Adult Programs

On Display at the Library:

Community Still Life

Now through August 31

Marking the six month anniversary of beginning our weekly ‘Community Still Life’ program, we are celebrating with an art exhibit on display through the end of August.

All pieces are drawn or painted by participants and created here at the library! Join us on Tuesdays from 2-4 pm to make a creation of your own.

Concert: Kyle P. Walker, Concert Pianist

Sunday, August 2 | 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Join us at the library for a piano concert with Kyle P. Walker on Sunday August 2nd at 4 pm.

Kyle P. Walker is a concert pianist and educator whose work sits at the intersection of artistic excellence and social purpose. Known for his commanding technique and visionary programming, Walker has built a career dedicated to amplifying the voices of underrepresented composers and placing their music in direct conversation with the Western classical canon.

He has appeared on stages including Carnegie Hall’s Stern Auditorium and Weill Recital Hall, Lincoln Center’s Rose Theater, The Kennedy Center, and The Apollo Theater, and his performances have been featured on NPR, WQXR, and PBS. In 2023, he made history at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Music Festival, becoming one of the first classical pianists ever presented on its stage.

Walker is a founding member of The Dream Unfinished, an activism-driven orchestra that partners with civil rights and community organizations, and an active member of The Harlem Chamber Players. He serves on the piano faculty at New York University’s Steinhardt School and the Lucy Moses School at Kaufman Music Center, and maintains a thriving international online studio.

This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of The Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by CREATE Council on the Arts.

Healthcare Navigator Appointments

Tuesday, August 11 | 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

A Navigator from the Healthcare Consortium will be available the second Tuesday of each month from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Navigators can assist individuals and families in Columbia and Greene Counties with shopping for, comparing, and enrolling in quality, affordable health insurance, including Medicaid, Child Health Plus and the Essential Plan, through the New York State of Health Official Health Plan Marketplace. Navigators can also assist with applying for financial assistance to help pay for coverage. Navigator services are free of charge. You can make an appointment by calling (518) 822-9600.

book cover for 'Want to Know A Secret?' by Freida McFadden

‘Chapters & Chatter’ – Thriller Book Club

Thursday, August 13 | 6:00 p.m.

Join our thriller book club, Chapters & Chatter, led by Chelsea. This month, we’re reading by Want to Know A Secret? by Freida McFadden. Copies are available through the Mid-Hudson Library System and Libby.

For more information email programs@roejanlibrary.org

book cover for 'The Berry Pickers' by Amanda Peters

‘Read On’ – Book Club

Wednesday, August 19 | 6:00 p.m.

Join our fiction book club, Read On, led by Outreach Librarian Fran. We meet on the 3rd Wednesday of every month. This month, we’re reading The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters. All are welcome! Copies are available through the Mid-Hudson Library System and Libby.

For more information, email outreach@roejanlibrary.org

Book cover - The Message by Ta-Nehisi Coates

‘Book Marks!’ – Non-Fiction Book Club

Thursday, August 20 | 1:00 p.m.

Join our nonfiction book club, Book Marks!, led by Circulation Librarian Robin. We meet on the 3rd Thursday of every month. This month, we’re reading The Message by Ta-Nehisi Coates. Copies are available through the Mid-Hudson Library System and Libby.

For more information email circulation@roejanlibrary.org

Tea Time with Renee Vaughn event graphic

Tea Time: Renee Vaughn, Creature Teacher

Thursday, August 27 | 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Join us at the library each month to discuss fun and informative topics – each month’s gathering will have a different theme: listen, discuss, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and some fresh baked goodies!

This month, we welcome Renee Vaughn, Creature Teacher. Renee works with all species including Homo sapiens. She focuses on the relationship between beings and their creativity, passions and inner selves. She uses a wide range of modalities to get to the core issues which get in the way of happy, healthy, playful and productive lives. Whatever it takes to free you or the ones (including your animals) you love, Renee is game to facilitate the journey.

Pete Seeger: A Life in Song, presented by The Juckets

Sunday, August 30 | 4:00 – 5:15 p.m.

A 75 minute musical celebration of Pete Seeger’s influence on social change from Civil Rights to Environmentalism. Graham and Barbara Dean, (long time local activists and musicians) bring to life Pete Seeger’s story through song and text. The performance weaves through his accomplished career. From his early days with the Weavers to his decades of dedication to the Hudson River. The performers will be backed by members of the Juckets band. The Juckets are a Berkshire county based acoustic Americana Bluegrass band. The six person group plays for the fun of it at regional farmers markets, wineries and local festivals. Performing in this show are Jim Caron (fiddle, viola, guitar, vocals), Michael Pfeiffer (bass fiddle), and Jana Pfeiffer (banjo, vocals).

