BE A BOOK

HUMAN LIBRARY PROJECT Peter Flierl

New Lebanon Valley Seniors have announced plans for its first Human Library Project where a participant shares their experience or story with others in a one-on-one setting, perhaps similar to oral history projects. Persons interested in being a book are asked to submit: Name, Book Title, Why You Want to Be a Book, a few sentences on your topic, and what prejudice or assumptions might be changed or challenged by reading your book. New Lebanon Valley Seniors will invite individuals from the community, known as Readers, to select a book to be read. During the event, a Book may be read about 3 times for 20 minutes. The format is flexible with a Book telling a story or allowing your Reader to ask questions. There is no specific theme for the reading event other than building community and knowledge. New Lebanon Valley Seniors comprises over 100 members from various communities who convene regularly for lunch and recreational activities. They meet the 1st and 3rd Friday of the month, except January and February when they meet only the 3rd Friday in the Community Center. For information, call William Shannon, President at 518-938-1039. Become part of active seniors.

Future of Backwater

We are exploring plans for reconstruction and reopening the former Backwater restaurant on Queechy Lake. Sources suggest plans have been approved that includes a new septic system and perhaps a second floor residence. Stay tuned.

Shredding

You have sent in your tax return and need to get rid of older and sensitive documents. Try the free shredder at Canaan Town Hall.

Babies in Spring

Spring Fling

Tis the Season

In addition to hopping robins and swarming hummingbirds, a less welcome Spring happening is ticks everywhere and anywhere we are outdoors. This is a particular concern here in the Hudson Valley as we are one of several hot spots for anaflosmosis nationwide and a more virulent form of Lyme disease. As you get outdoors more and enjoy walking, we offer several ways to protect yourself: * Use insect repellent on all exposed skin. * Wear protective clothing, long sleeves and pants with pants tucked into socks. * Avoid tick infected areas and stay in center of paths. * Check yourself, your children, and pets when you come indoors. Having had anaflosmosis combined with sepsis several years ago, we urge true caution and care as we welcome Spring and summer.

Canaan Future

The Town of Canaan is looking to the future with its survey of the community with slightly over 200 responses received and the May 5th deadline rapidly approaching. Supervisor Brenda Adams has reached out to community organizations like the Canaan Historical Society and Queechy Lake Club to share the survey with their members. Most responses are coming in via the online link and the hope is to double the responses or more. The Town Board at its latest meeting voted to hold a referendum in November on changing the Town Clerk from an elected to an appointed position. While there may be a rationale for the proposed change, it would be a departure from the norm in New York State. Of the 932 towns in New York, 889 or 95.4% are elected versus 43 or 4.6% appointed. One reason for the proposed change is the ability to attract professionals from a wider base. The proposal is not yet written up, however, we expect it to move forward with unanimous board support.