Coming Up At Tewksbury Library: Chess Club, Crafternoon, Morning Movie, More

From the Town of Tewksbury:

Posted February 17, 2020

Adult Events

Tewksbury Chess Club (*RR)

Tuesday, February 18, 6:30pm-8:30pm

The Tewksbury Chess Club meets the third Tuesday of every month, from 6:30pm to 8:30pm, in the Tewksbury Public Library's Meeting Room. Come test your skills with a friendly evening of chess. Open to all skill levels, ages 10 and up. Effort will made to match players of the same age category (tweens/teens or adult) and skill level (beginner, intermediate, or advanced). Boards will be provided, but feel free to bring your own. Refreshments will be served. Registration is highly recommended for planning purposes. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH: The Life of Frances Drake (*RR)

Tuesday, February 18, 7pm

Where Frances Drake saw injustice, she tried to right it, and where freedom was denied, she fought to secure it. Mark C. Bodanza, author of "Resolve & Rescue: The True Story of Frances Drake and the Antislavery Movement," will explore the life of this incredible Massachusetts woman who took up the cause of the slave early in the anti-slavery movement. Learn how, in an age dominated by men, Drake never allowed the disadvantages suffered by her gender to impede the great object of her work -- the end of slavery in America. Bodanza is a historian and trial lawyer. He has published "Make It Count: The Story Of Basketball Legend JoJo White" and "Ten Times A Champion: The Story Of Basketball Legend Sam Jones." Q&A and book signing/selling after the talk for those interested. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH: A Tribute To African American Musicians (*RR)

Wednesday, February 19, 10:30am

Enjoy a concert with singer and guitarist Rodney Mashia, featuring songs of jazz, gospel, soul, folk and pop made famous by African American singers, songwriters and composers. Born in New Orleans and raised in rural Louisiana, Mashia has spent decades using his inspirational music to touch hearts and make folks smile. His soulful interpretations of classic songs have entertained crowds of all kinds. With his music -- made by and from the heart -- he explores both the black and white American political system and musical cultures of the past five decades. Sponsored the Friends of the Library.

Laughter Circle

Wednesday, February 19, 12pm

This program is for all ages. This program combines voluntary laughter exercises with gentle breathing techniques to teach the body how to laugh without relying on jokes or humor. This is a participatory program where we will create moments to laugh in through guided actions. No need to bring a yoga mat--most of the program is seated, with options for standing or gentle movement. What are the benefits of laughter? Mood elevates. Stress, depression and tension decrease. Immunity improves. Lung capacity increases through deep breathing, enhancing oxygen delivery to all parts of the body. Endorphin and serotonin levels rise. Laughter provides an excellent internal massage to digestive tract as well as improving blood supply to the internal organs. People who laugh don’t worry as much as people who don’t laugh. There is no registration required, but please arrive on time. Session will last about 30 minutes.

Crafternoon

Wednesday, February 19, 1:30pm

Calling all knitters, crocheters, needle workers, beaders, and colorers! Bring your own craft project to the Library and work on it while enjoying conversation with other crafters. (Please, no crafts involving glue or paint.) Take advantage of the many books available at the library to get ideas for your next project or to explore a new craft.

Tewksbury News Discussion Group Meeting (*RR)

Thursday, February 20, 12:30pm

Do you enjoy talking about town topics? Want to learn more about what’s going on in Tewksbury? Attend these monthly meetings to review the month's major local news stories. All attendees will receive copies of some of the most interesting Tewksbury news stories recently published in the Tewksbury Town Crier, Tewksbury Advocate, Lowell Sun, Your Tewksbury Today, and Tewksbury Patch. Limited to 20 seats.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH: An Evening with Sojourner Truth (ONE-WOMAN PLAY) (*RR)

Thursday, February 20, 7pm

Actress Kathryn Woods will perform her one-woman show, "A Woman, Ain't I?," portraying African-American abolitionist and women's rights activist Sojourner Truth. Born a slave in New York, Isabella Baumfree walked away from slavery and in her travels evolved into Sojourner Truth: maid, laundress, evangelist, abolitionist, and suffragist. This award-winning performance tells Sojourner Truth’s story using her own words, speeches, and songs. Woods has acted on stage, screen, television, and radio for over 20 years, and guides tours of the Freedom Trail in Boston. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

MOVIE IN THE MORNING: A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood (*RR)

Friday, February 21, 10:30am

Enjoy a screening of one of Hollywood's newest DVD releases – “A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood,” a biographical drama starring Tom Hanks. Based on the true story of a real-life friendship between Fred Rogers and journalist Tom Junod. Tom Hanks received an Academy Award nomination this year for his performance. Rated PG. 109 minutes. Film screening takes place in the Library's Meeting Room. Doors open 30 minutes early. Candy & water will be served. A suggested $1 donation is appreciated. Co-sponsored by the Friends of the Tewksbury Public Library and Tewksbury Lions Club.

