Volume 3, Issue 5
Adult & Family Services
Adult Learning Center
Audio Visual Services
Automation Services
Book Sales
Children’s Services
Facebook Page
Computer Classes
Circulation Services
Downloadable Books
Hageman Facebook
Homebound Services
Meeting Services
Museum Services
Facebook Page
Reference Services
Serials Services
May, 2013
Download Audiobooks and eBooks
Westchester Public Library subscribes to a downloadable audiobook and eBook
service for Westchester Township resident patrons. Sorry, but if you aren’t a resident
of the library district or if your library account is not in good standing*, you are not
eligible to receive the service. For more information, please read the letter posted
here.
Use your WPL card number to log into the OverDrive site. Check out books for a
week or two and download them to your home computer or listening device.
Audiobooks and eBooks might also be transferred to portable devices such as a
Kindle, iPod, iPhone, iPad, Sony Reader, NOOK, Android, Blackberry, or Windows
Phone.
Look here for a list of compatible devices. You don’t return the items; book files
become unplayable after the loan period expires. The files can then be deleted.
If the book you want is being used by another patron, you can log in and place a hold
to be notified when it is your turn to borrow the book.
For more information, visit our Downloadable Audiobooks and eBooks page.
*A library card not in good standing might be caused by excessive fines, an expired
card, an overdue address check, or the card might need to be replaced (some older
cards have short bar-code numbers—12 digits—and are no longer being used).
eNewspapers Now Available at Thomas Library
Technical Services
Homebound
For information on the library’s
homebound service, call 926-7696
and leave a message for Outreach
Coordinator Sadie Steciuch who
will return your call. Township
patrons who have difficulty visiting
either branch of the library for
reasons of extended illness, injury
or disability are qualified for the
service.
Do you want to read the New York Times online? No problem. Do you want to
read the Washington Post online? No problem. Would you like to read all of the
regional newspapers online? No problem. Westchester Public Library now offers
21 local, regional, and national eNewspapers to read while visiting the library.
All of the eNewspapers are available on the library’s new Nexus 10 tablets. You
don’t know the first thing about tablets? No problem. Ready, eager, and knowledgeable staff is available to help you get started. To access the tablets, patrons
need to be over the age of 18, have a valid WPL card, and a photo ID. Tablets will
be checked out on your library card and can be read in-house in the upstairs reading
room adjacent to the Serials/Automation desk. The 150 digital magazines now
available from Zinio via the library’s website will also be accessible on the tablets.
The tablets are located on the second floor of Thomas Library, 200 W. Indiana Avenue, Chesterton, in the Serials/Automation Department. The second floor, you
say? No problem…there is an elevator to the left in the library entrance foyer. For
more information, call the Serials/Automation Department at 926-7696, extension
1
25. Happy Reading!
Happy Mother’s Day: Sunday, May 12
If your Pre-K through 12th
grade child is in need of
reading help, this program is
for you!
Designed to assist your child
with his/her academic
reading, the library’s newest
program offers a safe and
welcoming learning
environment with volunteer
tutors who will work
one-on-one with your child in
half hour increments.
Student sign-up sheets are
available at both libraries or
online here.
Mothers have been deeply loved throughout history, with roots of a day
honoring mothers in ancient Greek and Roman history. More recent history
dates to the 1600s in England where Mothering Sunday was an annual celebration. Although the custom almost died out by the 19th century, it was
revived after World War II.
Julia Ward Howe (author of “Battle Hymn of the Republic”) suggested an
official celebration for mothers in 1872. She initiated a Mother’s Peace Day
in June, the idea of which spread until it was replaced by the current
Mother’s Day holiday.
Known as “the Mother of Mother’s Day,” Anna Jarvis is recognized as the
founder of the current holiday in the United States. Although Anna remained
unmarried and never had children, she got the inspiration for celebrating
mothers with their own special day from her love and respect for her own
mother.
Visit the library and check out some books or movies to enjoy with Mom on
her special day.
Patrons interested in
volunteering to be tutors may
pick up and return
applications at the Circ desk of
either branch (note on
application your interest in
tutoring). The coordinator will
contact you to schedule an
interview.
Volunteers will be asked to complete
the library’s volunteer application,
waiver, and background check form,
all available on the library’s website.
