Interested in participating in a friendly exchange of ideas about current political events? Curious to explore how seemingly isolated incidents and actions often have historical roots and are related to larger issues? Then this class is for you!

The Hendrick Hudson Free Library is excited to host “Beyond the Breaking News,” a lively discussion of news events for residents interested in domestic and foreign policy issues and what’s driving them.

This unique program will promote a friendly exchange of thoughts and opinions about provocative issues and hot topics in the news - Everyone’s ideas will be considered, with free expression and a spirit of congeniality encouraged.

What we Believe: “Discussions should be conducted without fondness for dispute or desire for victory.” All opinions will be entertained in a calm and reasoned manner, with no person or position subject to attack.

The Moderator: During his 45 yr. corporate publishing career and subsequent 8 yr. consulting business, Jay Forbes has actively facilitated many forums comprised of high level retail executives with competing interests.

Since moderating classes for several years at Ossining Library and WCC Collegium, Jay has been heading up Beyond Breaking News on Zoom since Covid and is currently an active participant in the Chappaqua Library Foreign Policy program and past member of both the Croton on Hudson and Katonah political discussion groups. He is a self-confessed “political junkie” with an abiding interest in people, politics and stimulating discourse.

And this year, knowledgeable and long time participants will be alternating class facilitation with Jay to offer their own unique perspective and approach to the fast moving political scene.

Sign Me Up –So if you’re interested in a friendly exchange of ideas, open to how others feel about current events and want to have some laughs and fun while putting your own two cents in, email your name, phone # and email address to Jay Forbes: jforbesconnect@gmail.com. Jay will answer any questions you might have in advance about this program and/or sign you up to join us.

Is a trip to Italy in your future? Familiarize yourself in this class with the basics of Italian language and culture with local resident Luca Vuolo, an experienced Romance language tutor and NYC teacher. No experience necessary and language speakers welcome as well!

NYBC has continued collecting blood throughout the pandemic as the need for blood certainly has not stopped during these trying times. NYBC is implementing modifications to our collections to provide a controlled and safe environment to our staff and donors.

Here are the steps NYBC is taking to make sure mobile blood drive set-ups are virus free: We ask blood donors and our own staff to stay home if they are not feeling well. Our staff are trained in universal precautions to help prevent the risk of spreading infectious agents. Blood Center employees’ temperatures are taken prior to the start of each shift. Blood donor temperatures are taken before they can start the registration process. Blood Center employees are to wear masks and donors a face covering. Blood drive set-ups are changed to allow more social spacing between donors and staff. Blood donations are by appointment only and walk-ins are only allowed if space allows. We are also regularly cleaning public surfaces. Refreshments for blood donors are single service, individually wrapped.