April free programs at Waterbury Public Library
March 29, 2023 | By Judi Byron Here are some highlights of free programs happening at the Waterbury Public Library in April. Be sure to check the library's website for more details and complete schedules of children’s and adult programs. Any schedule updates will be noted in the online information, especially if there is a possibility of a change due to weather.
April 4: Learn about rain gardens
Rain on crabapple blossoms. File photo by Gordon Miller
What is a rain garden and what does it do? On Tuesday, April 4, join Jill Sarazen from the Lake Champlain Sea Grant and learn about rain gardens – how they are used to slow, store, and treat stormwater runoff and how you can install one on your property.
Sarazen is the coordinator for the Green Infrastructure Collaborative, a partnership between Lake Champlain Sea Grant and Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation. She has a master’s in Plant and Soil Science from the University of Vermont where she conducted research on the performance of green stormwater infrastructure. Free. 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the library.
April 8: Ekphrastic Poetry Workshop
Celebrate National Poetry Month at the library with an Ekphrastic Poetry Workshop.
What is ekphrastic poetry? Ekphrasis is a Greek word that refers to “a literary description of or commentary on a visual work of art.” Some well-known examples of ekphrastic poetry are Keats’s “Ode on a Grecian Urn” and Don McLean’s song “Vincent” about Van Gogh’s painting “Starry, Starry Night.”
This two-hour writing workshop on April 8 from 10 a.m. to noon will be led by poet and teacher Mary Rose Dougherty and will look at and discuss examples of using poetry to describe a work of art.
Attendees will have an opportunity to try this style out, too. No prior experience necessary. Bring a notebook, your curiosity, your love of learning and appreciation of art.
Dougherty is the editor of the Poetry Society’s literary journal, “The Mountain Troubadour.” Her work has been published in Calyx, Yankee, and VTDigger. She received the Artistic Merit Award from the Writer’s Circle in Warwick, Rhode Island, from New Hampshire Poet Laureate Patricia Fargnoli. She has a masters of fine arts in writing from Vermont College and has enjoyed residencies at the Vermont Studio Center and The Frost Place of Franconia, New Hampshire.
Register by calling the library at 802-244-7036 or emailing judi@waterburypubliclibrary.com.
April 11 & 18: Cultivating Discernment and Compassion
Gerette Buglion's talks are based on her memoir 'An Everyday Cult.' Courtesy image
On two consecutive Tuesdays April 11 and 18, author Gerette Buglion presents her talks on Cultivating Discernment and Compassion based on her memoir “An Everyday Cult.” She writes of her 18-year odyssey into, through, and beyond undue influence and will share passages from her book during her presentation that weaves a story both compelling and a wake-up call.
The Kirkus Review says of Buglion’s text: “This book’s searing honesty does a service for cult survivors, and will also be informative to those who don’t understand how thin the line can be between a benign organization and a dangerous one; the most telltale sign of the latter, Buglion points out, is that you can never graduate from it. … A hauntingly honest and revealing memoir.”
Both visits are at 6:30 p.m. at the library. The 11th will include refreshments.
On the 18th, Buglion returns for a discussion based on her personal experience called “Reclaiming our Lost Selves,” looking at how understanding undue influence builds compassion and tolerance. Gerette explores questions such as: What is undue influence and coercive control? How does indoctrination take place? Who is vulnerable to cultic influence? And perhaps most relevant: How can this exploration support the health and resilience of our communities, neighborhoods and families?
April 20: Springtime Acupuncture and Yoga Workshop
Join acupuncturist Allison Jacob of Earth Sea Acupuncture and Mindful Movement practitioner Becky Widschwenter for a unique online workshop that combines relaxing yoga and traditional Chinese medicine benefits. Springtime Acupuncture and Yoga Workshop happens on April 20 via Zoom, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Becky will lead off the evening with a 30-min. yoga series focusing on stretches for the hips, glutes, and outer thighs. Allison will demonstrate liver and gallbladder acupressure points to do at home, share herbs that support these organs, and answer questions. Register on the library website event for the Zoom link. All movement and yoga levels are welcome.
April 22: Composting workshop with John Malter
John Malter's annual composting workshops are a popular offering at the Waterbury Public Library. File image from 2020 video recording
Spring and mud… thoughts turn to composting. John Malter, administrator of the Mad River Resource Management Alliance, will cover all the important and fun details of Backyard Composting. Even if you think you know composting, you will learn something new.
Workshop is in the municipal building’s Steele Room Saturday, April 22, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Participants get a break on the pricing of a Soil Saver Compost Bin. Malter also has Green Cones for processing meat or bones, also at special pricing. For more information and to register, email John at malterport@aol.com by April 20.
See a video of Malter’s 2020 composting workshop with the library on YouTube.
April 29: Rug hooking workshop
Learn the basics of rug hooking from a pro. Green Mountain Rug Hooking Guild Education Chair Sandra Grant leads this session from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 29.
If you’ve been intrigued by rug hooking, this is a perfect place to start. The library will provide all the needed materials: wool, yarn, geometric patterns with backing, frames and scissors. Attendees just need to bring a small container or basket to hold the wool. Class size is limited to 12 so call or email ahead to sign up: 802-244-7036 or judi@waterburypubliclibrary.com.
Judi Byron is the Waterbury Public Library’s Adult Program Coordinator.