FREE adult events for July from the Matawan-Aberdeen Library

Thursday, July 5 @ 11 am – Learn Tai Chi

Come and participate in this meditative form of exercise which is associated with both spiritual and health benefits. This monthly class will be taught by Al Chuderski. No prior experience is needed, just wear comfortable clothing.

Preference will be given to MAPL cardholders.

Saturday, July 7 @ 10 am – Adult Summer Craft: Mason Jar Garden

No time or space for a garden outside? Come to our Mason jar planting event and enjoy fresh herbs or flowers all summer long right in your own kitchen. We will decorate mason jars and then plant seeds. You will have a choice of seeds (basil, parsley, marigold or zinnia). Place the jar in a sunny window and soon you will be picking your own herbs for cooking or watching your flowers bloom inside.

Participants must be at least 18 years-old.

Monday, July 9 @ 7 pm – Jazz, Pop & Rock: The New Jersey Connection

Celebrate our state’s significant contributions to American music of the 20th century. Walter Choroszewski explores these music genres and showcases New Jersey artists including iconic legends Sinatra, Basie & Springsteen, as well as numerous other music talents from the Shirelles to the Four Seasons … and many more!

Sunday, July 15 @ 1pm – Coloring for Adults: Summer Break

Studies show coloring can have a calming effect on the adult mind, which helps promote overall wellness. Stop by anytime between 1 – 3 pm to unwind, color, enjoy a cool beverage and listen to some music.

Monday, July 16 @ 7 pm – Crepes to Share

A crepe is a type of very thin pastry, either sweet or savory, that is often served with a variety of fillings and/or toppings. This demonstration style class with show you how easy it is to whip up hot, delicious crepes, which will then be sampled with a selection of fillings and toppings so you can create your own tasty masterpiece.

Participants must be at least 18 years-old and preference will be given to Matawan Aberdeen card holders.

Thursday, July 19 @ 1:30 pm – Chair Yoga

Interested in learning yoga, but have difficulty getting down on the floor? Now you too can enjoy all the benefits of yoga without having to get on a mat. You will learn many yoga postures, breathing techniques, meditation and relaxation while seated in a chair. The class will be taught by Danielle Meany, RYT. All levels welcome. No experience or equipment is necessary.

Participants must be at least 18 years-old and preference will be given to Matawan Aberdeen card holders.

Thursday, July 19 @ 7 pm – Alcohol Ink on Tiles

This intriguing medium has gained popularity over the last few years. Alcohol inks are fast-drying, highly pigmented, alcohol-based inks that are great to use on any non-porous surface. Watch dots of color transform before your eyes! Learn about applying ink with daubers or droppers. Move ink around with air to create unique patterns. We will be working on tiles which can later be sealed to serve as coasters. Sealed tiles will be available for pick-up one week after the class.

Participants must be at least 18 years-old and preference will be given to Matawan Aberdeen card holders. Priority will be given to those who have not yet taken this class.

WARNING: We take all precautions but there will be some alcohol fumes. People with sensitivities and health issues should take this into consideration.

Fridays, 7/20, 7/27, 8/3 and 8/10 from 4 - 5 pm – Group Guitar Lessons for Beginners

Designed for students aged 14 and up, join us for a fast paced and fun introduction to the guitar. You will learn classic rock songs and see why the guitar is one of the easiest instruments to learn. Bring your guitar if you have one; a few will be available to share if you don’t.

No registration necessary.

Monday, July 23 @ 7 pm – Backyard Orcharding: Growing Fruit Trees in Small Spaces

Are you interested in growing different kinds of fruit at home but concerned you don’t have enough space? This talk by Master Gardener John Eaves will give you some ideas on how you can have fruit all season, grown in your own yard. I’ll cover how to select, plant, and protect your fruit trees and describe some techniques used to maintain small trees in high density plantings for the home garden.

Wednesday, July 25 @ 7 pm – After Hours Music: Rhythm N’ Sound

Rhythm N’ Sound is a musical trio who perform hits from the 1940s through the 1980s. Join us after the library closes for a very entertaining evening.

Thursday, July 26 @ 11 am – Yoga Basics

This class is great for the beginner or experienced student as we give variations for all levels. Focusing on movement integrating breath, awareness, and alignment you will build strength, focus, flexibility, and balance for both mind and body. The class will be taught by Tula Yoga instructor, Carrie Palamara. Please bring your own yoga mat or large towel.

Participants must be at least 18 years-old

Thursday, July 26 @ 7 pm – Go, van Vogh!

An incredibly prolific painter, Vincent van Gogh produced more than 2,000 paintings in his life. In this “Armchair Art Tour,” Dr. Michael Norris will explore some of these works, with a particular focus on pieces at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

This Public Scholars Program, sponsored by the New Jersey Council for the Humanities, is presented by Art Historian, Michael Norris, Ph.D. With over 20 years of teaching at the Cloisters Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and other global destinations, Michael “tries to find the story in the artwork.”

Monday, July 30 @ 7 pm – Matawan Aberdeen Critique Writing Group

Improve your writing with the Matawan Aberdeen Critique Group.

This group is for people who are serious about trying to get published. It’s a safe place where participants are able to give and receive constructive criticism on their writing. Participants should be prepared to read 3-5 pages of their own writing aloud to the group. No need to bring copies for the group.