What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in June

May 28, 2019May 30, 2019 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

“Oh, Alexander Hamilton, when America sings for you
Will they know what you overcame?
Will they know you rewrote the game?”

– “Alexander Hamilton”, lyrics by Lin-Manual Miranda

Hamilton-philes will be happy this month, we’ve got several Alexander Hamilton-themed programs (both historical and pop-culture) on the June calendar, in addition to our regular month of varied programming! Here’s some of what’s in store for June:

Financial Strategies for Successful Retirement

Part 2 Tuesday, June 4, 2019, 6:00 – 8:00pm
Part 3 Tuesday, June 18, 2019, 6:00 – 8:00pm

This educational program by certified financial planner Steve Choquette continues with 2 classes in June, covering important money management concepts and issues that are important to people near retirement. Participants will gain a strong understanding of their financial options along with the pros and cons of each. Registration for each class is required.

Portrait Painting with Jack Montmeat

Wednesday, June 5, 2019, 6:00 – 8:00pm

Jack Montmeat is an award-winning local portrait painter and illustrator with a studio in East Lyme, CT. After receiving his BFA from the Columbus College of Art and Design in Columbus, Ohio in 2002, as well as studying in Paris and Florence, he began painting portraits full-time. This program is sponsored by the Cheshire Art League. No registration required.

New Movie Thursday: The Upside

Thursday, June 6, 2019, 6:00 – 8:00pm

A recently paroled ex-convict, Dell (Kevin Hart), strikes up an unusual and unlikely friendship with a quadriplegic billionaire, Philip Lacasse (Bryan Cranston). From worlds apart, Dell and Philip form an unlikely bond, bridging their differences and gaining invaluable wisdom in the process, giving each man a renewed sense of passion for all of life’s possibilities. Rated PG-13. Registration is appreciated.

Travel Meetup

Monday, June 10, 2019, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Going on vacation soon? Chat with others before you go. Share your own travel experiences, photos from around the world and meet other travel enthusiasts. Registration is appreciated.

Author Talk: How to Survive a Brazilian Betrayal

Tuesday, June 11, 2019, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Lightening darkness with humor, Velya Jancz-Urban and her 25-year-old daughter, Ehris, introduce readers to their offbeat Connecticut family. This memoir takes readers along on an unconventional family’s hilariously honest, yet heart-wrenching, journey. Readers will fall in love with their spunk, feel the knockout punches of betrayal along with them, and be rooting for them to get back up off the mat. Registration is required.

The Popularity of Alexander Hamilton

Thursday, June 13, 2019, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Discover the inspiring story of the Alexander Hamilton, who stood for American ideals. Bev York, historian and educator, will share an illustrated talk about his contributions, struggles, and tragic death. Registration is required. Don’t miss our Hamilton themed events all month long!

Passport Event

Saturday, June 15, 2019, 1:30 – 3:00pm

Join us for a one-stop-shop for your passport needs. You can fill out forms, have your picture taken and the post office will mail off your paperwork. (You are welcome to print out forms ahead of time and prefill them out to streamline the process.) Please bring two checks per application for payment and change as you may wish to use the copy machine on the lower level. Please be advised that it can take 6-8 weeks to receive a completed passport by mail. Any questions please call the Postal Department at 1-877-487-2778.

Plastic Pollution

Monday, June 17, 2019, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Plastic pollution has become a major global problem. Join NAMEPA’s Education and Outreach Manager, Lisa Piastuch, to learn more about the plastic pollution clogging our lands and oceans and simple changes you can embrace to reduce the plastic pollution problem! Registration is required.

Meditation – the WOW Factor

Tuesday, June 18, 2019, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Based on his own experience as a gerontologist and someone who has been meditating for many years, Dr. Matthew Raider will talk about what keeps you young even as your body ages. He will also explore the eternal nature of consciousness and explain how you can experience it yourself. Registration is required.

