March schedule at Abbot Public Library

New digs

The Abbot Public Library has temporarily moved into the Eveleth School, 3 Brook Rd., while its Pleasant Street building undergoes a multi-million-dollar renovation. Library hours are the following:

Monday: 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

» Tuesday: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

» Wednesday*: 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Thursday: Noon to 6 p.m.

Friday: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

» Sunday: Closed.

*Note: The Children’s Room will close at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Returns are accepted inside the library in the blue bin near the main desk or, if the library is closed, outside its main entrance in the black Library Return bin. Book donations are only accepted on Book Donation Days.

For updates on the renovations, visit abbotlibrary. org/news/renovation-news.

Sign up for the library’s newsletter at tinyurl.com/ Abbot-News.

Fines no more

Abbot Public Library is now fine-free. Visit abbotlibrary.org/ about/general-info to learn more about borrowing materials and to get a library card.

Tech and misc. things

The library offers Book Club Kits, Chromebooks, hotspots and more in its Library of Things. Visit abbotlibrary.org/ what-we-offer/library-of-things to learn more.

Need to use a copier?

Abbot Public Library does not charge a fee per page, but it asks that patrons contribute what they wish when copying. Funds will be donated to The Friends of Abbot Public Library.

Get your museum on Visit abbotlibrary.org/whatwe-offer/get-a-museum-pass to reserve passes and promo codes for some of the best museums in

OBITUarIES

Ellen Marie (Sissy) Holder, 66

A resident of Marblehead, Ellen Holder was born November 6, 1956, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She died peacefully, surrounded by family, on February 22 after a valiant battle against Aspergillosis.

Holder was the daughter of Robert Francis Mattson Sr. (deceased) of East Boston and Dorothy Mae (West) Mattson of Beverly. She is survived by her

F. Parker Caswell 1931-2023

F. Parker Caswell, 91, formerly of Marblehead, passed away peacefully in his sleep February 4. He was the beloved husband of the late Carolyn (Rolfe) with whom he shared 42 years of marriage before her death in 2001.

Born in Marblehead in 1931, he was the son of the late Herbert and Grace (Parker) Caswell. He was predeceased by his two brothers Herbert (Ethel) and James (Priscilla). Parker lived in Marblehead most of the Greater Boston Area.

Thanks to the generous support of the Friends of Abbot Public Library, the library offers passes and promo codes to:

» Boston Children’s Museum

Harvard Art Museums (coming soon)

The House of the Seven Gables*

» The Institute of Contemporary Art Boston*

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum*

Museum of Fine Arts

» Museum of Science

» New England Aquarium (now a digital promo code)

» Peabody Essex Museum

Trustees Go Pass* Zoo New England* Patrons without access to the internet may reserve a pass/ promo code right at the main desk or by calling (781) 631-1481, though some passes may require an email address to be used.

Courageous Aging: A support group for older adults

Fridays, March 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31, 3 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.

This weekly program is led by Carol O’Brien.

Tax Counseling for the elderly program

» Mondays, March 6, 13, 20 and 27, 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mondays, April 3 and 10, 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

To reserve a spot, please call the Reference Desk at 781-631-1481. You will need your last year’s tax returns and 2022 paperwork. For more information, please visit abbotlibrary.org/ tax-prep-program.

Open Lab

Mondays, March 6, 13, 20 and 27, Drop-in from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Do you have a question about your computer, smartphone or tech gadget? Do you want time to practice with someone who can help if you get stuck? Every Monday, join a staff member for one-on-one help with your device. Windows laptops will be available for attendees who cannot transport their devices. No registration required.

Adult Crafternoon: seed bombs and painted rocks

On Wednesday, March 8, from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., Abbot Public Library will host an Adult Crafternoon event to demonstrate how to make seed bombs and painted rocks to get ready for decorating your home and garden for spring. The library provides materials. This event is free and limited to ten people. To register, please visit tinyurl.com/ Mar-2023-Crafternoon.

Adult book club via Zoom

Tuesday, March 21, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

On the third Tuesday of every month, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., book club members can log on to Zoom to discuss the latest and most highly recommended titles led by a library staff member. March’s pick is Horse by Geraldine Brooks. Copies are available in the Reference Room. To join, please register here: tinyurl.com/March-2023Zoom-Book-Club. For more information, please get in touch with Head of Public Services Librarian Morgan Yeo at yeo@ noblenet.org.

Mystery book group

Tuesday, March 28, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

For more information, Contact Adult Services Librarian Rachael Meneades at rmeneades@ noblnet.org.

Community craft and chat

Tuesday, March 28, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Come for an afternoon of crafty camaraderie! Bring your knitting, beadwork, sketchbook or any personal craft to create and share ideas. This program is for adults. Registration is recommended at tinyurl.com/

March-2023-Craft-and-Chat.

Consumer protection series

Thursday, March 30, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Abbot Public Library will host Robin Putnam from the Office of Consumer Affairs & Business Regulation in Boston, who will present a monthly series on safe practices for consumers. Putnam will discuss the topic of skimming devices and how to identify and protect yourself against credit card fraud. To register, visit tinyurl.com/ Mar-2023-Skimming

Teen DIY: Button making Tuesday, March 14, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Express yourself by decorating your stuff! Choose from a range of templates, use pictures from magazines or create your design to turn into a magnet or pin. No registration is required. For ages 15-18.

