Library: Plenty to do in September

Every month the Sachem Public Library hosts a plethora of events for the community. Sachem Patch covers many of them on a weekly basis, and at the end of each month you can see this list of events for the following few weeks. Get ready for an interesting month of September, as the library heads back into the school year.

Here's what's going on in September …

September 2010 Gallery Exhibit: Marie Catropa, Landscapes and Flowers

Marie Catropa will exhibit a collection of her original oil paintings of landscapes and flowers at Sachem Public Library during the month of September in the Gallery located in the Lower Lobby. Ms. Catropa's love of painting began with the gift of a set of oil paints from her big brother and led to her tutelage under Honey Kurlander, a well-known Long Island artist. Ms. Catropa's photography inspires her paintings. In addition to the main gallery, the display case will exhibit a Jules Tamar Amulet collection owned by Julie Ferguson.

The Art Encounter: Wednesdays, 11:00 a.m.

Strengthen your creative skills in The Art Encounter at Sachem Public Library weekly on Wednesdays from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Do you have a desire to fulfill your passion for art? Artist Jack Dean leads this weekly gathering of art enthusiasts. Work in your favorite media, share ideas and learn new techniques in a relaxed atmosphere. Bring your supplies and a work-in-progress, or start something new and have fun as you allow your creative energy to flow!

Cheese, Chutney and "Champagne": Easy Autumn Entertaining, Wednesday, September 1, 6:00 p.m.

Irish cookbook author, Margaret M. Johnson will demonstrate recipes from her many cookbooks with ideas for pairing cheese, seasonal chutneys and sparkling beverages at Sachem Public Library on September 1 at 6:00 p.m. Discover the flavors of Ireland with sample pairings such as Kerrygold cheeses with tomato chutney, apple-pear compote, walnut-raisin spread and Dubliner palmiers. Sip champagne-like sparklers, Goldenstar white jasmine tea and Kristian Regále apple, pear and pomegranate beverages. Books will be available for purchase and signing. Adult Sachem Library cardholders only.

Coins and Coin Collecting: Saturday, September 4 , Noon

Lou Cialdella shows you why some money is better for saving than others at Sachem Public Library on September 4 at noon. Do you have a bit of history jingling in your pocket? In this fun and informative presentation, Louis Cialdella reveals the characteristics that will help you decide which coins or paper money you may enjoy collecting.

Reel Rebels: A Single Man: Tuesday, September 7, 6:00 p.m.

Intriguing, informative, sometimes controversial but always thought provoking, Reel Rebels is a monthly series held at Sachem Public Library which combines the best in film and discussion. This month's presentation will take place on September 7 at 6:00 p. m. A Single Man is Tom Ford's directorial debut. This deeply moving portrait of love and death presents impeccable art direction that compliments an Oscar nominated performance by Colin Firth. (2009, R-1:39, program duration 3 hours)

Accepting Life's Changes: Continuing the Journey: Moving from Loss to Self, Tuesday, September 7, 7:00 p.m.

Richard Murdocco, PhD, Stony Brook University Medical Center, will help you explore your feelings and develop closure and healing at Sachem Public Library on September 7 at 7:00 p.m. Loss redefines us, often making us into people we do not want to be. This month learn to take the first step on the journey to redefining yourself. Share your experiences with others and learn to put on the NEW you.

Eyes on the Universe: How to Build Your Own Telescope: Tuesday, September 7, 7:00 p.m.

Astrophysicist Kevin Manning will explain how to choose a telescope wisely at Sachem Public Library from on September 7 at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Manning will introduce telescope types, function, performance and accessories. He will also provide instructions for building your own telescope, using illustrations and photographs to guide you through the process. Following the presentation, weather permitting, a powerful telescope will be set up outdoors for viewing the Moon, the rings of Saturn and other beautiful objects in the night sky.

Sol y Sombra: Sunday, September 12, 2:00 p.m.

Sol y Sombra presents traditional gypsy Flamenco dance at Sachem Public Library on September 12 at 2:00 p.m. From the gaiety of the Alegrias, to the poignant sorrow of the Solea, from the strength and defiance of the Farrucca, to the subtle sensuality of the Tangos, Sol y Sombra's performances capture the full range and powerful emotions of this unique art form.

To Prune or Not to Prune: Monday, September 13, 6:30 p.m.

Discover the art of beautiful landscaping with John Miller, certified Garden Specialist, at Sachem Public Library on September 13 at 6:30 p.m. It's not so much what you have…it's what you do with it! Determine when to prune, what tools are needed for the job and how to achieve the landscape of your dreams. Get the most out of your landscape investment by keeping foliage healthy and groomed, while adding years of life to your plants.

Indian Cooking: Monday, September 13, 7:00 p.m.

