Westchester Public Library offers programs

Retirement reception

Jane Walsh-Brown will be honored by the Westchester Public Library with a retirement reception from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Westchester Township History Museum, 700 W. Porter Ave The public is invited to attend, visit the new exhibit and meet Serena Sutliff, who will succeed Walsh-Brown as curator Jan. 1.

Walsh-Brown began her 36-year career with Westchester Public Library in September 1975. She was initially hired for the dual position of Hageman Branch Librarian and Technical Services Librarian, promoted to Assistant Director in 1979 and named curator of the Westchester Township History Museum in 1996.

"It was all I hoped it would be — great co-workers and Library Board, and the chance to serve a wide variety of friendly and welcoming patrons in two beautiful new buildings," she said.

When asked about career highlights, Walsh-Brown says they all stem from having the support of Library Director Phil Baugher, the Board of Trustees and library staff and encouragement to be creative and try new things. Some of her favorite initiatives are the volunteer and original homebound programs, the Duneland Folk Festival (1977-1987), BabyTALK and the Westchester Township History Museum.

While Walsh-Brown has received numerous awards for her work and this fall will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Library Federation and the Hubert Hawkins Award for Local History from the Local Historical Society, she says her greatest honor has been to serve the residents of Westchester Township.

"How lucky I was to find a position that has allowed me to be creative, contribute to my community and to have a job I have loved for 36 years," she said.

Walsh-Brown says she looks forward to spending more time with her husband, Jim Brown, son Colin and daughter-in-law Bonnie, and other family and friends.

She will return in a few months to volunteer at the museum and will begin a special project for Baugher, organizing the library archives.

FYI: Call (219) 983-9715.

Snacks by the stacks

"Healthy Kids: Snacks by the Stacks" continues at 6:30 p.m. Thursday in the Children's Department at Thomas Library, 200 W. Indiana Ave.

Registered Dietetic Technician Gia Novak will lead the Healthy Kids series. Novak has a bachelor's degree in biology with a minor in chemistry from Trinity Christian College. She recently graduated from Central Arizona College with an associate's degree in applied food science. Novak completed her supervised internship at Methodist Hospitals. She is a member of the American Dietetic Association and is registered to practice in Indiana.

Novak will discuss the importance of physical activity. Snacks, handouts and recipes will be provided. Healthy Kids will continue at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 8 with a healthy holiday ideas.

FYI: Call (219) 926-7696.

Knitting time

Area knitters can gather in the Brown Mansion parlor for a cozy afternoon of knitting, conversation and refreshments from 1 to 5 p.m. Nov. 6. The event continues the series titled "Knitting Together." The program is free and open to the public. Those who crochet or do needlework are welcome. The Westchester Township History Museum, an educational and cultural service of Westchester Public Library, is housed in the Brown Mansion at 700 W. Porter Ave. The museum is open to the public from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

FYI: Call (219) 983-9715.

Spanish course

Westchester Public Library will offer an eight-session Spanish course at Hageman Library, 100 Francis St.

"Hola: Spanish for Everyone" will be from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, Nov. 2 through Dec. 1, for those in second grade and older. There is no charge. Registration is necessary and is under way. There will be no classes the week of Thanksgiving.

"Hola: Spanish for Everyone" will be taught by Vivian Draves. Students will need to bring a pencil and notebook. No knowledge of Spanish is necessary. The class will be interactive.

FYI: Call (219) 926-9080.