We enjoyed a wide array of wonderful virtual programming during the month of May. Here’s a recap of what happened this month!
We began the month with an engaging presentation on Beatrix Potter’s Garden Life presented by Marta McDowell of the New York Botanical Garden. We continued this theme of nature with Feeding Butterflies Not Bambi: Deer Resistant Plants presented by Deb Ellis, Master Gardener and founder / co-leader of the Essex County chapter of the Native Plant Society of New Jersey.
We enjoyed two crafting programs this month. During our Pinterest Inspired Adult Crafting, participants took home supplies for potted lavender. During our Adult Art Workshop led by art instructor Bernadine Ferrari, participants learned how to make gorgeous watercolor bookmarks through an online zoom workshop.
Those interested in learning more about art enjoyed a talk on Uncovering a Masterpiece by Mallory Mortillaro, who created an international sensation when—as a part-time cataloger for the Hartley Dodge Foundation—she identified and authenticated an Auguste Rodin sculpture of Napoleon Bonaparte hiding in plain sight in Madison Borough Hall.
We also went on a cultural journey through fashion of the times during the lecture Stitches in Time: Three Centuries of Hemlines, Necklines, and Everything in Between presented by Liberty Hall Museum. We also went back in time to discover the history of opera during The Story of Opera Part 1: 1600-1800. Part 2 of this series is scheduled to take place on June 21st.
We dove into the history of the military medal of honor, just in time for Memorial Day, during a lecture on Ten Astounding Actions Earning a Medal of Honor presented by Rochelle Christopher, Executive Director of Victorian Vanities.
We also learned how to eat healthy on a budget during our Wellness Wednesday program series in collaboration with The Department of Family and Community Health Sciences (FCHS), a part of Rutgers Cooperative Extension, and we discovered Essential Kitchen Tools for making all sorts of dishes during our virtual presentation by Suzanne Zimmer Lowery.
Writers interested in pursuing publication enjoyed a lecture on Publishing 101 presented by, Senior Editor at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
We also enjoyed our Bookish Vibes book club (which included an author visit with Susan Wiggs) Let’s Talk About Books book club, Unstuck in Time book club, Family Trivia Night, and Senior Happening!
Be sure to visit our events calendar to see what wonderful programs we have planned for the month of June!
-Jessica, Adult Services & Acquisitions Librarian