Experience the diversity of Indian cooking as Penn Hongthong presents a variety of dishes and cooking techniques at Sachem Public Library on September 13 at 7:00 p.m. Both subtle and flavorful, Indian cuisine is rich in the use of vegetables and spices grown across the Indian subcontinent. In this presentation you will learn easy and delicious recipes that make the most of these ingredients. Books will be available for purchase and signing. Adult Sachem Library cardholders only.

Music through the Ages: Baroque Music: Monday, September 13, 7:00 p.m.

Sally Shorrock shares insights into the music of the Baroque Period at Sachem Public Library on September 13 at 7:00 p.m. From earthy to regal to reverent, the Baroque era features exciting music with complicated, quickly moving bass lines and heartfelt arias. Sally Shorrock will examine the compelling life stories of composers such as Bach, Handel and Vivaldi.

Gourmet Getaways II: Tuesday, September 14, 6:30 p.m.

Get ready for more delicious destinations as Pat Sommerstad continues the quest for local gourmet getaways at Sachem Public Library on September 14 at 6:30 p.m. Learn about two weekend trips designed especially for viewing fall foliage and four local day trips. Enjoy a slide show of the featured destinations and go home with ready-made plans for all six trips complete with a listing of restaurants, menus, accommodations, activities, excursions and contact information.

Opera & Art Film Series: Thais, The Metropolitan Opera HD Live Series: Wednesday, September 15, 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Enjoy the best of opera and art in this monthly series at Sachem Public Library. This month's film, Thais, will be shown on September 15 at 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Renee Fleming triumphs as the glamorous courtesan, Thais, in Massenet's romantic tragedy set in fourth-century Alexandria. The timeless struggle between earthly desire and spiritual redemption finally destroys the resolve of the monk Athanael (Thomas Hampson), just as the newly penitent Thais ascends heavenward. Based on the novel by Anatole France. (2008, NR-2:18)

Canta Libre: Sunday, September 19, 2:00 p.m.

The delicate sounds of flute, harp and strings will fill the air of Inside/Out, Sachem Library's new garden extension, when Cante Libre performs on September 19 at 2:00 p.m.  Cante Libre was founded in 2002 by flutist Sally Shorrock to foster the performance and enjoyment of musical literature specifically written for flute, harp and strings. Cante Libre has been acclaimed by audiences throughout the Northeast, with regular performances in Connecticut, Westchester and Long Island. Trained at the finest conservatories both here and abroad, the musicians have performed and toured internationally with appearances at major festivals, including Aspen, Spoleto, and Tanglewood. This performance will be held outdoors, indoors in the event of rain. Bring your lawn chairs.

Garden Thyme: Compost: Monday, September 20, 7:00 p.m.

Carolyn Zambraski will share composting techniques that can help turn your garden leftovers into garden gold at Sachem Public Library on September 20 at 7:00 p.m. Autumn clean-up provides a wonderful opportunity to prepare for your spring planting. Learn how to turn garden leavings and leaves into rich compost to help feed next year's flowers.

Great Decisions Discussion Series: The Persian Gulf, Monday, September 20, 7:00 p.m.

Sachem resident and long-time Great Decisions participant Peter Hanson, will lead this monthly discussion series of current global hot topics at Sachem Public Library on September 20 at 7:00 p.m. Now more than ever, the Persian Gulf region offers many difficult challenges to U.S. policymakers. What will be the fallout of withdrawing U.S. forces from Iraq? Can the U.S. and its allies prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons? Pick up the discussion copy at the Welcome Desk. Great Decisions, a national, civic-education program on U.S. foreign policy and international issues, is sponsored by the Foreign Policy Association. Copies of an essay based on this month's discussion topic are available at the Circulation Desk.

The Magic of Main Street Movies: Memories through Art: Wednesday, September 22, 2:00 p.m.

Artist Joan Lengyel, who has painted many of Long Island's classic movie houses, will share the history of these theatres at Sachem Public Library on September 22 at 2:00 p.m. The main street theater is an icon of any town and has been integral part in local historic culture. Ms. Lengyel's discussion will be accompanied by a slideshow presentation of her theater paintings. During the presentation you will be welcome to share your movie-going memories.

New Book Discussion Series: Reading Between The Lines: Women Who Dared: Begins Wednesday, September 22, 7:00pm

Explore the lives of women who broke from convention and challenged American society to live up to its ideals of democracy and equality in this new reading and discussion series at Sachem Public Library. This series will run from September through December, 2010 and will be moderated by noted scholar Helen Harris. The first book in this series will be The Grimke' Sisters from South Carolina: Pioneers for Women's Rights and Abolition by Gerda Lerner. The discussion will take place on Wednesday, September 22 at 7:00 p.m. This fascinating dual biography of two oft-forgotten sisters who rejected southern plantation life for the women's rights movement and abolition has enjoyed consistent critical acclaim for nearly thirty years. Copies of this book are available at the Circulation Desk. Everyone is welcome to join in on the conversation. This group can be attended every month or individually as a particular title appeals to you. This 4-part series is generously supported by a grant from the We The People initiative of the National Endowment for the Humanities and the New York Council for the Humanities. Pick up a complete program brochure at the Welcome Desk.

