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Creative Collective Discussion Group: “Free Play” (Virtual)
Tuesday, March 4
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 winter, our exploration into the power of creativity continues with the book Free Play: by author and violinist, Stephen Nachmanovitch. The book is available to download from Hoopla.
The Creative Collective meets weekly on Tuesdays. Register once for all eight weekly meetings in this session, January 14 through February 18.
NOTE: In preparation for the first meeting read the book's introduction and article linked below.
https://www.abc.com/future/article/20241018-ai-art-the-end-of-creativity-or-a-new-movement
Click Here to attend Zoom Meeting (For registered participants only)
Weekly Drop-In Knitting Circle (In-Person)
Tuesday, March 4
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.
MTL Cookbook Club: “Jubliee: Recipes from Two Centuries of African American Cooking” (In-person)
Wednesday, March 5
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Registration Required Below Join us for the MTL Cookbook Club – part book club, part culinary tasting! Each meeting will focus on a particular cookbook from the Library's collection. Group members are invited to read the book, select a recipe to cook, and enjoy sampling with one another as we discuss. CLICK HERE to learn more about our club meetings, selecting recipes and sharing dishes. Meetings will be held on the first Wednesday of every other month.Space is limited, register early.
This Month's Pick: Jubliee: Recipes from Two Centuries of African American Cooking by Toni Tipton-Martin.
Copies of this month's cookbook will be available to check out at the front desk beginning in early February. Browse the book and let us know what recipe you plan to make and share at our next meeting. See below for recipes already selected.
Cozy Flow: A Winter Yoga Journey with Viki (Virtual)
Thursday, March 6
12:30 pm - 1:15 pm
Registration Required Below Looking for a way to stay grounded and rejuvenated this winter? Join us for this popular and inspiring 6-week virtual series with Viki Boyko, an experienced instructor who incorporates mindfulness with functional fitness moves. This series will incorporate modifications to make sessions available for all levels — from beginners to more experienced yogis. For those who need a bit more support, having a strap, belt or towel can help assist with the moves. Embrace the season with warmth, relaxation and mindful movement! Session Dates:
Register once to receive reminders and links for each session.
Thursdays at 12:30 pm
Jan. 30
Feb. 6 & 20
March 6 & 13
April 3 & 17
Passcode: Yoga
Our Instructor:
Viki Boyko teaches yoga and functional movement online and in theTristate area. Classes welcome all levels, including beginner. She is 500-hour 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.
Adult Chess Club (In-Person)
Monday, March 10
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!
MTL Writers’ Group (Virtual)
Monday, March 10
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Registration Required Below The Mark Twain Library's Writers' Group meets via Zoom on the second and fourth Monday of the month. In addition to reading books on writing craft, the group's mission is to provide a supportive environment for those looking to share their love of writing with others. The group also serves as a potential source of accountability and feedback for ongoing writing projects. Facilitation of the group will be shared by group members. Prior to attending, it is recommended that group members obtain their own copy of Write Your Novel From The Middle by James Scott Bell Click Here to attend Zoom Meeting (For registered participants only) Password: Write
Weekly Drop-In Knitting Circle (In-Person)
Tuesday, March 11
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.
Women & Money Roundtable Series
Wednesday, March 12
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Registration Required Below The Women and Money Roundtable is a monthly financial program created to empower and educate women on financial matters that impact their families and themselves. Join Julia Strayer and Liz Maccarone virtually as they lead a lively and informative discussion on how to make sense of today’s financial markets. The Women and Money Roundtable series will meet monthly throughout the year. Please register for each session separately. January 15 February 12 March 12 April 16 May 14 June 11 Registered participants will receive a Webinar link on the day of the program. Include your cell phone number on the registration form and receive one text reminder, with link before the program begins. About the Speakers: Julia Strayer, CPWA®, CIMA®, CRPC® Senior Vice President, Wealth Management Advisor
Prior to joining Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 2000, Julia was a vice president and private banker for BankBoston’s Private Bank for 7 years, responsible for asset management and trust services. Previously, Julia worked in marketing for 9 years with Merrill. Julia has a BA from Ohio State University and an MBA from New York University’s Stern School of Business. Julia has appeared on the CNBC show “Power Lunch,” CBS “This Morning,” WGCH’s “Women in Business,” in addition to featured articles in USA Today.
