Newton Free Library Events

September, 2002 / Archives

Unless noted otherwise, all events take place at the Library's Main Branch.
All events are free and open to the public.

To view a past month at the Library? If so, please click here for the Archives.
(Available for April, 2001 and on.)

SEPTEMBER, 2002
Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
1 Library closed for Labor Day	2 Library closed for Labor Day	3 Short Fiction Writing Group, 7pm	4 Children's Book Writers Group, 7pm _______ Contemporary Books Discussion Group, 7:30pm	5	6	7
8	9 Short Story Dicussion Group, 7:30pm _______ Main Hall reception, 6:30pm _______ Newton Camera Club, 7:30pm	10 Great Books Group, 7:15pm _______ Poetry Reading Series, 7pm	11 Sequences Group, 10am	12 Celtic Harp & Piano concert, 7:30pm	13	14
15 Jane Austen Society, 2pm	16	17 Cinema Discussion Group, 7pm	18 African Lit Group, 7:30pm	19 Gallery reception, 6pm	20	21 Ever Thought of Writing? Group 10:30am _______ Auburndale Booksale, 10am - 3pm
22 Classical / Jazz Concert, 2pm ______ Auburndale Booksale, 10am - 3pm	23 Newton Camera Club, 7:30pm	24	25 Children's Book Writers Group, 7pm _______ Waban book group, 10:30am _______ Red Cross Blood Drive, 2-8pm	26 Film Critic Talk, 7pm	27 Staff Development Day Library closed 9am-12pm Library reopens at 1pm _______ Newton Corner book group, 10:30am	28 What's up doc? Workshop, 10am
29 Piano concert, 2pm	30 Author talk, 7:30pm	S A V E T H E D A T E ! Library Lovers' Eve SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2002 for more information please click here

For more information on any of the Library events,
please call the Library at (617) 796-1360

September, 2002

Gallery & Main Hall Hours

Monday to Thursday 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
Friday 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Saturday 9:00 am to 5:00pm
Sunday Noon to 5:00 pm

Closed Sundays in July & August

Are you interested in exhibiting your artwork at the Library?
Please click here for more information.

G A L L E R Y

JIM HOSTON’S "REALISM: NATURAL ECLECTICISM"

"Remembering" 1998, 40" x 30"
oil on linen © Jim Hoston

Jim Hoston’s "Realism: Natural Eclecticism" will be displayed in the Newton Free Library Gallery September 4 – 29, with a reception on Thursday, September 19, 6 – 8:00PM.

Hoston’s work has been attracting a lot of attention lately as it was included in a prestigious "Black Romantic" exhibit at the Studio Museum in Harlem this summer and was the subject of a feature in the Boston Globe, along with the work of another African-American realist, figurative artist. What’s causing the stir is Hoston’s dedication to a more traditional art form: realism influenced by the naturalism of Rembrandt, Ingres, Tanner and baroque painting. Not for him a minimalist, conceptual style. "I’m interested in the human form and aesthetic beauty," the artist says. "This is l’art pour l’art, a search for a harmonious expression of beauty to gratify the spectator’s senses."

For the Library show his paintings will range from scenes in the Public Gardens, figures and portraits to African wooden masks. Painted with acute attention to detail, his oil paintings and charcoal & conte drawings impart a warmth and balance, a "sense of human touch." The portrait of a "Young Boy" is classic in its simple composition, so lifelike with its crystal clear rendering of his creamy skin and trusting eyes. A darkly shining wooden mask for healing from Zaire personifies a man praying, placed as it is, eyes closed, among bulbs of garlic and onion and ginger roots, a scarf or curtain swaying above like a prayer shawl. "This is Phase I," he says, "working on the fundamentals, understanding my craft." After this challenge, he’ll move on to more narrative work, a series of large paintings on slavery and minorities in America.

