STAFFORD — Tuesday the 26th was a busy day at the library! We had almost 20 people attend Jennifer Gleason’s workshop on how to prevent falls. We have some of the information she shared with us available at the library.
Takeaways from “Don’t Fall for It!”:
• Work at increasing your activity level
• Improve your range of motion
• Regain your sense of balance
These three things can be accomplished with an easy low stress exercise class offered by Jennifer at the Recreation Center on Monday and Thursday mornings. If this class fills up there is a waiting list and a chance to set up more classes. Contact us at the library.
Things to improve safety at home:
• Remove clutter
• Stabilize or get rid of area rugs
• Install night lights
• Eliminate or carefully place extension cords
• Reconsider your footwear - would orthotics improve your walk or a different shoe style?
• Do you need to install grab bars and hand rails?
Many helpful ideas were shared by those in attendance. One thing I forgot to mention is to just slow down. Allow plenty of time to do what you need to do or go where you need to go. Don’t let yourself end up in so much of a rush you forget to watch your step. Regain your confidence in walking. A sedentary lifestyle weakens your body and leads to more falls. Get out and enjoy life!
Recently Read book conversation was also at the library Tuesday at 5:30. Many books were shared and authors discussed:
• “Where the Blue Sky Begins” by Katie Powner - Katie is a Christy Award-winning author. This is described as small-town contemporary Christian fiction about what matters most, and forgiveness.
• “The Crash” by Freida McFadden -The nightmare she’s running from is nothing compared to where she is headed.
• “Heart of the West” by Penelope Williamson - Yearning to escape her stifling, authoritarian upbringing, ladylike New Englander Clementine Kennicutt elopes with cowboy Gus McQueen to Montana, where she comes face to face with the harsh realities of frontier life.
• “James” by Percival Everett (Pulitzer Prize Winner): A reimagining of Huckleberry Finn
• “Daughter of a Daughter of a Queen” by Sarah Bird - The compelling, hidden story of Cathy Williams, a former slave and the only woman to ever serve with the legendary Buffalo Soldiers.
• “Mobituaries: Great Lives Worth Reliving” by Mo Rocca - Did you notice the wide variety in topics? It really makes for an interesting and fun evening.
Come join us at Nora’s Place!
Coming up
• Monday Mornings 10-11 a.m. - Preschool Story Hour
• Every Wednesday except 2nd Wednesday - ESOL with Rachel Sandoval - 6 p.m.
• September 8-11 a.m. - Library Land Sale at Senior Center - Carr Auction
• August 1- November 1 “Awesome Library Reads” Book Challenge
• September 23 - 5:30 p.m. - Recently Read Book Conversation - Come enjoy books and Laugh out Loud!
• Working on setting up Open Enrollment for Medicare Part D
•Next Board Meeting: September 10, 2025
By Gerry Hildebrand & Sandy Gere
Gerry Hildebrand is the head librarian for the Nora Larabee Memorial Library, 108 N. Union St. in Stafford. Phone 620-234-5762, email larabeelibrary@gmail.com or visit Facebook at Nora Larabee Memorial Library.