Mars Needs Moms—In this movie, Milo gains a deeper appreciation for his
mom after Martians come to Earth and take her away. (in the AV Dept.)
Sarah, Plain and Tall—A single New England woman responds to an ad by a
Midwestern widower in which he asks for a bride to help him raise his two
children. (in the AV Dept.)
Jessica Lost: A Story of Birth, Adoption & the Meaning of Motherhood—a mother
and her child, lost and then found again after four decades. (in the Large
Type Section at Thomas Library)
Fancy Nancy’s Marvelous Mother’s Day Brunch—Nancy plans the perfect Mother’s Day brunch for her mother, but everything does not go according to
plan. (J OCO; available at Hageman Library)
...and so much more!
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Leea Likes:
Sunday Matinee: The Guilt Trip
All of these titles are
available @ your library in
print or audio format or
both. Check them out
today!
Dead Ever After by Charlaine Harris
In the finale to the Sookie Stackhouse series,
Sookie is arrested for murder but makes bail.
While investigating, she learns that what passes for truth in Bon Temps is only a convenient lie. What passes for justice is more spilled
blood. What passes for love is never enough...
Inferno by Dan Brown
Robert Langdon is back and is drawn into a
world centered on Dante’s Inferno. Langdon
races to find answers to an ingenious riddle
and decide whom to trust before the world
is irrevocably altered.
Deeply Odd (Odd Thomas) by Dean Koontz
Odd Thomas is a young man with a unique
ability to commune with restless spirits and
help them find justice and peace. But this
time it’s the living who need his help. Three
innocents will be killed unless he can
intervene in time, but the only thing he
knows for sure is who the killer will be.
Hit by David Balducci
Will Robie is the man the US government calls
on to eliminate the worst enemies of the state.
The only one who can match his talents is
Jessica Reel, who’s gone rogue. His mission is
to bring her in. But as he pursues her, he finds
there is more to her betrayal than he was told.
Silken Prey by John Sandford
Murder, scandal, political espionage, and an
extremely dangerous woman. Lucas Davenport’s going to be lucky to get out of this
alive.
Sunday Matinee will screen The Guilt Trip in the Bertha Wood meeting
room at Thomas Library, 200 W. Indiana Avenue, Chesterton, at 1:30
p.m. on Sunday, May 19. Westchester Public Library films are free of
charge and open to the public.
Investor Andy Brewster (Seth Rogan) is embarking on the road trip of
a lifetime. Before he heads out, he makes a stop at his mother’s
house. What should have been a quick stop turns into an unexpected
cross-country voyage with his mom, Joyce (Barabara Streisand), along
for The Guilt Trip.
The Guilt Trip is rated PG-13 and has a running time of 95 minutes.
For more information, call the Audio-Visual Department at
926-7696.
Tracy’s Take:
Coming Soon to AV:
Jack Reacher—Tom Cruise plays Jack Reacher, the protagonist in
the series of novels written by Lee Child. The alleged killer has a
background with Reacher, stretching back to a crime the killer truly
did commit.
Safe Haven—Based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks, Safe Haven
tells the story of a widow and widower meeting and beginning a
relationship—until a secret from her past threatens them.
Cloud Atlas—Based on the best-selling novel by David Mitchell,
this movie is an exploration of how the actions of individual lives
impact one another in the past, present, and the future.
Follow us on Twitter! @WestchesterPL
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Rhonda Says...
Bits & Bytes
All Bits & Bytes computer classes take place in the Bertha Wood meeting
room on the second floor of Thomas Library, 200 W. Indiana Avenue,
Chesterton. Registration is necessary for all classes.
To reserve your spot in any of the Bits & Bytes classes, please call the
Serials/Automation Department at 926-7696, ext. 25, or register online at
the Bits & Bytes link.
Money
magazine is
your guide to making better
decisions when it comes to
personal finance. Get advice on
everything from paying your
way through college to buying a
car or financing your first
house. Read up on stocks and
insurance rates, get tips on how
to find the best deals on loans,
and receive expert advice on
how to attract more business
and find investors. Edited for
individuals at any stage of their
lives, Money magazine is a
valuable tool in turning your
financial goals into reality.
