SGC Admin Events: Present and Upcoming

The Whitby Library August 2015 happenings…

From our inbox to you…From the Whitby Library…

Story Mob at Central
On Wednesday, August 5th, at 1:30 p.m. the Whitby Central Library is pleased to work with Toronto-based StoryMobs to launch the Library’s first StoryMob!  StoryMobs is a literary phenomenon where great children’s books meet flash mobs.
Through the use of costumes and props, music, simple choreography and reading out loud, children and their families can engage with books in a new and exciting way.
The chosen book for this exciting StoryMob is Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak.You can sign up for reader parts and to participate by visiting the Central Library’s Main Floor Information Desk in the Children’s Department.
In person registration is required at the Main Floor Information Desk.
Culture in the Square

Tuesday nights are culture nights in Celebration Square at the Central Library. The Town of Whitby brings you a variety of musical, theatrical and artistic events to entertain and engage you all summer long. Be a part of it!

Don’t miss these fantastic events and performances in August:

All events start at 7:00 pm. Thanks to Celebration Square 2015 sponsor, Menzies Chrysler.
Parapan Am Games Come to Whitby

Team Canada certainly “owned the podium” in the 2015 Pan Am Games, and across the country people are looking to our ParaPan Am athletes to continue the trend. The Town of Whitby will proudly be hosting judo and boccia at the state-of-the-art Abilities Centre, so don’t miss out on your chance to catch some amazing athletic events and express your civic pride. For information on how you can see the Games, visit the Pan Am/ParaPan Am website.

Has all the “Panamania” inspired you to try something new? Read up on your favourite Pan Am/ParaPan Am sport and get that body moving!
Did You Know?
Food Is Permitted in the Library

Many libraries prohibit food, so you may be surprised that food is permitted at all WPL branches. We do ask that you clean up after yourself using the waste receptacles provided and that you be mindful of your neighbours. And please be careful with your consumables around library materials and equipment. This will help us keep your library clean and avoid invasions of little critters that like to feast on our crumbs.

The only exception is that food is not permitted in the Whitby Archives. The archival collections are delicate, consisting of rare material that generally can’t be replaced and as such needs to be treated with extra care. Outside of the Archives, munch away!

If you need sustenance at the Central Library, drop by Presse Café for a sandwich, soup, pastry or caffeinated beverage.
Upcoming Programs
Doctor Who Party for Teens at the Central Library 
Tuesday, August 18
2:30 to 4:00 pm

Calling all teen Doctor Who fans! Put your knowledge to the test with our trivia challenge, create your own Tardis and eat delicious Doctor Who inspired snacks. Plus, see how our 3D printer can be used to create cool Doctor Who objects. Costumes are optional, but encouraged!

Registration is required. Register for the Doctor Who Party online or by contacting any branch.

More Teen Programs at the Central Library
Summer Reading Club Certificate Day at the Central Library 
Thursday, August 20
3:00 to 4:00 pm

Members of the TD Summer Reading Club are invited to join us for a special wrap-up celebration when we’ll be featuring entertainment, book draws and prizes! Plus, all of our reading club members will receive their reading certificates.

Our special guest for the occasion is Super Sarah, who will amaze you with her magic and get you giggling with her comedy skills. Sarah is a Disney-trained children’s entertainer who brings her enthusiasm and energy to every show. Her interactive performance will make everyone feel like a part of the show.

Tickets are required for this event. Tickets are available at the Central Library main floor information desk.

More Children’s Programs at the Central Library
Book Club Registration at the Brooklin Branch 
Saturday, August 15
Starting at 10:00 am

Interested in joining a book club? Registration for the Brooklin Branch book club Fall 2015 session begins on Saturday, August 15 at 10:00 am, in-person only. Phone registration will be accepted after 12:00 noon if there are any remaining spots (space is limited to 12 members). Drop by the information desk at the Brooklin Branch to register and to pick up your first book.

The Book Club will meet on the third Monday of the month from 7:00 to 8:00 pm. The Fall 2015 selected titles are:

More Adult Programs at the Brooklin Branch
String Art for Teens at the Brooklin Branch 
Wednesday, August 12
4:00 to 6:00 pm

Looking for some distinctive art to decorate your living space with? Teens entering grades 7 to 12 are invited to join us and we’ll guide you through the process of creating unique string art.

