WESTFIELD — Programs that quench the thirst for discovery in art, travel, food and music proliferate in March at the Westfield Memorial Library, which is located at 550 East Broad Street.
On Tuesday, March 24 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Discovery of a Masterpiece will be presented. This special program in partnership with The Adult School is free and open to the public, but those wishing to attend must register through The Adult School’s website www.theadultschool.org or by calling 973.443.9222.
While cataloging the artwork housed inside of the Hartley Dodge Memorial in Madison, N.J., Mallory Mortillaro uncovered a masterpiece that had been lost to the art world since the 1930s. After a year of research, the piece was authenticated as an official work byAuguste Rodin. Mallory will share how a simple art cataloging project evolved into a search for a mysterious piece’s provenance and became one of the biggest art finds in recent history.
TheAdult School of the Chathams, Madison & Florham Park provides affordable, high-quality lifelong learning programs that are interesting, informative, useful and fun. From advanced subjects in language and technology to basic classes in the arts, hobbies, and everything in between, The Adult School is designed to accommodate anyone who seeks to keep learning and wants to do so with the guidance of a highly qualified teacher in the presence of other likeminded people. On Tuesday, March 24 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., professional traveler Chris MacCormackwilltakevisitorsonacaptivating journey through the wonders of Maui, where nature, culture, and legend intertwine. He will explore the island’s majestic landscapes—from the sunrise atop Haleakala, the “House of the Sun,” to the deep blues of the surrounding Pacific Ocean and the chain of islands that form Hawaii’s heart.
Discover how ancient stories of the demigod Maui, who famously pulled the islands from the sea, continue to shape the island’s spirit and identity today. Through storytelling, imagery, and reflection, this program celebrates Maui’s natural beauty, mythic heritage, and timeless connection between land, ocean, and people.
With 10+ years of travel experience and 25+ different countries, Chris McCormack was born to inspire, guide and encourage anyone who needs a little push at ‘getting out there.’ He is a photographer, professional traveler, and humanitarian who encourages individuals to travel by sharing real world experiences through photographs, presentations, and immersion tours.
Audience members are invited to spoon their way into spring with a soup-er cooking demonstration by Culinary Nutrition Instructor, Sonia Verrilli-Jabon on Thursday, March 26 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Ms. Verrilli-Jabon will make and provide samples of Magic Minestra Maritata – Italian Wedding Soup, a family favorite that is the quintessential example of cucina povera (peasant cooking), originating from Naples in the Campania region of Italy.
Often called “Italian wedding soup,” Minestra Maritata is a rustic classic that celebrates the marriage of tender greens and savory meat in a rich, slow-simmered broth. Hearty yet elegant, this soulful bowl brings together dark leafy vegetables and savory meat for a nourishing, comforting soup that feels like a warm Italian embrace on any day.
Regular and garlic and rosemary sourdough will be provided, courtesy of the library, and Sonia will also make her gluten-free sourdough.
Ms. Verrilli-Jabon is a Certified Culinary Nutritionist and Fitness Coach, Wellness Cooking Instructor, and the Founder of Beets & Biscotti. She founded Beets & Biscotti to encourage the use of nutrient dense ingredients that fuel and heal the body holistically, without sacrificing taste (and it usually includes a pinch of dark chocolate and a smidgen of fun). Attendees with severe food allergies should exercise caution. If there are specific ingredient concerns, please contact Victoria at the Westfield Memorial Library. Registration for this program is required as attendance is limited.
Another Bluegrass Jam will be held at the library on Saturday, March 28 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.Abluegrass jam is an informal gathering of musicians who play bluegrass music together, sharing songs, stories, and the joy of music. They are a central part of the bluegrass community and are a great way to improve musicianship. People are welcome to come and play or just listen. Contact Michael at mmabrams@gmail.com for more information.
For more information about upcoming programs, reading challenges, and services, visit wmlnj.org or call 908789-4090.
About Westfield Memorial Library Westfield Memorial Library is a public library dedicated to providing free and equitable access to information, resources, and cultural experiences for residents of Westfield and the surrounding community. Through innovative programming and responsive services, the Library advances literacy, lifelong learning, and civic engagement.