Consumer Reports Money Adviser
offers its readership unbiased
tips, suggestions, and strategies
in the goal of maximizing your
finances and making informative and confident decisions
with your money. Every issue
has useful, in-depth articles.
This publication is a great
educational tool and a reliable
source for financial guidance.
Managing Your Digital Photos
Attendees will learn the basics of importing and exporting digital
photographs, editing photos, and resizing photos. Participants need to be
computer literate and proficient with the mouse.
The class will take place on Thursday, May 2, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Registration is underway.
Computer Basics 1
This class will introduce the user to the computer. Learn how to handle
the mouse and desktop shortcuts. Additional features will also be
discussed and demonstrated.
The class will take place on Thursday, May 9, from 2-5 p.m. Registration
is underway.
Computer Basics 2
The class will continue with basics and will look further into
understanding applications, storage, and the control panel. Topics to be
covered will include file extensions, cut-copy and past, managing files,
backing up files, and more.
The class will take place on Thursday, May 16, from 2-5 p.m. Registration
will begin on May 2.
Intro to Google Apps
Some of the collaborative tools that will be explored in the class are
Google sites, Gmail, Google Calendar, Latitude, and Google Docs. The
class will take place on Tuesday, May 21, from 1-4 p.m. Registration will
begin on May 7.
Introduction to the Internet
This class will answer the questions what is the Internet, where did it
come from, and how does it work? Attendees will learn how to easily
find information. They will also learn about different browsers and how
to customize one, and much more.
The class will take place on Thursday, May 30, from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Registration will begin on May 16.
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Spotlight on Aaron Diaz
Aaron Diaz
is a
relatively
new library
employee.
He works
in the IT
Department as assistant/minion to IT
Supervisor Mike Acsbok. While working
at the library and successfully taking six
college classes, Aaron has quickly become a
valued employee.
Prior to Aaron’s employment with the library, he served in the United Sates Navy
Submarine service as a Fire Control Technician Second Class Petty Officer. With
outstanding reviews for always being a person you can come to when you need something
done, he
excelled.
He is
also an
officer of
the Veteran’s
Organization
representatives of Purdue North Central.
Aaron spends the little free time he has
looking for new things to learn, whether
for personal benefit or for the library. An
example is Drupal. Drupal is an open
source software package that allows users
to easily organize, manage and publish their
content, with an endless variety of
customization. Aaron also likes spending
time with friends and making new ones
with patrons and employees of the library.
This particular minion looks forward to a
bright future with the library.
History Discussion Group
Westchester Public Library’s History Discussion Group will meet
on Saturday, May 11, from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in the Bertha
Wood room on the second floor of Thomas Library, 200 W.
Indiana Avenue, Chesterton. Registration is not necessary.
This year marks the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Chancellorsville. Join Thomas Murphy and Jon Fraley as they lead the
discussion on the events that led to the battle and the battle itself.
Look at some of the reasons the Union army was able to snatch
defeat from the jaws of victory.
For more information, please call or Leea at (219) 926-7696 or
Serena at (219) 983-9715.
The What’s Next Question
What is World Book Night? was Westchester Public Library’s What’s
Next Question for April. Congratulations to winner Carol Lindquist,
who received a $20 Barnes and Noble gift card.
World Book Night is an annual celebration dedicated to spreading
the love of reading, person to person. Each year on April 23, tens of
thousands of people in the US go out into their communities and
give a total of half a million free World Book Night paperbacks to
light readers, non-readers, and those who don’t normally have access
to printed books for reasons of means or access.
Westchester Public Library participated in World Book Night with
14 volunteers who passed out 280 books in the community.
For answers to your reference questions, please visit or call the
Reference desk at Thomas Library, 200 W. Indiana Avenue,
Chesterton. Library staff will help you find the answers.
Remember to check the Chesterton Tribune the first Friday of each
month for the What’s Next Question. May’s What’s Next Question
will appear in the Chesterton Tribune on Friday, May 3. Patrons can
make a copy of the ad for free in the Serials Department at Thomas
Library, 200 W. Indiana Avenue, Chesterton. Answers can be
submitted to the What’s Next Question box at the Thomas Library
Circulation desk. The deadline will be the last Sunday of the month,
May 26. The winner will receive a $20 Barnes and Noble card.
