By Lori Bradford, Pink Hill Public Library 

Autumn will be arriving in the approaching weeks and the Etta Jones Turner Public Library (Pink Hill Public Library) is ready. The season is often seen as symbolic, with the foliage and coming of cold weather representing change. The PHPL is turning its own new leaf and offering brand new programming. 

Seniors and children will have the opportunity to make their own positive changes through a month-long program series focusing on physical and mental well-being. According to Library Assistant Shearon Vega, “Our wellness series invites participants for guest-led programs that focus on building a health-conscious lifestyle through improved habits.”

The Senior Wellness Series kicked off on September 12th and feature guest Leraine Tolston, a Deep Run native and Pilates Instructor. Leraine will present “Pilates for Seniors” by showcasing exercises that are beneficial to seniors. The second session on September 19 will be hosted by guest Rose Hernandez, a presenter for the Eastern North Carolina Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, leading an informative presentation on ‘Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body: Tips from the Latest Research.’ The final session on September 26 will feature Kelly Tyndall, a frequent Neuse Regional Libraries collaborator and a Lenoir County Cooperative Extension agent, enlightening guests on how to read and breakdown nutritional information in “Food Labels 101” followed by a cooking demonstration.

Wellness Wednesdays will take place at 4:30 p.m. on three occasions in September for children twelve and under. The first session on September 13 featured Kelly Tyndall, who will guide participants and their adults through a “Nourishing Breakfasts” hands-on demonstration for those busy school mornings. The recipes featured will be geared towards children so they can learn how to prepare meals on their own. The second session will take place on September 21; guest presenter Sharon Mervin, former Yoga instructor and now La Grange Public Library Manager will teach a beginner’s yoga and meditation class for children. The final session will happen on September 28 and feature Kelly Tyndall returning for another hands-on demonstration titled “Beneficial Snacks”.  

We look forward to this new season of change and are excited to offer these programs to our community. If you are interested in more information or registering for upcoming programs, please call 252-568-3631 for more information.