Teen DIY: Lanyard keychains

Tuesday, March 28, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.Prepare for springtime with a summer camp favorite. Make a simple box stitch keychain with two colors, or learn to do more advanced shapes with three and four colors. Instructions will be provided, and no registration is required. For ages 15-18.

Story Time A-Go-Go

Wednesdays, March 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Children are invited to our weekly Wednesday program with stories and movements led by early childhood educator Debbie Leibowitz. This program is for kids ages 1-4 in the Program Room.

Chess players meet-up Wednesdays, March 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Students in grades 4-6 who already know how to play the game are invited to play each other on Wednesdays after school in the Children’s Room. Boards and pieces will be provided. Players rotate through to give maximum practice with players of different skill levels. This is not an instruction class. The maximum number of participants is eight, and registration is required. Call the Children’s Room at 781-631-1481.

3D printing workshop

Mondays, March 6, 13, 20 and 27, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Children in grades 5-6 are invited to learn to code and create laser print objects using their coding instructions on a 3D laser printer. Jared Lederman leads this class with hands-on learning and challenging projects. Participation is limited to six, and class registration is required. Call the Children’s Room at 781-631-1481.

Story time yoga with Lindsey Kravitz

Tuesday, March 7, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Songs and games enliven interactive yoga instruction. Caregivers are asked to please bring a small blanket or mat. This program is open to children ages 18 months to 4 years, and caregivers must be present. Registration is required. Call the Children’s Room at 781-631-1481.

Books and Brushes

Tuesdays, March 7, 14, 21 and 28, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Children in grades 1-3 are invited to come and explore painting materials and styles. The emphasis will be on having fun with the process, and painting experience is not required. All materials will be provided. Bring an old shirt or t-shirt to protect your clothes! Participation is limited to eight, so registration is required. Call the Children’s Room at 781-6311481. The schedule will be as follows:

» March 7, stencils/prints

» March 14, watercolors March 21, acrylics March 28, painting on fabric husband of 47 years, Paul Donald Holder; her eldest son Jason Paul Holder and his wife Elaine and their children Anthony, Ethan, Devorah and Nathanial; and her youngest son Geoffery Donald Holder, his wife Diane and their daughter Kaitlyn.

Holder is also survived by her brothers Robert Francis Mattson Jr. and his wife Donna (Webber) Mattson; David Mattson; Michael Mattson and Richard Mattson. Holder was predeceased by two brothers Charles Mattson and Daniel Mattson.

In her younger years, Holder liked to go candlepin bowling, play horseshoes and dance. She thoroughly enjoyed these activities, especially dancing, until rheumatoid arthritis began making these activities more and more painful. She also continued to enjoy gardening, cooking and making a home for her family. Holder was known for her wonderful laugh and ready smile. She loved animals, with a special affinity for strays, several of which she took in and made a home for as the family pet. She liked to entertain house guests, hated the clean-up the next day and her last words to many guests as they left were “Here, take this with you,” which could refer to anything from leftover food to jewelry or any number of small items that she wanted her guests to have. She was truly a loving and giving woman of great tolerance, but if pushed beyond the limit of her tolerance, which took some doing … watch out.

Her family would like to say a events. his life, and graduated from Marblehead High School in 1950. At MHS, his passion was sports, playing basketball and baseball but excelling in football where he was a three-year starter and All-Scholastic player. Parker attended Dartmouth

College, continuing his football excellence, and participating in the U.S.M.C. Officer Training Program. After graduation, he served in the Marines for two years in California and Hawaii, reaching the rank of 1st Lieutenant. He then returned to the east coast where he began his teaching and coaching career at Kimball Union Academy in New Hampshire, and then for 35 years at Marblehead High School where he was a beloved math teacher. Parker briefly coached baseball and basketball at MHS, but his love was coaching football. He also worked closely with the athletic office as faculty manager, taking care of ticket sales for games and school

During his free time, Parker enjoyed working in his vegetable and flower gardens, watching the games of all of the Boston sports teams, reading and Friday evening slide shows. He loved family and being a part of his kids’ lives, having coached each son in youth baseball and football. When his wife got sick, he retired early to take care of her. Caswell spent the last few years of his life at the John Bertram House in Salem. Our family would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to the staff of JBH for all the love and support they gave our father. We would also like to thank the Kaplan Family Hospice House in special thank you to the doctors and nurses of the Salem Hospital ICU for the special care they provided to Ellen in her final months.

Her husband pleads with anyone who is immunosuppressed, or knows someone who is immunosuppressed, to please wear a mask capable of filtering mold spores when gardening or doing any activity where mold spores could be present in abundance.

Holder’s wake/viewing will be held at the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St., Salem, on Wednesday, March 1. Viewing hours are 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Danvers for making his last few days peaceful. Caswell is survived by his three sons, Peter (Joanne), Andrew (Nancy) and Jonathan; his two grandsons, Andrew, Jr. and Gregory (Meghan); one great-grandson, Mickey; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and family friends.

A celebration of Caswell’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Caswell’s name to the John Bertram House, 29 Washington Square, Salem, MA, 01970. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at EustisandCornellFuneralHome. com for the Caswell family.