For more information about the What’s Next Question or other
programs and events, please call the library at 926-7696.
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Polka Dot Parties
Polka Dot Parties with Carol continues in
May. Attendees meet in the Bertha Wood
meeting room on the second floor of
Thomas Library. Registration required.
Saturday, May 4
9:30
9:30--11:30 a.m.
Registration Required
926
926--7696
Wall Art
Monday, May 13, 6-8:30 p.m.
Create original wall art with the
techniques learned.
Bertha Wood Room
Thomas Library
200 W. Indiana Ave.
Chesterton
Thank You Cards or Bookmarks
Wednesday, May 22,
6-8:30 pm.
Join Carol and learn/use basic stamping
techniques to create thank you cards or
bookmarks.
May 1, 2013, is the 150th anniversary of the Battle of
Chancellorsville. Westchester Public Library will recognize this
anniversary with a program for adults about the battle on Saturday,
May 4, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. in the Bertha Wood meeting room at
Thomas Library, 200 W. Indiana Avenue, Chesterton. Attendance
is free of charge, but registration is required.
Thomas Murphy and Jon Fraley will describe events that led to the
battle and actions that occurred during the battle. They will also
present some of the reasons the Union army was able to snatch
defeat from the jaws of victory. Maps will be handed out.
May 9,
Murphy is an RSVP volunteer and has presented many programs at
the library. Fraley is a former re-enactor and student of the Civil
War.
National Wildflower Week: May 4-12
Popular
Books
6:30 pm, the first Monday of each month
in the Bertha Wood meeting room.
May 6: Caleb’s Crossing
by Geraldine Brooks
Wildflower Week was launched in 1988 as
the primary focus of the American Wildflower Society, which was founded the
same year—and which became defunct a few years
later. The week languished in obscurity until revived
by Charles Spencer to honor his mentor, Edward Pieta,
naturalist and botanist. Check out one of the following books and
look for wildflowers during the week.
National Audubon Society First Field Guide: Wildflowers
J 582.1309 HOO (at both Hageman & Thomas)
June 3: the Worst Hard Time:
Reader’s Digest North American Wildlife: Wildflowers
582.1309 REA (at Thomas)
by Timothy Egan
Wildflowers Across America by Lady Bird Johnson
582.13 JOH (at both Hageman & Thomas)
the Untold Story of Those
Who Survived
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6
May is National
Barbecue
Month…
Eating Well for Healthy Living
May is officially the
kick-off to the
outdoor cooking
season. Check out these (and more!) great
books for hints and helps for barbecuing.
Chicken on the Grill: 100 Fired-up Ways to Grill
Chicken to Perfection by Cheryl Alters Jamison
641.665 JAM (at Thomas Library)
Barbecue Bible: Sauces, Rubs, and Marinades, Bastes,
Butters & Glazes by Steven Raichlen CD
641.7584 RAI (at Thomas Library)
Grilled Pizzas and Piadinas by Craig Priebe
641.824 PRI (at Thomas Library)
The Gardener a& the Grill: The Bounty of the Garden Meets the Sizzle of the Grill by Karen Adler
641.5784 ADL
(at both Hageman and Thomas Libraries)
Serious Barbecue: Smoke, Char, Baste, and Brush
Your Way to Great Outdoor Cooking by Adam
Perry Lang with JJ Goode and Amy Vogler
641.5784 PER (at both Hageman and Thomas
Libraries)
Big Book of BBQ: Recipes and Revelations from the
Barbecue Belt From the editors of Southern
Living 641.5784 BIG (at Thomas Library)
BBQ Sauces, Rubs, & Marinades for Dummies
by Traci Cumbay with Tom Schneider
641.76 CUM (at Thomas Library)
Smokin’ with Myron Mixon:
Recipes Made Simple, from
the Winningest Man in
Barbecue by Myron Mixon
641.5784 MIX (at both
Hageman & Thomas
Libraries)
Adults interested in learning more about how foods affect
our bodies in different ways are invited to register for one
or all of the remaining sessions of Eating Well for Living
Healthy, May 13 and June 3, from 3-4:30 p.m. at
Westchester Public Library. Classes will take place in
the Bertha Wood meeting room at Thomas Library, 200
W. Indiana Avenue, Chesterton. Registered Dietetic
Technician Gia DeMartinis-Novak will lead the classes.
