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, February 1, 10 am-noon (CHB Gathering Room): “Retirement and Caregiving: Strategies for Success.”

Presentation by Ann (Nancy) Rhodes, NP and Lori Candela, ME, CPRC, who will lead conversation designed to help navigate planning for retirement with balancing caregiving responsibilities with clarity, purpose, and confidence. Registration required.

Monday, February 3, 10:30 am (CHB meeting room): Mindfulness Meetup.

Relax with guided meditations and de-stress with a coloring page. The exercises are designed to cultivate inner peace and sharpen focus. A resource called Hiveclass is used to learn and practice skills for becoming more mindful and present. Registration is requested, and wearing comfortable clothes is encouraged.

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 Antiques Room): 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, February 5, 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.

Thursday, February 6, appointments at 9:45, 10:45 and 11:45 am (CHB Antiques Room): AARP Income Tax Help.

Free income tax assistance provided through a partnership between AARP Foundation and the IRS, available Thursdays until April 10. Registration is required. Bring a photo ID or other type of identification, Social Security card and statement (SSA 1099), a copy of your 2023 tax return and/or last year’s AARP envelope, all tax forms received for tax year 2024 (W-2, 1095, 1099), end of year investment tax statements (INT, DIV, Stocks, Bonds), a list of itemized deductions (medical, donations, taxes), any other tax documents you might have, your IRS PIN if issued and/or canceled check for direct deposit.

Appointments are available by calling the library (203-426-4533) or visiting chboothlibrary.org. Note appointments are canceled if Newtown schools are closed for the weather.

Tuesday, February 11, 6-7:30 pm (CHB Antiques Room): Free Write Weekly.

(See February 4 details.)

Wednesday, February 12, 10:30-11:30 am (via Zoom): 30 Minute Flex & Balance with Sean Fitzpatrick.

(See February 5 details.)

Tuesday, February 18, 6-7:30 pm (CHB Antiques Room): Free Write Weekly.

(See February 4 details.)

Wednesday, February 19, 10:30-11:30 am (via Zoom): 30 Minute Flex & Balance with Sean Fitzpatrick.

(See February 5 details.)

Saturday, February 22, 9:45-10:45 am (CHB Gathering Room): Herbal Workshop: Guardians of Wellness.

Join Alyssa Mancini on a journey to uncover the incredible immune-boosting abilities of these herbs and discover their physical and spiritual benefits. Indulge in a delightful tea-tasting experience that complements the immune-boosting journey. Join others to deepen an understanding of health and vitality. Registration required; space limited.

Monday, February 24, 4-5:30 pm (CHB meeting room): Theater Program with Beth Young.

Inaugural gathering for 10-week series led by Newtown resident with many years’ experience as a writer, actor, and director. The classes are a fun way to meet new people and learn new skills. For those who have ever dreamed of writing for the stage, or acting on it, this is the class. In April, the classes culminate in a performance with a live audience to celebrate the group’s accomplishment.

No experience is necessary, all are welcome. Registration requested for the full 10-week series.

Monday, February 24, 6:30-7:30 pm (CHB Genealogy Room): Nature’s Book Club: Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter.

Nature’s Book Club members read non-fiction books about all aspects of nature — land, water, air, plants, and animals. Discussions seek to cover not only what has been read, but also the experience and connections members bring to the group. Registration is appreciated.