The James Library & Center for the Arts Launches Mondays at The James Education Series

The James Library & Center for the Arts, Norwell’s historic community arts center and lending library, is launching Mondays at the James, a new educational series. These informational, educational, and interactive events led by local experts and leaders begin in September. All events are held at The James Library & Center for the Arts at 24 West Street in Norwell, are low or no cost, open to everyone, and speak to the James’ mission of inspiring creativity, learning, and an appreciation of the arts through music, visual, and literary programs.

Mondays at The James Schedule of Events

Understanding the U.S. Constitution

September 12, 19 & 26, October 3, 7 pm

Admission is $5 one-time fee, for one or all four classes,

and includes a pocket-size copy of the U.S. Constitution

Registration is required, email jameslibrary@verizon.net to register

Want to better understand the U.S. constitution this election season? Attorney, Kennedy School of Government graduate, and Norwell resident Carol Neely teaches a four-part course about the U.S. Constitution.

This four-session course includes: an overview of events in colonial America that led to the ratification of the U. S. Constitution; a careful reading of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights; discussion of specific clauses in the document that affect our daily lives as citizens of the U.S.; review and discussion of recent Supreme Court cases.

Session 1 - September 12

1. An overview of events that led to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the adoption of the Articles of Confederation, and eventually to the convening of the Second Continental Congress at which the U.S. Constitution was drafted and adopted.

2. Article I - The Legislative Branch. Purpose and composition of the Legislature; qualifications for U. S. Representatives and Senators; process for electing legislators; powers of the Legislature; role of the U.S. Legislature vis-a-vis the states.

Session 2 - September 19

1. Article II - The Executive Branch. “…executive power shall be vested in a President.” President and Vice-President are elected for four years; role of Electors; process for electing the President; qualifications for the presidency; presidential succession; powers and duties of the President.

2. Discussion and further explanation of the Electoral College.

Session 3 - September 26

1. Article III - The Judicial Branch. Role of the Supreme Court; role of the circuit courts; (Power to appoint Supreme Court Justices is given to President in Article II.) extent of judicial power of the Supreme Court.

2. Articles IV, V, VI, and VII. “Full faith and credit” clause; “Privileges and Immunities” clause; admission of states to the union; amending the Constitution; the Constitution is the “supreme law of the Land”; ratifying the Constitution.

Session 4 - October 3

1. Reading of the Bill of Rights and other prominent Amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

2. Review of important Supreme Court Cases; how the Supreme Court chooses cases; “Brown v. Board of Eduction;” “Miranda v. Arizona;” “Roe v. Wade;” “National Federation of Independent Business v. Sibelius” (Affordable Care Act).

“Suosso’s Lane” by Robert Knox

October 17, 7 pm

Admission is free

With terrorist attacks, attempted coups, and targeting of immigrant groups, 2016 is growing remarkably similar to the year 1920 when Nicola Sacco and Plymouth resident Bartolomeo Vanzetti were arrested in a climate of violence and political repression.

“Suosso's Lane” is based on the scandalously unjust trial and execution of Sacco and Vanzetti for a murder most people believe they did not commit, the international cause-celebre of the 1920’s. The novel follows the search for evidence of Vanzetti’s innocence lost for decades to a government sanctioned frame-up.

Historical events recounted in “Susosso's Lane,” while they took place a long time ago, raise questions that are still with us. Do we learn from the past? Can we? Perhaps it helps to remember what happened long ago in 1920's America.

Robert Knox is a South Shore resident, husband, father, rabid backyard gardener, and blogger on nature, books, films, and other subjects. He covers the arts for the Boston Globe's ‘South’ regional section, and his poems have been published recently by Verse-Virtual, The Poetry Superhighway, Bombay Review, Semaphore Journal, and other journals.

Lewis & Clark Trail

October 24, 7 pm

Admission is free

Between May 1804 and September 1806, 31 men, one woman, and a baby traveled from the plains of the Midwest to the shores of the Pacific Ocean. They called themselves the Corps of Discovery. In their search for a water route to the Pacific Ocean, they opened a window into the west for the young United States.

Just returned from their own journey along the Lewis & Clark Trail, Norwell residents George and Meredith Atkinson will discuss their experience on the Lewis & Clark Trail. Join them as they share stories, history, and images of this National Historic Trail.

Life Verses – Recitation and Reflections

November 14, 7 pm

Admission is free

Join Gordon Postill for an engaging 90 minutes of poetry recitation and introspection. Using an understated delivery, Gordon recites from memory poems with themes like hope, despair, ecstasy, death, and gratitude—works that will touch you and move you to contemplate your own life’s journey. Poems of universal appeal by renowned poets such as Jane Kenyon, W. H. Auden, Mary Oliver, Stanley Kunitz and others will be recited twice for clarity, followed by ample time for shared personal reflections from listeners. Life Verses is not a traditional poetry reading, but a reflective excursion that touches heart and spirit, priming the pump for what really matters.

Ordained by The United Church of Canada in 1980, Dr. Gordon Postill is a Board Certified Chaplain who for the past 24 years provided spiritual care to hospice patients and families. He retired from full-time ministry in 2015 and lives with his wife Robin in Duxbury.

Ethical Wills

November 21, 7 pm

Admission is free

Want to leave a lasting legacy for your family? Rabbi Shira Joseph of Congregation Sha'aray Shalom in Hingham joins us to discuss the Jewish tradition and modern writing of Ethical Wills.

From biblical times to present day, a Jewish ethical will give light to the window of the soul for the one who authors it. It contains the family member's hopes and dreams for those left behind after one's death. Do you love music? Do you care about those who are sick? Do you find God in nature? What lifts your spirits?

One might speak of treasuring learning, honoring a family commitment, giving tzedakah (righteous giving), attending synagogue and so much more. Jewish ethical wills are universal in their features. This seminar will explore what you hope your child, or sibling, parent, partner and friend will care about after your death.

This fun, interactive event will educate and get you started on your ethical will.

Rabbi Joseph has developed and implemented a host of innovative educational, spiritual and social programs for congregants of all ages and backgrounds. She has been very involved in helping youth with special needs, and the education of interfaith families.

For more information about The James Library’s programs and events, contact us at 781-659-7100, www.jameslibrary.org or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About The James Library & Center for the Arts

Since 1874, The James Library has served the South Shore community as a warm gathering place. Housed in a landmark Victorian in historical Norwell Center, The James is dedicated to serving the community by providing high-quality programs, resources and materials through a concert hall, art gallery and the operation of a free lending library. As an independent, non-profit arts center we foster a mission for the creation, appreciation and enjoyment of the arts for residents of all ages on the South Shore, while preserving the historic character of our home. The James Library is located at 24 West Street, Norwell and is open to the public Tuesday through Friday from 1 to 5 pm and on Saturday from 10 to 1 pm. The library is closed on Saturdays during July and August. For more information, please call 781-659-7100, visit www.jameslibrary.org or follow us on Facebook.