Documentary: Hamilton: One Shot to Broadway

Thursday, June 20, 2019, 6:30 – 8:00pm

A remarkable story of how a group of inspired mavericks made an unlikely marriage of hip-hop and history to create the biggest show on Broadway…and strangely apropos to what is happening in politics today. Featuring interviews with creator and star Lin Manuel Miranda, as well as the cast and crew of Hamilton. Registration is required.

Grow Small Backyard Fruits

Monday, June 24, 2019, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Berries have high nutritional values and full of health benefits. Since some of them generally don’t require too much space and are low-maintenance, you can enjoy fresh fruit from early summer through late fall by growing them in your backyards. This talk will discuss how to select and grow easy and quick yielding berries in your home gardens. Registration is required.

Hip-Hop Hamilton & The Founding Fathers

Thursday, June 27, 2019, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Join Stephen Spignesi for an informative illustrated lecture based on his book 499 Facts about Hip-Hop Hamilton and the Rest of America’s Founding Fathers. Spignesi begins with the three Founding documents of America—the Declaration of Independence, the Acts of Confederation, and the Constitution—and then discusses what might be called the “Top 10” Founders: Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, Adams, Paine, Hamilton, etc., including all kinds of fascinating historical facts and trivia about each. Registration is required.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in April

March 26, 2019March 25, 2019 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

Spring is in the air and we’re getting back to nature at CPL this month with lots of programs about the natural world. We’ve also got some interesting wellness programs on the calendar, and a new lunchtime book club! Here are just a few of this month’s programs, head to the Event Calendar to see everything we’ve got in store for April.

Insomnia and Your Health

Monday, April 1, 2019, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Wellness Coach Cynthia Griffin will discuss how insomnia can cause a host of symptoms including weight gain, inflammation and lowered immune system. During this lecture, she will present natural tips from Ayurveda to help you ease into a better night’s sleep. Registration is required.

New Movie Thursday: Aquaman

Thursday, April 4, 2019, 5:30 – 8:00pm

April’s New Movie is Aquaman! Arthur Curry discovers that he is the true ruler to the underwater kingdom of Atlantis. Now he must leave his old life behind to become a hero, keeping not just his underwater city at peace but the whole world. Rated PG-13. Registration is appreciated for this adult program.

Open Art Studio in the Library Loft

Fridays, April 5, 12, 26, 2019, 1:00 – 3:00pm

Bring your works in progress and supplies (no turpentine, please) to this drop-in art program. This is an opportunity to create in a collaborative environment with other artists. No formal instruction will be provided, but informal critiquing for those who want it is encouraged. Table covers will be provided. There is a sink in the room for basic cleanup. No registration required.

Empower Yourself by Letting Go

Wednesday, April 10, 2019, 6:30 – 8:00pm

We often hold on tightly to old patterns, thoughts, people and things for false security and a misplaced sense of comfort. How would it feel to dig a little deeper and see things as they really are. Wellness Coach Cynthia Griffin will explain how habits can influence our lives and how the “letting go process” can open us up to new and greater opportunities for better health and happiness. Registration is required.

Thursday Evening Gardening Programs

Raised Flower Beds : Thursday, April 11, 2019, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Introduction to Gardening : Thursday, April 18, 2019, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Cordalie Benoit of the Connecticut Community Garden Association will discuss the benefits of raised flower beds and gardening basics in these two programs. Please register for each program individually.

Library After Hours: 80s Night with The Future Heavies

Friday, April 12, 2019, 5:00 – 7:30pm

Join us for a fun family evening featuring the Future Heavies band performing all of your favorite 80s songs, dancing, face-painting and 80s-themed games! Don’t forget to wear your favorite 80s outfits –prizes will be awarded for best costumes–er, clothes! Pizza and drinks will be provided by the Friends of the Library. There is no admission fee or cost for refreshments, but donations to the Friends are appreciated and help defray the cost of these special events. Please register so that we know how many goodies to have!

Concert: Bluegrass, Blues and Americana

Saturday, April 13, 2019, 2:00 – 3:30pm

The BluesGrass acoustic duo of Mark White (guitar, harmonica, vocals) and Jon Swift (upright bass, vocals) presents an “Americana” mix of bluegrass, blues, and oldies featuring strong duet vocals and powerful instrumentals. No registration required.