Liz Maccarone, CRPC®
Senior Financial Advisor
Liz joined Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 2012. Liz works closely with high-net-worth individuals and their families to create personalized and comprehensive strategies that support their goals, including investment management, retirement planning, liability management, and multigenerational planning. Liz values the importance of establishing and cultivating relationships with families including the next generation. Liz graduated from Fairfield University with a dual bachelor’s degree in Finance and Marketing. She began her career working at a boutique investment firm as a Business Development Associate, specializing in commodities and futures trading.
This program is sponsored in partnership by the presenters and libraries in Fairfield and Westchester Counties.
Cozy Flow: A Winter Yoga Journey with Viki (Virtual)
Thursday, March 13
12:30 pm - 1:15 pm
Registration Required Below Looking for a way to stay grounded and rejuvenated this winter? Join us for this popular and inspiring 6-week virtual series with Viki Boyko, an experienced instructor who incorporates mindfulness with functional fitness moves. This series will incorporate modifications to make sessions available for all levels — from beginners to more experienced yogis. For those who need a bit more support, having a strap, belt or towel can help assist with the moves. Embrace the season with warmth, relaxation and mindful movement! Session Dates:
Register once to receive reminders and links for each session.
Thursdays at 12:30 pm
Jan. 30
Feb. 6 & 20
March 6 & 13
April 3 & 17
Passcode: yoga
Our Instructor:
Viki Boyko teaches yoga and functional movement online and in theTristate area. Classes welcome all levels, including beginner. She is 500-hour 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.
Fine Wine or Sour Grapes? Let’s Talk About Aging (In-Person)
Thursday, March 13
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. Potential topics will include maintaining relevancy, resiliency, dealing with ageism, acceptance and compassion. 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. Winter Meeting Dates: January 9 & 23, February 13 & 27, March 13 & 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.
Winter Wonderland Hikes – Redding Community Hiking Club (Off-Site)
Saturday, March 15
2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Registration Required Below
*Registration will close for this hike on Thursday, March 13 at 4:00 pm
The Redding Community Hiking Club, a collaboration between the Redding Land Trust, the Mark Twain Library and Redding Neighbors & Newcomers returns with a series of winter hikes in our gorgeous open space starting in February. Many hikes will be led by Redding Land Trust Trail Tenders, who maintain Redding Land Trust preserved properties along with other community members who love the outdoors. Bundle up, wear suitable shoes, and enjoy the benefits of nature, outdoor fitness and opportunities to connect with others in our community! Some of our hikes will be followed up with an optional lunch (separate checks). Details for parking and after-hike lunches will be provided upon registering. Many of our hikes are scheduled for Saturdays (Sunday serves as backup in case of inclement weather). All hikes are classified by difficulty level. We plan to have hikes at varying levels of challenge. Note: Space is limited, due to parking restrictions and for group safety. Hikes fill up quickly, so register early to attend.Join us for our March hike on Saturday, March 15 Norwalk River Valley Trail — Ridgefield
Led by Victor DeMasi, our local butterfly expert, this is an educational hike with discussion about natural habitats.
Parking/Gathering Location: To be provided with registration Start Time: Hike will begin promptly at 2:00 p.m. — arrive at least 10 minutes early Hike Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes Hike Difficulty: Moderate - mainly level with a few hills Guide: Victor DeMasi Hiking group size: Limited to 20 Destination Website: https://www.nrvt-trail.com/ Why should you go? Walk along the Norwalk River and discover our local ecosystems Things to Know Before You Go: Dress appropriately and review these hiking tips.Upcoming Hikes:
April 5, 11:00 am-1:00 pm: Great Ledge May 17, 11:00 am-12:30 pm: Rock Lot By registering for this event you give permission to the Mark Twain Library to share your contact information with the Redding Land Trust, our co-sponsor for this event. *Registration will close for this hike on Thursday, March 13 at 4:00 pm.
