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April Events

Events in Brief

**NEW EVENT ** Friday March 28: ARE INDIA AND THE U.S. GOING DOWN THE SAME ROAD? A Conversation About Race, Caste, Democracy and Human Rights with Suraj Milind Yengde. 6:30 p.m.

**POSTPONED** Saturday March 29: Craft Supply Swap.  Given the new Friday night program, organizing this swap just doesn’t make sense this week. Stay tuned for the new date.

All month: Wendell Tiny Art Exhibit

Every Sunday: Yoga. 10 a.m.

Every Tuesday: Adult Art Group. 5 p.m.

Every Wednesday: Movie. 4 p.m.; Yoga. 6:20 p.m.

Every Wednesday: CNC Playgroup. 10 a.m. (excluding 4/24)

Every Friday: LEGO. 4 p.m.

Every Saturday: Tech Help. 10 a.m. to noon. Registration Required (by 5 p.m. of the day before).

Friday April 4: Tech Hub Skills Workshop: Internet Basics

Conquer the internet in this beginner-friendly workshop! Learn to use search engines, browse websites, and explore the online world with confidence—no prior experience needed.  Workshop followed by 2 hours of drop-in tech help. 10:30a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Monday, April 7: Wendell Historical Society Presents: Yesterday’s Mail, an evocative, multimedia presentation, showcases several letters from our collection written to and from local residents in the mid-19th century. Includes a slide show, live music, and on-stage readings of the letters that promise to captivate attendees. 6:30 p.m.

Monday April 21: Fiber Group / Mending Circle. 6:30 p.m. No formal gathering on April 7 due to the WHS program, but members are encouraged to bring handwork to the program if they want!

Sunday, April 13 & 27: Writer’s Workshop with Paul Richmond. 1-3:30 p.m. Bring writings you have or come to start writing, a safe space for sharing. It is free and open to anyone 16+. This program is free and made possible by a grant from the Wendell Cultural Council.

Friday, April 11: Office Hour with Rep. Aaron Saunders. 1 p.m.

Friday, April 18: Tech Hub Skills Workshop: Social Media Basics. This beginner workshop teaches covers using Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger to connect, share posts, and manage privacy- no experience needed.. Workshop followed by two hours of drop-in tech help. 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Tuesday, April 22: Author Book talk: “Everyone’s trash: One Man Against 1.6 Billion Pounds”. Duncan Watson, a seasoned waste management professional and lifelong storyteller, invites readers to discover the hidden world of recycling and refuse in his debut book, Everyone’s Trash. With over 33 years in the City of Keene’s solid waste program, Watson’s journey from childhood recycling attendant to a leader in the field reflects his lifelong commitment to community and sustainability. 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 22: Adult Book Group. 10 a.m. April’s book group pick is A Room With a View by E. M. Forster. Pick up a copy on the book group shelf.

Saturday, April 26: Annual Town-wide Ted Lewis Memorial Trash Pick-up Walk. The library will be one place you can pick up trash bags, borrow grabbers and safety vests. Bags of trash can either be brought to WRATS for no fee, or left near a telephone pole and let Maggie Houghton (413-345-8837)  know the location so the pick-up crew can collect.

Showing slides of his experience in India and around the world, Suraj will reflect on the pitfalls of identity politics that have paved the way for the rise of right-wing movements. The political takeover of the state and civic institutions by ideological forces in India and the US offer striking parallels. At the same time, a new politics based on models of Dalit social and spiritual engagement can help us recover the promises of equality and freedom.

About the Speaker: Dr. Suraj Yengde is a W.E.B. Du Bois Fellow at Harvard University. He has published nearly 200 articles and the best-seller Caste Matters, on the struggle for human rights in India. His forthcoming book, Caste: A Global Story, documents the power of prejudice in 15 countries in North America, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia – and the Dalit and Black activism that is pushing back. Website: https://www.surajyengde.com/about/biography/

(Contact Chris Queen, 978-544-0216, csqueen@outlook.com.)

Wednesdays at 4 p.m. Matinee Movies.

Enjoy a variety of movies all month long in the Herrick Room. Come early for Popcorn.

April 2: A REAL PAIN (2024; Jesse Eisenberg, director; starring Jesse Eisenberg, Kieran Culkin)

Eisenberg and Culkin star as two cousins who reunite for a tour through Poland to honor their beloved grandmother. As the trip progresses, their markedly different personalities emerge and old tensions resurface. Culkin won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

April 9: DAYS OF HEAVEN (1978; Terrence Malick, director; starring Richard Gere, Linda Manz, Brooke Adams, Sam Shepard)

This gorgeously shot film is set in the Texas panhandle in 1916, and features a small, young family of migrant workers who hatch a scheme to take advantage of a wealthy grain farmer. The stellar cinematography, excellent direction, and singular performance from Linda Manz work together to cast a unique spell.

April 16: OUT OF THE PAST (1947; Jacques Tourneau, director; starring Robert Mitchum, Jane Greer, Kirk Douglas)

With its atmosphere of menace, melancholy, and tension, OUT OF THE PAST routinely ranks high on All-Time Best Film Noir lists. A complex storyline, beautifully dark cinematography, a quintessential femme fatale, hardboiled dialogue, a protagonist who can’t escape his past, and cartons of expressively-smoked cigarettes—this one hits all the noir marks.

