January Events at the Library of the Chathams

English as a Second Language
Thursdays, January 3 through February 21 – 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
For those wanting to improve their English language skills, we are starting our next cycle of ESL classes. The program will be conducted by LEARN Associates and volunteer tutors for 8 weeks. Students will be divided into small groups by skill level. Books and other learning materials will be provided. The program is free – all you need is a commitment to learn! Registration required.

Meditation Session with Jean Leigh
Saturday, January 5 – 10 to 11 a.m.
The new year brings a time for resolving issues. This guided meditation class will allow participants to explore areas of improvement and/or contemplate goals for the life they desire to lead. Please bring a yoga mat, meditation cushion or blanket.

Essential Oils
Tuesday, January 8 – 7 p.m.
Roksana Adamek, a nursing student at Caldwell University, will hold a free workshop on essential oils. She will discuss how to choose the right oils, different grades of essential oils, and how they are produced. She will also share the various ways essential oils can be included in your everyday life.

Post-Apocalyptic Films
Thursday, January 10 – 7 p.m.
End-of-days films have become increasingly popular in recent years. Yet, despite the surge in these films over the past decade, this film genre actually has a history that spans over 100 years. Nicholas Riccio, author of Seeking the End: Post-Apocalyptic Films 1916-2016, will discuss the historical evolution of these films. Along the way, we will also look at how these films have become a reflection of some of the fears facing our world. The presentation will be followed by the movie When Worlds Collide (1951).

What Helps with Jay Yudof
Tuesday, January 15 – 7 p.m.
Jay Yudof, MS, Certified Psychiatric Practitioner, and a NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness) Recovery Programs Coordinator, will discuss helping those suffering with mental illness. Topics covered in this presentation will be groups for peer support, basics of maintaining mental wellness, dealing with mental illness, resources for seeking mental health care, and helping someone with a mental health issue. A question and answer session will follow.

Home for Good Dog Rescue
Saturday, January 26 – 2 to 4 p.m.
A representative from Home for Good Dog Rescue in Berkeley Heights will talk about the work of this organization that has rescued over 6,500 dogs in eight years from high kill shelters. The goal is to socialize, nurture, and provide life-saving medical care for these dogs so they can be fostered in families and finally adopted into loving homes—giving them a second chance at life. Join us and meet several current fosters and their dogs.

Medicare for Baby Boomers
Tuesday, January 29 – 7 p.m.
Neil Berger, advisor and former educator, will discuss Medicare issues including the impact COBRA will have on Medicare, what to do if you work past retirement age, how Medicare coordinates with group health insurance, and other concerns. A question and answer session will follow the presentation. Pre-registration is requested.

FOR TEENS

Arcade Weekend
Friday, January 11 – 3 to 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, January 12 – 9:30 am to 4:30 p.m.
This event is for all gamers out there – teenagers, children and their parents – whole families. There will be many systems set up to play, from the original Atari, Nintendo, and Sega consoles to newer systems like the Wii U. Two Smash Bros. tournaments will be held on Saturday – see library website for details. In Memory of Alexander Butta

Harry Potter Drawing Class with Doug Baron
Thursday, January 31 – 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Grades 6 to 12, Limit: 20 students
Registration opens Thursday, January 17
Explore the artwork inspired by the magical world of Harry Potter.  Comic book artist Doug Baron will show you how to draw Harry, Ron and Hermione, dragons, school crests, and even recreate of the book covers from the award winning series!  Doug will ask trivia questions where the students can earn “funny money” to win his drawings at the end of the session.

FOR CHILDREN

Basic Scratch Programming
Monday, January 14 through Thursday, January 17 – 4 to 6 p.m.
Ages 8 to 12, Limit: 10 students
Registration opens Monday, December 31
Register only if you can attend all 4 classes
Learn basic scratch programming in a simple and fun way. Gain an understanding of computational and mathematical concepts. Get acquainted with various programming skills and the process of design. No prior experience required.