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Jazz Journeys with David Morgan (In-Person)

Jazz Journeys with David Morgan (In-Person)

Tuesday, April 16

11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Registration Required Below Embark on a soulful journey of enchanting melodies and smooth rhythms with David Morgan, a Redding resident and accomplished jazz pianist. During one afternoon a month through May, the Library's Mark Twain Room will be transformed into a musical haven, as David treats neighbors to "Jazz Journeys" – an immersive experience designed to demonstrate how jazz conveys soul-stirring emotions. During this free and live performance, Morgan will guide his audience through a wide selection of classic and contemporary jazz, performing scores from  Thelonious Monk, Duke Ellington and Miles Davis. He'll also play compositions representing a wide variety of jazz styles. Audience interaction will be part of the program. Morgan hopes to help people gain an understanding of the music and how jazz communicates. "I want to pull back the veil of mystery surrounding jazz," said Morgan, who is also a singer, songwriter, producer and educator. Jazz Journeys Concert Dates Tuesdays at 11 am in the Library's upstairs Mark Twain Room January 30 February 27 March 26 April 16 May 28 About Our Performer David Morgan has been a professional musician, producer, musical director and educator for 30 years.  He is a world-class piano player, and has performed and toured worldwide with well-known national and international artists such as actress/singer Jane Lynch,  Neshama Carlebach, and his own Jazz Trio.  David has also performed and recorded with Wynton Marsalis, Wes Anderson and Grammy/Emmy-nominated singer/songwriter, Peter Himmelman. ​David writes music for CBS Sports, Discovery, A&E, MTV,  and TV shows including 'Pawn Stars', 'Little Women' and 'Catfish'.  He also produces recordings for other artists in his own studio. A graduate from The University of New Orleans with a BA in Jazz Studies under the direction of Ellis Marsalis, David now focuses his attention to The Music Shed in Redding, where he shares his love of music with musicians of all ages.

Weekly Drop-In Knitting Circle (In-Person)

Weekly Drop-In Knitting Circle (In-Person)

Tuesday, April 16

1:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Meets Tuesdays, 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm Our popular weekly drop-in knitting circle continues to meets every Tuesday in the Library's Mark Twain Room.  Share your knitting, crochet, and needlepoint project or learn basic techniques like casting on, knit, and purl stitches. Each week brings an opportunity to learn something new and there is always someone who can help with any problem.  

Sit to Be Fit: A Chair Yoga Series with Viki (Virtual)

Sit to Be Fit: A Chair Yoga Series with Viki (Virtual)

Thursday, April 18

12:30 pm - 1:15 pm

Please note the new start time of 12:30 pm. Registration Required Below Want to free yourself from tension and stress? Lose weight? Build strength and flexibility? Then it’s time to get moving! Move in and around the chair in this yoga fusion class. The best of both worlds, Viki combines breathing and mindfulness with functional fitness moves that will energize you for the day. Take a midday break and join us for this 8 week series designed for all levels, including beginners.  You might think of Chair Yoga as slow and tedious, but this class is fun, challenging, lively, stimulating and empowering!  If you have a strap, belt or towel have it handy. 8 Thursday Sessions: February 1 February 15 March 7 March 28 April 4 April 18 May 16 May 30 Register once and receive reminders before each of the 8 sessions, or drop-in using the direct zoom link below.  Registered participants will receive an reminder and link the day of the program.  Include your cell phone number on the registration form and you will also receive one text reminder, with link, 15-30 minutes before the program begins. CLICK HERE FOR ZOOM LINK Password: Yoga About our instructor: Viki Boyko teaches yoga and functional movement online and in theTristate area. Classes welcome all levels, including beginner. She is 500hr yoga certified, a Franklin Method educator, Hanna Somatics educator, Movement for seniors specialist and Pelvic Floor Health Coach.  To learn more about Viki visit her website www.vikiboyko.com.  

