Union Public Library celebrates many activities in October

There’s something to interest everyone at the Union Public Library in October.

• Improvisation with Harry Patrick Christian, at the Main Library, on Monday, Oct. 2, at 6:30 p.m. — Join a Dreamcatcher's Improv Troupe professional to think on your feet and free your mind, body and imagination through group exercises and games. Improv is a valuable skill for auditions and job interviews, too. Limited to 20 persons.

• Learn About Mental Health, at the Vauxhall Branch, on Wednesday, Oct. 4, at 1 p.m. — Almost half of all Americans will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition at some point. With early and effective treatment, individuals can do something about it. Learn how to identify the symptoms and what you can do to help.

• Unwind & Paint, at the Vauxhall Branch, on Wednesday, Oct. 4, at 6 p.m. — Come for an evening at the library as Newark resident Lelia Stevenson leads attendees for a fun and relaxing evening of painting.

• Union County Department of Aging, at the Main Library, on Thursday, Oct. 5, from 10 a.m. to noon — Do you have questions about services for seniors or their caregivers? Visit the Aging Services Kiosk, speak to a specialist and get answers to your questions about pharmaceutical assistance, home energy assistance/USF, cooling assistance, home care, delivered or congregate meals, Medicaid eligibility, Social Security, caregiver relief programs and transportation.

• What Are You Reading? at the Main Library, on Thursday, Oct. 5, at 10:30 a.m.

— Everyone has a favorite. Bring your recommendation and, if you like, a book to swap with others who love reading.

• Meditation, virtual on Zoom, on Thursdays, Oct. 5, 12, 19 and 26, at 11:30 a.m. — Join Bindu Bhatt for a virtual meditation session. No experience is necessary. Bindu has practiced meditation for more than 30 years and wants to share her insights with you.

• Friends of the Library, at the Main Library, on Thursday, Oct. 5, at 6 p.m.

— Join the Friends of the Library at their monthly meeting. New members are always welcome. Come and support your library.

• Latin Standards at the Library, at the Vauxhall Branch, on Saturday, Oct. 7, at 1 p.m. — Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month Music with an afternoon of Latin music from Banda Ritmo Cubano. Cubano is from the world-renowned group Banda Ritmo. He'll play the top Latin classic favorites.

• Learn the Truth about Smoking and Vaping, at the Vauxhall Branch, on Wednesday, Oct. 11, at 1 p.m. — Vaping and e-cigarettes are associated with many health problems, including severe lung disease and death. Nicotine, in any form, can lead to addiction to other drugs. They can also be used to stop smoking. Learn the facts about this sad but popular drug and how to talk to your children/youth about it.

• Expungement/Re-Entry Program, virtual on Zoom, on Wednesday, Oct. 11, at 6:30 p.m. — The Urban League offers pre and post-release services, including connection to employment services, skills training and expungement clinics. Learn about the program and get answers to your questions.

• Chair Yoga, at the Main Library, on Thursday, Oct. 12, at 10:30 a.m. — Take a deep breath with friends and stretch. For beginners to professionals. Presented by the Gateway Family YMCA.

• Filipino Calligraphy, at the Main Library, on Thursday, Oct. 12, at 6:30 p.m. — Baybayin was the writing system used by indigenous communities on the islands of the Philippines before Spanish colonization more than 400 years ago. Filipinos worldwide are working to bring it back to life through art, calligraphy, crafts and fashion — including here in the United States. Mark Libatique from Baybayin by TK will host an informative workshop on the writing system and provide a small demonstration of how to use it to write modern names, translations and more.

• Practice Your English! At the Main Library, on Monday, Oct. 16, at 6 p.m. — Now’s your chance to practice your Eng- lish and have fun. Must be able to speak basic English. Not a formal class.

• Community Conversations, hosted by the First Baptist Church at 5 Hilton Ave., Vauxhall, on Tuesday, Oct. 17, at 6:30 p.m. — Learn a little about your neighbors and share stories with them. Everyone is more than welcome.

• Balance Class with the Y, at the Main Library, on Wednesday, Oct. 18, at 10:30 a.m. — As we age, avoiding the risks of falling is more critical than ever. Learning to balance your body in different situations through gentle strengthening exercises and stepping strategies. Give this popular class a try. Registration is limited.

• Reading and Discussion with Kim Coleman Foote, at the Vauxhall Branch, on Wednesday, Oct. 18, at 6 p.m. — New Jersey author Kim Coleman Foote leads a reading and discusses her forthcoming debut novel, “Coleman Hill.” Her novel is inspired by her family’s experience of the Great Migration from Alabama to Vauxhall.

• Off the Shelf Book Club, at the Main Library, on Thursday, Oct. 19, at 6:30 p.m. — New members are always welcome. This month's title is “The Great Gatsby,” by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

• The Legend of the Jersey Devil, at the Vauxhall Branch, on Saturday, Oct. 21, at 1 p.m. — Professor Angus Kress Gillespie discusses the legendary tale of the Jersey See THERE, Page 15