Submitted by Joanie Goforth
Here is a sampling of recaps from system-wide programming that took place from September 22–September 27:
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| A patron poses with her dragon friend during the Wings of Fire Celebration at Sharon Forks Library. |
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| Patrons and residents craft together during Folks at the Oaks which took place at the Oaks at Hampton. |
Your Fantastic Brain: A STEAM Program at Cumming Library
“There was a great turnout to learn about the brain. After listening to the book Your Fantastic, Elastic Brain, Stretch It, Shape It!, and watching an informative video about the functions each portion of the brain is responsible for, the kids were eager to answer questions to show their knowledge. We learned what a neurologist does, saw pictures of a CT scanner, and learned how it receives information and formats digitized images. We viewed CT, MRI and PET scan images of the brain, learned about electroencephalograms and saw images of brainwave patterns. We tested our balance with eyes open, then closed, as part of the Romberg Test. Our VolunTEENS demonstrated how to measure reaction times by catching a ruler with both hands dropped by their partner. Our big project was to use different colors of Play-Doh to make a model of a brain and its different parts, then label the parts. Older kids successfully modeled and labeled their brain while the youngest enjoyed the sensory stimulation of working with the Play-Doh which is good for the brain. Several adults had compliments for the program and many children expressed thanks.” –hosted by Holly Raus
Folks at the Oaks: Families Visit Residents of Oaks at Hampton Senior Living
8 children, 21 adults
"We had quite a few people come to hang out and craft with the residents at the Oaks, even two teenagers! Patrons and residents painted small pumpkins with cotton swabs or drew on them with Sharpie. Everyone sat at one big table and socialized as they crafted. We learned that one resident had been a farmer and had grown pumpkins, another patron was really into pumpkin pie, and a regular resident attendee entertained us all as usual. We had a nice array of painted pumpkins and several of the younger patrons gave their pumpkins to the residents. It was a very sweet program with the residents and children having a great time talking about their pumpkin art and their lives. This one is definitely one of my favorite Folks visits we've done yet." –contributed by Brooke West
You say Soccer, I say Fútbol! at Post Road Library
7 children, 6 adults
“Coach Sergio Magana from United Fútbol Academy talked to us about fútbol (soccer) and its importance to Hispanic culture. Coach Sergio grew up in Mexico where he became a professional soccer player, so he had tons of personal experience to share with our patrons. He told us that normally, people have one local team, or club, that they root for, and rivalries are a VERY big thing. The excitement leading to a game builds all week with lots of energy and preparation. On game day, families start food preparation first thing in the morning. Coach Sergio talked about his memories as a child of the Mexican national team playing in the World Cup in Mexico. He said the entire city was shut down; all stores and businesses were closed so everyone could watch the game. When the team won a game there was a huge celebration in the city center with mariachi bands and tons of people gathering. Across Mexico, fútbol represents the pride of the flag and of the country. From Sergio’s perspective as a child, fútbol was a “way out” much like football and basketball are a way out for American youth in the inner city. After Sergio’s talk, he opened the floor to questions and also invited the children in the room to kick a soccer ball into the goal he set up. He showed the patrons how kicking using different parts of the foot will result in the ball moving in different directions and with different amounts of speed. He offered rubber bracelets to the kids, which they were excited to get. One patron commented that they really appreciated hearing his story and his perspective.” –hosted by Melissa Reed
Wings of Fire Celebration at Sharon Forks Library
90 children, 53 adults
“Our patrons showed up big this morning for all things dragon! Three fantastic VolunTEENS assisted us this morning and the five of us were busy the WHOLE time! Activities were set up with our younger patrons in mind, with Dragon Egg Bowling, Treasure Collecting and Feed a Hungry Dragon to the right as patrons entered. These activities were enjoyed by all ages, but our hope of catching our youngest friends as they entered worked very well! Our Voting Board, Dragon Eye Craft, Flying Dragon Craft and Dragon Racing were on the left. Patrons took so much care with their coloring and dragon construction, it was an awesome sight to behold. After about 15 minutes of focused effort, the rings of fire had dragons flying through them and there was movement in every inch of the room. The best part of this program was that there were activities all ages could enjoy, which is so necessary during these school break programs. We received so many sweet comments and compliments as patrons headed out with armloads of dragons. One young patron asked if we were going to offer this exact program again! Several caregivers shared how much they genuinely enjoyed the program and how thankful they were that we were offering something so awesome during the break.” –hosted by Stephanie Gardner
Outreach Visit to Holly Creek Apartments
16 children, 4 adults
“While the branches were providing the Forsyth County community with awesome programs during Fall Break, the bookmobile team enjoyed visiting with the families at the Holly Creek apartment community. This is our newest stop located off of Antioch Road near The Place. This area is a hotbed of bookmobile activity, with two stops that are very well attended. The weather on Thursday was perfect and the kids swarmed the bus the minute Joanie pulled in the parking lot. Popular checkouts were series like Babysitters Club, Diary of a Wimpy Kid as well as juvenile graphic novels. At one point a group of children followed me to the adjacent building to invite others to visit the bookmobile. Days like this warm my heart.” –contributed by Lorraine Lane
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