How to Live a Healthy Brain Lifestyle: With RVNAhealth (In-Person)

How to Live a Healthy Brain Lifestyle: With RVNAhealth (In-Person)

Thursday, April 18

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Registration Required Below

How to Live a Healthy Brain Lifestyle

Join RVNAhealth’s Susan DiGregorio, M.A CCC-SLP, for an informative discussion about aging and the brain. Learn about risk factors for cognitive decline and proactive steps you can take to protect brain health and boost memory function.
This is a hybrid program that will take place both live at the Library, and virtually over Zoom. Scroll to the bottom of the screen to register for the live event at the Library. Include a cell for a text reminder. Would you prefer instead to attend the program virtually over Zoom? Please click here to register for the virtual program.  About our Presenter Susan DiGregorio, SLP, is a Speech-Language Pathologist who works with adult patients at the RVNAhealth Rehabilitation & Wellness Center. Susan specializes in the rehabilitation of swallowing, speech, language, cognition and voice following neurological, traumatic injuries and treatment for head and neck cancers. Susan joined RVNAhealth in 2017 as a therapist in both in-home and outpatient settings. She then pursued in-home therapy full time before returning to outpatient therapy, where she enjoys the opportunity to help her motivated clients set and achieve their goals. Prior to RVNAhealth, Susan worked for eight years in a sub-acute setting. Susan earned her B.A in psychology from SUNY New Paltz in 2004, and her M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology from CUNY Lehman in 2011. She holds a certificate of clinical competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and is a Certified Dementia Practitioner.  

How to Live a Healthy Brain Lifestyle: With RVNAhealth (Virtual)

How to Live a Healthy Brain Lifestyle: With RVNAhealth (Virtual)

Thursday, April 18

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Registration Required Below How to Live a Healthy Brain Lifestyle
Join RVNAhealth’s Susan DiGregorio, M.A CCC-SLP, for an informative discussion about aging and the brain. Learn about risk factors for cognitive decline and proactive steps you can take to protect brain health and boost memory function.
This is a hybrid program that will take place both live at the Library, and virtually over Zoom. Scroll to the bottom of the screen to register for the virtual event over Zoom. Include a cell for a text reminder. Would you prefer instead to attend the program in-person, at the Library?  Please click here to register for the in-person program.  About our Presenter Susan DiGregorio, SLP, is a Speech-Language Pathologist who works with adult patients at the RVNAhealth Rehabilitation & Wellness Center. Susan specializes in the rehabilitation of swallowing, speech, language, cognition and voice following neurological, traumatic injuries and treatment for head and neck cancers. Susan joined RVNAhealth in 2017 as a therapist in both in-home and outpatient settings. She then pursued in-home therapy full time before returning to outpatient therapy, where she enjoys the opportunity to help her motivated clients set and achieve their goals. Prior to RVNAhealth, Susan worked for eight years in a sub-acute setting. Susan earned her B.A in psychology from SUNY New Paltz in 2004, and her M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology from CUNY Lehman in 2011. She holds a certificate of clinical competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and is a Certified Dementia Practitioner.    

It Takes a Village

It Takes a Village

Friday, April 19

10:00 am - 11:30 am

Registration Suggested Below It Takes a Village
Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:030 a.m.
This program is presented in partnership with the Town of Redding
It Takes a Village is designed to support new parents as they navigate every aspect of life with young children, and to help foster meaningful connections between other parents and caregivers. We believe that supporting families during this very important time is vital to the physical and mental health of both parent and child, and to the community as a whole.
Parents and "Villagers" of all ages are welcome to attend.
About the Facilitator
Jess Tyson is an entrepreneur, author, community-builder, and mother of two. She started her virtual assistant agency, Don't Panic Management, in 2011, and opened a small co-working and community space in Redding—Georgetown Collective—in 2023. After employing dozens of mothers over the years and learning firsthand the demands that motherhood puts on the bodies and minds of birthing women, she has become a fierce advocate for parental rights in the workplace and beyond. According to Tyson, American society does not value or support mothers the way it should, and the lack of support has taken a toll on the mental and physical health of women everywhere. Tyson said, the data shows that we were not built to care for young children alone and that it truly does take a village to raise a child. She is excited to lead and support this group and usher in a new wave of thoughtful, confident, and cared-for children. We can't pour from an empty cup, and while this chapter is difficult, we don't have to go through it alone!