Participants will choose from a selection of stencils, create an outline with nails, and thread some heavy string to create representational or abstract patterns. Although all necessary materials will be provided, feel free to bring your own wood if you like (stained and reclaimed wood will work particularly well for this project).

Registration is required. Register for String Art for Teens online or by contacting any branch.

More Teen Programs at the Brooklin Branch
Music By Jake at the Brooklin Branch 
Wednesday, August 5
10:30 to 11:15 am

Children (grades JK and up) and caregivers are invited to meet Juno award-nominee Jake Differ, whose musical, funny and highly interactive live performances have delighted family audiences all across Canada.

Jake will be performing a special show that he developed for the Summer Reading Club theme “play.” Jake plays a great mix of up-tempo songs, leading the way on guitar, ukulele, flute and voice. Expect to sing, dance, play instruments and laugh the whole way through.

Registration is required. Register for Music by Jake online or by contacting any branch.

More Children’s Programs at the Brooklin Branch
Book Club Registration at the Rossland Branch 
Saturday, August 15
Starting at 10:00 am

Interested in joining a book club? Registration for the Rossland Branch book club Fall 2015 session begins on Saturday, August 15 at 10:00 am, in-person only. Phone registration will be accepted after 12:00 noon if there are any remaining spots (space is limited to 12 members). Drop by the information desk at the Rossland Branch to register and to pick up your first book.

The Book Club will meet on the third Thursday of the month from 2:30 to 3:30. The Fall 2015 selected titles are:

More Adult Programs at the Rossland Branch
Teen Terrariums at the Rossland Branch 
Wednesday, August 5
2:30 to 3:30 pm

Want a garden, but not all the work that goes along with it? Join us and make a miniature enclosed garden that you can enjoy year round. Plus, it’s low maintenance. Perfect for the busy teen.

Registration is required. Register for Teen Terrariums online or by contacting any branch.

More Teen Programs at the Rossland Branch
On S’Amuse En Francais at the Rossland Branch
Tuesday, August 11
2:30 to 3:15 pm
Students entering grades 2 to 4 with previous French experience will enjoy French stories, games and crafts.
Book Marks 

Louisa May: My Little BFF

Sometimes we get fixated on one particular author. In my case it’sLouisa May Alcott, best known to us as the author of the classicsLittle Women and Little Men. You can visit her family home, Orchard House, in Concord, Mass., and also her posh townhouse on Beacon Hill in Boston. She is a fabulous author, a woman who wrote in a “man’s world.” You can find out more about her life in these selected biographies.For a more fictional look at her life, Kelly O’Connor McNees weaves a beautiful story of Louisa inThe Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott. The book is set in the summer of Alcott’s 22nd year, during which she meets and falls in love with Joseph Singer and must choose between him and her writing career.

March, written by Geraldine Brooks,expands on the life of Bronson Alcott, who is seemingly not the picture-perfect father, unlike Jo’s father in Little Women. For a more fun, light-hearted take on Little Women, give The Little Women Letters a try. Three modern-day sisters find a collection of letters in the attic written by their great, great, grandmother Josephine March in which she writes of her life with her sisters in Concord. But no one can describe Josephine March better than her husband Friedrich who said, “Jo, such a little word for such a girl” delivered brilliantly by Gabriel Byrne in thefilm based on the book Little Women.
Books, Research and More

Multilingual Matters

Expanded Filipino Language Collection?

You’ll now find more Filipino language books and DVDs on the shelves at the Central Library, including a large selection of romance novels and feature films. See our catalogue for the entire print and moviecollections.
Virtual Branch: WPL on the Web
Google Search Tips and Tricks 

Practically everyone, from newbies to the plugged-in superuser, starts their internet searching with a visit to Google. Go to Google, type in something, get results and go from there. Pretty simple, which is the point. Those of us who used the internet in the 1990s before Google came along remember how difficult it could be to find things online and how revolutionary it was (and still is).

