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Off the Shelf: The value of book choice

By LeRoy Nosker Tanner Programming & Technology Services Librarian In the Star Wars Film, “The Phantom Menace,” the Jedi Qui-Gon Jinn utters the words: “The ability to speak does not make you intelligent.” That’s a harsh insult coming from someone supposed to be a diplomat. There are numerous ways that one could argue against this statement, but it got me thinking of the power of words. There are roughly 7,000 languages on planet Earth. Over 340 are spoken in the United States. However, out of all of the languages in the world, only 34 have a writing system used for ...

Antiques & Collecting: Enamel on metal has inspired artists for ages

Enamel has been used to decorate metal since medieval times, creating elaborate designs on copper, silver and other metals. Early pieces made in Europe, especially pieces used in religious services, were created in ever-changing styles. Enameled pieces for home use were rare before the 1800s. Around 1880, a few artists on the East Coast made plaques picturing nature to decorate a metal box or lid for a bowl. These pieces by artists like Gertrude Twitchel sell for thousands of dollars today. Some art schools taught enamel craft, although by the 1930s, interest lagged. But in the 1940s ...

Park & Rec Report

Civic Center is open for fitness and walking through noon on Monday July 19 Hours are Monday through Thursday 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday 5 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m. to noon, Sunday 12 to 6 p.m. Everyone entering must do a self-screening at the door prior to entering and leave if answering yes to any of the questions. Check in at the Welcome desk. Bring your own water bottle; water fountains remain turned off. Check the website for open skate/ hockey dates/times. Fitness equipment will not be available after noon on Monday July 19. New equipment in the Rec Center’s new fitness ...

Family Living Focus: Travel Tips for Reducing Chances of Identity

Instead of moving, perhaps modifications to your home would make it more furnishings. Replace old equipment t With the summer season now in full swing, many senior citizens, like other Americans, are planning to spend some of their free time traveling. If you are one of the millions of Americans planning to travel this summer, it is important to take steps to ensure financial privacy and minimize your chances of becoming a victim of identity theft. The Federal Trade Commission reported that millions of Americans have been victims of identity theft during the summer travel season. Here ...

Public Health Corner: Back to school is approaching – Don’t forget the well child or teen check-up

Back to School season is approaching quickly and many students are overdue for checkups since the impact of the pandemic delaying appointments last year. Your local clinic is a safe place to obtain necessary preventative care for your family. Preventative, well-child exams or Child and Teen Checkups keep our youth healthy and in class! Their care provider will do a thorough exam of your child’s overall health and provide some education and tips for good health. Past age 3 years, children and teenagers are recommended to visit their primary care provider annually. A component to a ...

Antiques & Collecting: Footstools have served function for centuries

Footstools were used to elevate the feet of a person sitting in a chair as long ago as ancient Egypt. The stool was usually rectangular with four small feet. In the following centuries, footstools were made as long rectangles with four or more feet. They were used by all those sitting on a bench in front of the fireplace. Small stools were kept for use by small, seated children whose feet could not reach the floor. Footstools were often made to match the upholstered furniture in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Ambitious housewives covered footstools with their needlepoint work. In ...