WESTFIELD-Naturalist and landscaper John Root will be among the presenters this month in a host of free virtual events hosted by the Westfield Athenaeum.
Root’s program, “Attracting Birds, Butterflies, Bees and Other Beneficials,” is slated May 12 at 6:30 p.m., supported by the Westfield Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
“The program will describe the essential roles played by birds, pollinators, and other beneficial wildlife and how to meet their needs for food, cover, and water,” said Becky Blackburn, public services librarian. “Plants that nourish these organisms throughout their lifecycles will be discussed, and organic methods for establishing wildlife habitats will also be presented.”
Root, based in Amherst, added that with the populations of birds and insects all declining at “alarming rates,” area residents can help wildlife and transform their landscape at the same time.
Pollinator gardens are easy to create in your own backyard. (SUBMITTED PHOTOS)
John Root will present an engaging virtual program on creating your own rich habitat for local wildlife. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)
“Transforming our lawns to help wildlife can bring us so much joy,” said Root, adding, “There is community pride when we work together and it is a great way to also connect with others.”
Root noted the 90-minute program is geared for adults and comments and questions will be welcome at the conclusion of the program. Downloadable handouts will also be offered.
A recording of the program will be scheduled for multiple broadcasts by Westfield Community Access Television and will be made accessible at its website via YouTube, noted Blackburn.
Virtual programs this month also include “Art Journaling” on May 5 at 6:30 p.m., taught by Corinne Roberts, creator of Bug Bites, Out and About, and illustrated projects including Unreal Estate and Kitty Game. She currently resides in Michigan pursuing her passion of watercolor and illustrating.
The program is also made possible through a grant from the Westfield Cultural Council.
“Learn quick sketching techniques to use in your travels,” said Blackburn, adding, “observing your personal environment in a new way and create personal art.”
Roberts will review techniques in style, patterns and development of muscle memory, and prior drawing experience is not required.
“Attendees only need simple paper, pencil and eraser,” said Blackburn.
Roberts will also be featured in a program titled “Draw Your Pet!” on May 19 at 6:30 p.m., also made possible through a grant from the Westfield Cultural Council.
“Using basic shapes and simple line technique, learn to create your favorite furry friends,” said Blackburn. “No prior drawing experience is necessary and materials needed are paper, pencil and eraser.”
Virtual events also planned this month include the Light Lunch-A Cookbook Bookclub which meets on May 11 at noon, focusing on cooking healthy meals from a variety of cookbooks.
“Each cook uses the book throughout the month and gives a review at the meeting, sharing the good, the bad and the worth repeating,” said Blackburn, noting there is also a topic discussed each month, ranging from menu planning and techniques to finding ingredients.
“When you register for the program a copy of the selected cookbook will be held for you,” said Blackburn.
The cookbook this month being featured is “No Crumbs Left: Recipes for Everyday Food Made Marvelous” by Teri Turner.
A virtual celebration of the Athenaeum’s poetry contest winners will be conducted May 13 at 6:30 p.m. as poets read their works. Registration to attend is required.
For anyone who enjoys playing bingo, an All Ages BINGO virtual event is slated May 26 at 6:30 p.m.
“Everyone in the family can join Game Night on Zoom,” said Blackburn. “Register to receive copies of your bingo cards and online access for the game.”
DVD prize packs will be awarded to bingo winners.
For persons who find Massachusetts and Westfield history fascinating, join the Thursday Trivia Westfield History program on May 27 at 6:30 p.m.
“Working with our local history librarian, we’ve put together a collection of fun facts and trivia – along with fantastic pictures,” said Blackburn. “Play with friends and family from the comfort of your own home.”
The trivia program takes place over Zoom and uses Kahoot.
“You will need an extra internet connected device, said Blackburn, adding participants can also split the screen of a computer to play.
Ongoing programs via the Athenaeum’s Facebook page include Lunchtime Librarian on Mondays at 12:30; Storytime with Ms Mary every Tuesday and Thursday for recorded story times, and Librarians Discuss on the first and third Tuesdays.
Virtual programming this month also includes the monthly reading challenge and the Teen Writing Group.
“May’s challenge is read a book that has been adapted into a movie or TV show,” said Blackburn. “For an extra challenge, watch the adaptation as well.”
Blackburn noted the Teen Writing Group tackles a new topic each month – suggested and voted on by group participants.
“In this class, you help pick what we learn and work on your creative writing skills,” said Blackburn.
A poetry discussion about spring is also planned May 7 at 1 p.m.
“Bring a poem to share related to spring, written by you or someone else,” said Blackburn. “The group meets on Zoom so register ahead of time to receive the Zoom link and a selection of poems by email.”
An “Hour of Code-Python” is slated May 10 at 6 p.m. for the beginner level, ages 10-12.
“Learn how to code with Python 3 during our virtual Hour of Code,” said Blackburn. “A computer and email address will be required and registration is necessary.”
The Bookclub will meet virtually on May 20 at 1 p.m., discussing “The Stationery Shop” by Marjan Kamali.
“A powerful, heartbreaking story of star-crossed lovers and Iran’s political upheavals that is a layered historical saga of a country struggling toward democracy and an intimate meditation on ‘a love from which we never recover,’” said Blackburn.
For persons interested in The Bookclub selection, send an email to [email protected] to be placed on the email list for the Zoom links. The Athenaeum is requesting copies for book club members.
For registration information or more details on any program, call (413) 568-7833 or visit westath.org.