We’re not trying to sound like evangelists (because there are all sorts of  issues surrounding Google), but it actually offers many more tools than that simple Google search box.

Here are a few useful things you’ll find at the top of a typical Google results page. Under the search box on the top, there are six headings. The links lead to examples from a search for Whitby Public Library:
  • Web refers to a regular Google search with the results below.
  • If you click on Images or Videos, you’ll immediately see the top image and video results for your search.
  • News will take you straight to the top news hits for up-to-the-minute info.
  • More shows results from Google Maps, Google Books and more.
  • Search Tools enable you to filter your search for better results. For example, you can restrict your search to Canadian websites only. It isn’t perfect (some non-Canadian sites will sneak in there), but it works fairly well.
  • You can also use the Time option (under Any Time) to adjust the time period for your hits. For instance, your regular keyword search may keep returning the same top hits, but they’re dated months or years ago. With the Time option, you can limit your results to those that have appeared in the last hour, last day, last week or last year, with an option to filter by specific custom dates.
  • The final search tool is “all results” versus “verbatim.” Google tries to compensate for what it thinks are misspellings and incorrect terms by adding other results to your hit list. It also searches for synonyms (words that mean the same thing) for what you enter. Most of the time this is good, but sometimes you meant to type exactly what you typed. If you choose verbatim, it will do just that: your results will only reflect your search terms, not what Google’s algorithm thinks you meant.

We spend a lot of time using Google. These tools will help you make that time more effective, and get you the information you need more efficiently.
SGC Admin Astrology Info, Astrology Notes

Astrology and how it affects our daily life: Transiting Saturn goes Retrograde March 2015 & Turns Direct August 2015

illustration of a boy on a planet saturn ring Stock Vector - 15249970
http://www.123rf.com: Copyright : iimages
  • Astrological Event: Transiting Saturn turns Retrograde
  • Date: March 14 2015 to August 2 2015
  • Time: 11:02 am (ET) 8:02 am (PT)

What does this mean? 

Saturn is the planet of restriction, rules and regulations. He rules Capricorn. This is the planet that puts up the boundary’s and who directs us to do the “right thing”. He has a bearing on our public image and how we conduct ourselves in our work/career’s and vocation, he is discipline and responsibility.

When a planet goes retrograde, it appears from the earth’s perspective to be going backwards. Before the planet goes retrograde there is also a period of “slow motion” and stationary movement… and again when the planet begins to turn direct as it builds up speed to once again be in alignment with the earth. 

Some folk believe retrograde, slow and stationary movements of the planets can have an impact on our charts and on our daily lives… and others don’t give these movements much thought.  :) The SGC team figure it doesn’t hurt to include them… :) 

Saturn Retrograde: 

  • Not the best time for financial dealings, which may extend to property purchase’s too. 
  • Good for assessing the past, checking old lease agreements or business plans. 
  • New commitments and the beginnings of brand new projects should be put aside until Saturn goes direct again, however, if this is not possible, take extra care about what you commit to and be sure the excitement of the new project is making you “blind” to all that is involved now and in the future. 
  • Spend some time making improvements to the things you already know how to do… and while starting to learn something new isn’t recommended learning something connected to what you already know, will help with self-improvement. And Saturn, retrograde or not, should be happy with that… :) 
  • Get those drawers and cupboards sorted out and maybe the trunk of the car too… spend some time in the garage and finally get rid of the stuff that has been sitting there for years… sort through the stuff from the past, organize it and keep only what you need. 
  • While Saturn is usually a stickler for discipline and behaving correctly, he may be a little more lax in that area now, making this the perfect opportunity to back out of previous commitments without causing too much of a stink. 
  • It could be easier for some of us to say no during this time, so don’t hesitate, if it doesn’t feel right, or you just don’t want to do it, try saying no.. :)
  • Not a good time to start a new business
  • Get the past and present sorted out now, and when Saturn goes direct again you will have a clean slate to fill and your ability to be disciplined will be much easier. 

