November 2024 Newsletter
Jarrell Community Library and Resource Center
A Message from Library Director, Susan Gregurek
Happy Halloween!
We hope everyone is enjoying our Fall weather. This month has been very busy! Bob Diederich has continued his Medicare 101 information sessions, Sylvia White shared her knowledge on Education in Caregiving to the community. Her greatest message was that caregivers must care for themselves first to be able to lovingly care for their loved one. Ailina and Anna have continued their "Wellness Through Music" group on the 2nd Friday of the Month at 5:00 pm. This growing group for adults and children offers participants the opportunity to take a moment to relax enjoy playing and listening to music.
The highlight of the month was "F is for Fire Fighter Day!" We had such a GREAT time with our Wil Co ESD 5 Firefighters. The Pre-K group enjoyed two stories from firefighters, a demonstration of their gear and opportunities to touch the firetruck and other vehicles. It was a very memorable event!
The library staff are busy preparing for our Harvest Street Festival, Business Fair and Street Dance on November 16th from 11:00 am -9:00 pm. We hope you will mark your calendars to join us! The Harvest Festival will take place outside of the library. The plan is to close off the street for the Jarrell Chamber of Commerce's Business Expo and Street Dance. There will be food, drinks, games, bounce houses, arts and craft booths, business booths, raffles, a silent auction, the Money Machine, photo booth, pumpkin smashing and a street dance from 6:00-9:00 pm. Many other exciting events will be taking place including the "Great Bake Off Contest," Pie Eating Contests, and other pop up activities. If you would like to become a sponsor of an activity, a vendor or to sign up for the Great Bake Off Contest, please click on the links below. If you would like to support the library by volunteering to help plan the event or on the day of the event for a couple of hours we could use all of the help we can get. There are many activities that will utilize teen and adult volunteers. Please sign up to help if you can.
We hope to see you at the ESD 5 Trunk or Treat on Oct. 26th from 4-7 pm. Look for Pete the Cat and you'll find the library staff. Come enjoy a hot dog with us!
We'd like to wish the veterans in our community a Happy Veteran's Day! Thank you for your service. All veteran's are invited to the American Legion Post 317 on November 9th from 4:00 pm through the evening for a celebration and live music.
Have a wonderful end to October!
Susan Gregurek
The State Free Ebook services have migrated to Boundless by Baker Taylor. You can get the app through Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Look for the Boundless App. Ebooks are FREE to check out online. To sign in use your library card number as your login and your phone number as the password. It's easy! For more information: https://www.boundless-app.com/
THANK YOU!
This month we would like to give a huge Shoutout and Thank You to Gwen Blakeslee as she steps away from the Treasurer position on the Library Board of Directors. She has been our faithful Treasurer of the Board for three years. We are happy she will continue to be a volunteer for the library. Great Job Gwen! We appreciate all of the hours you have donated to the library over the past three years!
Thank you HEB and TLA for the gift of $1,000 for Bilingual and Spanish books! The books are on order and will be on our shelves soon.
Thank you Ladd and Katherine Hancher Foundation for the $12,000 grant for Early Literacy, Adult Literacy, Homeschool, and Senior Programs for 2025!
Thank you ALA for the $10,000 grant for providing Wellness Through Music, Art, and Play Programs for 2025!
Thank You to American Legion Post 317 for a Memorable Circus Experience
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the American Legion Post 317 for their generous support, which allowed a few of our patrons to experience the joy and wonder of the circus. Your commitment to community service and support for local initiatives is truly inspiring.
The circus is a magical world filled with laughter, excitement, and unforgettable performances. For a few of our patrons, this experience was a cherished moment, providing them with joy and a chance to escape the everyday routine. It’s moments like these that remind us of the importance of community and the joy that shared experiences can bring.
The efforts of American Legion Post 317 to foster camaraderie and support do not go unnoticed. Your generosity not only enriches the lives of individuals but also strengthens our community as a whole.
Thank you once again for making this wonderful opportunity possible. We look forward to continuing our partnership and creating more joyful moments together in the future!
Take What You Need and Share What You Have Food Bank
If you have food to share, our food cabinet is been in need. We have had many people utilizing our food bank over the past month. You generosity is appreciated.
Texas Star Program- Health Program Medicaid for senior citizens and children. https://shorturl.at/w7ZvR
Oct. 26: 4:00-7:00 WilCo ESD 5 Trunk or Treat
Nov. 4: Mexicano Monday! Support the Library
Nov. 9: Library is CLOSED for staff to attend a training
Nov. 9: 4:00 pm Veteran's Day Event at the American Legion Post 317
Nov. 16: 11:00-9:00 pm Harvest Street Festival, Business Expo and Street Dance at the Library
Nov. 23: 10:30 The STAR Program: If you are disabled or need help this program provides info on Medicaid.
Nov. 27-Dec.2: Library Closed for Thanksgiving
De. 14: 10:30 Texas Star Program Presentation: Medicaid for senior citizens and children
Taking Care of Your Mental Health During Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving can be a joyful time, but it can also bring stress. Here are some tips to help you prioritize your mental health this holiday:
1. Set Realistic Expectations
Embrace imperfections. Focus on what you can control and let go of the need for a perfect holiday.