Experience Nature as Healer

Tuesday, April 16, 2019, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Discover how everyday, anywhere, nature can guide, calm, inform, and restore you. Marlow Shami BFA, M.S. is a nature-based teacher, artist, healer and writer who conducts Nature as Healer workshops and talks throughout New England. She specializes in the healing connection between humans and the natural world. Registration is required.

Birds & Butterflies on Wednesday Evenings

Butterflies in My Backyard : Wednesday, April 17, 2019, 7:00 – 8:00pm

Birding in Connecticut : Wednesday, April 24, 2019, 6:30 – 8:00pm

On the 17th, noted lepidopterist and Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History research affiliate, Victor DeMasi will take the audience on a virtual sunny day walk through his butterfly meadow in Redding, Connecticut, and will share an impressive display of specimens from the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History. Then on the 24th, join Frank Gallo, author of the new book, Birding in Connecticut, for a virtual journey to a variety of Connecticut’s birding locales, from hot spots to less-known gems. Please register for each program individually.

Gardening As If the World Depends on Us

Tuesday, April 23, 2019, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Worried about the world? Take action! Actually, just by being a gardener, you are already making a big difference. Want to do more? Gardens offer so many opportunities to link with nature and rescue the world. What can you do to help? Everything! This lecture by Tovah Martin (author of more than a dozen gardening books) is filled with ideas from gardeners who rallied their acreage in backyards large and small to make a difference. Registration is required.

Books Over Coffee

Wednesday, April 24, 2019, 12:00 – 1:30pm

Want to engage in great discussions about books? Meet new people? Eat lunch with friends? Join us for a new adult monthly book club program called “Books Over Coffee.” On the last Wednesday of every month we’ll meet to discuss the selected title. Books are available each month ahead of time, and will be available in audio & ebook format. Clock Dance by Anne Tyler is our April selection. You bring your lunch, we’ll provide the coffee and tea. Registration is required.

A Practical Guide for Building Wealth (author talk)

Thursday, April 25, 2019, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Kevin Daniels, the author of “A Practical Guide For Growing Wealth” will be at speak about this new exciting book. Kevin is the current President of Tribute Financial in Wallingford. During this evening Kevin will introduce his new book and will point out some highlights of growing wealth. Come and spend an hour to make your financial future brighter! Registration is required.

Create Mother’s Day Cards

Monday, April 29, 2019, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Join Sue Bernier and create beautiful Mother’s Day Cards. You will use rubber stamps, ink and Stampin’Up products to create your cards. This program is geared toward adults and registration is required.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in December

November 27, 2018November 8, 2018 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

’tis the season for great programs at CPL! Check out our Events Calendar for all of our December offerings – here’s a taste of what’s in store this month:

The Nutcracker Ballet

Saturday, December 1, 2018, 1:30 and 3:30PM

Brass City Ballet celebrates the magic of Christmas in a live, narrated performance of The Nutcracker. Children and adults will delight in the story of Clara and her journey through the Land of Snow to the Kingdom of the Sweets where she meets the Sugar Plum Fairy and all her delicious treats. Seating is limited and registration is required. Thank you to the Friends of the Cheshire Library for funding this special event!

Atwater-Donnelly Celtic Holiday Concert

Sunday, December 2, 2018, 2:00 – 4:00PM

In celebration of winter, light, and American diversity, Aubrey Atwater and Elwood Donnelly sing ancient and new songs about Christmas, Winter Solstice, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. This award-winning, internationally acclaimed duo are long-time audience favorites at Cheshire Library for their programs of traditional American and Celtic folk songs and percussive dance. No registration required.

CT’s Remarkable Jewish Women

Tuesday, December 4, 2018, 6:30 – 8:00PM

Jewish women in Connecticut have made a lasting impact on our society with contributions to the arts, business, and religious life. Their accomplishments are as varied as their struggles, and their stories inspire us to create new history. Learn about the many Connecticut Jewish women who have challenged the status quo and blazed new trails. Registration is required.