Saturn Turns Direct August 1 (PT) August 2 (ET)

What does this mean: 

  • Saturn is the planet of restriction and discipline. He helps us to do what must be and directs us towards the sensible route… :) He is also fond of the elderly and sometimes with those in authority. 
  • When he is retrograde, we get a little bit of break from always doing what it right, or being on our toes.. relaxing some of the rules and regulations, can help us to view our world from within. It is an opportunity to make changes to the norm and shake up our “rational world”.. 
  • When Saturn once again becomes settled in his direct motion, it is likely we will once again feel the pull of responsibility and duty. However, we should feel happier about doing so, especially if we have gained self-awareness while he was “away”… :) 
copyright Greta McKenzie Astrology July 21 2015
SGC Admin Astrology Info, Astrology Notes, Moon Phase: Current Sun Sign:

The Moon and Astrology: How it affects our daily life…Transiting Moon in Pisces…August 2015

The Moon and Astrology

HOW IT AFFECTS OUR DAILY LIVES… 

In astrology, the moon is connected to our emotions and reactions… how we are feeling on a given day may well be influenced by the sign that is visiting the moon… Each sign stays with the moon for up to 2.5 days…. :) 

The Moon Void-off-Course: 

There are times throughout the month when the moon isn’t fully immersed in any sign… this is when we say the moon is Void off Course… and when this occurs, we may feel “foggy” and “unfocused” … We may not be sure how we are truly feeling about a situation or a person…. Therefore it is not recommended that we make long-term commitments or important decision’s while the moon is Void off Course…. However there are 4 signs in the zodiac which may prove positive during the Void-off-Course moon… 

Good for Void-Off-Course Moon:

These v/c signs may prove to be quite productive times.

  • Cancer
  • Taurus
  • Sagittarius
  • Pisces…

Opportunity Periods  (thanks to astrologer Jim Shawvan):

There are other periods throughout the month that are known as opportunity periods, when it can prove to be a positive time for most people, however if you have challenging aspects happening within your own chart you may not be able to make use of opportunity periods. 

Thanks to Jim Shawvan present day astrologer, William Lilly 17th century astrologer and Llewellyn’s Daily Planetary Guide for opportunity periods.

Present Moon Sign/Phase/House:

Pisces horoscope Sign Stock Photo - 31731188
http://www.123rf.com: Copyright : Nune Hovhannisyan
  • Date: August 1 to 3 2015
  • Moon Sign: Pisces 6:36 pm (ET) 3:36 pm (PT)
  • Moon Phase: 3rd
  • Void-off-Course: August 3 @ 4:35 pm (ET) 1:35 pm (PT) to 7:24 pm (ET)  4:24 pm (PT) Pisces is a fortunate sign for the Void off Course moon. 
  • House(s): 5 th & 6th: 5th house of creativity, fun, children and pets: 6th house of health, service and detail.
  • Opportunity Period: August 2 9:28 am (ET) 6:28 (PT) to August 3 7:24 pm (ET)  4:24 pm (PT): Good for meditation, artistic activities and being helpful to others. 

What does it all mean?

  • Pisces is compassionate and caring but can be taken for granted
  • Sometimes Pisces isn’t about helping others but helping oneself. 
  • We can be more psychic during a Pisces moon, but we can also be easily deceived, so be sure of the “messages” received during this time.
  • Be careful if something sounds too good to be true, look for the hidden agenda
  • We can be susceptible to taking in stray animals and stray people now. 
  • Our hearts can be broken or melted during this time depending on who is telling us what and what may be revealed now. 
  • We can feel more spiritual with a Pisces moon, indicating this could be a good time to join a church or spiritual group
  • Keep an open mind when delving into new spiritual situations, ask questions and don’t believe everything you hear or see. 
  • We can be wistful, impressionable, nostalgic and dreamy now.
  • In the 5th house: We may find we are spending more time with kids and pets… It’ s a time to have some fun, be entertained, or be entertaining… This could be a challenging time for those who enjoy sticking to a routine, and for those who love to fun it may be more than they usually handle. A healthy balance between work (duty) and play is strongly encouraged. 
  • In the 6th house: Our well-being may be on our mind and our health may be in focus. We could be tempted to do more for less or find we are in a position to be of service to someone. Some of us can see all the small details now, don’t get overwhelmed, just do what’s needed.
  • The moon in Pisces will have more effect on those who have the following in their charts: And those who have strong Leo or Virgo placements in their charts
  • Moon in Pisces:
  • Sun in Pisces:
  • Moon in the 6th house
  • Moon in the 5th house
  • Aspects to the Moon or Neptune
  • Neptune in Pisces

