March at the library: Exercise, fiber arts, games, stargazing – and sled dogs!
Feb. 26, 2023 | By Waterbury RoundaboutUpdate March 23: Night Sky Viewing is on for Friday, March 24
Conditions look good for viewing the spring night sky starting at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 24. Join the Vermont Astronomical Society in the back parking lot at the Waterbury Public Library until 9:30 p.m. to check out star clusters and nebulae, the crescent moon, naked-eye planets such as Venus and Mercury, and constellations including Orion settling into the southwest. (scroll down for more details)
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Here are some highlights of free programs happening at the Waterbury Public Library in March. Be sure to check the library 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.
Special note: The library will be closed on Town Meeting Day, Tuesday, March 7.
Exercise
March 2: Mindful Movement Resistance Band Class
Becky Widschwenter brings her resistance band class to the library. Courtesy photo
The third and final class in Becky Widschwenter’s Mindful Movement Resistance Band Series happens Thursday, March 2, at 6 p.m. at the library. The free session focuses on functional core breath, postural alignment, strength, and balance. The technique works well for those recovering from an injury, wanting to begin a strength routine, improve balance, or reduce stress and tension. Attendance at prior classes is not required. Attendees should wear comfortable, layered clothing. Bring an exercise band if you have one. Bands also are available to purchase for $10. Class is limited to 15. Register by calling the library at 802-244-7036 or emailing judi@waterburypubliclibrary.com.
Fridays: Arthritis Foundation exercise program
For those with joint and mobility issues, the Central Vermont Council on Aging will run a free exercise program at the library on Fridays through May 19. Each week at 10:30 a.m. for an hour, trained volunteer leader Pauline Nolte leads a class geared for the 55-and-over crowd. This low-impact program aims to help keep joints flexible, muscles strong, and increase energy. It can improve sleep, decrease pain, and improve overall well-being. No prior experience is needed. Join anytime. Use this online form to sign up in advance or sign up onsite. For more information, contact Anne Greshin at agreshin@cvcoa.org or 802-241-4840.
Gaming
March 4 and 18: Dungeons & Dragons meets on the first and third Saturdays of the month from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the library. You can also join via Discord. Ages teen to adult welcome.
March 8: Board Game Night with Z & Robert meets the second Wednesday of the month, 6-8 p.m. at the library. Come play new board games and old favorites with friends. Games are Euro-styled board games (a.k.a. designer games) where there is a mix of chance and skill involved. Games take 10-15 minutes to explain, playing time is 20-45 minutes, and rule discussions have a 5-minute limit. If you ever wanted to play but felt intimidated this is the perfect group to try a new game. Call 802-244-7036 or email judi@waterburypubliclibrary.com to register.
Reading and Writing
March 9: No Pressure Book Group
The No Pressure Book Group meets the second Thursday of the month, 7-8 p.m. in person at the library and on Zoom. There are no assigned books, so no pressure! Just a chance to share book recommendations and discussions with other readers. Find the Zoom link and book list online at waterburypubliclibrary.com/no-pressure-book-group/.
March 18: Writers’ Wertfrei
Writers’ Wertfrei meets the third Saturday of the month at 10 a.m. at the library and on Zoom. Fledgling or published writers are all welcome. The word “wertfrei” comes from the German “wertfreiheit” meaning non-judgmental or value-free as these gatherings are a place where writers can come to share their work and receive comments and suggestions in a supportive, caring environment. For more information contact Judi at judi@waterburypubliclibrary.com. Register online and get the Zoom link at waterburypubliclibrary.com/writers-wertfrei/
Handcrafting
March 10: Fiber Arts Friday
The open Fiber Social meets the second Friday of the month 12-2 p.m. at the library. Fiber crafters are invited to bring their projects and a snack or lunch. This supportive, non-competitive gathering welcomes all types of projects whether you knit, crochet, weave, needle felt or practice another type of fiber craft. No need to register. Just drop in.
The library has groups for working on and sharing fiber arts and hand stitching projects. Courtesy photo
March 20: Hand Stitching
The Hand Stitching group meets the third Monday of the month, 6-8 p.m. at the library. This supportive working group meets monthly for stitching, learning, and creative discussions. Open to all with interest in hand stitching – including embroidery, cross-stitch, and any other needlework. Bring your own supplies and any pieces or ideas you’re working on, or ones that you’ve completed and want to share. For more information contact northwaringa@gmail.com.
march 11: Cultivate your funny bone with Comic Crafters
Building on last month’s Stand-up Comedy workshop with Denise McCarty, Comic Crafters is
now born. Try out your material in a safe and supportive space at the library. If you are the life of the party or have great timing with your one-liners, you may be a natural. We all love to laugh and it is good for our mental health! This new monthly gathering is a chance to hone your material and get positive and constructive feedback. The group will meet on the second Saturday of the month through the spring starting with Saturday, March 11, from 10 a.m. to noon. Email judi@waterburypubliclibrary.com to register.
March 18: Sled dogs visit the library
Siberian husky sled dogs visit the Waterbury Public Library on March 18. Courtesy photo
The library welcomes special guests on Saturday, March 18. Milagro Amaya of Siber Sled Dogs in Cambridge will bring her team of Siberian huskies for an outdoor visit starting at 10 a.m. for all ages. Attendees will learn all about sled dogs, meet the team, and watch them in action outside on the library’s grounds. Be sure to dress for the weather. There will be time for photos with the team and dogsled, too. Important: Please leave your own dogs and any other pets at home.
Dates TBD: Night Sky Viewing with Vermont Astronomical Society
The library hopes weather will cooperate for an outdoor night sky viewing event in March. Courtesy photo
Due to stormy weather, the February event was postponed. The goal is to hold this on the first clear night of either weekend: March 17-19 or March 24-26. The time, in either case, will be 7:30-9:30 p.m. in the library parking lot.
The library will have its Orion StarBlast Telescope available for viewing. Venus will be rising, Jupiter and Mars should be visible along with star clusters and nebulae. Depending on the weekend, the moon will either be a waning or waxing crescent. If neither weekend works out for the outdoor event, an indoor program will be held on Sunday evening, March 27, at 6:30 p.m. with the astronomical society’s president Jack St. Louis. Check the library website event listing closer to the 17th for updates on the best viewing date.
A final note: E-asy access to e-books, e-audiobooks
Introducing the Palace Project app – A library card now allows patrons access to a whole new collection of e-books and e-audiobooks right from a mobile device. The Palace App provides easy access to the library’s existing OverDrive collection as well as the new Vermont Department of Libraries digital book collection.
If you’re a digital book user who can’t get enough, this is a great opportunity to find some new reads, curated by Vermont librarians. For information on how to download and use the app, visit the Library website at waterburypubliclibrary.com/palace-project-app/.