Classics Book Club: 'The Good Solider' (In-Person)

Classics Book Club: ‘The Good Solider’ (In-Person)

Friday, April 19

11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Registration Required Below This group is led by MTL's bibliophile extraordinaire,  Catherine Riordan. Catherine taught literature at the college level for many years, and shares her contagious enthusiasm for the classics. The group reads and discusses titles of all time periods, including modern works. Copies of the latest book will be available at the Library's front desk. The Classics Book Club meets in person at the Library. This Month: April 26 — Ford Maddox Ford, The Good Soldier 1915 UPCOMING DATES & SELECTIONS:

May 24 — Sherwood Anderson, Winesburg, Ohio 1919

June 28 — Toni Morrison, The Bluest Eye 1970

Click Here to View Recent Classic Book Selections  

MTL Youth Chess Club (Recommended for Grades 4-8) IN PERSON Program

MTL Youth Chess Club (Recommended for Grades 4-8) IN PERSON Program

Monday, April 22

5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Registration recommended; drop-ins welcome. We invite young chess players and chess enthusiasts to participate in our newly launched Youth Chess Club. No prior chess knowledge is required; all levels of experience are welcome to participate! The library will provide chess boards and pieces for all to use. While this program is recommended for grade 5-8, older teen players are welcome too! About our facilitator: Matthew Shirvell (aka Coach Matt) is an avid chess player who has been teaching chess in Connecticut for over 6 years. He has competed in USCF tournaments across the country, worked as a tournament director to run some of the largest events in the state, and has helped his students reach their goals.  Recently, in January 2023, one of his students earned sole 1st place in a USCF event with a perfect score! The club will meet every Monday, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. except on holidays or as otherwise noted. Program contact: Sarah Zimmermann (sarah@marktwainlibrary.org), Teen and Reference Librarian

Adult Chess Club (In-person)

Adult Chess Club (In-person)

Monday, April 22

6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Registration Recommended, See Below We invite all adult chess players and chess enthusiasts to participate in our newly launched, weekly Adult Chess Club. No prior chess knowledge is required; all levels of experience are welcome to participate! The library will provide chess boards and pieces for all to use. As space is limited, we recommend participants register for each program that they plan to attend. About our facilitator: Matthew Shirvell (aka Coach Matt) is an avid chess player who has been teaching chess in Connecticut for over 6 years. He has competed in USCF tournaments across the country, worked as a tournament director to run some of the largest events in the state, and has helped his students reach their goals.  Recently, in January 2023, one of his students earned sole 1st place in a USCF event with a perfect score!    

Creative Collective Discussion Group: "The Creative Act" (Virtual)

Creative Collective Discussion Group: “The Creative Act” (Virtual)

Tuesday, April 23

10:30 am - 12:00 pm

Registration Required Below
Have fun and make friends while cultivating your creativity in our weekly group discussions about art, creativity and so much more! Our facilitated conversations invite participants to consider imaginative and alternative viewpoints about the creative process in a congenial, relaxed Zoom setting. Empower your creativity and feed your brain by joining us in the Creative Collective Discussion Group! This spring , our exploration into the power of creativity continues with the book The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin.  Copies of the books are available for loan at the Library's front desk. The Creative Collective meets weekly on Tuesdays.  Register once for the 8 meetings in this session running from April 2 to May.
Click Here to attend Zoom Meeting  (For registered participants only)


Midday Recharge: A Meditation Series (Virtual)

Midday Recharge: A Meditation Series (Virtual)

Tuesday, April 23

12:00 pm - 12:30 pm

Registration Required Below

A changing season is a time for renewal and considering different points of view.

Join popular meditation instructor Alexa Owen virtually for this 8-week series to cultivate ease and growth. Each 30-minute session will include a short introduction to a contemplative topic, a 15-minute guided practice, and time to share reflections and ask questions at the end.