 

copyright: Greta McKenzie Astrology 07/21/2015

 

SGC Admin Bits and Pieces, Recipes and Tips

From our inbox to you From Dawn James.. Fabulous refreshing summer drinks…

SGC Admin: From our inbox to you... :) Dawn James, author and vibrational coach offers a few of her favorite home made summer drink recipe’s… a delicious way to cool down & infuse the body with good things… :) Thanks for sharing Dawn… :)

When the temperature starts heating up its important we stay hydrated and cool.
Over the years I have experimented with a variety of fruits and spices from our garden to make summer drinks. Today I am sharing my  favorite homemade summer drinks- that I hope will quench your thirst!

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Homemade Ice Tea
This one is a classic summer drink. You can use a variety of fresh herbs a lemon or two and a touch of raw honey (for those of you with a sweet tooth!)
Why homemade? Because most store bought counterparts have a tremendous amount of sugar and may contain artificial ingredients.

Recipe for Peppermint Ice Tea:
Steep peppermint tea in water for 30 minutes (two tea bags per litre of water).
Add one tablespoon of honey per lite, add lemon slices and chill.
Fresh Juice
What can compare to a fresh squeezed orange or grapefruit? Fresh fruit juices are full of enzymes, vitamins and minerals and delivers instant energy directly into our cells.
You can hand juice or invest in a juicing machine.

Coconut Water
One of the best ways to replenish electrolytes that we lose from sweating, breathing or a hot day at the beach… is to drink coconut water. Did you know young green coconut water contains more potassium and less calories  than regular sports drinks? Coconut water not only hydrates our bodies but also replenishes  essential minerals and antioxidants.

Water with Fruit or Herbs
Yes good old fashioned H2O with some creative additions such as berries, mint, cucumber or lemon. Lemons have an alkalizing affect on the body; Mint is a natural stimulant and energizes the body; Berries for vitamin C – an antioxidant ; Cucumbers – thanks to its vitamin B content – helps reduce stress.

Check out the following retreats being offered by Dawn James and Julie Ditta…

Time to leave the city, concrete jungle and traffic behind and enjoy the rolling hills of Northumberland country as you overlook Lake Ontario at Lakeview Retreat.
Join me in July or August for two unique 1-Day retreats with Julie Ditta. Attendees will enjoy

Nutritious vegetarian meals

Peaceful nature setting

Personal time for rest and revitalization

JULY 19th – Sacred Sounds, Singing bowls and Drumming 1-Day retreat
AUGUST 15th – Raise your Frequency (Metaphysical) 1-Day Retreat

Please Click here for more information 

SGC Admin Astrology Info, Astrology Notes, Moon Phase: Current Sun Sign:

The Moon and Astrology: How it affects our daily life…Transiting Full Moon in Aquarius.. July 2015

The Moon and Astrology

&

HOW IT AFFECTS OUR DAILY LIVES… 

In astrology, the moon is connected to our emotions and reactions… how we are feeling on a given day may well be influenced by the sign that is visiting the moon… Each sign stays with the moon for up to 2.5 days…. :) 

The Moon Void-off-Course: 

There are times throughout the month when the moon isn’t fully immersed in any sign… this is when we say the moon is Void off Course… and when this occurs, we may feel “foggy” and “unfocused” … We may not be sure how we are truly feeling about a situation or a person…. Therefore it is not recommended that we make long-term commitments or important decision’s while the moon is Void off Course…. However there are 4 signs in the zodiac which may prove positive during the Void-off-Course moon… 

Good for Void-Off-Course Moon:

These v/c signs may prove to be quite productive times.

