DNA testing for family history research has conquered many brick walls, but is it for you?  Perhaps you are still deciding whether to not to test, or maybe you already have your results.  In either case, Dave Robison’s two presentations will answer many of your questions and help you make informed decisions about next steps regarding DNA testing.
Together, the two Saturday morning sessions will cover these topics:

• What types of DNA can be extracted? What is the function of each type?
• How are the tests conducted?
• What can I do with the information?
• What are the limitations of DNA testing?
• I’ve got my test results, now what?  To share or not to share? 

 The March 23 session will focus on introductory topics, while March 30 will cover more complex questions.
Dave Robison, Old Bones Genealogy of New England, has more than twenty years of experience with genealogical research and has helped hundreds of people with his workshops, courses, and consultations.  He is the President of the Western Massachusetts Genealogical Society and is active in many other genealogical associations.
Please call to pre-register for one or both sessions: (413) 420-8107.
There is no cost to attend.
This event was rescheduled from an earlier date. Sponsored by the Holyoke History Room. 

Photo: Hitchcock Academy

Come and get crafty with us! You do not need to be an artist to participate.

Today history comes deodorized.  Join us for a whiff of the past!  This workshop with mother/daughter Grounded Goodwife duo includes grimace worthy historical tidbits and information about the medicinal benefits of various herbs and essential oils.  You'll create your own 4-ounce herbal reed diffuser based on your preferences/needs.

LIMITED TO 25 PARTICIPANTS!

Register by calling 413-420-8101

***********

Come play 18 holes of Mini Golf inside the Holyoke Public Library! 

All ages welcome. Children under 5 can play FREE.  Youth ages 5-12 pay only $3. Adults and Teens, $5.

FACE-Painting by Mask Makers Face Painting is included, if desired.

No advance tickets needed. Come when you wish, pay entry fee at ticket table in Library lobby, and pick up a golf ball, putter, and scorecard. You'll be directed to Hole #1 (via elevator ride to the Reference Room).  Have fun playing at your own pace.  

The Library will be open regular Saturday hours (8:30am - 4:00pm), including the Computer Room (which won't be included in the golf course).
 
La Mesa Food Truck will be parked by the LIbrary. You may bring food into the Community Room, where tables and chairs will be set up for indoor eating and relaxing.

Save the date!  Plan to join us for a fun party, with catered food, cash bar, 18 holes of mini golf inside the Library, and a "Lucky Ticket" Auction.  $20 per person, at door.  Caterer: Jay Candelario of Jay's Bed & Breakfast.

This is part of the 4th Annual "Mini Golf in the Library!" fundraiser to benefit the Holyoke Public Library.

Professional genealogist Hillary Schau will be on site with tips for breaking through genealogy brick walls.  Just getting started?  Come in to research, get advice, and compare notes with other family history researchers.   

Drop-in Genealogy will be held every THIRD TUESDAY through the spring in the Computer Classroom.  Free.  Just stop by!  No pre-registration needed. 

Conversation with Author Series
With Massachusetts Commissioner of Higher Education
Carlos Santiago

Friday, April 19, 2019 at 5:00pm

Holyoke Public Library
250 Chestnut Street
Holyoke, MA

Massachusetts Commissioner of Higher Education,  Carlos Santiago has just released a new edition of his book, Puerto Ricans in the United States: A Contemporary Portrait, which provides “a comprehensive, contemporary portrait of the nearly 8 million Puerto Ricans almost evenly divided between the island itself and across the U.S. mainland and Hawaii".

  

Carlos E. Santiago is Commissioner of Higher
  Education for Massachusetts, appointed to
  this position by the Board of Higher Education
  (BHE) in July 2015.
 
   Working with the BHE, he is responsible for
  providing overall direction to public higher
  education in Massachusetts and helping
  shape state-level policies that maximize the
  benefits of higher education to the
  Commonwealth and its citizens.

   Santiago joined the Massachusetts
  Department of Higher Education in April 2013
  as the Senior Deputy Commissioner for
  Academic Affairs.

   His past academic appointments include that
of Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee (Wisconsin’s second largest research university). He brings over 30 years of experience in public higher education. Santiago also served as provost and chief operating officer at the University at Albany,  (SUNY). He was a professor of economics at UWM and SUNY-Albany and holds a Ph.D. in economics from Cornell University.