Adult Chess Club (In-Person)
Monday, March 17
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!
Great Decissions: Foreign Policy Discussion Group (In-Person)
Monday, March 17
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Registration Required Below Join our popular Great Decisions series, an international relations discussion group that meets in person at the Library. This 8-session course, designed by the Foreign Policy Association, focuses on the most pressing issues of our time. The discussions will be moderated by members of the Library’s World Affairs Forum. Read the Foreign Policy Association briefing book before each session and engage in lively discussions. The World Affairs Forum meets on the first and third Monday of the month at the Library. Participants are encouraged to attend in person to fully participate in the discussion; however, an option for individuals to join virtually via Zoom is available. All registered participants will receive a Zoom link on the day of the meeting. Dates and Topics- February 3 – AMERICA AT A GLOBAL CROSSROADS
- February 17 – THE EVOLUTION OF U.S. LEADERSHIP IN THE GLOBAL ECONOMY
- March 3 – NAVIGATING U.S.-CHINA RELATIONS IN TENSE TIMES
- March 17 – INDIA: BETWEEN CHINA, THE WEST, AND THE GLOBAL SOUTH
- April 7 – INTERNATIONAL CLIMATE COOPERATION IN AN ERA OF GEOPOLITICAL TURMOIL
- April 21 – THE FUTURE OF NATO AND EUROPEAN SECURITY
- May 5 – AI AND AMERICAN NATIONAL SECURITY
- May 19 – AMERICAN POLICY IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Weekly Drop-In Knitting Circle (In-Person)
Tuesday, March 18
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.
Nature Book Club — ‘The Hidden Lives of Trees’ (Off-Site)
Wednesday, March 19
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
REGISTRATION REQUIRED BELOW LOCATION: New Pond Farm Education Center Created in partnership with New Pond Farm Education Center and Redding Land Trust Join us to celebrate the seasons! Delve more deeply into nature, ecology and wildlife with a new bookclub focusing on science, conservation and natural history. Whether you're an avid birder, a devoted gardener or an enthusiastic weekend hiker, you'll expand your understanding of the world around us while also meeting folks who share a devotion to our planet! The Nature Book Club is moderated by Marjorie Derven, and John McLeran of the Redding Land Trust. This bookclub will meet for four sessions on Wednesdays at 1:00 pm at New Pond Farm Education Center, 101 Marchant Road, Redding. Books will be available to borrow at the Library. Space is limited, so please register early!UPCOMING — Register Below for the March Session.
March 19 — The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben
May 7 — Walden by Henry David Thoreau
History Book Club — ‘The Power Broker’ (In-Person)
Wednesday, March 19
7:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Registration Required Below Interested in history? This book club is for you! Led by members of the Library's Programming Committee, this book club selects engaging history reads and meets regularly for lively and engaging discussions. Copies of the latest book will be available to borrow at the Library.
Click Here To View Recent History Book Club Selections.
Adult Chess Club (In-Person)
Monday, March 24
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!
MTL Writers’ Group (Virtual)
Monday, March 24
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Registration Required Below The Mark Twain Library's Writers' Group meets via Zoom on the second and fourth Monday of the month. In addition to reading books on writing craft, the group's mission is to provide a supportive environment for those looking to share their love of writing with others. The group also serves as a potential source of accountability and feedback for ongoing writing projects. Facilitation of the group will be shared by group members. Prior to attending, it is recommended that group members obtain their own copy of Write Your Novel From The Middle by James Scott Bell Click Here to attend Zoom Meeting (For registered participants only) Password: Write
Weekly Drop-In Knitting Circle (In-Person)
Tuesday, March 25
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.