April 23: LICORICE PIZZA (2021; Paul Thomas Anderson, director; starring Alana Haim, Cooper Hoffman, Sean Penn, Tom Waits, Bradley Cooper)

Set in 1973 Los Angeles, this gloriously sprawling film follows the fraught relationship between a dreaming, hustling teen actor and the young woman he adores. Alana Haim and Cooper Hoffman both make fantastic film debuts, appearing alongside an ensemble supporting cast.

April 30: THE DRESSER (1983; Peter Yates, director; starring Tom Courtenay, Albert Finney)

Tom Courtenay is perfectly cast as the personal assistant to an aging, acclaimed stage actor played by Albert Finney. The film was nominated for five Oscars, including best picture, best director, and best actor twice for Courtenay and Finney.

Local Book Gives Behind-the-Scenes Look at Everyone’s Trash

Tuesday April 22, 6:30 p.m.

Wendell, MA – Duncan Watson, a seasoned waste management professional and lifelong storyteller, invites readers to discover the hidden world of recycling and refuse in his debut book, Everyone’s Trash. This event is free to the public and made possible with funding from the generous Friends of the Wendell Free Library.

With over 33 years in the City of Keene’s solid waste program, Watson’s journey from childhood recycling attendant to a leader in the field reflects his lifelong commitment to community and sustainability.

On his first day with the Public Works Department, Watson faced a mountain of recyclables being hand-sorted, with no headway in sight. Today, he has “turned his passion for recycling trash into creating a nationally recognized facility in Southwestern NH,” says award-winning writer and filmmaker Dayton Duncan.

Watson will be sharing his insights and vision for the future of waste management during an author presentation at Wendell Free Library on Earth Day, Tuesday April 22 at 6:30 pm. Known for hosting exceptional author evenings, the library will provide a perfect backdrop for Watson’s discussion on the current state of waste management and recycling, as well as the possibilities within reach.

Praise for Everyone’s Trash

Watson’s stories bring the “dump” to life through vivid characters and anecdotes, while also touching on his time as the voice of Charlie Brown, a yoga teacher, and a storyteller. “His skill as a recycling and waste professional is only surpassed by his ability to share heartfelt stories of humanity,” says Mike Durfor, former executive director for the Northeast Recovery Association.

New York Times bestselling author Sy Montgomery adds, “It’s about way more than recycling and trash. It’s a poignant x-ray of a small city’s soul—and a testament to the power of connection, compassion, and community.” And a rare starred review from Booklist cements the book’s place as a critical read for this year and beyond.

An Inspiring Call to Action
Through book signings and speaking engagements, Watson is challenging communities to rethink waste, showing that achieving an 80% diversion rate from landfills is not only possible but can be accomplished without increasing costs.

About the Author
Duncan Watson grew up in Northern California but found his home in New England, where he earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of New Hampshire and a master’s in Resource Management from Antioch University New England. As Assistant Director of Public Works for the City of Keene, NH, Watson has seen firsthand the challenges and opportunities of modern recycling and waste management.
For more on Watson’s remarkable life and his new book, follow him on Instagram and Facebook: @duncanwatsonstoryteller.

Tech Workshop Series with Tech Hub

6 Fridays 10:30-11:30 , followed by an hour of tech support.

Please Register

*You do not need to attend all sessions to participate.*

4/4 Internet Basics

Conquer the internet in this beginner-friendly workshop! Learn to use search engines, browse websites, and explore the online world with confidence—no prior experience needed.

4/18 Social Media Basics

This beginner workshop covers using Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger to connect, share posts, and manage privacy—no experience needed.

5/2 Cloud Basics

Demystify the cloud in this “Cloud Basics” workshop! Learn what the cloud is, how to access it, and how it can help you store and manage files from anywhere, benefiting both individuals and businesses.

5/16 Google Docs.

Unlock the power of Google Docs in this workshop! Learn to create, edit, and collaborate on documents, master formatting, and explore sharing features to boost your productivity—all in the cloud with no experience needed.

The Gentle Healthy Bones and Balance Exercise Program

Wednesdays 10:00-11:00 am and Fridays 10:00-11:00 am

Presented by the Wendell Free Library via ZOOM.

For seniors who wish to improve or maintain strength, mobility, flexibility,

balance and bone health.

To join, please contact:

Marianne Vinal

Email: mariannevinal@gmail.com

Telephone: 978-544-6122 call or text

or

The Wendell Free Library

Email: Wendell@cwmars.org

There will be no CNC Playgroup in May, but there will be Free Mucho Gusto with Laurie Davidson.

at the Erving Public Library

Monday, May 12 & 19, 10:30-11:30 am

at the Wendell Free Library

Wednesday, May 14 & 21,  10:00-11:00 am

Mucho Gusto Spanish classes are conducted in Spanish with a bit of English  when necessary to facilitate understanding. Sessions are based around a collection of songs with overlapping themes and vocabulary.  We sing and then we

dance and move!

Mucho Gusto Spanish is for children 0-4 years of age and their parents/caregivers.

We welcome Families with little or no prior exposure to Spanish and those who are raising their children bilingually.

Register using this link:

This program is a collaboration of  Local Cultural Council grants from Erving and Wendell and supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council program and our local libraries. The Union 28 Community Network for Children program, funded in part by the Coordinated Family and Community Engagement (CFCE) grant awarded to the Union #28 Schools by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care, also provided support for this collaboration.