Santiago is also the author or co-author of six books and has published dozens of articles and book reviews, of which many focus on economic development and the changing socioeconomic status of Latinos in the United States. On two separate occasions, in 1996 and 2011, Santiago has been named one of the 100 most influential Hispanics in the United States by Hispanic Business magazine.

Most library programs are free thank you from library supporters like you!

For more information or to register for this program, call the library at (413) 420-8101.

Parking available along Chestnut Street and in generous lots adjacent to and immediately across the street from the library.
 

WALKING IN THE SHADOW OF THE VETERAN: THE HEART OF THE VETERAN 

Monday April 22nd at 6pm

Holyoke Library Community Room

Linda Leary was born in Holyoke, MA and was the fifth of six children.  She attended Blessed Sacrament School in Holyoke and then Holyoke High School.  Linda received degrees from HCC, Umass and Our Lady of the Elms where she graduated with a BSN.

After some initial government positions with the City of Holyoke through the early 70s, Linda ultimately settled at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Leeds, MA where she proudly served Veterans for thirty-four years.  

Linda's book WALKING IN THE SHADOW OF THE VETERAN: THE HEART OF THE VETERAN is written from her 34 years of memories in order to take the veteran off the back burner where they have been for so long.  In Linda's own words "we are duty bound in the United States to care for our Veterans because they are the ones who sacrificed their lives so that our freedoms could be preserved and maintained."

Join us as Linda shares portions of her book and then takes questions and comments from the audience.  

***********

Come Join Us for Jeff Snow the Softer Side of Celtic: Songs, Stories and Tunes From Scotland, England and Ireland

Wednesday May 1st 6:30pm
Holyoke Public Library

SPONSORED IN PART WITH A GRANT FROM THE MA CULTURAL COUNCIL

Growing up as the son of a drummer in a Bagpipe band and  in a home where older Celtic songs were the everyday sounds, Jeff developed a love for the music of Scotland, England and Ireland. His concerts have been described as "quiet and relaxing " and much of it is, but sometimes he'll break out and the foot stomping begins.

The magical sounds from the instruments coupled with vocals and Jeff's love and knowledge of his Scottish heritage create a delightful program of traditional and original tunes and songs.

Much of the history of Scotland, England and Ireland is preserved in song. Hearing those stories along with the songs  educate as well as entertain.You will see singing, laughing, lots of smiles and perhaps a few tears. 

Register by calling 413-420-8101

***********

Library programs are open to the public free of charge thanks to our generous donors and supporters like you. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling, visiting or emailing the Holyoke Public Library.

Parking available along Chestnut Street and in generous lots adjacent to and immediately across the street from the library.

Holyoke Public Library
250 Chestnut Street
Holyoke, MA

DIXIELAND STOMP!

High energy, foot stomping, entertainment combining humorous lyrics and just plan fun. All mixed together for a fun filled time for all from 8 to 80.   Everyone loves Dixieland.

The band specializes in music of Louis Armstrong, New Orleans four beat style and up beat Chicago tempos. 

***********

Library programs are open to the public free of charge thanks to our generous donors and supporters like you. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling, visiting or emailing the Holyoke Public Library.

Parking available along Chestnut Street and in generous lots adjacent to and immediately across the street from the library.

Professional genealogist Hillary Schau will be on site with tips for breaking through genealogy brick walls.  Just getting started?  Come in to research, get advice, and compare notes with other family history researchers.   

Drop-in Genealogy will be held every THIRD TUESDAY through the spring in the Computer Classroom.  Free.  Just stop by!  No pre-registration needed. 

PERFUME MAKING WITH ESSENTIAL OILS CLASS

Nora Zinan is a Registered Nurse with over 35 years of experience that includes teaching.  She practices Holistic Nursing which supports healing the mind, body and spirit in natural ways that complement medicine.  She can be reached at nzinandoterra@gmail.com. Her Facebook Page is Western Mass Natural Health and Wellness.

In the Perfume-Making with Essential Oils class, Nora will talk about the historical use of essential oils for both health and perfume-making.  Participants will learn the properties of the oils and their blending companions, and then blend the oils that are most appealing to them, making their own personal perfume.

LIMIT OF 15 PARTICPANTS!

REGISTER BY CALLING 413-420-8101

***********

Library programs are open to the public free of charge thanks to our generous donors and supporters like you. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling, visiting or emailing the Holyoke Public Library.

Parking available along Chestnut Street and in generous lots adjacent to and immediately across the street from the library.