Hoston has a varied and interesting background with work as an illustrator, as designer and production associate for Marvel Comics and as painting assistant to artist Jeff Koons for the Celebration series which was shown in the Venice Biennial and the Guggenheim museums in New York and Bilbao, Spain. His work has been exhibited at the Hirschl & Adler Modern Gallery and the Society of Illustrators Gallery, both in New York, the Rock Art Foundation Gallery in North Carolina and the Copley Society, among others. He has painted murals for Evergreene Painting Studios with projects in the Venetian Casino & Hotel in Las Vegas, Saks Fifth Avenue in Chicago, the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in Tennessee and others nationwide. Currently Hoston is an Assistant Professor at the Art Institute of Boston at Lesley University.

M A I N H A L L

SUSAN SCHNEIDER’S "OF TIME AND PLACE"

"A Perfect Afternoon" 12" x 16"
oil on board © Susan Schneider

Susan Schneider’s "Of Time and Place" will exhibited in the Main Hall of the Newton Free Library September 4 – 29 with a reception on Monday, September 9, 6:30PM.

Schneider’s oil paintings depict the New England countryside and seashore in all their glory. With strong brushstrokes of vibrant color, she paints an Essex marsh or a rocky coast in Ogunquit or Newport, sometimes returning several times to the same location to capture the varying light effects. The works evoke a mood of sunny tranquility or tension before a storm, in part because she immerses herself in the scene, conveying the essence of the moment. Lately she has been painting closer to the water’s edge, she says, leading her to explore a much larger format "in which I would like the viewer to feel as through he or she has stepped right into my scene."

Other works explore how "buildings create a statement and interact with the beauty of the natural landscape," she says. These paintings include scenes of Newton, Rockport and of the Fenway where the "majesty of the Prudential and Hancock buildings as a backdrop for Olmstead’s Emerald Necklace help set the character of Boston."

Schneider is a member of the Depot Square Gallery in Lexington and has exhibited there and in other juried group shows throughout the region. She is a past president of the Needham Art Association and has earned Juror’s Best of Show from the Needham Art on the Common exhibit twice and other awards. Her work may be found in corporate collections including a commission for the entrance lobby at the Marriott Hotel in Quincy.

For more information on Susan Schneider, please visit her website at:

http://www.susanschneiderart.com

| Top of page |

Library groups meet at the Newton Free Library, 330 Homer Street, Newton Centre, unless otherwise noted. All meetings are free and open to the public.

African Literatures Discussion Group
Led by Anne Serafin, this group explores the rich variety of writings from Africa. The group meets on the third Wednesday of the month at 7:30PM, in Meeting Room A. Meeting Date: September 18: Abyssinian Chronicles, an epic novel about Uganda by Moses Isegawa. For further information, call 617-796-1360.

Children's Book Writers Group
Meetings are usually held on the first Monday or the fourth Wednesday of the month at 7:00PM, in Meeting Room A. This group is for writers who have work in progress. Pre-registration required. Please call Ruth Glass at 617-332-0835 or Karen Day at 617-244-4830 for more information. Meeting Dates: Wednesday, September 4 and 25.

Cinema Discussion Group
This new group engages in discussion and critique of significant films. Led by Paulette Idelson, the group meets on the third Tuesday of the month at 7:00PM in Meeting Room A. Meeting Date: September 17: "Grapes of Wrath." Attendees are encouraged to view the film before the meeting. For further information, call 617-796-1410.

Contemporary Books Discussion Group

Meetings are held the first Wednesday of the month, 7:30PM in Meeting Room A. Participants should read works in advance. Group coordinator: Marilyn Miller. For information, call the Library at 617-796-1360. Meeting Dates: September 4: The Statement by Brian Moore. October 2: Bel Canto by Ann Patchett

For a Booklist for Sept, 2002 - June 2003, please click here

Ever Thought of Writing? Group

This group is for those new to the writing process and combines support and time for practice, reading samples and receiving feedback. Led by Tom Yee, the group meets on the third Saturday of the month, 10:30 – Noon in Meeting Room A. Pre-registration required: Call 617-630-0742. Meeting Date: September 21.

