Exercise, paint, learn a new game at the library in January

December 30, 2024  |  By Judi Byron 

A new group game session debuts Blood on the Clocktower at the Waterbury Public Library in January. Courtesy photo

New programming at the Waterbury Public Library begins soon after the New Year rings in this week. Below are highlights of the library’s adult programs for the month. For a full schedule of events and activities, including children’s and youth programs, visit the WaterburyPublicLibrary.com online. 

Special note: The library closes early at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 31, and will be closed all day on Wednesday, Jan. 1.

Fridays starting Jan. 3: Arthritis Foundation Exercise program

People with arthritis can exercise!  The Central Vermont Council on Aging is offering another Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program at the Waterbury Public Library for the winter/spring season beginning Friday, Jan. 3, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. The 16-week class will be held in the Steele Community Room through April 18.  

This is a low-impact and evidence-based program that helps with keeping joints flexible and muscles strong.  It can increase energy and improve well-being, as well as support better sleep habits and best of all, decrease arthritis pain.  For more information and to register, contact Anne Greshin at 802-241-4840 or email agreshin@cvcoa.org

Saturday Mahjong returns Jan. 4

Mahjong is back on Saturdays with Pauline Nolte. Those who enjoyed playing in the fall and those new to the game will meet on Saturdays in the Steele Room from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. starting Saturday, Jan. 4. Pauline teaches both Chinese and American versions of this fun game often compared to gin rummy played with tiles. Originating in China over 2,500 years ago, Mahjong is now popular in the west and Pauline is passionate about teaching. The class will run for 15 weeks until April 12.  Come when you can. Open to those age 16 and up. Register with an email to judi@waterburypubliclibrary.com.  


Watercolor artist and instructor Pauline Nolte enjoys a student's portrait of her at a recent class. Courtesy photo

Jan. 7: Get painting at the Winter Watercolor series

Winter Watercolors welcomes new and former students for weekly morning sessions to learn new techniques and socialize. Teacher, artist and published author Pauline Nolte leads this series for those of all abilities. Though a teacher of the craft, Pauline considers herself an amateur and remembers when she discovered her creative self dabbing paint on paper. She wants to pass that fun and fulfillment on to aspiring painters and artists. No experience is necessary. Sign up for this free weekly class starting Tuesday, Jan. 7, continuing through April 29. The class meets from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Steele Community Room. Register with an email to judi@waterburypubliclibrary.com

Jan. 9: No Pressure Book Group

The library’s laid-back book club meets monthly via Zoom on the second Thursday of the month. The next meeting is Jan. 9 at 7 p.m. The No Pressure Book Group is just that - no pressure!  Read what you like, come when you can. Talk books with like-minded folks and leave inspired for new reads! Find the meeting link online here.

Jan. 16: Blood on the Clocktower debuts 

A session of the game Blood on the Clocktower in session. Courtesy photo

As the town of Ravenswood Bluff slumbers, a chilling scene unfolds: the town's storyteller is murdered, their lifeless body displayed on the face of the village clock tower. With dawn’s arrival comes a grim realization—a demon roams among them, claiming lives at night and hiding in plain sight by day.  

Blood on the Clocktower is a thrilling social deduction game of lies and logic where no one is ever truly out of the game. Even in death, ghosts of the fallen influence the living as they all work to uncover the truth. The good team must band together, relying on trust and sharp reasoning to identify the demon. Meanwhile, the evil team thrives on deceit, working to mislead and ultimately conquer the village. Will good unravel the mystery in time, or will evil's cunning bring Ravenswood Bluff to its knees?  

Blood on the Clocktower debuts at the Waterbury Public Library on Thursday evening, Jan. 16, from 6 to 8 p.m. and will meet monthly on the third Thursday of the month. Open to players aged 14 and up with a maximum of 20 players, the game time lasts between a half hour to two hours depending on the unfolding situation.

Game leader and storyteller Katharine Bodan is an organizational consultant and devoted gamer. Her love for games began with childhood classics like Tiddlywinks, Mousetrap, and Splat! Her enthusiasm grew into adulthood. She confesses that she transformed a closet in her first home into a game haven, packed with favorites such as Ticket to Ride, King of Tokyo, Killer Bunnies, Bohnanza, and countless puzzles. Lately, Katharine says she has embraced video games like Baldur's Gate and Stardew Valley and social games such as Blood on the Clocktower. 

She says games as immersive and engaging as Clocktower are meant to be shared—and she looks forward to playing it with a group at the library. 

Jan. 25: Saturday Balance Workshop

Like other forms of exercise, balance can improve with practice. Poor balance is linked to a higher risk of falls and related injuries, whether at home, outdoors, or during sports and recreational activities. This engaging workshop will be led by physical therapist Michelle Rousseau, founder of Backroads Physical Therapy & Wellness, an in-home outpatient physical therapy practice. 

Participants will learn about the different factors that affect balance and assess their own balance through various screening tests. Gain practical skills, including a range of balance exercises you can practice at home. This workshop covers both beginner and advanced balance techniques, making it valuable for anyone—from those who may struggle with stability while walking at home to those who enjoy activities like hiking or trail running. Passionate about helping individuals improve their balance, Michelle integrates dynamic and engaging exercises into her treatment plans. She also leads a weekly balance class at The Woodlands in Stowe, fostering wellness and mobility.

Limited to 15 participants, this workshop will be held 10:30-11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25, at the library. Participants should wear comfortable clothing. Register with an email to judi@waterburypubliclibrary.com.  

Judi Byron is the Waterbury Public Library’s Adult Program Coordinator. Contact her at 802-244-7036 or judi@waterburypubliclibrary.com.

Previous
Previous

Used Christmas trees to fuel annual bonfire Jan. 18 at Anderson Field

Next
Next

White-footed mice seek a cozy, warm home