Caring Crafts: Socks for Seniors

Thursday, December 6, 2018, 4:00 – 5:00PM

Caring Crafts is a new program for school-age kids (grades K-6) to have fun making things, while making the world a better place. This week we’re making grippy socks for seniors in nursing homes. Want to donate crafting materials for an upcoming program? We’re accepting soft fabric like fleece, textured fabric like denim and nubby chenille, and sewing notions like buttons, velcro, and zippers. Send an email to lgledhill@cheshirelibrary.org if you’re interested in donating. Registration is required.

New Movie Thursday ~ Crazy Rich Asians

Thursday, December 6, 2018, 6:00 – 8:00PM

Did you miss the screening of a film you wanted to see in theatres? Join us for the first Thursday of the month for a screening of a recently released film. December’s movie is Crazy Rich Asians : Rachel Chu is happy to accompany her longtime boyfriend, Nick, to his best friend’s wedding in Singapore. She’s also surprised to learn that Nick’s family is extremely wealthy and he’s considered one of the country’s most eligible bachelors. Registration is appreciated for this adult program.

Canta Y Baila Conmigo Demo – A Music Together Program

Wednesday, December 12, and Saturday, December 22, 2018, 9:30 – 10:15AM

Small World Languages and Musical Folk have teamed up to bring to you Canta Y Baila Conmigo – a Music Together program. Designed for beginning Spanish speakers and native speakers alike, these playful, interactive classes naturally and organically integrate language learning with music learning. The idea is to help your child learn Spanish through immersion in both music and language. Best for ages 2-5. Please register at the Small World Languages website . This class will be held twice in December. Please register for only one class to make room for others.

Winter Read Aloud with FEA

Saturday, December 15, 2018, 10:00 – 11:00AM

Join the Future Educators of America from Dodd Middle school for a special winter read aloud and crafts! The Future Educators of America is an organization that offers opportunities for young teens in exploring careers in education. Best for children ages 3-6.

Connecticut 169 Club

Tuesday, December 18, 2018, 6:30 – 8:00pm

From the quaint splendor of the town of Kent in the northwest hills of Connecticut to the great restaurants that dot the shoreline of Westbrook to New Britain’s industrial roots, travel and history author Martin “Marty” Podskoch is hoping to give Connecticut residents a chance to explore every municipality in the State of Conn. with his new book, Connecticut 169 Club: Your Passport and Guide to Exploring Connecticut. Podskoch will share stories and information about our great state. Books will be available for purchase and signing. Registration is required.

Creating Musical Readers: Max Found Two Sticks

Wednesday, December 19, 2018, 10:30 – 11:15AM

The Waterbury Symphony Orchestra will read beloved children’s stories and use their instruments to bring each story to life. Children will also have a chance to play the musical instruments after the stories. Best for children ages 2 and up. Registration is required.

Cat Tales- Writers Group

Thursday, December 20, 2018, 6:00 – 8:00PM

Do you write in secret, or do you publish your own blog? Are you working on your dream novel, a memoir, or poetry? Join us at the library for an open writing group that can help answer your questions on writing, editing, grammar, and publishing. Read a selection of your work to the group for general constructive feedback, or discuss a book you’ve read that might help someone else. Join us once, join us every month! . Registration required for this adult program.

Relaxing Coloring Night for Adults

Thursday, December 27, 2018, 6:00 – 8:00PM

Join us for relaxing coloring night for adults and de-stress from this busy time of year. We’ll provide coloring pages and supplies, but feel free to bring your own pages, art supplies. Registration is appreciated, beginning December 13.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in November

October 30, 2018October 10, 2018 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

Concerts, classes, crafts, and more are on the calendar in November at CPL. And don’t forget the big Fall Book Sale – check out the Event Calendar for all of our November offerings!

Chocolate for the Holidays

Saturday, November 3, 2018, 2:00 – 4:00PM

Long time chef, chocolate expert and former Cheshire Library Assistant Director Maria Brandriff will demonstrate how to make both decadent truffles and some healthier chocolate treats to give as holiday gifts. Recipes and ample samples will be available. Registration is required.