Great Books Discussion Group

Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month at 7:15PM in Meeting Room A. Members read books from the Great Books Foundation (available at the Library). Meeting Date: September 10: "After the Ball" short story by Tolstoy. For further information, call the Library at 617-796-1360.

Newton Camera Club

Meetings are held from September – May at 7:30PM on the second and fourth Mondays of the month at the Nonantum Branch Library. Group coordinator: Elisif Brandon: (617) 243-0557. Meeting Dates: September 9: Slide show of summer photographs by members. September 23: Guest presenter Steva Maka.

Sequences: Women Tell Our Stories Group

In this women's workshop, participants read, discuss and write about literature by women. The group meets the second Wednesday of each month from 10 - 11:30AM in Meeting Room A. Leader: Robin Mayer Stein. Meeting Date: September 11. For further information, call 617-796-1360.

Short Fiction Writing Group

This workshop provides an atmosphere of expert support to polish short fiction. It is geared for published writers as well as those who are actively pursuing publication. Preregistration is required: 617-965-8835. The group meets the first Tuesday of each month, in Meeting Room A, 7:00PM. Meeting Dates: July 2 and August 6. Please bring 5 copies of work to the meeting. Coordinator is Halcyon Mancuso.

This workshop provides an atmosphere of expert support to polish short fiction. It is geared for published writers as well as those who are actively pursuing publication. Preregistration is required: 617-965-8835. The group meets the first Tuesday of each month, in Meeting Room A, 7:00PM. Meeting Date: September 3. Please bring 5 copies of work to the meeting. Coordinator is Halcyon Mancuso.

Short Story Discussion Group

Meetings are held on the second Monday of the month at 7:30PM in Meeting Room A. Group leader is Mary Lanigan. For further information, call 796-1360. Meeting Date: September 9: Barbara Klein Moss, "Rug Weaver" and Chitra Divakaruni: "Mrs. Dutta Writes a Letter."

| Top of page |

All concerts are free and open to the public. For directions to the Library, please click here.

S E P T E M B E R, 2 0 0 2

CONCERT OF HEALING MUSIC FOR VOICE,
PIANO AND CELTIC HARP

Soprano and harpist Kathryn Mannyng will return to the Newton Free Library with pianist Scott Nicholas for a concert entitled "Finding Comfort in Classical and Celtic Music," Thursday, September 12, 7:30PM.

Music has been used to facilitate psychological and physical healing since the first person sang or chanted. This concert will include an introduction to the history of vibrational healing with music. Classical vocal pieces, accompanied by piano, will include works by Purcell, Britten, Haydn, Mozart and Puccini. Traditional music will be performed on the Celtic harp.

Mannyng has performed featured roles in operas and given many solo classical recitals in her native Minnesota as well as in New England. She is also much in demand as a traditional harpist and has appeared at the New England Folk Festival, the House of Blues, King’s Chapel Concert Series, Topsfield Fair, the Renaissance Festival in Salem, and as part of "Bloomsday on Broadway" in New York City, which was broadcast live on WNYC. Her recordings include Tara’s Halls: Harp Music of Ireland, Thys Endrys Nyght and ‘Til Heartstrings Break. Mannyng is also a Certified Reiki Practitioner, working in the emerging field of sound healing with music. Since her last performance at the Library, she has moved to Minnesota but still performs regularly in New England. For more information, please see her website: www.mannyngharp.com.

Nicholas has performed in Rome, Sicily, Bermuda and throughout the U.S. including Carnegie Hall, Jordan Hall and many other places.

PIANIST GABRIELLA SANNA RETURNS
FOR CONCERT OF BEETHOVEN AND SCHUMANN

Pianist Gabriella Sanna will return to the Newton Free Library for a concert of works by Beethoven, Schumann and others on Sunday, September 29, 2:00PM. Seating is limited.

A native of Italy, Sanna was a prize recipient at the Citta di Genova national piano competition and finalist in the Rovere d’Oro international piano competition. She was a guest performer in the Franz Schubert International Piano Competition in Italy and this past July served on the jury for the competition. She performs frequently in Italy and in the Greater Boston area where she now lives. Sanna was Artist-in-Residence for two years at Beaver Country Day School in Chestnut Hill and currently serves on the piano faculty of the Rivers Music School in Weston.

