The following are special events tied in to the “Timeless Newtown” series being presented by C.H. Booth Library, Commission on Aging, and Friends of Newtown Seniors. All ages are encouraged to attend and there is no fee unless noted. Registration is requested (or required where noted).

This list will be updated as events are added.

CHB = C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main Street (203-426-4533, chboothlibrary.org)

NSC = Newtown Senior Center, 8 Simpson Street (203-270-4310)

Saturday, January 18, 9:45-10:45 am (CHB meeting room): Yin Yoga with Alyssa Mancini.

Experience the deep, meditative practice of Yin Yoga, designed to enhance flexibility and release tension. Participants will hold passive poses for extended periods, allowing muscles to relax and connective tissues to gently stretch. This slow-paced practice targets the body’s deeper tissues, promoting joint health and increasing circulation. Each pose is held with mindfulness, encouraging a calm and introspective state.

Yin Yoga is suitable for all levels, offering a perfect balance to more dynamic forms of yoga and providing a profound sense of relaxation and rejuvenation. BYO yoga mat or towel. Registration requested, space is limited.

Tuesday, January 21, 6-7:30 pm (CHB): Free Write Weekly.

For those working on a writing project, a set schedule and dedicated time is the best way to get work done. Join the weekly writing session at the library to focus on a novel, screenplay, thesis, etc. Each session will have 15 minutes to chat about what’s being worked on and get settled, then a solid hour to get writing.

Wednesday, January 22, 10:30-11 am (via Zoom): 30 Minute Flex & Balance with Sean Fitzpatrick.

Hosted by C.H. Booth Library, this weekly program offers a gentle 30-minute exercise session for participants to practice flexibility and balance.

Friday, January 24, noon (NSC): Lunch & Learn: “Aging Powerfully — An Introduction to ‘Timeless Newtown.’”

Friends of Newtown Seniors Founder and President John Boccuzzi Sr will introduce the concept of this year-long series, before encouraging attendees to suggest ideas for future programs.

Free for NSC members, nonmembers contact NCS for details and reservations.

Saturday, January 25, 2-3 pm (CHB): Gentle Yoga with Guided Meditation + Pranayama with Alyssa Mancini.

An enriching journey into yoga, enhanced with the art of pranayama (breathwork) and meditation, participants will immerse themselves in a harmonious blend of gentle asanas and accessible breathing exercises designed to calm the mind and rejuvenate the body.

Through intentional breath work, cultivate deep awareness and presence. The class concludes with a soothing guided meditation, leaving guests feeling relaxed and centered.

Suitable for all levels; BYO yoga mat or towel. Registration requested, space is limited.

Monday, January 27, 6:30-7:30 pm (CHB Genealogy Room and via Zoom): Nature’s Book Club: Other Minds.

This club discusses a variety of non-fiction books about all aspects of nature — land, water, air, plants, and animals. Participants seek to learn not only from what they read, but also from the experience and connections members bring to the group.

This month’s title is Other Minds: The Octopus, The Sea, and The Deep Origins of Consciousness by Peter Godfrey-Smith. Copies are available at the library’s Circulation Desk.

Registration is appreciated for those attending in person, and required for those attending via Zoom.

Tuesday, January 28, 6-7:30 pm (CHB): Free Write Weekly.

(See January 21 details.)

Wednesday, January 29, 10:30-11 am (via Zoom): 30 Minute Flex & Balance with Sean Fitzpatrick.

(See January 22 details.)

Monday, February 3, 6-7 pm (CHB meeting room): Cookbook Club: The Rise.

A wonderful opportunity for those who love reading, cooking, and food to come together, share their dishes, and discuss the featured cookbook, this month’s title is The Rise: Black Cooks and the Soul of American Food by Marcus Samuelsson.

Those interested in attending should visit the library’s website, and then the Events Calendar listing for this event, where five recipes from the featured book have been listed. Choose a recipe to cook and share at the meeting (which will also be included in registration), and then plan to gather on February 3 for a discussion and potluck.

Copies of the featured title are available behind the service desk at the library.

Tuesdays, February 4, 11 and 18 (CHB Gathering Room): Learn to Play American Mah Jong.

Join in the Mahjong Madness that is taking over card tables everywhere through this opportunity to learn a new skill and meet new people in the process. This class is for beginner adults only and committed registration is required for all three sessions.

Mahjong sets and cards will be provided.

Tuesday, February 4, 1-2 pm (CHB Gathering Room): Nonfiction Book Club: The Demon of Unrest.

The Nonfiction Book Club meets the first Tuesday of the month. Copies of the book are available at the Circulation Desk. All are welcome.

In this month’s featured book, Erik Larson explores the pivotal five months between the election of Abraham Lincoln and the start of the Civil War.

Tuesday, February 4, 6-7:30 pm (CHB): Free Write Weekly.

(See January 21 details.)

Wednesday, February 5, 10:30-11 am (via Zoom): 30 Minute Flex & Balance with Sean Fitzpatrick.

(See January 22 details.)