2. Practice Gratitude
Take a moment to reflect on what you’re thankful for. This shift in focus can improve your mood.
3. Communicate Your Needs
If you're feeling overwhelmed, express your feelings to loved ones. Honest communication can foster support.
4. Create Boundaries
Establish boundaries around sensitive topics to make interactions more comfortable.
5. Prioritize Self-Care
Find time for activities that nurture you, like a short walk or quiet moments.
6. Limit Alcohol Consumption
Be mindful of your drinking, as excessive alcohol can heighten anxiety.
7. Stay Active
Incorporate physical activity into your day, like family walks or games, to boost your mood.
8. Focus on Connection
Engage in meaningful conversations and celebrate each other’s experiences without comparison.
9. Seek Support if Needed
If you’re struggling, reach out to a friend or mental health professional.
10. Reflect on Your Feelings
Acknowledge your emotions throughout the day. Journaling or talking it out can be helpful.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving is about gratitude and connection. By prioritizing your mental health, you can create a more enjoyable and fulfilling holiday experience.
Peer Support Specialist: Ailina Aponte
Hours: Tu/Th: 10:00-3:00 pm, Weds 1:00-6:00 pm, Fri. 10:00 am-2:00pm
Wellness Through Music
In this moment of connection and creativity, Wellness Through Music offers a powerful avenue for healing and expression. Through the universal language of music, individuals are encouraged to explore their emotions, enhance their well-being, and foster meaningful connections.
Wellness Through Play
JCLRC is seeking a volunteer to lead our Wellness Through Play Program. There is an ALA grant which will pay for training and provide tools needed for all ages to interact through play. Contact the library if you are interested.
The magic of storytime in the library is truly special! Libraries create a cozy, welcoming atmosphere that enhances the experience. When children gather for storytime, they’re not just listening to tales; they’re diving into a world of imagination surrounded by shelves filled with countless adventures waiting to be discovered.
By using expressive storytelling techniques, complete with voices, gestures, and even props, our storytellers bring stories to life. This interactive element keeps young listeners engaged and encourages them to participate, whether through singing, clapping, or answering questions.
Additionally, storytime fosters a sense of community, bringing together families and caregivers. It promotes literacy and a love for reading from a young age, showing kids that stories can be fun and enriching. After storytime, children often feel inspired to explore the library’s collection, picking out their own books to take home, extending the magic beyond the session itself.
A Fiery Success: Storytime with Special Firefighter Guests
This month, the Jarrell Community Library and Resource Center buzzed with excitement as families gathered for a special storytime featuring local firefighters. The event aimed to foster a love for reading while educating children about fire safety.
The storytelling began with two captivating picture books about brave firefighters, and the children actively engaged, asking questions and sharing thoughts on safety.
The firefighters showcased their equipment, explaining that even in a scary situation, they are friendly and want everyone to be safe.
The highlight of the day came when the children went outside to see the fire trucks up close. They were thrilled to explore the vehicles and learn about the equipment inside.
The success of this event was evident in the smiles of the children and the valuable lessons learned. The Jarrell Community Library and Resource Center is hoping to partner with more local heroes for special storytimes to celebrate courage, community and the joy of learning.
Homeschool Meetup: Exploring STEM Through Paper Airplanes
This month's homeschool meetup at the Jarrell Community Library and Resource Center brought together families for a fun STEM event centered on paper airplanes. Children learned about aerodynamics, including lift, drag, thrust, and gravity, through engaging demonstrations.
After a brief introduction, participants designed and built their own airplanes, experimenting with different shapes and sizes. Parents joined in, creating a lively atmosphere filled with collaboration.
Afterwards, kids tested their planes, discovering how small design changes affected flight. They shared insights and discussed improvements, fostering critical thinking.
Overall, the meetup successfully blended education and fun, inspiring families to continue exploring STEM topics at home. With more activities planned, this homeschool community looks forward to more exciting discoveries.
Our next Homeschool Group Meetup will be on November 13 from 3-4pm
When Will the Heaven Begin?: This Is Ben Breedlove's Story by Ally Breedlove
When Will the Heaven Begin?: This Is Ben Breedlove's Story by Ally Breedlove is a deeply moving memoir that explores the life of her brother, Ben Breedlove, who faced a severe heart condition with extraordinary bravery and hope. Ally provides a personal and intimate look into Ben’s struggles with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and his reflections on life and the afterlife.
The memoir delves into Ben's near-death experiences and his philosophical insights, offering a profound exploration of his spiritual beliefs. Ally’s compassionate and insightful narrative highlights Ben's optimism and the impact of his journey on those around him.
Though the focus is on Ben’s specific experiences, the themes of courage and hope are universally resonant. This poignant memoir is a testament to Ben’s enduring spirit and provides readers with a powerful message of resilience and the search for meaning.
In summary, When Will the Heaven Begin? is an inspiring and emotional account that celebrates Ben Breedlove’s life and legacy, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in personal triumph and spiritual exploration.
Aillina Aponte