  • Cancer
  • Taurus
  • Sagittarius
  • Pisces…

Opportunity Periods  (thanks to astrologer Jim Shawvan):

There are other periods throughout the month that are known as opportunity periods, when it can prove to be a positive time for most people, however if you have challenging aspects happening within your own chart you may not be able to make use of opportunity periods. 

Thanks to Jim Shawvan present day astrologer, William Lilly 17th century astrologer and Llewellyn’s Daily Planetary Guide for opportunity periods.

Present Moon Sign/Phase/House:

Manga style illustration of zodiac symbol, Aquarius Stock Illustration - 16341941
http://www.123rf.com: Copyright : rudall30
  • Date: July 30 to August 1 2015
  • Full Moon occurs on: July 31 2015 6:43 am (ET) 3:43 am (PT)
  • Moon Sign: Aquarius at 5:40 pm (ET) 2:40 pm (PT)
  • Moon Phase: 2nd
  • Void-off-Course: August 1 6:02 pm (ET) 3:02 pm (PT) to 6:36 pm (ET) 3:36 pm (PT).  Aquarius Moon v/c is not one of the 4 “good signs” Try not to make any important decisions or commitments now. 
  • House(s): 4th: 4th house of domestic and family affairs:
  • Opportunity Period: None

What does it all mean?

  • Aquarius is “different”,  he is ahead of his time and capable of thinking and “seeing” things in a different way then the rest of us. 
  • Aquarius is ruled by Uranus,  the planet of  shock and chaos.
  • We may feel may inclined towards kindness, especially on a “global” level or towards animals, the elderly and those worse off. 
  • Getting along with our four-legged friends may be on the top of our list now. 
  • The time may be right to understand/learn about new technology, such as a new phone, tablet or t.v. 
  • This moon period can bring out the rebel in us, prompting us to try new things and or meet new people. 
  • Be careful not to break tradition just because one feels like being different or as some may see it, “difficult” Teenagers may feel the need to express themselves, so parents be for warned. 
  • Personal freedom and individuality is very important now. Partner’s try not to restrict each other’s movements. Parent’s it might be a tight line you walk now. Employer’s give your “worker’s” a little “slack”. 
  • Being organized might not be as easy now, so expect weird schedule’s and interrupted meetings…
  • Changes may be in the air…
  • Could be a good time for inventions… Perhaps keeping them to paper until after the 25 is advisable if the goal is for the invention to work. 
  • This moon sign will have more of an effect on those who have the following in their charts. And too will those with strong Cancer or Leo placing in their charts. 
  • In the 5th house: Discipline could be in focus with children and pets. This could be a good time to give up gambling and to structure our lifestyle.
  • Moon in Aquarius
  • Sun in Aquarius
  • Sun in Capricorn
  • Moon in Capricorn
  • Uranus in Aquarius
  • Moon in the 4th house
  • Moon in Cancer
  • Any aspects to the Moon or the sun . 
A cartoon illustration of a large glowing full moon Stock Vector - 31812823
http://www.123rf.com: Copyright : Christos Georghiou

Full Moon in Aquarius July 31

  • The Full Moon is traditionally the time when we finish up our projects and tasks, however this is best done on a Full Moon in the 4th (last) phase. July 31 full moon falls in the 2nd phase. Keep working on your projects and tasks, those that get done will be a bonus. :) The full moon in Aquarius will amplify the effects noted above. 
  • Watch for being unreasonable to the point of silliness or rudeness
  • Personal freedom is must for some of us… however, take care not to deliberately hurt another to get it.
  • For those facing challenging personal relationship or job issues, this could be the time to break free of them, ask for help if you need it. 
  • Our causes may become more urgent, especially humanitarian ones. 
  • Time to make changes if you dare… :) Uranus is retrograde right now, (Uranus rules Aquarius) This could be the perfect time for some folk to get out of a rut, do something new and exciting, even make a change of residence, job or view-point. 
  • Being stubborn has its good points, however, being stubborn because one feels like being different may cause no end of upset that wasn’t intended… choose your “battles” with care.. 
  • Be ready for just about anything during this full moon, one never knows where Uranus may decide to go…
copyright: Greta McKenzie Astrology June 26 2015