WESTFIELD – The Westfield Memorial Library, located at 550 East Broad Street, opens September with a host of new programs.
In collaboration with the Westfield Chapter of the Daughters of theAmerican Revolution, the library presents author and actor Trish Chambers performing Mrs. Hamilton on Saturday, September 13 from 2 to 3 p.m.
“Behind every great man is a strong woman.” This statement applies to Alexander Hamilton as well. While history holds Mr. Hamilton in the highest esteem, it overlooks the brilliant woman who stood by him through the best and worst times of his life. Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton was a strong, intelligent, and loyal wife who lived in the shadow of Alexander Hamilton for twenty-four years.
At this presentation audience members will get to meet the woman who, after his death, went on to make her own mark on American history. The life of Eliza Hamilton is fascinating. She was raised in a society that felt women were weak, and yet she was able to guide one of the greatestAmericans in our history to success and then go on to contribute so much on her own after his death leaving a legacy that carries on today.
Trish Chambers has a unique and energetic presentation style that combines humor and realism. She has appeared at national parks, schools, libraries, historical societies, colleges, quilt guilds and senior facilities along the Eastern seaboard. She has appeared on TV for the History Channel, on radio and in the movie “Gods and Generals.”
Ms. Chambers has received numerous awards for her work with the developmentally challenged and the elderly. The New York State Assembly and the New York State Senate have recognized her for her participation in the Orange County Rehabilitation Support Services Speakers Forum.
She is also the author of two nonfiction books: ‘Civil War Women: Their Roles and Legacies’ and ‘Lighthouses of the New Jersey Lighthouse Challenge’. She is the recipient of the Business Advisory Council National LeadershipAward. This program will be in-person and will be livestreamed as well.
On Wednesday, September 17 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., the library will hold a Wellness Café in the Meeting Room. This is an opportunity for people to take a small break in their day to relax, have refreshments from Boxwood Coffee, and do some crafts, such as coloring Mandalas with librarian and expert crafter, Marge Barkan, if they would like.
On the same day a Women’s Support Group for Cancer facilitated by Meredith Shufeld Perrone, LCSW, will be held in the Meeting Room between 12 and 1 p.m. This group is a safe, welcoming space for women whose lives have been touched by cancer whether they are in treatment, living with chronic or metastatic cancer, or navigating survivorship Participants will have a chance to share experiences, challenges, and victories with women who truly understand; learn practical ways to cope with the physical and emotional effects of cancer; exchange tips, resources, and encouragement for every stage of the journey; recognize and honor the resilience within the self and one another; and build meaningful connections that remind participants: no woman walks alone.
Ms. Shufeld Perrone is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience in healthcare, specializing in oncology. She has worked across both inpatient and outpatient cancer care settings, giving her a deep understanding of the medical and emotional challenges individuals and families face.
Ms. Shufeld Perrone has facilitated many support groups throughout her career and is passionate about creating safe, comp assionate spaces where women can connect, share, and feel understood. She strives to accompany and support women through every stage of their journey with cancer—helping them honor their resilience, process complex emotions, and find strength in community.
On Thursday, September 18 from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Marge Barkan will hold Crafterdark in the Local History Room of the library on the second floor. Crafters are encouraged to bring whatever project they are currently working on and join a group of likeminded people for fun, encouragement and inspiration. Whether it’s knitting, crocheting, scrapbooking, embroidering, drawing etc. and the project is portable, crafters are encouraged to bring it to Crafterdark. No registration is required.
On Thursday, September 18 from 7 to 8:30 p.m., Breaking Barriers: A Cultural Competency Workshop (Session 4) will be held in the Meeting Room. The objective of this series is to educate the community of Westfield about being culturally competent. The workshop will include essential questions, dialogue, audience participation, and hopefully ‘aha’ moments.
It will not be a lecture-type workshop, us vs. them, good vs. bad, white vs. black, or any type of ‘we are right, and you are wrong’ scenarios. Discussion will be explicitly about race, racism, enslavement, oppression, and triumph over oppression.
Each individual is on their own journey of cultural competency. Therefore, everyone in the community is welcome.
The workshop is facilitated by Sundjata Sekou and Jewell Pollard, New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) members and sponsored by the Dr. Martin Luther King Association of Westfield, in partnership with the Westfield Memorial Library.
On Friday, September 19 from 7 to 9 p.m., the library will hold a reception and facilitated conversation with the newest artist-in-residence, macrame artist Kelly Renee Arte, and Darrin Owens, President of the Westfield Art Association. This event is free and open to the public.
‘Kelly works with fiber and brings a different type of art to the residency,’ Mr. Owens said. ‘All four of the (previous and current) resident artists have very distinctive styles; we are excited that the library patrons can see different kinds of art up close and personal.
“Each artist-in-residence will display their work at the library during their residency for anyone to see at any time,” continued Darrin. “And if someone is interested in purchasing a piece, or commissioning the artist to produce something, they will feel more comfortable by seeing the artist create and getting to meet them.”
The Westfield Art Association is a non-profit volunteer organization founded in 1922 that provides public art education and public exhibitions with work from its member artists.
Visit the library’s website at https:/ /wmlnj.org/ to register for programs, sign up for a library card, or learn more about the library’s resources. Library hours are Monday – 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.
