Nov
13
Wed
Aiki Principles Workshop with Marin Goldstein
Nov 13 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Participants will learn to work with conflict and effortlessly redirect it in a way that protects themselves. This program will provide an experiential study of self-defense techniques, personal awareness and partner relationships. Interactive instruction and demonstration will be followed by gentle, physical activity.

Participants will practice cultivating the skill and courage to stay in the present moment and face things as they are with an open heart. This is taught in a non-competitive and collaborative atmosphere suited for people of all ages, sizes, and athletic ability, no martial arts background is necessary.

Marin Goldstein began his study of Aikido in 1998, receiving his Sandan (3rd degree Black Belt) in 2016 from Robert Nadeau Shihan, 8th Dan (who was a direct student of the founder Morihei Ueshiba). Marin has primarily studied under the tutelage of Nadeau Shihan, but has also had the pleasure of studying with Hiroshi Ikeda Shihan, Mary Heiny Sensei, Denise Barry Sensei, Forrest Kan Sensei and many other amazing teachers and practitioners too many to name but who have all encouraged the evolution of his practice. 

Nov
16
Sat
Winter Hibernation-Hands on Nature!
Nov 16 @ 10:30 am – 11:30 am

How do your favorite animals spend the winter? Come find out, as we learn about
how animals look for shelter during the coldest months of the year. We will learn about hibernation, how
animals spend the winter, and the amazing adaptations animals have for surviving through the harshest
temperatures in New England. Bring a small stuffed animal and create a cozy little hibernation den to
take home!

Nov
21
Thu
CANCELLED – Family Story Time!
Nov 21 @ 10:30 am – 11:30 am

This session is cancelled. 
Share books, stories, songs, rhymes, and music in a fun interactive program that builds early literacy skills. This program is designed for children birth to 5 years old, accompanied by a favorite adult. Craft and snack, too!

Dec
9
Mon
Celebrate Computer Science Education Week with Scratch! Code Your Hero with Holyoke Codes!
Dec 9 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

At this introductory workshop, we’ll help students create free accounts and explain the basics of sprites, costumes, and coding with visual blocks to create engaging, interactive stories. Students will learn to incorporate rich, multimedia into their projects. We will be focusing on the theme Code Your Hero. This workshop is funded by the Public Policy and Advocacy Office of the American Library Association. Ages 7+. Space is limited, registration required.

Dec
11
Wed
Aiki Principles Workshop with Marin Goldstein
Dec 11 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Participants will learn to work with conflict and effortlessly redirect it in a way that protects themselves. This program will provide an experiential study of self-defense techniques, personal awareness and partner relationships. Interactive instruction and demonstration will be followed by gentle, physical activity.

Participants will practice cultivating the skill and courage to stay in the present moment and face things as they are with an open heart. This is taught in a non-competitive and collaborative atmosphere suited for people of all ages, sizes, and athletic ability, no martial arts background is necessary.

Marin Goldstein began his study of Aikido in 1998, receiving his Sandan (3rd degree Black Belt) in 2016 from Robert Nadeau Shihan, 8th Dan (who was a direct student of the founder Morihei Ueshiba). Marin has primarily studied under the tutelage of Nadeau Shihan, but has also had the pleasure of studying with Hiroshi Ikeda Shihan, Mary Heiny Sensei, Denise Barry Sensei, Forrest Kan Sensei and many other amazing teachers and practitioners too many to name but who have all encouraged the evolution of his practice. 

Dec
13
Fri
TIGERS! & MONKEYS! & ME! Creative Movement & Pre-Kung-Fu!
Dec 13 @ 10:00 am – 10:45 am

Spirit of the Heart, Martial Arts & Wellness Center will be having a class for kids 3-5 and their awesome adult. Space is limited, registration is required. Call or stop in to register.

Tigers! Monkeys! & Me!
Dec 13 @ 10:00 am – 10:30 am

Spirit of the Heart-Martial Arts & Wellness Director Nancy Rothenberg will lead a sample class  for young kids (ages 2.5-5) and their adults.  A fun movement class! Space is limited, sign up or give us a call.

Dec
16
Mon
Office Hours: Dan Carey, State Representative
Dec 16 @ 3:15 pm – 4:15 pm

State Representative Dan Carey will hold office hours at the Library. Drop-in and talk about the issues important to you! Learn more about Representative Carey on his MA Legislature webpage.

ANIMATE a NAME! Hour of Code using Scratch!
Dec 16 @ 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Using Scratch, we will  make a name come to life through animation, sound and music. It can be a nickname, the name of a favorite sports team, place, activity or anything else you can think of-use your imagination! Space is limited, registration is required. Ages 7+

Dec
18
Wed
Life in the West Bank: Images, Presentation & Discussion
Dec 18 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Sherrill Hogen will give a talk about the current situation in Palestine based on her July visit there – her 16th annual fact-finding trip to the area.  She will include historical background and stories from people she interviewed. A slide show will illustrate the human face of Palestinians in the West Bank. We will have light refreshments.

Sherrill is a retired social worker who lives in Charlemont. She is an activist for peace and justice, concentrating on Palestine and racial justice issues. She is a member of the Ashfield United Church of Christ, Racial Justice Rising and the Middle East Peace and Justice Coalition.