Noah Webster Library Plans February Virtual Events

Press release from Noah Webster Library:

Feb. 15, 2021

Recycling, Waste, and the Environment at Noah Webster Library on February 17, 2021

Confused about recycling? Ever wondered what those “recycling” triangles actually mean?

Connecticut is in a trash crisis and we simply cannot recycle our way out. Join West Hartford’s first recycling coordinator, Katherine Bruns, for a dynamic, information-filled presentation followed by a discussion about the state of recycling in Connecticut, the mounting trash crisis, and what the state is doing to address this growing issue. Katherine will explain the 6 “R’s” of recycling and waste management, discuss the pesky and misleading recycling triangles, and share ideas on how to reduce waste at home.

West Hartford was forward thinking in its decision to create the Recycling Coordinator position. This position is extremely timely as CT is facing a trash crisis. Katherine is tasked with educating the public about waste reduction and the changing world of recycling. She has spent the last 6 months actively participating on the Connecticut Coalition for Sustainable Materials Management task force. When COVID is over, she looks forward to educating students in West Hartford Public Schools on food waste diversion and compost programs.

Katherine is a native of Washington, D.C. and has lived in West Hartford for over 16 years. Her three children graduated from West Hartford Public Schools. A life-long educator and cross-cultural trainer, Katherine brings her passion for recycling, sustainability, and composting to this position. Combining her life-long environmentalism with her skill as an educator makes this her “dream job.” Katherine earned a Master Composter-Recycler Certification in Maryland and a Master Gardener Certification here in Connecticut. In addition, she has a Masters in International Education. You can find her hiking the trails of CT, composting, running, and cooking. Registration is required, online at https://westhartford.librarymarket.com/events/recycling-waste-and-environment-virtual or by phone, 860-561-6990.

THIS PROGRAM IS A VIRTUAL-ONLY EVENT. REGISTER ONLINE BY LEAVING YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS TO RECEIVE LOGIN AND CALL-IN INSTRUCTIONS (SENT TO YOU ONE DAY BEFORE THE PROGRAM).

Recycling, Waste, and the Environment
Wednesday, February 17 at 1:30PM

Noah Webster Library Meeting Room
20 South Main Street
West Hartford, CT 06107
(860) 561-6950
whpl@westhartfordlibrary.org

Lessons From Apartheid: How Americans Can Join Across Racial Differences at Noah Webster Library on February 18, 2021

The recent Black Lives Matter protests sweeping through the nation have made many Americans question their own beliefs and long-held assumptions about race and privilege in America. Manju Soni will give a brief overview of her experiences growing up in South Africa under the system of racial separation called Apartheid and will draw parallels with America's own past and present experiences with racism.

Manju Soni grew up under apartheid in South Africa, where she trained as an ophthalmologist. At a young age, she was introduced to social justice issues during the student protests called the Soweto Uprising. During this time, apartheid police killed close to 200 people, most of them middle and high school students. Her debut nonfiction book, When Lions Roared: How Brave Young People Defied Apartheid, captures her experiences during these tumultuous times. Prior to becoming an author, Manju was at Pfizer and then a Chief Medical Officer of a start-up biotech company. As an author, Manju’s first short story, a psychological suspense set on an island off the New England coast, was published by Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine. She’s the winner of the Leon B. Burnstein/MWA-NY Scholarship, and the 2020 runner up to the Eleanor Taylor Bland Crime Fiction Writers of Color Award. She’s currently working on a mystery/suspense novel, which is set in a small town not too different from the one she currently lives in. Registration is required, online at https://westhartford.libraryma... or by phone, 860-561-6990.

THIS PROGRAM IS A VIRTUAL-ONLY EVENT. REGISTER ONLINE BY LEAVING YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS TO RECEIVE LOGIN AND CALL-IN INSTRUCTIONS (SENT TO YOU ONE DAY BEFORE THE PROGRAM).

Lessons From Apartheid: How Americans Can Join Across Racial Differences
Thursday, February 18 at 6:30PM

Noah Webster Library Meeting Room
20 South Main Street
West Hartford, CT 06107
(860) 561-6950
whpl@westhartfordlibrary.org

Good Trouble: How Civil Rights Activists and Abolitionists Can Teach Us Lessons for Today at Noah Webster Library on February 21, 2021

GOOD TROUBLE: A SHOELEATHER HISTORY OF NONVIOLENT DIRECT ACTION is inspired by civil rights legend John Lewis. The book chronicles a wide variety of peaceful, strategic organizing campaigns across many decades.

