THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, SEpTEmbER 18, 2026 Page 11 ~ Everett Public Libraries Calendar of Events ~ Sept. 21–26 Around Everett Books and Brews: Short Path Distillery (71 Kelvin St), Saturday, September 26, at 1 p.m. The Everett Public Libraries is partnering with Night Shift Brewing and Short Path Distillery to discuss good books over good brews with great company! This month we’ll be reading “The Haves and Have-Yachts: Dispatches on the Ultrarich” by Evan Osnos. Pick up a copy at the Parlin or Shute Memorial Libraries, and we’ll see you at Night Shift Brewing to discuss the book. Tarot for Beginners: Parlin Parlin Adult and Teens Gaming Club: Parlin YA Room, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3 p.m. Join us for board games and video games at the library! Bring your own or play what we have here. For ages 12 and up. Yarn Club: Parlin Fresco Room, Tuesdays 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! Mahjong Refresher: Parlin Meeting Room, Wednesday, September 23, at 1:00 p.m.; sign up required. If you have any questions, call or email Kathleen (617-394-2300, slipp@noblenet.org). Watch Anime! Parlin YA Room, Wednesdays at 3 p.m. Come to our new Watch Anime Club at the Parlin Library. Watch and vote on your favorite anime with your friends! Recommended for ages 11+. Murder/Mystery Book Group: Connolly Center Meeting Room, Thursday, September 24, at 12 p.m. Discuss Wilkie Collins’ “The Moonstone.” See Kathleen for copies on her twice monthly visits or call the Parlin (617-394 2300) or Shute (617-394-2308) Library. Solar Energy Explained: Saturday, September 26, at 10:00 a.m. If you missed it the fi rst time, Mr. Mendez is back to explain how you can lower your electricity bills using solar energy without solar panels on your roof. This program is available to both renters and owners. Meeting Room, Saturday, September 26, at 1:00 p.m. You’ve heard about Tarot, a deck of 78 playing cards used for fortune telling and self-refl ection. But if you hold a deck, do you know how it works? Katharine Martin, of the Wellness Consortium, will explain the basics. Space is limited. Registration is required. Sign up on our website or email/call Kathleen (slipp@noblenet.org, 617394-2300). Parlin Children’s Grab n Go Crafts: Stop by the Parlin and Shute Children’s Rooms every Monday for a Grab and Go craft, a self-directed arts and crafts program for children ages three to eight. Crafts can be taken home or crafted with a friend or caregiver at our children’s tables. No registration required, while supplies last. Lego Club: Parlin Children’s Room, Monday, September 21, from 3-5 p.m. Come to the Children’s Room 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, September 23, at 11 a.m. Join us for a funfi lled morning of singing and storytelling with Karen! Suggested ages: newborn to six. Creative Drama: Parlin Children’s Room, Wednesday, September 23, at 3 p.m. Children ages fi ve to 12 will enjoy using creativity and imagination through role-playing, improvisation and storytelling. Tune In: Music Class at the Library! Parlin Meeting Room, Thursday, September 24, from 3-4:30 p.m. Join us for a fun and interactive music class where you’ll learn to read music and sing! We’ll play games, try out cool exercises and have a great time making music together. No experience needed — just bring your voice and get ready to have fun! This program is recommended for ages 10-14. Materials for this program have been generously provided by the Friends of the Everett Public Libraries. Story Time Adventures with Mrs. McAuliffe: Parlin Craft Room, Friday, September 25, at 11:00 a.m. Join us for an enchanting Story Time! You will be whisked away on magical adventures through the pages of your favorite books. Get your wiggles out after the story with singing and stretches. Build a simple craft. Bring a friend or make a new one in our circle of friends. Recommended for children ages fi ve and under. Friday Family Movie! Parlin Meeting Room, Friday, September 25, at 3 p.m. Break out the popcorn! Come and watch “Garfield” with your friends and family — rated PG. Origami Club: Parlin Children’s Room, Saturday, September 26, at 12 p.m. Learn how to fold paper animals of all kinds! Open to all ages and abilities. Paper and instruction will be provided. EVENTS | SEE PAGE 21 Simple Ways to Soothe Bunion Pain Dear Savvy Senior, I’m a 62-year-old woman and have had a bunion on my big toe for years, but lately it’s become more painful and is making it hard to fi nd comfortable shoes. I’d like to avoid surgery if possible. What can I do to ease the discomfort and keep it from getting worse? -- Sore Toe Susan Dear Susan, You’re not alone. Bunions are very common, especially among women, and they often become more painful with age as the joint shifts out of alignment and infl ammation sets in. What may have started as a minor nuisance can turn into ongoing discomfort, making it diffi cult to fi nd shoes that fi t comfortably. A bunion, known medically as hallux valgus, is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe when the joint moves out of place, causing the toe to angle inward. Over time, this pushes the joint outward, creating the noticeable bump. Why it happens While tight or narrow shoes can make bunions worse, they’re usually not the root cause. Genetics plays a major role, which is why bunions often run in families. Other factors like fl at feet, arthritis, and past foot injuries can also contribute. Women tend to be more prone to them, partly due to years of wearing high heels or shoes with narrow toe boxes. The good news is that most bunions can be managed without surgery, especially if your goal is to ease symptoms and slow their progression. Simple relief The fi rst place to start is with your shoes. Switching to footwear with a wide toe box, soft materials, and good arch support can make a big diff erence, while high heels and tight shoes that crowd your toes should be avoided. It can also help to shop later in the day, when your feet are slightly swollen, for a more realistic fi t. Beyond footwear, a few simple steps can help ease the pressure. Padding the area with over-the-counter bunion cushions can reduce friction, and if the joint becomes sore or swollen, icing it for 10 to 15 minutes a few times a day may bring relief. Anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen can also help, if your doctor says they are appropriate for you. To further reduce strain, orthotic inserts, either storebought or custom, can improve how your foot distributes weight. Toe spacers can also help by keeping the toes in a more natural position, while a night splint, such as Dr. Scholl’s Bunion Relief & Toe Corrector (about $20), can gently guide the big toe into better alignment while you sleep. It may also help to rotate your shoes rather than wearing the same pair every day, reducing repeated pressure. In addition, gentle exercises, such as stretching your toes, picking up small objects, or rolling your foot over a tennis ball, can help maintain fl exibility. It is important to keep expectations realistic. These steps will not eliminate a bunion, but they can make it more manageable. When to get help If your bunion pain interferes with daily activities, or if you are developing corns, calluses or ongoing infl ammation, it is wise to see a podiatrist or orthopedic specialist. They can evaluate the severity and recommend additional treatments. Also seek care if you notice redness, warmth or signifi cant swelling, which could signal irritation or infection around the joint. Surgery is typically advised only when conservative measures no longer provide relief. Today’s procedures are more advanced than in the past and are often done on an outpatient basis, though recovery can up to six months and bunions can sometimes recur. In the meantime, taking steps to protect your feet can go a long way. With the right care, many people are able to manage bunions effectively and stay comfortable, active and on their feet. Send your questions or comments to questions@ savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070. Sa Sa a Say y Senior enior Sen by Jim Miller nr ior
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