Nov
6
Wed
Comics and Chronic Illness with Grace Desmarais
Nov 6 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Author and artist Grace Desmarais is back! Grace will give background on her medical experience and then discuss her comic Spoons: a dairy on chronic illness, Tubes: diaries from the hospital and her up-coming book Healing Year. She will then hold a Q&A. At the end, attendees will have an opportunity to buy her mini comics and have them signed.

Artist Bio: 
Grace Desmarais is a French-Canadian illustrator and cartoonist. She currently lives in Eastern Massachusetts and spends most of her time drawing.

Grace Desmarais primarily self-publishes auto-bio comic while also being involved in a variety of anthologies. Most of Grace’s work is rooted in subjects like art history, dis/ability and personal experience. Her long-term goal is to be a published author/illustrator with a committed comics publisher.

When Grace isn’t drawing she can be found playing Dungeons and Dragons or enjoying a craft beer.
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
18
Mon
NYT Magazine 1619 Project Discussion
Nov 18 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

We will gather to discuss selected articles in the New York Times Magazine 1619 Project issue. The first meeting on Monday, November 18th, will be to choose articles and plan December discussions. Registration is strongly suggested, as there are a limited number of magazine copies. 

Dec
3
Tue
NYT Magazine 1619 Project Discussion
Dec 3 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

We will gather to discuss selected articles in the New York Times Magazine 1619 Project issue. The first meeting on Monday, November 18th, will be to choose articles and plan December discussions. Registration is strongly suggested, as there are a limited number of magazine copies. 

Dec
10
Tue
NYT Magazine 1619 Project Discussion
Dec 10 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

We will gather to discuss selected articles in the New York Times Magazine 1619 Project issue. The first meeting on Monday, November 18th, will be to choose articles and plan December discussions. Registration is strongly suggested, as there are a limited number of magazine copies. 

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
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.

Dec
17
Tue
NYT Magazine 1619 Project Discussion
Dec 17 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

We will gather to discuss selected articles in the New York Times Magazine 1619 Project issue. The first meeting on Monday, November 18th, will be to choose articles and plan December discussions. Registration is strongly suggested, as there are a limited number of magazine copies. 

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.

Jan
7
Tue
NYT Magazine 1619 Project Discussion
Jan 7 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

We will gather to discuss selected articles in the New York Times Magazine 1619 Project issue. The first meeting on Monday, November 18th, will be to choose articles and plan December discussions. Registration is strongly suggested, as there are a limited number of magazine copies.