Registration for individual sessions is necessary. Sign
up at the Reference desk or call 926-7696.
At the May 13 session, Keys to Healthy Weight Loss,
learn the safest and most effective ways for achieving
healthy and lasting weight loss. Increase your energy
and reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease, type 2
diabetes, and many cancers.
The final session in the series, Diabetes: SelfManagement, will take place on June 3. Choosing the
right foods can be daunting for people with diabetes.
Learn basic and easy guidelines for meal planning.
DeMartinis-Novak earned her Bachelor’s Degree from
Trinity Christian College with a Biology major and a
minor in Chemistry. She also earned an Associate’s
Degree in Applied Nutrition from Central Arizona
College. She has worked at Kraft General Foods
performing vitamin analysis of foods. She also served a
Dietetic internship at Methodist Hospitals in Gary and
Merrillville and Methodist Cardiac Rehab Center and
Outpatient Diabetes Clinic, and worked at Methodist
Hospital in Merrillville.
For more information or to register, please call the
Reference Department at 926-7696.
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Young Adult
News and Notes
Check out these books (& more) from the
YA collection at Thomas.
Taking Chances by Molly McAdams
Harper is away from home for the first time, ready to live life her own way and experience things she’s only heard of
from the jarheads in her father’s marine unit. College at San Diego University introduces her to a world of parties,
gorgeous guys, family, and emotions. She is torn between two men who seem dangerous but truly adore her.
From Ashes by Molly McAdams
Cassie follows her best friend and only man she’s ever trusted besides her father, to college. There they share an
apartment with Tyler’s cousin Gage. Gage and Cassie are drawn together even though Tyler has warned Gage
away. Tragedy sends Cassie into Tyler’s arms, and she must decide to face her past or burn her chance at a future
with Gage.
The Sea of Tranquility: A Novel by Katja Millay
Former piano prodigy Nastya Kashnikov wants to get through school without anyone learning about her past and to
make the boy who took her identity, her spirit, and her will to live to pay . Josh Bennett wants to be left alone—and
he is because when your name is synonymous with death, everyone tends to leave you alone. Well, everyone except
Nastya...
Game: the Sequel to “I Hunt Killers” by Barry Lyga
The son of history’s most infamous serial killer is once again asked to help the police. Jazz can’t say no. The Hat-Dog
Killer has NYC running scared. Jazz hops on a plane with his girlfriend to the City and gets swept up in the killer’s
murderous game. Both the stakes and the body count are higher in this suspenseful and unstoppable sequel.
Jane Austen Goes to Hollywood by Abby McDonald
Hallie and Grace are forced to move to a relative’s guest house (in Beverly Hills) when their father dies. Hallie
throws herself headlong into the Hollywood scene while shy Grace yearns for the almost-crush she left behind.
Is Hallie blinded by her cinematic visions of true love? Can Grace find strength to step off the sidelines?
8
Pokémon League
Children in grades 1 and above are invited to join the Pokémon
League on Tuesday evenings through May 29. Registration is
necessary, so call or visit the Children’s Department at Thomas
Library.
Learn math, strategy, communication—all while having fun and
meeting new friends. There is no need to bring anything; there is no
charge for participation.
Lego Club
Origami Club
Westchester Public Library’s
continuing Lego Club will meet Friday,
May 10, at 6:30 p.m. Clubbers will meet
in the Children’s Department at Thomas
Library. Register today in the Children’s
Department. Attendance is free of charge,
but registration is necessary. Lego Club is
for ages six years and up.
Children grades 2 and up are invited to Origami Club on
Saturday, May 18, at 11 a.m.
Registration is necessary.
Materials
are
provided
by the
library.
Coming This Summer:
Children’s Summer Reading: June 10-July 20
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Westchester Public Library Childrens’ Services
9
10
Tech Trivia
Cataloguing & Acquisitions
There’s always something going on in the halls of Technical Services…
Technical Services Manager Rose Halpin is a soldier in the U.S. Army Reserves. She is leaving in May to go to
OCS (Officer Candidate School). Her birthday is this month, but she will be gone by the time her birthday rolls
around. Her staff wanted to celebrate with her, so they held a surprise birthday party for her.
