January at the library: Wellness programs, Vermont Reads, and more
Jan. 3, 2022 | By Judi ByronUPDATE: The Jan. 25 “Under Cloak of Darkness” film presentation that’s part of the Vermont Reads program has been rescheduled due to weather. The new date is Tuesday, Feb. 7, at 6:30 p.m.
Scroll down to the listing below for more details.
The Waterbury Public Library’s January programs and events calendar is full with something for everyone including several wellness offerings, multiple events that are part of the Vermont Reads series, as well as meetings of ongoing programs.
Mark your calendars for the ones you won’t want to miss.
Resistance Band Classes
January typically brings New Year’s resolutions and if one of yours is to get in better shape or get into a practice of wellness check out this three-class series offered on the first Thursday of the month in January, February and March.
Mindful Movement teacher, facilitator and coach Becky Widschwenter will run several low-impact Resistance-Band Classes with focuses on functional core breath, postural alignment, strength and balance. Consider attending whether you are recovering from an injury, want to begin a strength routine, improve balance, or reduce stress and tension. Becky promises that you’ll leave feeling like you’ve worked out, but not wiped out.
Widschwenter’s credentials include certification as a Dr. Sears Health Coach, training in Stott Pilates and Kripalu Center Programs of meditation, mindfulness and breathing techniques, as well as Ayurvedic Nutritional Practice. She is currently undergoing a 200 hour yoga and Embodied Anatomy Certification with the Yoga Project.
Dates: Jan. 5, Feb. 2, March 2, all held 6 to 6:45 p.m. in person at the library. Attendees should wear comfortable, layered clothing and indoor shoes. Bring a long exercise band if you have one. (Bands will be available to purchase for $10.) Class is limited to 15. Call 802-244-7036 to register or email judi@waterburypubliclibrary.com.
Imbolc Ceremony
On Monday, Jan. 30, from 5 to 5:45 p.m., the library welcomes back River Buffum of Butterfly Moon Meditation for an Imbolc Ceremony marking the Gaelic pagan holiday through guided meditation accompanied by harp music. The very first days of February are the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox in the Northern Hemisphere. It is a sacred time in many cultures. Buffum explains: “The Earth prepares the coming of spring underground, and as humans, we can choose to have a rebirth by releasing things that no longer serve us. It is a time of renewal and a time to cleanse; out with the old and in with the new!”
Vermont Reads ‘The Most Costly Journey’
The library once again hosts Vermont Reads with a series of activities over two weeks related to the 2022 book, “The Most Costly Journey,” an anthology of comics depicting the oral histories of migrant workers from southern Mexico and Central America who travel to work on Vermont farms. The book contains art from some 15 contributors and is edited by Marek Bennett, Julia Grand Doucet, Andy Kolovos, and Teresa Mares with a foreword by Julia Alvarez.
Organized by the Vermont Humanities Council since 2003, Vermont Reads is a statewide community reading program that invites students, adults and seniors to read the same book and participate in community activities related to the book’s theme.
Saturday, Jan. 14, 10 a.m. to noon: Comics Workshop with award-winning cartoonist, educator, and editor of the book, Marek Bennett who will offer a close look at the artwork and storytelling in the book. With sample artwork from this groundbreaking graphic novel and other comics, Marek will discuss and demonstrate how you can imagine new stories based on your own community.
Participants will be in person at the library with Bennett live on the big screen via Zoom from his home in New Hampshire. The library will provide basic art supplies. Appropriate for ages 10 to adult. Class size limited to 15. Register by emailing judi@waterburypubliclibrary.com or calling the library at 802-244-7036. This program is presented in collaboration with MakerSphere.
Tuesday, Jan. 17, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.: Book discussion around the themes of immigration, border crossings, language barriers, climate and weather disparities, health crises and working unimaginable long hours that the various comics address in the anthology. Ahead of this event, pick up a copy of “The Most Costly Journey” at the library’s front desk to keep, share or return as you wish. The book discussion takes place in person at the library.
RESCHEDULED due to weather. New date is Tuesday, Feb. 7, at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25: Movie Night featuring “Under the Cloak of Darkness,” a feature-length documentary about Vermont’s migrant Mexican farm worker population. The film aims to humanize this invisible community and bring to light the issues surrounding migrant labor. Film screening will be followed by a discussion and refreshments. No need to read the book beforehand, and no advance sign up required.
Ongoing Programs
Board Game Night
Every second Wednesday of the month, gamers meet from 6 to 8 p.m. at the library. If you're new to gaming or want to meet others who share the same interests, come meet Robert (he/him) and Z (they/them), hosts of the monthly gathering. Robert and Z love gaming and they bring a variety of Euro-styled games such as Catan, Wingspan, Ticket to Ride, Splendor and the like. Pizza is served. Next date is Jan. 11.
No Pressure Book Club
Every second Thursday of the month, this group meets from 7 to 8 p.m. via Zoom. No pressure, no assignments, just talking books with other readers. Find lists of book suggestions from previous meetings at this link: book-lists-for-adults.Use this link to join the discussion. Next meeting is Jan. 12.
Dungeons & Dragons
The iconic communal storytelling game is fun, captivating and open-ended. If you are new to the game or a veteran, this 5th Edition campaign is open to new members. D&D takes place both in person at the library and online via Discord every first and third Saturday of the month from noon to 4 p.m. Feel free to log into the server anytime at this link. Led by Dungeon Master Evan Hoffman. January dates are Saturdays, Jan. 7 and 21.
Writers’ Wertfrei
This group meets on the third Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to noon at the library and online. “Wertfrei” comes from the German word “Wertfreiheit” meaning “non-judgmental” or “value-free.” These gatherings offer an opportunity for writers to share their work and receive comments and suggestions in a supportive, caring environment. Come with what you are currently working on, anything you’d like to share, or just to listen. Go to the program spot on the library’s website to register if you’d like to join online. The next meeting is Saturday, Jan. 21.
Weekly Chair Yoga
Every Wednesday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. over Zoom, former Waterbury resident Diana Whitney who has moved to Michigan still teaches her weekly Chair Yoga classes. If you’ve not taken a class with Diana, you are in for a treat. No experience is needed and all levels are welcome to this low-stress, energetic class. The chair provides stability and balance, and allows movement without fear. Register on the library’s website where you can also enjoy a dozen or so videos Diana has recorded.
Judi Byron is theWaterbury Public Library’s Adult Program Coordinator. Contact her at 802-244-7036 or judi@waterburypubliclibrary.com.