DINNER & A MOVIE: A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood (*RR)

Friday, February 21, 7pm

Enjoy a screening of one of Hollywood's newest DVD releases – “A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood,” a biographical drama starring Tom Hanks. Based on the true story of a real-life friendship between Fred Rogers and journalist Tom Junod. Tom Hanks received an Academy Award nomination this year for his performance. Rated PG. 109 minutes. Film screening takes place in the Library's Meeting Room. Doors open 30 minutes early. Pizza & water will be served. A suggested $2 donation is appreciated. Co-sponsored by the Friends of the Tewksbury Public Library and Tewksbury Lions Club.

Kids Events

Drop-In Maker Craft

Tuesday, February 18, 2pm

Let's get crafty! Kids ages 7 to 11 are invited to make a craft with Miss Heather. No registration necessary; please drop in. Siblings and caregivers are always welcome.

Pajamarama Story Time

Tuesday, February 18, 7pm

For ages 3 to 7. Older or younger siblings are welcome to join us, too! Have early literacy fun with stories, songs, movement and more at this early evening story time. No registration required. Pajamas are optional but encouraged.

Helping Hands Club (*RR)

Wednesday, February 19, 3pm

Join us for a fun project to benefit the community! Each month, we will make something that will be donated to various local non profit organizations. This program is open for children ages 7 to 11. Registration is required and begins on February 9. To register, enter the fields below or call the Children's desk at 978-640-4496.

Muggle Support Group: Fantasy Book Club (*RR)

Wednesday, February 19, 7pm

Do you love fantasy books? Are you sad you never got your Hogwarts letter? Do you wish you had a pet dragon? The Muggle Support Group is the book club for you! This month, we will be discussing THE LAST KIDS ON EARTH by Max Brallier! Pick up a copy ahead of time and be ready to talk about it at the meeting! Meet Jack Sullivan. Zombie hunter, monster slayer, late-blooming, slow-developing 13-year-old. He’s riding out the monster apocalypse from his tree house, and is doing his best to keep busy. This book club is for kids ages 8-11.

Mulan Party

Thursday, February 20, 2pm-3:45pm

Watch Disney's animated movie, Mulan, and enjoy crafts! Fearful that her ailing father will be drafted into the Chinese military, Mulan takes his spot -- though, as a girl living under a patriarchal regime, she is technically unqualified to serve. She cleverly impersonates a man and goes off to train with fellow recruits. Accompanied by her dragon, Mushu, she uses her smarts to help ward off a Hun invasion, falling in love with a dashing captain along the way. This movie is rated G. No registration required.

Drop In Sprouts Craft

Friday, February 21, 10:30am-noon

For ages 18 months through age 6. Older and younger siblings are always welcome. Come make a craft with us today! No registration required. Please, only one craft per child.

Teen Events

Teen Movie: Thor Ragnarok

Wednesday, February 19, 3:30pm

Enjoy pizza and a movie! Free and open to all teens in grades 6-12. We are watching Thor Ragnarok with a run time of 130 minutes. The film is rated PG-13. Film description: "Imprisoned on the other side of the universe, the mighty Thor finds himself in a deadly gladiatorial contest that pits him against the Hulk, his former ally and fellow Avenger. Thor's quest for survival leads him in a race against time to prevent the all-powerful Hela from destroying his home world and the Asgardian civilization."

Practice SAT Test (*RR)

Saturday, February 22, 9:30am-1:30pm

Don’t procrastinate! Take action NOW to ensure you improve your SAT score. Join a classroom of your peers and take a full-length practice SAT. You’ll get the full testing experience with an in-person proctor. After the test, you’ll receive a comprehensive score report detailing your strengths and weaknesses. This is free and open to anyone in grades 9-12.

Event Registration

Please register online using our Calendar of Events at www.tewksburypl.org or by calling 978- 640-4490. We strongly recommend registration for programs that are marked *RR. Thank you to the Friends of the Library for generously sponsoring our programs.

This press release was produced by the Town of Tewksbury. The views expressed here are the author’s own.