THE BUZZ: Library meet-and-greet, crash course in Hebrew, and more

Interim Library Director to sit down for coffee in Petaluma: On Thursday morning, Jan. 11, the Petaluma branch of the Sonoma County Library system will host interim director Tracy Gray for an hour of conversation and coffee. Gray was appointed to the position last July following the sudden resignation of former Library Director Brett Lear, who’d departed in May. The search process for a permanent replacement for Lear is ongoing. Previous to his appointment in 2014, the search that selected Lear lasted about six months, according to Library Commission chairperson Helena Whistler, who estimates that it could take about the same amount of time to finalize the quest for his successor.

Till then, Gray has found that many residents have questions about the future of the library. So she’s been sitting down for casual coffee sessions to discuss whatever attendees bring to the table. The Petaluma session takes place from 10-11 a.m. Complimentary coffee will be provided.

Chabad to offer crash course in reading Hebrew: Whether in preparation for a trip to Israel, or as a connection on one’s faith, or for academic purposes, those wishing they could read Hebrew will have a chance to learn in a fast, five-session crash course to be held Jan. 7–Feb. 4 at WORK Petaluma. Sponsored by the Chabad Jewish Center of Petaluma, the course - succinctly titled “Read it in Hebrew” - has become popular around the country. The first two lessons focus on the letters of the Hebrew alphabet, and the final three introduce vowels while teaching students how to read full words and phrases. The course employs flashcards and other methods. The course costs $100, and includes a full set of flash cards. To sign up, visit JewishPetaluma.com.

Local group marks anniversary of Sandy Hook shooting: On Dec. 14, the 5-year anniversary of the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary, Petaluma’s local chapter of Moms Demand Action - a national gun violence prevention group - gathered for a candlelight vigil to remember the victims of the tragedy. Local families and community members, including elementary school principals, teachers and City Councilwoman Teresa Barrett, were among the participants who walked down Kentucky Street and Petaluma Boulevard carrying candles. At the end of the walk, the group congregated at Helen Putnam Plaza. Heather Jennings, Local Chapter Lead, spoke of the anniversary, leading the group in singing “This Little Light of Mine.” Want to know more about Moms Demand Action? See www.momsdemandaction.com.

(Have an item for THE BUZZ? Write David at david.templeton@arguscourier.com)