Incorporating a meditation practice into your routine has countless benefits, including decreased stress, lowered blood pressure, increased gratitude and focus, and overall improvement in mood and mindset. You’ll learn foundational practices that facilitate ease and wellbeing not only for yourself  but for the loved ones with whom you share your space and energy as well. Sessions are designed to leave you feeling refreshed and ready to engage fully in the rest of your day and week.

Recommended for adults and high school students. Register once to receive reminders for the full 8-week series, or drop-in using the direct link below.  Registered participants will receive an reminder and link the day of the program.  Include your cell number on the registration form to receive one text reminder. CLICK HERE FOR ZOOM MEETING Password: recharge Dates: Tuesdays at noon
February 13
February 29
March 12
March 26
April 9
April 23
May 14
May 28
About our presenter: Alexa Owen is a meditation faculty member at Nalanda Institute for Contemplative Science, as well as a graduate of the Contemplative Psychotherapy Program and teacher training in Compassion-Based Resilience Training (CBRT). She has delivered workshops on wellness and contemplative science at libraries, high schools, and universities; created mindfulness training content for values-driven organizations; and guided meditation through her work with the Anti-Racism Planning Group at Smith College School for Social Work, where she is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work degree. A certified yoga therapist and inspired student of social science, she is passionate about supporting people in fully embodying their lives through self-awareness, compassion, and flourishing in their intra- and interpersonal relationships. Alexa grew up in Redding and maintains connections to this special place through family, friends, and continued community offerings. You can learn more at her website: www.alexaowen.com

Weekly Drop-In Knitting Circle (In-Person)

Weekly Drop-In Knitting Circle (In-Person)

Tuesday, April 23

1:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Meets Tuesdays, 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm Our popular weekly drop-in knitting circle continues to meets every Tuesday in the Library's Mark Twain Room.  Share your knitting, crochet, and needlepoint project or learn basic techniques like casting on, knit, and purl stitches. Each week brings an opportunity to learn something new and there is always someone who can help with any problem.  

Z.E.B.R.A. (Zealous Excellent Book Readers Association) for 7th and 8th Graders

Z.E.B.R.A. (Zealous Excellent Book Readers Association) for 7th and 8th Graders

Tuesday, April 23

4:00 pm - 4:45 pm

Avid readers in 7th and 8th grades are invited to attend our monthly book discussion group for older readers. There will be books for browsing and cookies and chips for snacking while we discuss books you’ve read lately. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.

Great Composers Part II: Mozart — The Ultimate Wunderkind (In-Person)

Great Composers Part II: Mozart — The Ultimate Wunderkind (In-Person)

Wednesday, April 24

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Registration Required Below
Mozart was born in 1756 and lived during times of tremendous change in European society.
Indeed, just a few years before his death, the Bastille was stormed and the French Revolution was launched. During this program, Professor Gil Harel, a musicologist and music theorist, discusses how Mozart reflected his era, and how in particular, his late operas articulate the ethos of 18th-century Aufklaerung (Enlightenment) thought.
This is a hybrid series of programs that will take place both live at the Library, and virtually over Zoom. For a full experience we recommend attending this program live at the Library. Scroll to the bottom of the screen to register for the In-Person option and you will receive an email reminder.  Include a cell for a text reminder. Would you prefer instead to attend the program virtually over Zoom? Click here to register for the virtual event.  Great Composers Dates & Topics:
  • Part I March 27 — Bach's Pursuit of Musical Perfection
  • Part II April 24 —  Mozart: The Ultimate Wunderkind
  • Part III May 15 — Beethoven's Musical Language
About Our Speaker Gil Harel (PhD, Brandeis University) is a musicologist and music theorist whose interests include styles ranging from western classical repertoire to jazz and musical theater. Previously, he served on the faculty at CUNY Baruch College (where he was awarded the prestigious "Presidential Excellence Award for Distinguished Teaching"). Currently, he is an Associate Professor of Music at Naugatuck Valley Community College, where he has been presented with the AFT "Merit Award for Exemplary Service to the College" for 4 consecutive years. In 2020, he was honored with the coveted Connecticut Board of Regents (BOR) Teaching Award. At NVCC, Dr. Harel conducts the college chorale, a cappella ensemble, teaches music history and theory, and serves as musical director of theater productions.  

