February at the library: Fiber arts, comedy, stargazing and more
Feb. 3, 2023Here are some highlights of programs happening at the Waterbury Public Library for adults this month. Be sure to check the library website for more details and the most up-to-date information, especially if there is a possibility of a change due to weather.
Feb. 7: Film rescheduled
The Jan. 25 “Under Cloak of Darkness” documentary film presentation that’s part of the Vermont Reads community reading program was rescheduled due to weather. The new date is Tuesday, Feb. 7, at 6:30 p.m.
The film by Bjorn Jackson looks at issues around migrant labor. A discussion will follow. No need to read a book beforehand or to register. See more information in the January library programs post.
Arthritis Foundation Friday 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 will lead a class for those who want to keep moving. Geared for the 55-and-over crowd looking for an easy-on-the-joints workout experience, the classes focus on joint flexibility, muscle strengthening, balance and energy improvement. No prior experience is needed. Join anytime. Use this online form to register in advance. For more information, contact Anne Greshin at agreshin@cvcoa.org or 802-241-4840.
Regular fiber arts meetups
Those who enjoy fiber arts have chances each month through May to gather with others to work on their projects together. Fiber artist (and former library director) Mary Kasamatsu will be at the library every second Friday of the month from 12 noon to 2 p.m. until May. This gathering of supportive, non-competitive fiber crafters is open to all levels, abilities and fiber crafts such as knitters, crocheters, needle felters or weavers. Bring your project, a snack or lunch, and enthusiasm and creativity. This is a drop in, no registration necessary. This first Open-Fiber Social begins Friday, Feb. 10.
Another series of gatherings will be offered for hand stitchers working on embroidery, cross-stitch and other needlework projects. The first meeting will be Monday, Feb. 27, from 6 to 8 p.m. Afterward, it will meet on the third Monday of the month. Bring your projects in progress and materials, or any completed projects to share, along with questions to ask in a supportive group with a common interest.
Feb. 11: Everyone is a comedian
Are you funny? Do others think so? On Feb. 11 from 10 a.m. to noon, comedian Denise McCarty convenes a Stand-Up Comedy Workshop covering the elements of comedy such as what makes a good joke and why. Attendees will have a chance to write their own material and get feedback from a pro.
McCarty, who lives in Moretown, has been performing stand-up comedy in Vermont and New Hampshire for over a decade at the Lebanon Opera House, Flynn Space, Vermont Comedy Club, and various open mics throughout the state. She co-hosted the monthly comedy open mic at Twiggs in St. Albans. McCarty lives in Moretown with her dog and likes to play ukulele and spend time outdoors.
The workshop is for ages 18 and up. To register, call the library at 802-244-7036 or email judi@waterburypubliclibrary.com.
Feb. 21: New ebook/audiobook app
Introducing The Palace Project – the library’s new eReader app with Kyle Creason, library tech administrator, on Tuesday, Feb. 21, via zoom, 6:30-7:30 p.m. The Palace Project app makes it easy to browse, borrow, read and listen to any eBooks or eAudiobooks on your mobile device and Creason will demonstrate how to download, install, sign in and use it. The app includes a larger eBook and eAudio collection from the Vermont Department of Libraries. More information and the Zoom link are online here.
Date TBA for Stargazing
Winter is a great time for stargazing and the Vermont Astronomical Society will visit the Waterbury Public Library at the end of February for views of Venus and Jupiter low in the western sky, Mars high in the south, and the moon at first quarter. The constellations Orion, Taurus and Gemini are visible, as will be double stars, star clusters and nebulae. Potential dates for the viewing are Thursday, Feb. 23, through Sunday, Feb. 26. Call 802-244-7036 or check back online for the date which will be set closer to the event based on conditions. The group will meet in the library parking lot between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. with the lights off for best viewing and the library will have its Orion StarBlast telescope.
March 2: Resistance-Band Class
On the first Thursday of the month, March 2, Becky Widschwenter of Mindful Movement will lead a low-impact Resistance-Band Class, 6-6:45 p.m. at the library. A yoga instructor and wellness coach, Widschwenter teaches both individual movement training and group classes. This is the third in a monthly series of classes held at the library (attendance at prior classes is not required). It will focus on 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. All levels are welcome and exercises can be modified. Attendees should wear comfortable, layered clothing and indoor shoes. Bring an exercise band if you have one. (Bands are available to purchase for $10.) Class is limited to 15. Call 802-244-7036 to register or email judi@waterburypubliclibrary.com.