Frances Fox Piven calls Good Trouble “a great little book,” and writes “I'm with you, all the way, and especially now. I don't think there has ever been a time in American history when we have so needed good trouble." Author Steve Thornton tells these stories because they contain important lessons for all who understand that the struggle for social justice is not over.

Steve Thornton is the creator of the Shoeleather History Project, which documents and promotes "history from below." He explores the stories of ordinary people who are the real makers of history, with walking tours, a website, workshops, and public events. Steve has spoken at churches, universities, breweries, with people living on the streets, and on picket lines. He has written three books including Wicked Hartford. He retired in 2013 from his position as a vice president of District 1199 SEIU, the largest healthcare workers union in Connecticut. He lives in West Hartford with his wife Kate Butterworth Valdez. Registration is required, online at https://westhartford.libraryma... or by phone, 860-561-6990.

THIS PROGRAM IS A VIRTUAL-ONLY EVENT. REGISTER ONLINE BY LEAVING YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS TO RECEIVE LOGIN AND CALL-IN INSTRUCTIONS (SENT TO YOU ONE DAY BEFORE THE PROGRAM).

Good Trouble: How Civil Rights Activists and Abolitionists Can Teach Us Lessons for Today
Sunday, February 21 at 1PM

Noah Webster Library Meeting Room
20 South Main Street
West Hartford, CT 06107
(860) 561-6950
whpl@westhartfordlibrary.org

Connecticut African American Heroines at Noah Webster Library on February 24, 2021

African Americans have played a major role in the development of our state, our nation and our world. African American women from Connecticut are no exception! Join us for an interactive multi-media program by the Connecticut Women's Hall of Fame and learn about some of Connecticut's most remarkable African American heroines. From women's rights advocate Maria Miller Stewart and legendary contralto and Civil Rights catalyst Marian Anderson to pioneering journalist Adrianne Baughns-Wallace and former State Treasurer Denise L. Nappier, you'll be inspired as we explore the important contributions of African American women in Connecticut. Registration is required, online at https://westhartford.librarymarket.com/events/connecticut-african-american-heroines-virtual or by phone, 860-561-6990.

THIS PROGRAM IS A VIRTUAL-ONLY EVENT. REGISTER ONLINE BY LEAVING YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS TO RECEIVE LOGIN AND CALL-IN INSTRUCTIONS (SENT TO YOU ONE DAY BEFORE THE PROGRAM).

Connecticut African American Heroines
Wednesday, February 24 at 1PM

Noah Webster Library Meeting Room
20 South Main Street
West Hartford, CT 06107
(860) 561-6950
whpl@westhartfordlibrary.org

"Birch Branches" Paint Night at Noah Webster Library on February 25, 2021

Lindsey's Craft Studio will teach you how to paint a whimsical birch forest in bright colors that will have you thinking of spring. No painting experience is required; great for beginners! To paint along, you will need 1 square canvas (I use 12 x 12), acrylic paint in white, black, bright yellow, pink, and red, a paper plate for mixing colors, brushes, and a paper towel or rag for blotting.

Brushes (3-5 assorted brushes from Michael’s or the dollar store are perfect). You will also need to have a water cup nearby for rinsing your brush between colors and protect your work surface from paint spills.

Lindsey is a highly creative and talented individual with personal experience in a multitude of art mediums, which includes 15 years of experience teaching classes to groups in a fun and educational way. Registration is required, online at https://westhartford.librarymarket.com/events/birch-branches-paint-night-virtual or by phone, 860-561-6990.

THIS PROGRAM IS A VIRTUAL-ONLY EVENT. REGISTER ONLINE BY LEAVING YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS TO RECEIVE LOGIN AND CALL-IN INSTRUCTIONS (SENT TO YOU ONE DAY BEFORE THE PROGRAM).

“Birch Branches” Paint Night
Thursday, February 25 at 6:30PM

Noah Webster Library Meeting Room
20 South Main Street
West Hartford, CT 06107
(860) 561-6950
whpl@westhartfordlibrary.org

This press release was produced by Noah Webster Library. The views expressed here are the author's own.