WESTFIELD — The Westfield Memorial Library has a calendar full of events in mid-May. The library is located at 550 East Broad Street.
Sabrina from Tucked-in Tots will return to the library this Saturday, May 10, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., to present “Foundations for Better Baby Sleep.” Audience members can learn how to help their babies and themselves get the best sleep possible.
This session will primarily focus on infants through 12 months of age. Sabrina will review topics such as the foundations of setting up a healthy sleep environment, sleep regressions, nap transitions and sleep cycles.
That afternoon, from 1 to 4 p.m., the library will hold a bluegrass jam — an informal gathering of musicians who play bluegrass music together, sharing songs, stories and the joy of music. Bluegrass jams are a central part of the bluegrass community. Interested persons can either participate or watch. To participate, contact Michael at mmabrams@gmail.com for more information. The jam also will be livestreamed on the library’s YouTube channel.
On Monday, May 12, from 6 to 7 p.m., the library will feature “Mental Health 101: What’s on your Mind?” Gianna Grandinetti of Mosaic Counseling and Consulting, located in Springfield, will cover the basics of mental health, including anxiety, depression, trauma and selfesteem. She also will discuss coping strategies and how to recognize various mental-health symptoms.
Ms. Grandinetti, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the Union and Essex County areas, has extensive experience with helping children, teens and adults navigate issues such as anxiety, depression, ADHD and trauma, while also providing resources and guidance to parents.
Musicians Deni Bonet and Chris Flynn will entertain library visitors with an electric evening of music on Tuesday, May 13, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Ms. Bonet and Mr. Flynn are a New York-based,Americana folk-rock duo whose blend of voices, virtuoso violin, guitar and humor have entertained audiences from Carnegie Hall to the White House. Ms. Bonet’s voice and violin, and Mr. Flynn’s guitar and voice, have echoed through the United Nations, Lincoln Center and Mountain Stage. They have shared stages with REM, Cyndi Lauper, Warren Zevon, Sarah McLachlan and many others.
On Wednesday, May 14, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., the library will hold a Racial Healing Circle. Through racial healing circles, the facilitators seek to address the historic and contemporary effects of racism in communities. This holistic approach addresses mind and heart, the interpersonal and systemic, and places the power of authentic, trust-based solidarity at the center. The evening will be facilitated by Laura Giacobbe and Allen McGinley. Ms. Giacobbe is a firstgeneration faculty librarian at the Guggenheim Memorial Library of Monmouth University. She is a certified Racial Healing Facilitator, Reiki Master Teacher and Meditation Instructor. Mr. McGinley is the director of the Westfield Memorial Library and has participated in a variety of Racial Healing Circles as both a participant and facilitator.
“Redefining Retirement” with Peter Dizdar will be presented on Thursday, May 15, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mr. Dizdar is a senior wealth advisor at Palumbo Wealth Management, LLC. He will discuss how to make work optional. With more than 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, he has attained the skill set required to help individuals and families implement a sound financial plan.
Registration is requested for all programs. To register, visit the library’s website at wmlnj.org and click on the date of the event on the calendar.
Library hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. The library will be closed this Sunday, May 11, for Mother’s Day.