Book Discussion: We Need to Talk About Kevin: Thursday, September 23, Noon

The Sachem Library Book Discussion Group led by Ursula Bennet will discuss, We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver on September 23 at noon.  This novel is a fictional portrayal of a mother's attempt to understand what drove her teenage son to become a Columbine-like killer. Copies of this book are available at the Circulation Desk. Everyone is welcome to join in on the conversation. This group can be attended every month or individually as a particular title appeals to you.

The Sachem Library Fall Festival: Saturday, September 25, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Welcome the autumn season with a harvest-time celebration at Sachem Public Library on September 25 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Activities, crafts, contests, and entertainment abound with a guaranteed good time for everyone. You will enjoy a live DJ, pumpkin decorating contest, craft show and sale, and home-made pie baking contest. There will also be story-telling, face painting, tattoos, pony rides (11:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.), a bounce house, petting zoo and relay races for the kids. With a food drive, book sale and hot dogs, beverages and snacks available, the Library is truly a center for family fun! Don't let your enjoyment end with the fair. Visit the Library Card Sign-Up tent and find out how you can have access to the best books, movies, music, and top quality programs all year long.

Bret Williams Classical Guitar: Sunday, September 26, 2:00 p.m.

Classical/Latin guitarist Bret Williams will perform works from his newly released album, Solo Guitar at Sachem Public Library on September 26 at 2:00 p.m.  Considered a rising star of classical guitar, audiences praise Bret Williams' spectacular energy and alluring sound. Mr. Williams has performed alongside Metropolitan Opera tenor Ronald Naldi at the Summer Stars Chamber Music Festival and has put in appearances at the Kimmel Center for Performing arts in Philadelphia and St. Peter's Church, among others.

New Book Discussion Series: AMERICA'S MAVERICKS: Monday, September 27, 3:00 p.m.

Discuss the lives of ten men and women who profoundly impacted America in a book discussion series to be held at the Sachem Public Library from September, 2010 through June, 2011. The first book in the series, Henry David Thoreau: A Life of the Mind by Robert D. Richardson, will be discussed on September 27 at 3:00 p.m. This absorbing biography examines and relates the private and public contexts of Thoreau's life from 1837 to his death in 1862. Copies of this book are available at the Circulation Desk. Everyone is welcome to join in on the conversation. This group can be attended every month or individually as a particular title appeals to you.

The Dead Relatives Club: Genealogy Group: You Are What Your Ancestors Ate: Monday, September 27, 7:00 p.m.

Dig up your past with the Dead Relatives Club Genealogy Group at Sachem Public Library on the last Monday of each month. This month's discussion will be held on September 27 at 7:00 p.m. Discover your history! Research your family tree and you may uncover personal connections to explorers, inventors, pirates and princes. In this informal monthly gathering, amateur genealogists and hobbyists meet to discuss different aspects of genealogy and help one another unveil the past. This month discover how military records can be an invaluable source of information and how they can help you in your research.

Verse in Person: Tuesday, September 28, 7:00 p.m.

Celebrate poetry at Sachem Public Library on the last Tuesday of each month. This month's reading will be held on September 28 at 7:00 p.m. Each month a guest poet presents a reading, after which the audience is encouraged to share original works at an open mic. This month's featured reader will be Claire Nicolas White. Ms. White was born in 1925 in the Netherlands and is a poet, translator and art critic. She has lived in St. James since 1947. The author of a novel, a biography, a memoir and a family history, Ms. White's most recent chapbook of poetry is entitled Illusive Harbors.  Special thanks to Jeanette Klimszewski and Mankh, members of the Performance Poets Association, for co-hosting this series.

Simply Seafood: Wednesday, September 29, 6:00 p.m.

Chef Craig Geraghty of Block Island Seafood Co. shares succulent seafood recipes at Sachem Public Library on September 29 at 6:00 p.m. The ocean provides an abundance of delicious and healthy ingredients sure to tantalize your taste buds. Take a trip to Block Island without leaving Long Island when Chef Geraghty demonstrates guacamole topped crab cakes over field greens and shrimp scampi over orzo pasta. Adult Sachem Library cardholders only. 

Sachem Public Library is located at 150 Holbrook Road in Holbrook. For more information regarding this and other available programming you may go online to www.sachemlibrary.org or call 631.588.5024 and ask for the Welcome Desk.