Sunday Concert: Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem

Sunday, November 4, 2018, 2:00 – 3:00PM

This New England-based folk quartet is now in its15th year and features Rani Arbo (fiddle, guitar), Andrew Kinsey (bass, banjo, ukulele), Anand Nayak (electric and acoustic guitars) and Scott Kessel (percussion). This band’s steadfast brew of wit, camaraderie, and musicality leaves audiences everywhere humming and hopeful, spirits renewed. Join us for the first concert of CPL’s 2018-2019 Sunday concert series, made possible by the Friends of the Cheshire Public Library! No registration required.

Family Zumba

Mondays: November 5, 19, and 26, 2018, 4:00 – 4:30PM

Perfect for younger Zumba fans and their grown-ups. Family Zumba features kid-friendly routines and up-beat music! Caregivers are encouraged to attend and participate. This class helps develop a healthy lifestyle and incorporate fitness as a natural part of children’s lives by making fitness fun. No registration required.

Transcend Physical Reality for Your Healing and Empowerment

Monday, November 5, 2018, 6:3- – 8:00PM

Would you like to be able to raise above your everyday consciousness and create a new reality in your mind, so real that it shifts physical reality? You have all the power you need within you, but first you need to be able to transcend physical reality and look deeper into the essence. Your ability to transcend physical reality has tremendous healing power. You are not a victim but a director of your life. Author and healer and former Cheshire resident Sue Maisano will help you understand how to transcend physical reality to heal/empower yourself and achieve your true heart’s desires with least resistance. Registration is required.

South Asian Festival

Tuesday, November 6, 2018, 3:00 – 4:00PM

Join us for an afternoon filled with exciting activities for children of all ages! Create your own Rangoli artwork, apply henna skin art, learn the origins of henna, create fun crafts, and more! Registration is not required for this event. (Please note public schools are not in session this day.)

Finish That Book

Tuesdays: November 6, 13, 20, 27, 2018, 5:00 – 8:00PM

National Novel Writing Month, is an annual, Internet-based creative writing project that takes place during the month of November. Participants attempt to write a 50,000 word manuscript between November 1 and November 30. Join other writers for a quiet and relaxing space to write. Drop in, no registration required.

Trivia Night @ The Waverly Inn

Wednesday, November 7, 2018, 6:30 – 8:00PM

Join us for a special Trivia Night at The Waverly Inn (286 Maple Ave, Cheshire). Come by yourself or bring friends, test your knowledge of pop culture, current events, history, music, and of course, literature! It’s all for Pride, not for Prize. Don’t forget to bring your appetite, as the Waverly Inn has tasty eats to purchase. Registration begins October 24, and is required for this adult program.

Friends of Cheshire Public Library Fall Book Sale

Thursday November 15 – Sunday November 18, 2018

Thousands of gently used books, cds, and dvds. All proceeds benefit the Friends of Cheshire Public Library, who make all of our fantastic programming possible! Members of the Friends get a sneak peek on Wednesday night, and memberships will be available for purchase at the door. Support the Friends!

Wednesday, November 14, 6:30 – 8:00PM: Preview Night (members only)
Thursday, November 15, 9:00AM – 8:00PM
Friday, November 16, 9:00AM – 4:30PM
Saturday, November 17, 9:00 AM – 4:30PM
Sunday, November 18, 12:00 – 3:00PM: “Bag of Books” Sale

Create Holiday Cards

Wednesday, November 28, 2018, 6:30 – 8:00PM

One of the many joys of the Holiday season is sending cheerful cards to the ones you love. Join Sue Bernier and create 3 Holiday cards using “Stampin Up” rubber stamps and paper. Attendees 15 years old and up. Registration is required, starting November 14.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in October

September 25, 2018October 17, 2018 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

Welcome to October at Cheshire Library! We’ve got a lot of science coming your way this month, in addition to some spooky fun. And don’t forget our 4th Annual Scavenger Hunt! Here’s a sample of what’s in store for October:

Terrific Tweens – Make a Spectroscope!

