WESTFIELD — The month of January will open at the Westfield Memorial Library with travel, book and exercise programs as well as a support group. The library is located at 550 East Broad Street.
On Tuesday, January 7, from 7 to 8 p.m., photographer, professional traveler and humanitarian Chris McCormack will return to the library to talk about his six-week trip across Mongolia on a motorcycle. He will discuss that country’s many different landscapes, among them deserts, mountains and lakes.
Mr. McCormack visited the Tsaatan tribe — one of the last reindeer herders in the world — on horseback, watched the Eagle Hunters of Western Mongolia, and will share how he battled his way through the Gobi Desert. His stories will be accompanied by photos.
With more than 10 years of travel experience and having visited over 25 different countries, Mr. McCormack encourages individuals to travel by sharing realworld experiences through photographs, presentations and immersion tours.
The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Association of Westfield, in partnership with the Westfield Memorial Library, will hold a twopart book discussion of the Pulitzer Prize-winning biography “King: A Life,” by Jonathan Eig. Part One will be held on Thursday, January 9, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., and Part Two will take place on Thursday, February 13, also from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Books can be borrowed from the library at the Circulation Desk, or they can be purchased from the Town Book Store at a 10percent discount.
The book has garnered multiple awards and praise: it was a finalist for the 2023 National Book Critics Circle Award; named one of the 10 best books of 2023 by The Washington Post, Chicago Tribune and Time; was a New York Times bestseller and notable book of 2023; and listed as one of former President Barack Obama’s favorite books of 2023.
It also was recognized as one of The New Yorker’s essential reads of 2023; a Christian Science Monitor best book of the year; one of Air Mail’s 12 best books of 2023; a Washington Post and national indie bestseller; one of Publishers Weekly’s best nonfiction books of 2023; and one of Smithsonian magazine’s 10 best books of 2023.
Additionally on January 9, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., the Beyond Divorce support group will meet in the library’s local history room on the second floor. The purpose of the group is to provide participants with understanding, compassion and guidance from others who have been through the same experience.
As facilitator Melissa Schwartzman wrote about her program, “Whether you’re looking for emotional support, practical advice, or simply a safe space to share your experiences, this group is here to help you move forward with confidence. Together, we can work toward healing, growth, and a brighter future.” Meetings are confidential, non-judgmental and supportive. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Ms. Schwartzman has practiced for over 20 years in the states of New York and New Jersey. She holds a Masters in Social Work from New York University and Masters in Organizational Psychology from Columbia University. In addition, she has received training in Couples Therapy from the Ackerman Institute for the Family as well as training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy from the Training Institute for Mental Health. On Friday, January 10, from 3 to 4 p.m., Fundamentals of Tai Chi, taught by Dr. Gang Huang, will resume. Sessions will take place every Friday thereafter until March 28. Each class must be registered for individually, and each builds upon skills learned in the previous session. Tai Chi, an ancient practice that originated in China, is described as a means to boost both mental and physical health. It also has been advocated as a way to promote balance and prevent falls; relieve depression, Parkinson’s disease and dementia; and reverse disease progression in osteoarthritis. Tai Chi further is said to help with insomnia, hypertension and fibromyalgia. Tai Chi is often referred to as “Meditation in Motion.” Dr. Huang will lead a hands-on session to work on Tai Chi fundamentals such as joint health, standing meditation, weight shifting and balance, and Tai Chi walking.
Dr. Huang is one of the formal disciples of Master Yang Jun, who is the direct descendent (sixth-generation) of Yang Cheng Fu and of Yang Lu Chan, the creator of Yang Style Tai Chi. He is an authorized instructor of the Yang Family Tai Chi Association and currently teaches Tai Chi classes in Bridgewater.
Registration is requested for all programs. To register, visit the library’s website, www.wmlnj.org, and click on the events calendar. Interested persons also are encouraged to access the website to sign up for a library card or to learn more about the library’s resources. Library hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.
