Adult Programs

October 20 from 7-9 PM at Ancram Town Hall

Basics of Astronomy

Lecturer David Kiefer MS in Astronomy, will discuss the basics of astronomy and the objects in the sky followed by outdoor viewing (weather permitting) of the constellations and stars. There will be a few telescopes on hand. Folding chairs are welcome if viewer wish to sit. The program will be given at Ancram Town Hall.

David Kiefer holds various Masters degrees, including a M.S. in astronomy from the Center for Astrophysics and Supercomputing in Melbourne, Australia. He has taught physics and astronomy at colleges in New York and New Jersey, and is presently a lecturer at City College and at the Borough of Manhattan Community College in New York.

Saturday, October 27, 4pm.

More Copake History with Howard Blue

Author and historian, Howard Blue returns to the library with a presentation on two nearly forgotten aspects of Copake’s history: ice harvesting and semi-pro baseball.

See recently discovered, rare home movie footage of these two topics, plus more images from Blue’s collection of over 3000 digitized photos of Copake. Ice harvesting was once an annual endeavor on the Hudson River, small local ponds, Copake Lake, Robinson Pond & Rhoda Pond. Hear about 90-year-old Joe Michaluk’s, recollections of harvesting ice & storing it in his family farm’s icehouse.

Semipro baseball was played on Copake Falls Holsappel Field.  See photos of the Copake All Star team of 1940.  All of this recalls a time gone by.

Sunday October 28, 4 pm

Simon Winchester

Bestselling journalist and historian, Simon Winchester will speak about his latest book The Perfectionists: How Precision Engineers Created the Modern World. The Perfectionists—titled Exactly, in the UK—has been short-listed for the Royal Society Science Book Prize (the most prestigious prize in the field.)

“An ingenious argument that the dazzling advances that produced the scientific revolution, the industrial revolution, and the revolutions that followed owe their success to a single engineering element: precision…. Less a work of scholarship than an enthusiastic popular-science tour of technological marvels, and readers will love the ride.” —Kirkus starred

This is a return visit by Mr. Winchester, also a great raconteur, who several years ago spoke to a fascinated Library audience about his previous book Atlantic. Simon Winchester is the New York Times best-selling author of The Professor and the Madman. Recent titles include Atlantic and The Men Who United the States. Winchester was awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to journalism and literature. He lives in Massachusetts and New York City.

Thursdays, October 11 through December 20 (except Thanksgiving), 9 – 10 am

Senior Balance and Stretch Class

Balance is an essential part of all movement: dance, athletics, biking, boating, hiking, and plain old walking. Like all other capacities, the “use it or lose it” maxim holds true for balance. There are many reasons why balance deteriorates with age. But the principal cause is lifestyle. Most adults don’t do much to challenge their balance skills. So those skills atrophy.

The free classes will introduce exercises that improve postural stability, core strength, agility and coordination. After completing the weekly sessions, participants will have mastered a balance routine that can be continued independently at home.

All ages welcome. Attend as many or as few classes as you wish. Wear clothes that are comfortable to move in.

This class will be taught by Paul Spector, who earned his medical degree at Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons. After years of clinical experience Dr. Spector formed Pantheon and Meaningful Fitness. Over the past 15 years, his focus has been on preventive health, behavioral change, motivation, and aging. He draws on his clinical medical experience and his American Academy of Sports Medicine certified training. Dr. Spector works with private clients and corporations in New York City and Hudson, NY and has written extensively.