Wednesday, October 3, 2018, 4:00 – 4:45PM

A spectroscope is an instrument used for breaking down light into its component wavelengths for visual observation. We’ll make a spectroscope and separate light into all its component colors! For grades 5 – 8, no registration required.

4th Annual Town-Wide Instagram Scavenger Hunt

Saturday, October 6, 2018, 9:30AM – 3:00PM

Charge your phone and fill your gas tank for the fourth annual Town-Wide Scavenger Hunt! Form a team with members of any age and travel around town solving clues and posting your solutions to Instagram. When time is up, come back to the Library for celebratory snacks and a raffle drawing. Participants of all ages are encouraged to join the hunt. Each team needs a vehicle, a smartphone or network-enabled device, and an Instagram account set to public for the duration of the hunt. Technology help will be available when you pick up your clues.

9:30-10:00 Pick up clues at the Library
9:30-1:00 The scavenger hunt is on!
2:00-3:00 Post-hunt party

Pre-registration is required for all teams, starting September 1.

Makeup 101: How to accentuate your best features

Thursday, October 11, 2018, 6:30 – 8:00PM

Cheshire’s own Dana Bartone of Co. Salon and Spa will demonstrate on how to apply makeup. Not just any makeup routine but one that will accentuate your best features. Our two models that will be demonstrated on are a millennial and baby boomer. Registration is required.

DNA Testing: Get Into Your Hand-Me Down Genes

Saturday, October 13, 2018, 2:00 – 4:00PM

Thinking about doing a DNA test for your genealogy research or have done one already? Genealogist Janeen Bjork will talk about the three major companies offering DNA testing. Registration is required.

Cat Tales – Writers Group

Thursday, October 18, 2018, 6:00 – 8:00PM

The Ever Changing Connecticut Forest

Monday, October 22, 2018, 6:30 – 8:00PM

The resilient Connecticut forest has undergone dramatic changes over the past 400 years and earlier. This talk by Dr. Jeffrey Ward will cover the changes in our forests since the ice age, and what the future forest may look like. Registration is required.

Crazy Colorful Chemistry (Ages 6+)

Wednesday, October 24, 2018, 4:00 – 5:00PM

To celebrate National Chemistry week, Jane Snell Copes from Science Outside the Box will be presenting a hands-on chemistry class for children ages 6 and up. Space is limited, so please register starting October 1.

Library After Hours: Halloween Spooktacular

Friday, October 26, 2018, 5:00 – 7:00PM

Join us for a spooky bubble dance party and face painting. Pizza and drinks will be available for sale by the Friends of the Library. There is no admission fee, but there is a suggested donation of $5 per family to help offset costs. Please note that the Lower and Upper Levels of the Library will not be open to the public. Please register so that we know how many goodies to have! Sponsored by the Friends of the Cheshire Public Library.

Culinary Chemistry

Saturday, October 27, 2018, 2:30 – 4:00PM

Through discussion and hand-on demonstrations, participants will gain an appreciation of chemical transformations in a culinary context. This seminar will explore cooking through the four ancient elements of fire, air, earth and water. Each of these ancestral elements will be paired with a contemporary cooking method (roasting, baking, fermentation, sous vide) and applied through a featured food. The session concludes with light tastings of the featured foods. Registration is required for this adult program.

Paranormal Investigations in CT

Tuesday, October 30, 2018, 6:30 – 8:00PM

The truth behind investigating the unknown will be presented by the Eastern CT Paranormal Society. This program focuses on educating the public about how paranormal investigations are actually done, as opposed to what is seen on TV. We stress the importance of education as an asset to researching paranormal claims. We will showcase evidence that we have caught and explain the process of debunking paranormal activity, such orbs, light anomalies, and apparitions. Registration is required.

Spooky Storytime (Ages 2-5)

Wednesday, October 31, 2018, 10:00 – 11:00AM

Spooktacular stories, ghoulish goodies, and decorate your own mini pumpkin! Costumes are encouraged! Supplies are limited so please register starting on October 1.