FIRESTAR DUO TO PERFORM CLASSICAL/ JAZZ CONCERT

Firestar, the new duo of soprano Maria Ferrante and pianist Alys Terrien-Queen will present an exciting, eclectic program of classical music and jazz, with works by Rachmaninoff, Debussy, Faure, Brahms, Brubeck, Weill and others. The concert will take place at the Newton Free Library on Sunday, September 22, 2:00PM. Seating is limited.

Firestar debuted in the summer of 2001 and has performed at Harvard’s Lowell Hall and Clark University, among other venues. Their thematic programs have global reach and speak to the human spirit on many levels. The Library concert will draw on three of their themes about water conservation, bridging differences and passion.

About Ferrante, The Boston Globe has raved, "Maria Ferrante shone!…Her strong lyric soprano is full of fascinating colors and she spun some shimmering pianissimos." She has performed many roles in opera and oratorio, in recital and as featured soloist on major stages in New England, New York City, Japan and England and on WGBH radio. Winner of the Mario Lanza voice competition, she has recorded the CD "Christmas in Worcester," and has another in production. She is currently on the faculty of Clark University and teaches privately.

Terrien-Queen was praised for her "brilliant performance…[and musical] intuition that delves deeply into the source" by the Greenfield Recorder. She has demonstrated her versatility and wide musical interests in solo and chamber recitals throughout the United States and on live broadcast. Her innovative programs include concerts on period instruments, duo-piano recitals and chamber, vocal and dance collaborations. A founding member of the ONYX chamber ensemble, Terrien-Queen is on the faculty of New England Conservatory, where she teaches pedagogy, and teaches privately in Newton.

This season Firestar will present many concerts, including one at Eliot Church in Newton on October 26 to celebrate the release of their new CD, "Sea, Tides & Time."

For more information visit their website at: www.firestarduo.com

| Top of page |

SEPTEMBER, 2 0 0 2

"TEN MOVIES THAT CHANGED THE MOVIES:"
AN EVENING WITH FILM CRITIC DANIEL KIMMEL

Which films have had the most influence on the movie industry over time? Hear the surprising answers when film critic Daniel M. Kimmel presents "Ten Movies that Changed the Movies" at the Newton Free Library on Thursday, September 26, 7:00PM.

What silent feature was a cinematic landmark but remains so controversial it can rarely be shown, even today? What movie was released the year before "Citizen Kane" but had a much larger effect on the way films are made? Can you name the 1966 black and white movie that led to an industry upheaval still being debated more than three decades later? Kimmel's selections are not always obvious but are sure to provoke discussion among movie fans. He’ll screen clips from the films and show why these movies are turning points in film history.

Kimmel is the film reviewer for the Worcester Telegram and Gazette and serves as the Boston correspondent for Variety. A frequent guest on New England Cable News, his byline has appeared in numerous publications. As a speaker, he draws on his experiences as a teacher at Suffolk University and as a viewer of more than 300 films each year. He is the past president of the Boston Society of Film Critics.

LIBRARY POETRY READING SERIES FEATURING
ANDREW JANTZ, JOANNA NEALON AND JONATHAN ROSES

The Newton Free Library Poetry Reading Series will present Andrew Jantz, Joanna Nealon and Jonathan L. Roses reading their poems on Tuesday, September 10, 7:00PM. The series is now coordinated by Douglas Holder.

Jantz has published two books of poetry, Eclipse: Poems of Depression and Recovery and A Question of God, and is seeking to have a third published, entitled: The Upper Common. His work has appeared in The Wallace Stevens Journal, The Christian Science Monitor and others. Awards include Best Foreign Translation from the New England Poetry Club and Poet of the Month from the Christian Science Monitor.