Great Composers Part II: Mozart — The Ultimate Wunderkind (Virtual)

Great Composers Part II: Mozart — The Ultimate Wunderkind (Virtual)

Wednesday, April 24

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Registration Required Below
Mozart was born in 1756 and lived during times of tremendous change in European society.
Indeed, just a few years before his death, the Bastille was stormed and the French Revolution was launched. During this program, Professor Gil Harel, a musicologist and music theorist, discusses how Mozart reflected his era, and how in particular, his late operas articulate the ethos of 18th-century Aufklaerung (Enlightenment) thought.
This is a hybrid series of programs that will take place both live at the Library, and virtually over Zoom. For a full experience we recommend attending this program live at the Library. Scroll to the bottom of the screen to register for the In-Person option and you will receive an email reminder.  Include a cell for a text reminder. Would you prefer instead to attend the program in-person, at the Library?  Click here to register for the in-person event.  Great Composers Dates & Topics:
  • Part I March 27 — Bach's Pursuit of Musical Perfection
  • Part II April 24 —  Mozart: The Ultimate Wunderkind
  • Part III May 15 — Beethoven's Musical Language
About Our Speaker Gil Harel (PhD, Brandeis University) is a musicologist and music theorist whose interests include styles ranging from western classical repertoire to jazz and musical theater. Previously, he served on the faculty at CUNY Baruch College (where he was awarded the prestigious "Presidential Excellence Award for Distinguished Teaching"). Currently, he is an Associate Professor of Music at Naugatuck Valley Community College, where he has been presented with the AFT "Merit Award for Exemplary Service to the College" for 4 consecutive years. In 2020, he was honored with the coveted Connecticut Board of Regents (BOR) Teaching Award. At NVCC, Dr. Harel conducts the college chorale, a cappella ensemble, teaches music history and theory, and serves as musical director of theater productions.  

Fine Wine or Sour Grapes? Let's Talk About Aging (In-person)

Fine Wine or Sour Grapes? Let’s Talk About Aging (In-person)

Thursday, April 25

1:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Registration Required Below Co-sponsored by Redding's Commission on Aging "Aging is an extraordinary process whereby you become the person you always should have been," David Bowie Aging happens... so let’s talk about it! Join a new, informal discussion group as we talk, listen, learn — and figure out how to turn sour grapes into fine wine. The conversation will be facilitated by Redding residents Jean Rexford and Kathleen Brandt. The group will meet at the Library the second and fourth Thursday of the month. Potential topics will include maintaining relevancy, resiliency, dealing with ageism, acceptance and compassion. Spring Meeting Dates: March 28, April 11, April 25, May 9, May 23, June 13 and June 27. Our Facilitators Jean Rexford — Jean started the Connecticut Center for Patient Safety in 2005 to promote patient safety, improve the quality of health care and protect patient rights.  Jean is a former member of the Connecticut Medical Examining Board and Redding's Commission on Aging. Kathleen Brandt — Kathleen is vice chairman of the Redding's Commission on Aging. After nearly two decades working as a registered nurse, she became an attorney in 1996, specializing in patient advocacy litigation.

Cooking with the Thirsty Radish — Spring Sweets (Virtual)

Cooking with the Thirsty Radish — Spring Sweets (Virtual)

Thursday, April 25

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Registration Required Below

Join us virtually as we welcome back Vanessa Young from The Thirsty Radish for a three-part cooking series that celebrates the coziness of winter and welcomes the freshness of spring!

For her third and final session, Vanessa will help us welcome spring with some delicious treats that showcase the season!

