WESTFIELD – The Westfield Memorial Library, located at 550 East Broad Street, will continue celebrating America 250 during July with a film series about America, as well as other programs celebrating summer, history and exercise.
To learn more about the film series, which continues on Tuesdays, July 21 and 28 at 1:30 p.m. in the library’s Meeting Room, visit the library’s website at www.wmlnj.org to register.
On Thursday, July 16 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the Mental Health Practitioner’s Book club will meet to discuss “The Maidens” by Alex Michaelides. This book club is open to local area mental health practitioners, including but not limited to social workers, psychologists, and nurses. The club meets monthly and members rotate picking books. Those interested in joining should email the Group Leader, Janna Hodge at jhtendingthoughtstherapy@gmail.com.
That same day Crafterdark will meet from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Crafters who are looking to join a group of fellow crafters for fun, encouragement and inspiration are invited to bring whatever portable project they are currently working on. Whether it’s knitting, crocheting, scrapbooking, embroidering, drawing, etc., the craft is welcome.
The series the Fundamentals of Tai Chi by Gang Huang will continue to meet on Thursday, July 16 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Each class must be registered for individually, and each builds upon skills learned in the previous week.
Tai Chi, an ancient practice that originated in China, is proven to boost both mental and physical health. It’s also proven to promote balance and prevent falls; relieve depression, Parkinson’s disease, dementia; and reverse disease progression in osteoarthritis.
Tai Chi helps with insomnia, hypertension, and fibromyalgia and is often referred to as “Meditation in Motion.” Huang leads a hands-on session to work on Tai Chi fundamentals such as joint health, standing meditation, weight shifting and balance, and Tai Chi walking.
He is one of the formal disciples of Master Yang Jun, who is the direct descendent (sixth-generation) ofYang Cheng Fu and of Yang Lu Chan, the creator of Yang Style Tai Chi. Huang is an authorized instructor of Yang Family Tai ChiAssociation and is currently teaching Tai Chi classes in Bridgewater.
On Friday, July 17 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., the Zoom class Strength Training for Seniors will continue (until August 28.) This series of Zoom classes is designed to help seniors increase muscle tone, balance, and strength with certified strength trainer Leena Kalle. Those who want to attend the class must register with their email, and they will receive the link two days before the class.
Participants should find a quiet location in the home free from distractions and noise, wear comfortable clothing and sneakers, and grab a chair with or without arms, hand-held weights OR weighted balls, OR 2 full bottles of water 16 Fluid oz – to use for arm exercises.
On Wednesday, July 22 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., the library will host “The Cool Summer Kitchen Series: DIY Yogurt Bark,” presented by returning Culinary Nutritionist Sonia Verrilli-Jabon. This cool, customizable yogurt bark is a refreshing, nutrient-packed way to beat the heat, and it’s perfect for warm days, post-workout snacks, or guilt-free desserts.
In this session, attendees will learn how to create yogurt bark with dairyfree, gluten-free variations using plantbased yogurts such as coconut, almond, or cashew. They will explore a variety of flavor profiles—from Mediterranean- inspired combinations with figs, pistachios, and honey, to antioxidant- rich berry blends, tropical citrus infusions, and even chocolate-inspired indulgent options.
Beyond flavor, this class highlights how to elevate your yogurt bark with functional ingredients that support overall wellness. Discover how to incorporate superfoods like chia seeds, flaxseeds, cacao nibs, and adaptogenic add-ins to boost fiber, protein, and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Instructor Verrilli-Jabon is a Certified Culinary Nutritionist & Fitness Coach, Wellness Cooking Instructor, and the Founder of Beets & Biscotti. She founded Beets & Biscotti to encourage the use of nutrient dense ingredients that fuel and heal the body holistically, without sacrificing taste (and it usually includes a pinch of dark chocolate and a smidgen of fun). She is an educator and advocate for whole foods, wellness, fitness, and family.
Attendees with severe food allergies should exercise caution. Those with specific ingredient concerns, should feel free to reach out to Victoria at the Westfield Memorial Library at vpawlicki@wmlnj.org.
On Thursday, July 23 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., “Ben & Betsy: Founding Father, Founding Mother” will be presented, thanks to the generosity of the Friends of the Westfield Memorial Library.
Founding Father Dr. Benjamin Franklin and Founding Mother Betsy Ross will regale the audience with stories of the American Revolution. Flag maker, seamstress, upholsterer and Quaker, Elizabeth Griscom Ross AshburnClaypoolehelpedanewnation define itself through flags and colors.
Dr. Franklin was the nation’s premier statesman, philosopher, printer and diplomat who did much to create that new nation. Their stories and thoughts will celebrate America’s Semi-quincentennial.
Visit the library’s website at https:// wmlnj.org/ to register for events, sign up for a library card or learn more about library programs and resources. The library is located at 550 East Broad Street and hours are Monday – Thursday 9:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; and Sunday 1:00-5:00 p.m.