Nealon reads and features at many venues, most often with the Stone Soup Poets and Tapestry of Voices. A Fulbright Scholar, she has published four books of poetry, her most recent The Fourth Kingdom. Her poems have appeared in Concrete Wolf, The Aurorean, Journal of Modern Writing, Ibbetson Street Press and others.

Newton resident Roses has had poetry published in Spare Change News, Crooked River Press, and

Ibbetson Street Press. He taught college English for ten years, and then worked as a technical writer. He’ll be reading from his new collection, Off the Carousel.

Holder is the founder of Ibbetson Street Press in Somerville. A poet whose works have been widely published in the small press, he also leads poetry groups for psychiatric patients at McLean Hospital and serves on the faculty of Newton Community Education. His chapbook Poems of Boston and Beyond was featured in the Small Press Review.

Upcoming readings in the series will be held on October 8 and November 12. For further information on this free series, please call the Newton Free Library at 617-796-1360.

NEWTON AUTHOR SOLOMON SCHIMMEL TO SPEAK ON
HIS NEW BOOK ON THE POWER OF REPENTANCE AND FORGIVENESS

Psychology Professor Solomon Schimmel will speak on his new book Wounds not Healed by Time: The Power of Repentance and Forgiveness at the Newton Free Library, Monday, September 30, 7:30PM. A booksigning will follow the talk.

Throughout time people have pondered moral questions regarding justice and forgiveness. In his book, Schimmel takes the reader on a fascinating journey through the minds and hearts of Jews, Christians, philosophers, therapists and individuals who grapple with the turbulent and conflicted emotions and values that surround these issues. Is forgiving always more moral than refusing to forgive? Is it ever immoral to forgive?

Schimmel explores these questions in diverse contexts, ranging from conflicts in a marriage and personal slights we experience every day to enormous crimes such as the Holocaust and other social and political situations.

Drawing on religious sources, psychologists and the personal experiences of perpetrators and of victims, Schimmel guides the reader through the meanings of forgiveness, repentance, revenge, retribution, empathy and justice. Ultimately, Wounds not Healed by Time prepares the way for healing and reconciliation between individuals and between groups who have hurt and been hurt by each other.

Newton resident Schimmel is Professor of Jewish Education and Psychology at Hebrew College. He is the author of The Seven Deadly Sins: Jewish, Christian, and Classical Reflections on Human Psychology.

JANE AUSTEN SOCIETY

The Jane Austen Society of North America will present "A Janeite Reads Georgette Heyer: An Afternoon with Regency Romance," given by Professor Judith Wilt of Boston College. Wilt will speak about Jane Austen as well as the popularity of Georgette Heyer, a 20^th century author of many Regency novels. The talk will take place at the Newton Free Library on Sunday, September 15, 2:00PM.

NEWTON HISTORY SERIES
PRESENTS PROGRAM ON NATURALIST CHARLES MAYNARD

Susan Abele, Curator of Manuscripts and Photographs at the Jackson Homestead Museum will present this year’s first lecture in the Library's 5th annual Newton History Series on Thursday, September 19, 7:00PM in the Special Collections Room.

A life-long birder, Abele will speak on the life and works of Newton resident and naturalist Charles Johnson Maynard. Maynard began his career as a "shotgun" ornithologist, but by the turn of the century had become a pioneering teacher and environmentalist. Many of his illustrated books are in the Library's collection and are currently on display in the Homestead’s exhibition, "Walks and Talks with Nature."

The Newton History Series is now jointly sponsored by the Jackson Homestead, Newton's Museum & Historical Society. The Special Collections Room at the Library houses the Newton Collection, a historical collection of Newton materials. Staff and volunteers are available in this room to assist patrons with research during regular Library hours.

MORNING PROGRAMS AT THE LIBRARY

What's Up Doc? Workshop for Caregivers of the Elderly

earn to encourage elders to improve communication with their doctors, nurses, and other medical providers at a workshop led by specialists from Match-Up Interfaith Volunteers. The programs, for elder care providers and family caregivers, will take place at the Library on Tuesday, September 24, 7:00PM and Saturday, September 28, 10:00AM. Please choose one or the other as the programs are identical.