Dates & Topics Wednesday, January 10 at 7 pm — Snow Day Favorites Tuesday, March 5 at 7 pm — Breakfast Buns and Brunch Coming Up: Thursday, April 25 at 7 pm — Spring Sweets (Register Below) Whether infused with floral flavor or packed with refreshing brightness, spring treats take on a different flavor that matches the season.  Learn how to make simple and delicious recipes from lightly sweet snacks to desserts.  These beautiful treats are also perfect for celebrations like Mother’s Day. Registration is required for this Zoom program.  Registered participants will receive a Zoom link the day of the program.  Include your cell phone number to receive a text reminder. About our presenter: 
Vanessa Young  is a cooking instructor, writer, and educator known for her artful approach to food and wellness topics and her focus on seasonal meals.  With her artistic sensibility and kitchen wisdom, she helps home chefs become more versatile in their approach to food, reigniting their passion for cooking through private and community classes.  As the founder of Thirsty Radish (www.thirstyradish.com), she shares recipes and inspires a creative approach to life in and out of the kitchen.


How to Find the Right College For You (Teens and Adults) Zoom program

How to Find the Right College For You (Teens and Adults) Zoom program

Thursday, April 25

7:30 pm

Please register below to receive a Zoom link the day of the program. With over 2,000 four-year colleges in the United States for students to consider, how can you identify the school where your teen will thrive the most? Where do you start looking? During this interactive workshop, Priyanka Shingala of Let's Talk College will share ways to evaluate the many elements that will factor into this important decision. Following a brief presentation, Priyanka will open the floor to discussion and questions. This event is open to all parents and teens.
Priyanka has been working in the test prep and college counseling industry for 11 years and started her own business Let’s Talk College, LLC in 2018. Her goal is to help you organize your college applications process in the most painless, low-stress way possible.  
Program contact: Sarah Zimmermann (sarah@marktwainlibrary.org), Teen and Reference Librarian


It Takes a Village

It Takes a Village

Friday, April 26

10:00 am - 11:30 am

Registration Suggested Below It Takes a Village
Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:030 a.m.
This program is presented in partnership with the Town of Redding
It Takes a Village is designed to support new parents as they navigate every aspect of life with young children, and to help foster meaningful connections between other parents and caregivers. We believe that supporting families during this very important time is vital to the physical and mental health of both parent and child, and to the community as a whole.
Parents and "Villagers" of all ages are welcome to attend.
About the Facilitator
Jess Tyson is an entrepreneur, author, community-builder, and mother of two. She started her virtual assistant agency, Don't Panic Management, in 2011, and opened a small co-working and community space in Redding—Georgetown Collective—in 2023. After employing dozens of mothers over the years and learning firsthand the demands that motherhood puts on the bodies and minds of birthing women, she has become a fierce advocate for parental rights in the workplace and beyond. According to Tyson, American society does not value or support mothers the way it should, and the lack of support has taken a toll on the mental and physical health of women everywhere. Tyson said, the data shows that we were not built to care for young children alone and that it truly does take a village to raise a child. She is excited to lead and support this group and usher in a new wave of thoughtful, confident, and cared-for children. We can't pour from an empty cup, and while this chapter is difficult, we don't have to go through it alone!


MTL Open Mic: A Literary Event for Teens and Adults (Registration for AUDIENCE MEMBERS)

MTL Open Mic: A Literary Event for Teens and Adults (Registration for AUDIENCE MEMBERS)

Sunday, April 28

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Please register below. Mark Twain Library invites local writers and lovers of literature to join us for an open mic event! Read your own work or someone else’s work, or just listen to others read. All literary genres are welcome, but participants should limit their readings to no more than 5 minutes. We will also accommodate drop-in readers as time permits. About our emcee:  A high school senior in New York City, Anisha is an avid reader and is very passionate about writing (particularly poetry), and is an active member of her school’s poetry club. In 2021, she received the Scholastic Silver Key Award for her poetry and is an alumna of the Kenyon Review Young Writers Summer Program. This fall will mark Anisha's second time hosting a popular teen poetry workshop series focusing on social justice and activism at the Mark Twain Library. REGISTRATION FOR READERS/PARTICIPANTS Light refreshments will be served. Program contact: Sarah Zimmermann (sarah@marktwainlibrary.org), Teen and Reference Librarian

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