Adult Programs

Community Still Life Art

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.

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.

The Juckets

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).

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.

Sue Arnholter Opening Reception

Opening Art Reception: Sue Arnholter

Saturday, September 5 | 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Come meet the artist of Roe Jan’s newest exhibit on Saturday, September 5th. Join us for the opening reception between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. featuring works by local artist Sue Arnholter —

“As a young teenager I dabbled a little with drawing and oil painting, not really knowing what I was doing. It wasn’t until I reached my 70’s that I picked up a paintbrush and a pan of watercolors in an attempt to improve my knowledge of color theory for making quilts. I still make quilts but most of my time is spent painting now because I enjoy it so much.”

The Healthcare Consortium logo

Healthcare Navigator Appointments

Tuesday, September 8 | 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.
History Webinar: The Constitution Speaks flyer

VIRTUAL PROGRAM

History Webinar: The Constitution Speaks

Monday, September 14 | 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

When the Founding Fathers forged the United States of America from the 13 British colonies, Benjamin Franklin was said to have proclaimed “a republic… if we can keep it”. This presentation highlights some of the key rules, rights, and responsibilities necessary for the maintenance of a healthy and successful democracy. Presented by Jeffrey Urbin, Education Specialist at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Museum and Library in Hyde Park.
Sponsored by the Columbia County Libraries Association – email columbiacountylibraries@gmail.com to register.
Medicare 101 event graphic

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 event graphic

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).

Art Club graphic

Art Club

Wednesday, September 23 | 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.

A new monthly art club for all ages and all levels.

Join us this month to make caterpillar pins out of buttons. Materials will be provided, but if you have any spare buttons at home, please feel free to bring them!

Ask for Andrea, by Noelle Ihle

‘Chapters & Chatter’ – Thriller Book Club

Thursday, September 24 | 6:00 p.m.

Join our thriller book club, Chapters & Chatter, led by Chelsea. This month, we’re reading by Ask for Andrea by Noelle Ihle. Copies are available through the Mid-Hudson Library System and Libby.

For more information email programs@roejanlibrary.org

Braver Angels - Families & Politics

Braver Angels presents ‘Families & Politics’ 

Saturday, September 26 | 1:00 – 3:30 p.m.

If you want to preserve important family bonds while still being true to your values and political beliefs, this workshop will offer you:
– Insight into why family differences over politics are uniquely challenging
– Recognition of common roles that family members play in political conversations
– Strategies and skills for handling family political differences in a constructive way

Although the focus is on family relationships, you can use the learnings in this workshop with any loved one. You’ll laugh and have some fun in this workshop—it won’t be all serious.

To register, reserve your spot on Eventbrite.

Tickets are free. Use promo code BRAVER during registration to get a free ticket. Donations beyond the free ticket support Braver Angels, 501(c)3.

Questions? Contact Vahe Keukjian at vkeukjian@braverangels.org

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 graphic

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.

Clipboard and laptop

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.

Yoga class

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