Braeside Elementary School Is a Part of Our Community Culture!

Come and see what the staff and students at Braeside Elementary School have created for our October art display at Southwood Library! Each class worked together to create a canvas and we are very excited to share them all with the public. What a wonderful way to brighten our space!

MONDAY MATINEE

Mondays, Oct. 1, Nov. 5, and Dec. 3.

2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

With the success of the Hunger Games, the first book in Suzanne Collins trilogy Mockinjay, there has been a resurgence of interest in dystopian novels. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the term, it refers to fictional societies that are undesirable and/or unpleasant. There are some excellent titles dealing with dystopian societies both old and new.

Divergent series by Veronica Roth reveals Tris Prior’s world. Tris, at the age of sixteen, must choose the faction she will dedicate the rest of her life to. The society is made up of five factions that maintain a balanced society; Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). Now, the line between factions and its balance has begun to disintegrate and Tris finds herself not only a part of the fray, but one of the central characters. (YA ROT)

The Unwanteds series by Lisa McMann is another good read which is for tween readers. Thirteen year old twins Alex and Aaron await their fate during the ceremony which will reveal if they are wanted, necessary or unwanted. The outcome for those who are unwanted is grim indeed. (J MCM)

The Giver by Lois Lowry is an award winning title of Jonas whose world is organized, passive, and calm. All is well until Jonas is selected for another purpose, a purpose that changes his understanding of everything. (J LOW)

The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau is the story of a city created to ensure the survival of a population that once faced extinction. Many generations have gone by and the history of the city has been kept a secret being passed down from mayor to mayor. The secret is to be revealed only when the effects of a disaster has passed. But the chain has been broken, the secret lost and now the city that was once intended to keep its citizens safe has begun to crumble. (YA DUP)

1984 by George Orwell is the beginning of the party slogan “Big Brother is watching you”. A society where every move is seen, every fear and action is known, and dominance by the ruling Party reaches into every corner of your life. (FICTION ORW)

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury is the story of a new awakening for fireman, Guy Montag. He lives in a world where lives are meant to be meaningless and shallow and it is his job to ensure that anything that encourages depth is destroyed …by fire. It is not until several incidents challenge his understanding of the world that a new world is opened to him. (SCIENCE FICTION BRA)

This is a great way to spend your days before Thanksgiving. It will give you a whole new spin on being thankful.

As I squeeze enjoyment out of the last few lovely days of autumn with simple pleasures of crunching leaves and evening walks, my mind has started to prepare for the coming months. For me, September is still ingrained as the time to go back to school. So, with age, I now use it as a time to choose something to learn or rediscover through the next few months. This year, our branch garden turned me on to once again preserving the bounty of fruits and veggies so abundant during the summer months. Along with maneuvering my crawl space to find my canning items, I borrowed several titles on canning and preserving, Preserving: the Canning and Freezing Guide for all Seasons by Pat Crocker and
the Complete Preserving Book by Christina Anson Mine. With their lovely photographs and mouthwatering recipes are two of the many titles perused for inspiration. To date, I have lovely blueberries, peaches, and beets ready for the months ahead.

In between bouncing her grandchildren and keeping up with her busy schedule, Gail began taking art lessons two years ago and fell in love with painting with watercolours and acrylics. Since then, her brushes have seldom been dry for long. Inspired solely from her imagination, Gail has created over one hundred vibrant pieces in a variety of styles. She enjoys trying new ideas with her art and is admired for her matching of unique colours.

Gail has a full gallery available online on facebook through

Gail Mills-Yates,

and can be reached at 403-238-4210.

David Cadman was born and raised in Calgary and studied at the Alberta College of Art and Design where he later earned a Bachelor of Design degree. David worked as a graphic designer for forty years and since his retirement in 2010, he has been able to pursue his painting career on a full-time basis. He is a juried member of The Canadian Society of Painters in Watercolour, The Alberta Society of Artists, The Riverview Artists and The Calgary Contemporary Arts Society.

images and ideas from my travels and outdoor activities. Recently my paintings have evolved in a more

403-281-2998 dmcadman@telusplanet.net

www.riverview-artists.com

Do you want to design and build your own deck? The Calgary Public Library has lots of great books which can help with your project planning and deck completion whether you are a beginner or have more advanced skills.

Deck planner : 120 outstanding decks you can build Author Prideaux, Jan. Dague, Paulette. Wodraska, Morenci. Home Planners, Inc. 2001

"Deck Planner: 120 outstanding decks you can build" has a variety of deck plans. There are detailed plans for basic and single-level decks, L-shaped and pool decks, and multi-level decks.

The complete guide to decks Author Gehlhar, Jennifer. Black & Decker Corporation (Towson, Md.) 2009

Black and Decker's "The Complete Guide to Decks" includes deck planning and design; deck materials and tools; as well as step-by-step instructions for building a deck. There is a section on building different types of stairs ie. box-frame, suspended, stringer and stairs with a landing. Other sections cover deck railings, deck accessories and finishing/maintaining your deck.

Decks 1-2-3 : expert advice from the Home Depot Author Johnston, Larry. Home Depot (Firm)

The Home Depot's "Decks 1-2-3" covers designing and planning a deck project including information on choosing materials and tools for the job. It also explains how to lay out a deck and how to dig and pour footings. Other chapters cover framing, decking and stairs/ramps.

Come to the library and check the 694.184 to 694.873 area or as always staff would be more than happy to assist you.

While traveling this year, I decided to do some gardening in each location I visited.

Since I was visiting family, I chose which plants and designs to plant. It is very important to do some research before planting in the different climates.

My first visit was to beautiful Vancouver Island where plants flourish almost overnight. I planted tons of annuals and before I left in 10 days the plants were growing and flowering like mad. They do have the humidity and perfect climate for almost any flower. The flowers on Vancouver island are so pungent and colorful-gorgeous!

My next visit was a bit more challenging. I was visiting Big Sky Montana where the weather is extremely hot, windy and dry. I found books in the library regarding plants native to this area. I did a lovely rock garden with succulents that are native to this area. We planted tomatoes, strawberries and lots of annuals. These plants have to be watered at least twice a day with the dry, hot climate. They too, are thriving.

I also have a beautiful bunch of pots on my balcony. I am fortunate to have a South facing balcony, so they have light all day.They need a lot of water as well.

I find gardening very relaxing.

The library has many books on gardening and zonal gardening. Just check with one of our staff on your next visit to any one of the CPL locations.

Vicki Smith

Southwood

Learn more about the oral art of storytelling, followed by a story circle, where you can tell a story, or listen. Presented by T.A.L.E.S. (The Alberta League Encouraging Storytelling).
Monday, Aug 20
7:00 - 8:30 p.m

Register in person with staff, online or

by calling403-260-2620

Register now!

During the month of August, Southwood library is delighted to showcase the paintings of Peter Thompson, an accomplished local artist. His desire to capture the life and sights that surround us can be seen in his meticulous watercolours that depict prairie life and places where he has travelled. On display will also be pieces that show the development of a painting from its inception to the final detailing.

As part of the ongoing program, Our Community Culture, Peter will be demonstrating his method in the branch on Tuesday, August 14^th from 2:00 to 4:00 pm.

For more information about Peter Thompson please visit his website at

www.peterthompsonart.ca

All inspired artists and musicians who are willing to share their work with the community are encouraged to come into Southwood library and talk to staff.