Last year the Library and Purple Rose Theatre Company (PRTC) were awarded a  grant  from the Chelsea Community Foundation to fund the script development readings that the Purple Rose stages here at the Library in order to get feedback on potential plays for their upcoming seasons.  The grant is winding down, though the money has been put to great use: three of the plays in this year's PRTC season were greenhoused at the library with these funds before making the final cut into their schedule. 

 
We have recently received an additional grant to continue hosting script greenhouses with the Purple Rose.  This is great news for the PRTC, for the new development of new plays and for the community, who get to enjoy a rare look at the process of playwriting right here at home.Thank you!  

 

Purple Rose Theatre Company actors read from the play White Buffalo at the Chelsea District Library.

Register now for upcoming Purple Rose Concert Readings at the Library!

Saturday, April 23 | 10:30am-1:00pm | McKune Room

Saturday, May 7 | 10:30am-1:00pm | McKune Room

 

Earth Awareness Month

In Partnership with Transition Town Chelsea

 

The Hybrid Electric Home  

Tuesday, April 12 | 6:30 - 8:00pm
McKune Room | Registration Required
Join Craig Toepfer, local author of The Hybrid Electric Home to learn about the past, present, and future of alternative energy sources for powering your home.

Earth Movie Night 

Thursday, April 14 | 6:30 - 8:00pm
McKune Room | Registration Required
A must-see documentary film from the makers of Planet Earth, the BBC series.  This film illustrates the natural beauty of our world from the perspective of several endangered species, highlighting the human impact on these animals' natural environments. 
Narrated by James Earl Jones. 

Our Troubled Energy Future

Thursday, April 21 | 6:30 - 8:00pm
McKune Room | Registration Required
Kurt Cobb joins us for a discussion about the world's over-reliance on non-renewable energy sources.  After an initial introduction of energy issues, Cobb will field questions from the audience about our unstable energy future. 

The Economics of Renewable Energy

Saturday, April 23 | 2:00 - 3:30pm
McKune Room | Registration Required
John Richter will outline the environmental, supply security, and economic benefits of renewable energy. John will hand out a high-level list of conservation and renewable energy actions participants can take.  

Did you miss March 8th's presentation on how to make Hearty, Healthy Soups, with economical ingredients? Here are some of the pictures taken during Peter di Lorenzi's cooking demonstration.  There were good smells coming out of the McKune Room all evening during Peter's workshop. One of my favorite tips?  Stick a head of garlic in olive oil to infuse the oil with garlic flavor; use it to add quick garlic essence to dishes without the time-consuming prep need to chop and saute garlic for recipes. Then, save the garlic cloves and spread them on crusty bread for an appetizer or accompaniment to your meal. Yum!

 

 

 

Here is one of the recipes that we got to sample that evening!

White Bean and Pasta Soup with Greens

INGREDIENTS:

• small amount of olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• ½ head celery,chopped
• ½ cup carrot,chopped
• 2 cans white beans [great northern, cannellini, etc.]
• 3-4 quarts chicken stock or water
• 2-3  bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary [crushed in your fingers]
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme  [any other favorite herbs you choose]
• 2 quarts chicken base mixed with water to form light chickenstock [or other chicken broth]
• 1 package cole slaw cabbage
• 1 package  fresh or frozen spinach  [or any other greens you have on hand]
• ½ lb. whole wheat pasta [small pasta such as shells, elbows, tubettini] or brown rice
• fresh herbs to taste (optional)
• tomato paste to taste (optional)
• salt and pepper to taste
• grated pecorino romano cheese [or other grated cheese]

PREPARATION:

1. Prepare pasta or rice ....drain and set aside when done.  
2. Saute onion, celery, and bay leaves in extra virgin olive oil until onions are nearly translucent  
3. Add:

• white beans drained of can liquid
• dried rosemary and thyme
• chicken stock
• spinach [or greens] and cole slaw

1. Cook whole wheat pasta till nearly done  
2. Strain and toss with a little olive oil to keep it from sticking  
3. Bring soup to a boil and simmer for about ten minutes  
4. Before serving, add optional chopped fresh herbs to the soup  
5. Add the cooked and drained pasta or rice and stir  
6. Correct seasonings  
7. Serve with small amount of grated pecorino romano cheese-optional.

-Rachael, Local History Librarian