Allison Pataki will give a talk on her latest book, Finding Margaret Fuller. Ms. Pataki’s book delves into the remarkable friendships of Margaret Fuller and her legacy as a journalist, writer and feminist. We are fortunate to have this opportunity to chat with the author.

Colleen and Jim bought their home in Essex in1978, following years of visiting the Champlain Valley during all seasons. They met in Lake Placid during college. Jim was a counselor at Camp Dudley and Colleen a waitress at the Lake Placid Club. As they say, the rest is history.
They were both professional educators. Colleen was a learning disabilities specialist, a school psychologist and a school administrator. Jim taught history and served as a school principal and superintendent. Both worked in independent and public schools during their careers. They served schools in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Wisconsin.
When circumstances permitted them to consider a second home, they gravitated to the Adirondacks, Champlain Valley, and particularly, Essex. They loved the architecture, history and small-town feel. After they retired full time in 2002, they became very active in the community, serving on many town and non-profit boards. Colleen has been active on the Board of the Belden Noble Memorial Library, which she currently serves as president, and on both Essex Initiatives and the Essex Community Fund.
Jim served on the Board of Assessment Review and the Planning Board, which he chaired for many years. During his tenure he revised the Town Zoning Law. He currently co-chairs the Church Council at the Community Church and serves on the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Colleen and Jim love to travel. Their series of three motor homes took them to 49 states, Canada and Mexico and over 200 national parks and monuments. Jim’s work in school evaluation took both of them to such places as South Africa, Japan, Morocco and Dubai. They are currently anticipating a river cruise on the Rhine and Danube rivers this fall.
The have two sons. Jim, Jr. is an artist who just retired from over 30 years of teaching in Central NY. Steve is responsible for the grounds at Arlington National Cemetery. Both have two children. Colleen and Jim recently became great-grandparents.

Each program begins at 7:00 PM. A donation of $5.00 per person is suggested.  Refreshments will be served following the program.

No time for a book club? BNML’s new Short Story Club has your back. No novels. No meetings. No need to make snacks for anyone other than yourself. Just great short stories.
The February/March selection is Stone Mattress by Margaret Atwood. This collection will not fail to bring you into a wicked and fascinating world. Three of the first stories are interconnected while the rest stand on their own, and mirror the themes of aging and the horrors that come with it. The collection is vivid and humorous at times, dark at others.
Simply pick up copies of the story at the library, read one story, or read them all, see what
others thought of it in the SSC binder, add your own reflections – and be on your way!

Join us at 3:00 p.m. for eclipse related crafts and stories for kids of all ages.

It would be helpful to let us know that you are coming so we can plan accordingly, but pre-registration is not required – do drop in! Email us beldennoblelibrary@gmail.com for more information.

9/2 Make a time capsule to save your summer memories.

Last Family Bingo will be held September 1 at 2:00 pm. Join us for some family fun. Materials and small prizes provided.

The Essex Community Church has generously offered space for us to present our last Meet Your Neighbors program for this year. Join us Thursday the 28th to spend an hour with Lee and Heather Maxey.

Lee Maxey is President and Founder of MindMax llc, a marketing and sales service company that creates a channel to market for organizations’ learning content. MindMax provides additional revenue streams for Higher Education Institutions, Associations, and Publishers through the use of retail marketing and sales of their courseware.

Prior to launching MindMax, Lee was Chief Executive Officer for Acadient – an online marketing and sales retail organization. Lee is known nationally as a thought leader in the learning technology field presenting annually at several conferences, and is currently on the CLO Magazine Editorial Board, The NE Learning Association Board, and is an ASTD Best Awards Judge. 

Interests:  Paddle Tennis, Sailing, Gardening, Photography, Beekeeping and Golf.  Lee has climbed most of the 46 high peaks in the Adirondacks, and has been camping in the Adirondacks for almost 40 years.

Heather moved to the Adirondack coast a few years ago from her hometown of 50 years Duxbury,Mass.  She fell in love with Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks while studying theatre at at Lawrence university.   Her husband and three children spent their summers vacationing in the area for the past twenty years.   With so many businesses going completely remote during Covid, it  gave them the opportunity to move up here full-time.   

Her professional background includes 20 years as an executive at high-tech market in firms, 10 years as a professional lacrosse coach, and prior to moving North a producer and Director of musicals for middle school students.     

The transition  to ADK was smooth one for all involved especially their herd of Alpacas who had never seen such expansive green pastures. Heather quickly adapted to small Adirondack town living and is now fully immersed in a variety of non-profits and activities. She was instrumental in bringing some new life to the Essex Theatre Company this past year by producing their first annual Talent Show as well as joining their board of directors. And this past August produced the original musical production ‘Sounds Like’

Heather works for Berkshire Hathaway as a licensed real estate based in Keene Valley.   When  she’s not with buyers or sellers; you can spot her at The Grange’s Thursday night Jam sessions, strumming her Ukulele and sometimes storytelling at Whitcombs open mike.   During summer months she dedicates most of her spare time to producing or performing various shows at the Essex Theatre.  If weather permits  she enjoys to sail her tiny boat around Lake Champlain.  She’s known to eat an entire dogwood pizza in one sitting.

A $5.00 donation is suggested. Refreshments will be served.