Medicare 101

Tuesday, September 15 | 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

If you are approaching age 65 and are starting to think about applying for Medicare, this two-hour seminar is specifically designed to help you get started. Experienced Columbia County Office for the Aging staff with expertise in the often-complex world of health insurance will discuss what you need to know in order to make sound decisions. This session will address questions like:

What is the difference between Part A and Part B?
When can I apply?
What are the penalties if I don’t apply?
Do I want traditional Medicare or a Medicare Advantage?
Do I want a Medigap Plan to supplement traditional Medicare?
How do I get prescription drug coverage?
What if I have coverage from my previous employer as part of a retirement plan?

If you are like most people – a little confused about questions like these — your attendance will be time well spent. The seminar will close with a question and answer session to make sure the most important points have been covered.

Presented by Columbia County Office for the Aging

Houseplant-Cutting Swap

Saturday, September 19 | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Join us at the Roe Jan Library for a houseplant-cutting swap!

Do you have a houseplant that’s getting too big? We do too! Come by with a cutting (or two or three) to share or trade with others. Tables will be out all day Saturday September 19 but if you can’t make it, feel free to drop off a cutting before then (we’ll take care of it for you).

A baby sitting on a carpet playing with toys

New Parent Meet-Up

Every Tuesday

10:30 – 12:00 p.m.

Join our weekly meetup for parents with babies under 1 to connect, share experiences, and get out with your little ones!

Side by side images: on the left a still life photograph of a tea kettle, a tea towel, and an apple; and on the right an illustration of the still life.

Community Still Life
Every Tuesday
2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Community Still Life offers a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere where people come together to draw and observe. Enjoy the quiet energy of creating alongside others, slow down, and let simple objects spark inspiration. All levels welcome—just come to draw… or paint.

Some supplies are available or bring your own. There will be a different still life every week for inspiration. Led by Tia!

1:1 Tech Help Appointments
Every Wednesday
2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Need help with your phone or email? Want to learn how to use Libby or Hoopla?

Call the library at 518-325-4101 or email programs@roejanlibrary.org to make an appointment.

Instructor David Haines standing outside on the edge of a pond

Qigong & Tai Chi at the Library

Every Thursday

10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Qigong and Tai Chi are approaches to movement that have been practiced for hundreds of years and are particularly helpful for dealing with stress, limited ability to move, those wishing to developing better balance and flexibility and can be practiced by nearly everyone young and old. Although Tai Chi is generally practiced standing, Qigong can be modified to allow participants to be seated.

This weekly drop-in class, open to all, is taught by David Haines, who has been a practitioner of Qigong, Tai Chi, and mindful movement for 50 years, a teacher for 40 years, and a certified Trager Movement practitioner for 35 years. Since moving into the area in 2006 he has taught at Omega Institute, Simon’s Rock college, Columbia-Greene Community College, as well as various libraries, senior centers, and school district community education classes.
Classes are held in the Roe Jan Library Community Room or outdoors, weather permitting. Wear comfortable clothes.

This project has been supported by a grant from the Fund for Columbia County of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation.

Job Search and Resume Help

Job search coaching, with an emphasis on resume writing and using online resources to find jobs, is offered by volunteer Career Coach, Beth Gordon. Beth provides help with finding career opportunities, resume and cover letter writing, interviewing preparation and reviewing job resources.

Career Coaching and Job Search Help sessions cover résumé and letter writing, skills assessments, career planning and Internet job search. These one-on-one sessions are designed to help people of all ages seeking career coaching, goal setting, or help updating and improving their professional profiles.

Job Help sessions are by appointment only and are typically conducted via Zoom. You can make an appointment by calling or emailing the library or contacting Beth Gordon directly at bagordon323@gmail.com. In person help at the library can be provided with prior arrangements as well.

Senior Balance and Strength Class with Dr. Paul Spector on Zoom
Tuesdays | 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

ZOOM LOGIN INFORMATION:
https://zoom.us/j/759916157
Meeting ID: 759 916 157
Passcode: 592902

To watch past recordings of Dr. Spector’s class, visit our YouTube channel playlist.

Hatha Yoga with Roberta Roll
Mondays, at the Library | 8:30 – 10:00 a.m.

A moderately challenging hatha yoga class for all levels.

Thursdays, on Zoom | 9:00 – 10: 30 a.m.
a gentle hatha yoga class for all levels with lots of time for breath work and meditation

For all Thursday classes, go to
https://zoom.us/j/826782227?pwd=QW9ERm9KbkdHMEFvdCtzYUdKcERLdz09
Meeting ID# 826-782-227 | Passcode: 370455