Page 10 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, JAnuARy 24, 2025 Everett Public Libraries Calendar of Events Announcing the 25 in ’25 Reading Challenge! We were so pleased with the turnout for our 24 in ’24 Challenge that we decided to up the ante. The Everett Public Libraries now challenge you to read 25 books in 2025! Crack open an old favorite, try a new genre or listen to an audio book – if you’re reading, it counts! Prizes provided by the Friends of the Everett Public Libraries will be awarded to those who complete the challenge. Visit everett.beanstack.com to get started. Parlin Adult and Teens Parlin Book Group: Parlin Meeting Room and Zoom, Monday, January 27, at 6 p.m.; 18+. In Ann Napolitano’s “Hello Beautiful,” William grew up in a house silenced by tragedy. When he meets Julia Padavano and her sisters, it’s as if the world has lit up around him. But William’s past surfaces, resulting in a rift that changes their lives for generations. Call Kathleen at 617-394-2300 or send an email to slipp@noblenet.org for the Zoom link or join us in person! Yarn Club: Parlin Fireplace Room, Tuesday, January 28, at 7 p.m. Come chit-chat and stitch! Bring your crocheting, knitting or any other yarn craft and sit and socialize with other members of the crafting community. Recommended for ages 14-109! Puzzle Club: Parlin Trustees Table, Wednesday, January 29, from 3-5 p.m. Piece together fun and friendship at the Parlin table! We’ll have puzzles of all shapes and sizes to work on together. Recommended for ages 10 and up. Drop-In Tech Help: Parlin Information Desk, Wednesdays and Fridays from 4-5 p.m. Do you have questions about how to use your personal laptop, tablet or phone? Bring it to the library and stop by our Drop-In Tech Help to meet with a volunteer for assistance. Resume Writing: Parlin Information Desk; do you need help sprucing up an old resume or creating a new one? Sign up for a 30-minute session at the Parlin. By appointment only; to register, please call or send an email to Kathleen – 617-394-2300 or slipp@ noblenet.org Computer Basics 101: Parlin Information Desk; not familiar with the computer? Learn the basics: how to start up and shut down a computer, perform mouse and keyboard functions, use applications, learn Microsoft Word, navigate the Internet, set up an email account, and more! By appointment only; to register, please call or send an email to Kathleen – 617-394-2300 or slipp@noblenet.org. Parlin Children’s Lego Club: Parlin Children’s Room, Monday, January 27, from 3-5 p.m. Come to the Children’s Room after school on Mondays for some free Lego building fun. Open to all ages; children under six years old must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required. Storytime and Sing-along with Karen: Parlin Children’s Room, Wednesday, January 29, at 11 a.m. Join us for a fun-filled morning of singing and storytelling with Karen! Suggested ages: newborn to six. Drama Class: Parlin Children’s Room, Wednesday, January 29, at 3 p.m. Do you have a drama queen or king at home? Drama Class in the Parlin Children’s Department is the perfect opportunity for your child to put those acting skills to use with our drama coach! Suggested ages: six to 14. Table Top Gaming Club: Parlin Meeting Room, Thursday, January 30, at 3 p.m. Enjoy good games and even better company at the Parlin Table Top Gaming Club! Recommended for ages 12+. Story Time Adventures with Mrs. McAuliffe: Parlin Craft Room, Thursday, January 30, and Friday, January 31, at 11 a.m. Join Mrs. McAuliffe for our enchanting Story Time! You will be whisked away on magical adventures through the pages of your favorite books. Bring a friend or make a new one in our circle of friends. Shute Adult and Teens Romance Book Club: Shute Meeting Room, Tuesday, January 28, at 6 p.m. – for ages 18 and up. Calling all romance lovers! Join our Romance Book Club at the Shute Library! We’ll meet every third Tuesday of the month (unless otherwise noted on our calendar). No registration needed – just bring your love for all things romance! The book of the month is “The Seven Year Slip” by Ashley Poston. We’ll have light refreshments and snacks ~ Guest Commentary ~ Ahead of the PFAS Alternatives Act 2023: Protecting the Health of Massachusetts Firefighters By Jonathan Sharp S hortly after their development in the 1940s, perfluoroalkyl and poly-fluoroalkyl (PFAS) were extensively used for military purposes, as well as to manufacture consumer goods. As PFAS are heat and water-resistant, these substances also became widely used by the firefighting force. However, although PFAS are highly efficient, these chemicals are also incredibly toxic, with various studies over the years demonstrating a causal link between PFAS exposure and several human diseases, including cancer and endocrine issues. While several populations are at risk of developing these conditions due to repeated PFAS exposure, firefighters are among the groups with the highest risks. In this case, PFAS are not used only in firefighting turnout gear, but also to put out Class B chemical fires suppressed with PFAS-based aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF). At present, global efforts are being carried out to replace PFAS and remove these chemicals from the environment. The PFAS Alternatives Act 2023 is part of this effort, aiming to provide funding for research and development of alternative solutions and train firefighters in using PFAS-free equipment. However, as this Act still remains a proposal, Massachusetts is among the first two states, next to Connecticut, to issue a complete ban on these substances in firefighting turnout gear and firefighting foams by 2027. PFAS Health Risks to Firefighters PFAS do not naturally leave the human body and accumulate over time with repeated exposure, leading to significant health risks. As a result, no level of exposure can be considered completely safe. Subsequently, with repeated exposure and accumulation, as is the case for firefighters, PFAS can cause various diseases, including thyroid, prostate and testicular cancer, endocrine disruptions, and cardiovascular issues. In firefighting populations, the incidence of these conditions is reported to exceed that of the general population. This phenomenon can be explained by the high level of PFAS observed in the blood of firefighters, which may be a direct result of daily wearing PFAS-based turnout gear. In this sense, a recent study conducted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology reports that the PFAS content in firefighting gear exceeds 2,000 micrograms of PFAS per kilogram. These levels far surpass the EPA’s safety limit of 4 parts per trillion for drinking water. Given that firefighters wear this equipment daily, their exposure to PFAS is substantially higher than that of the general public or other emergency response perCOMMENTARY | SEE PAGE 20 thanks to the Friends of the Everett Public Libraries. Limited copies will be available to borrow at our circulation desk. Drop-In Tech Help: Shute Circulation Desk, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-5 p.m. Do you have questions about how to use your personal laptop, tablet or phone? Bring it to the library and stop by our Drop-In Tech Help to meet with a volunteer for assistance. Resume Writing: Shute Adult Department; book a one-on-one resume assistance appointment at the Shute Library and let a librarian help you craft a resume tailored to your strengths and aspirations. Sign up for a 30-minute session at the Shute Library. By appointment only; please email shuteinfo@noblenet.org or call 617-394-2308. Computer Basics 101: Shute Adult Department. Tech Newbie? No Problem! Learn to power up, click around, type like a pro, explore the digital world and even send your first email. Book your Friday appointment with technology today! By appointment only; please email shuteinfo@noblenet.org or call 617394-2308.
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