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Arts & Entertainment

Local Author, Margaret Dunajski Harde, Booksigning & Reception

Local Author, Margaret Dunajski Harde
Publishes New Book

Schooltime Reflections – Feelings 202

Booksigning and Reception

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 December 10  Saturday  1 – 4 pm 

The Field Library will host a booksigning and reception for local resident, Margaret Dunajski Harde, on Saturday afternoon, December 10 between 1 – 4 pm in the Library Gallery.  Mrs. Harde will be signing copies of her first book, Schooltime Reflections – Feelings 202, which describes her feelings and emotions growing up as a student and later as a teacher in the public schools of Peekskill.  Her new book draws upon real-life stories taken from her actual experiences in the classroom and in life, which served as the emotional guide upon which she built her approach to teaching and interacting with students and others.  Sharing her down-to-earth “lessons,” the universal nature of Mrs. Harde’s experience will serve as a guide to help inspire and encourage present and future teachers and others to recognize the importance of being perceptive to another person’s emotional needs, and being proactive in understanding and treating students and others appropriately.

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Mrs. Harde was born and raised in Peekskill, attended Peekskill schools, and has resided here for most of her life.  After receiving her BA and MA degrees from SUNY Albany, Margaret’s career as an educator consisted of teaching seventh and eighth grade social studies primarily in Peekskill, where she also served as a mentor, tutor, story-hour specialist, and college supervisor for student teachers. 

During her career, Margaret received many awards and accolades. Some of the honors she received include: a “Hidden Hero of Peekskill – 2004 Award” given by the Peekskill High School Interact Club and Westchester Community College; the “Outstanding Teacher of American History in the Millennium Award” presented by the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution; the “Employee of the Year” designation conferred by the Peekskill City School District. She was also given a monetary grant from the local chapter of the Rotary Club, which she used to create the Peekskill Middle School Learning Center. She has written articles for school newsletters and a first-person story that was published in the Journal News, a Gannett newspaper. Margaret was also a member of the Higher Education Task Force on Quality Inclusive Education at the former Marymount College of Fordham University.

Margaret participates in Reach for Recovery and Support Connection (breast cancer support groups), Bright Beginnings (a program which stresses the importance of reading in children’s lives), and the Peekskill Faculty Retired Teachers’ Association Scholarship Committee. In addition, she volunteers as a storyteller for first grade children in a Peekskill elementary school classroom, whose teacher happens to be her former student.

Her hobbies include traveling in the USA, baking cookies, creating and maintaining family albums, reading, and writing. However, what Margaret cherishes most is the time she shares with her family, close friends and the heart of her life – her grandchildren. She presently lives just outside her hometown of Peekskill, New York, with her husband Henry.

The Field Library Gallery is located on the upper, mezzanine level of the adult reading rooms, and viewing hours are the same as the Field Library open hours.  The Field Library is located at 4 Nelson Avenue, Peekskill, New York, and is wheelchair-accessible.  For further information please call Sibyl Canaan, Library Director at (914) 737-7110, or emailscanaan@wlsmail.orgor visit the library's website (www.peekskill.org).

 

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