These 1 1/2 hour presentations will feature the videotape, "You and Your Doctor" and will include several techniques and principles to improve medical access and communication.

Match-Up Interfaith Volunteers is a nonprofit organization serving the elderly in the Greater Boston area. The workshops are co-sponsored by a West Suburban Elder Services Title III Grant.

Newton Corner's book group will discuss The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Sue Monk Kidd on Friday, September 27, 2002 at 10:30am at Heritage at Vernon Court, near the branch in Newton Corner. All are welcome.

At the Waban branch, the book group will meet Wednesday, September 25, 10:30am. The book will be announced at the August meeting of the group, or call the branch for the title. The group is open to all.

ONE NEWTON, ONE BOOK
A CITYWIDE BOOK READING

During the week of October 7-12, the Friends of the Library invite Newton’s readers to take part in "One Newton, One Book." Participants will read A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest Gaines. This powerful story of race, injustice and resistance concerns an African American man wrongly convicted of murder in 1940s Louisiana and the man persuaded to visit him in prison to teach him to face his execution like a man. The New Repertory Theatre staged a powerful production of the book this spring.

The Friends will host discussion groups at the Main Library and the branches, present a panel discussion on capital punishment and hopefully spark informal discussions around Newton.

Start reading now! The Friends have purchased 30 copies for the Library’s collection. These Newton bookstores -- Barnes and Noble, Borders and New England Mobile Book Fair -- will offer the paperback at 20% discount.

AUBURNDALE BOOKSALE

Looking for a few good books? The Friends hold quarterly booksales at the Auburndale branch featuring a wide variety of adult and children's books at very low prices, including new books for gift-giving, first editions, hundreds of paperbacks, books-on-tape, videos and records. The next sale will be held on Saturday, September 21, 10AM - 3PM and Sunday, September 22, Noon - 3PM. Proceeds benefit the Library.

TAKE A COMPUTER CLASS AT THE LIBRARY!

The smell of fall is in the air, reminding us of back-to-school time. How about learning a new computer skill? We've got many one-session, free workshops in PC Basics, the Internet, Search Engines, Periodical Indexes and Genealogy. Sign up at a Reference Desk or call 617-796-1380.

Click here to see the current computer schedule at the Newton Free Library.

LIBRARY LOVERS' EVENING

Celebrate the success of your Library, "one of the city's crown jewels," (Newton TAB) at our festive Library Lovers' Eve. This year's gala will be held at the Westin Hotel in Waltham on Sunday, October 20 at 6:30PM. Enjoy cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, mingle with famous authors, then sit down to an elegant dinner, coffee and dessert.

M.C. William Novak will honor several distinguished authors for their achievements: Tom Perrotta whose darkly comic novel Election was made into a major motion picture, stress reduction specialist Jon Kabat-Zinn, Boston Globe sports columnist Michael Holley, cookbook author Franco Romagnoli, the former host of the PBS series "The Romagnolis' Table" and many other writers. Novak is co-author of the best-selling autobiographies of Lee Iacocca, Nancy Reagan, Tip O'Neill, Magic Johnson and co-editor of The Big Book of Jewish Humor.

Funds raised from the event will go towards installation of a wireless network that will allow patrons to connect to the Internet with their laptop computers in the Library.

Please RSVP by October 11. Tickets are $75 and may be reserved with a check made payable to the Trustees of the Newton Free Library. Mail to: Development, Newton Free Library, 330 Homer Street, Newton, MA 02459. For further information, please call 617-796-1407.

LIBRARY CLOSED MORNING OF SEPTEMBER 27, 2002

The Library will be closed the morning of Friday, September 27, for Staff Development training in Customer Service. It will reopen at 1:00PM.

W A N T E D :

People to sell interesting merchandise at the Friends' Gift Cart in the lobby of the Main Library. Help the Friends' raise money for the Library. Flexible hours. Contact Margaret Sudbey, Volunteer Coordinator, at 617-796-1400 or email msudbey@mln.lib.ma.us for details.

| Library home | Top of page |