Tech enjoyed the goodies brought in—including
cake! Members of the department will miss Rose
while she is gone, but are proud of her. See you
when you get back, Rose!
11
Hageman
Happenings
Bifocal Bookies
Meet on the second
Tuesday of the month at 1 p.m.
at Hageman Library
May 14: The Meryl Streep Movie Club
by Mia March
June 11: Defending Jacob
by William Landay
July 9: All Woman & Springtime
by Brandon Jones
August 13: In the Kingdom of Men
by Kim Barnes
News at Noon
If you love to discuss current events,
Westchester Public Library’s newest
monthly program is for you. Interested
adults are invited to News at Noon at
Hageman Library, 100 Francis Street,
Porter, on Thursday, May 16, from noon
-1 p.m. Attendance at the program is
free of charge.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a
news clipping or an idea of something
they would like to discuss.
Knit
Knit--wits & Pearls of Wisdom
Preschool Movie: Stella and Sam
Westchester Public Library’s preschool movie series will continue at
Hageman Library, 100 Francis Street, Porter with Stella and Sam:
Night Fairies and Tree Wishes, on Friday, May 3, at 10 a.m. All library
films are free of charge and open to the public.
Discover the wonder and awe of childhood with Stella and Sam:
Night Fairies and Tree Wishes. Sam has so many questions – and his
sister, Stella, has answers for all of them as she leads him in adventure that transforms their house and yard into anywhere in the
world.
Stella and Sam is based on the book series written by Mary-Louise
Gay. A number of books in the series are available for checkout at
Hageman Library; more are on order.
For more information, call Hageman Library at 926-9080.
Family Film:
Westchester Public Library’s Family Films series will continue at
Hageman Library, 100 Francis Street, Porter, on Saturday, May 11,
at 2 p.m. with Wings of Life. Library films are free of charge and
open to the public.
Wings of Life is an adventure full of drama, beauty, and intrigue.
“Narrated by Meryl Streep, this intimate and unprecedented look at
butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, bats and flowers is a celebration
of life, as a third of the world’s food supply depends on these incredible – and increasingly threatened - creatures.” (disney.com)
Wings of Life is rated G and has a running time of 77 minutes.
For more information, call Hageman Library at 926-9080.
Love to knit or crochet? Join fellow enthusiasts every Thursday from 10 a.m.-noon around the fireplace.
Refreshments, conversation, and relaxation included.
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Museum Musings...
Bookmarks
Join Kellie Koerner for Bookmarks at the
Museum on Thursday, May 16, at 2 p.m. at
the Westchester Township History Museum, 700 W. Porter Avenue, Chesterton.
Refreshments will be served.
Dutch author Herman Koch has created
an internationally bestselling phenomenon
in The Dinner. The Dinner tells a darkly
suspenseful tale of two families struggling
to make the hardest decision of their lives
- all over the course of one meal. Tautly
written, incredibly gripping, The Dinner
skewers everything from parenting values
to pretentious menus to political
convictions, revealing the dark side of
genteel society and asking what each of us
would do in the face of unimaginable
tragedy.
Bookmarks takes place on the third
Thursday of the month at the museum and
on the third Friday of the month at
Michigan City Public Library, 100 E. 4th
St., Michigan City.
It is not necessary to read the book before
attending. Books are available at both
Thomas and Hageman Libraries.
Knitting Together
Area knitters are invited to gather in the
Brown Mansion for a cozy afternoon of
knitting, conversation, and refreshments
on Sunday, May 5, from 1-5 p.m. Those
who crochet or do needlework are also
welcome to attend.
Who’s Who & What’s What
Who’s Who and What’s What? is a display
of unidentified photographs from the
archives of the Westchester Township
History Museum, 700 W. Porter Avenue, Chesterton. The exhibit will run
from May 1-19.
The museum has hundreds of photographs in its archives, many of which are
of unidentified dates, people, events, and/or places. The community is
invited to browse the historic images and help museum staff identify the
photographs. Maybe you’ll even discover a photo of yourself in the archive!
Don’t miss Historically Speaking, Thursday, May 2,
9:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.
Tune in to Chesterton High School’s radio station, WDSO 88.3
FM, on the first Thursday of the month for Historically Speaking.
