessary information to implement a program in your library. It serves as a resource for sharing programming ideas so that we can build upon each other’s successes! We are modeling this blog off the ACLA Programs and Performers blog that features children and family programs.

Featured programs will both those done by outside presenters and those created by library staff.