This month’s topics include the Porter and Chesterton merge
attempts and the happenings at the Porter County Museum.
Mad About Mysteries
Join Joan Costello when she presents the mysteries of Julie Hyzy at
Mad About Mysteries at the Westchester Township History Museum,
700 W. Porter Avenue, Chesterton. Mad About Mysteries will take
place on Wednesday, May 8, with a repeat presentation on Saturday,
May 11.
Julie Hyzy is the bestselling author of two award-winning mystery
series: the Manor House Mysteries, featuring mansion curator and
amateur sleuth Grace Watson, and the White House Chef series, featuring Olivia Paras, chief cook and mystery solver in the White
House kitchen.
Angel Goins will discus Amish mysteries at the June sessions of Mad
About Mysteries.
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From the Curator’s Desk...
Last month, museum staff had a wonderful opportunity to visit the 7 th-grade English classes at
Chesterton Middle School to present a program about Diana of the Dunes, whose real name was Alice
Gray. The classes had been studying legends, myths and folktales, and teacher Linda Peele called the museum with a
request to conduct a program about our local legend. Although we’d never done a program for kids about Diana of
the Dunes, it was a great opportunity to learn more about her and help bring the story to a new generation.
Since then, we’ve had the chance to speak to a few adults about the Diana of the Dunes program as well and have
been a bit disconcerted by the fact that so many people believe the myths surrounding this woman. Because of the
rampant misconceptions, I’ve decided to clarify some of the legend. Each of these points is based on our own
research as well as the book Diana of the Dunes: The True Story of Alice Gray by Janet Edwards.
Legend: Alice Gray was the daughter of a successful Chicago physician.
Truth: Alice’s father, Ambrose Gray, was a Civil War veteran and lamplighter who supported his family with his
meager wages and even smaller military pension. Her father died when Alice was a teenager, leaving her mother, Sallie,
responsible for the welfare of Alice and her younger brother. Sallie repeatedly requested an increase in pension but
was refused. Alice and her brother both worked to help support the family.
Legend: Alice Gray was married to Paul Wilson.
Truth: There is no evidence that there was a legal marriage between Alice and Paul. No marriage record or license exists. It is possible that they held a common law marriage.
Legend: Paul repeatedly abused Alice.
Truth: Based on Alice’s diaries and interviews with people who knew her, Paul treated Alice well and took it upon
himself to protect her. He was a fairly large, burly man who was known to carry firearms at all times, and it is possible
that his penchant for weapons and petty thievery created the idea that he was an abusive man. All the research we
have done indicates, though, that he took care of Alice and never harmed her.
Legend: Paul beat Alice to death just after the birth of their second daughter.
Truth: This is two misconceptions. First, Paul did not kill Alice. Alice died of uremic poisoning (kidney failure). In addition, Alice and Paul never had children. Alice had nieces and nephews but never any children of her own.
These are just four of the many misconceptions people have about Alice Gray, a.k.a. Diana of the Dunes. In spite of
the legend being full of falsehoods, Alice Gray was, in fact, a fascinating woman ahead of her time.
If you would like to learn more about the truth of Alice Gray, please visit the museum. We sell copies of
Janet Edwards’ book and can present the Diana of the Dunes program at your next group meeting if you arrange it
ahead of time.
Serena
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Westchester Township History Museum
Sunday Nature Series
The Sunday Nature Series will continue at the Westchester Township History Museum on Sunday, May 19, at 2 p.m.
The series will take place one Sunday per month through August. The museum is housed in the historic Brown
Mansion, located at 700 W. Porter Avenue, Chesterton. Light refreshments will be served.
Library and personal gardener Tim Miller will lead a discussion of how to prepare your garden’s soil for planting.
With detailed information about nutrients, chemicals, and pests, Miller is certain to offer insights that will help your
garden flourish.
Children ages six and up are invited to join Susan Swarner, museum educator, for a lesson on soil and growing plants
while the adults meet with Miller. Participants will create dirt paintings and will begin their own gardens with seeds
and peat pots. Registration is required for the children’s session. Register at the museum, or in the Children’s Depart14
ment at Thomas Library, 200 W. Indiana Avenue, Chesterton, or at Hageman Library, 100 Francis Street, Porter.