Focus On You This Year

To start the New Year, the Rogers Memorial Library in Southampton has a series of virtual programs to get the mind and the body moving.

Join the library in creating a community poem to celebrate the season of love. Share thoughts on love by completing the phrase “Love is …” Staff will use the inspired answers to create an original poem about the meaning of love to share with the library community. Email responses to programs@myrml.org by Friday, January 15.

Yin Yoga is a deep practice and meditation composed of floor-based postures in which participants hold poses for several minutes. Yoga instructor Becky Rosko leads a two-part Deep Winter Yin class on Saturdays, January 9 and February 13, from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Throughout the session, the presenter will combine poetry reading with silence to help guide participants into deeper relaxation leading to a decrease in stress, anxiety and fatigue.

The Friends of the Rogers Memorial Library and East End Libraries will present a filmed recital which will be available for online viewing beginning Sunday, January 10. Yamaha piano artist Alexander Wu takes audiences on a musical journey through time with the music of trailblazing women composers and their male contemporaries — from European classics to America’s jazz and modern era. Visit the library’s calendar or YouTube channel to access the link to view the concert.

Want to live an authentic life? Kathleen Bradley, author, teacher and life coach will guide participants through the steps and easy to learn habits that can help create a happy and fulfilling life in the new year. The session is on Monday, January 11, at 5 p.m.

On Tuesdays in January at 10 a.m., Charyl Ozkaya leads 20-minute sessions to sit still and practice the kind of deep breathing that fosters calm well-being and can improve health and our outlook.

On Wednesday, January 13, at 6 p.m., the library presents a virtual discussion of “American Graffiti,” George Lucas’s influential coming-of-age film that follows a group of teenagers in small-town California enjoying their last night of summer before heading off to college in 1962. The DVD copy of this film is available at local libraries or watch it through the paid subscription services Prime Video, Apple TV, and HBO Max.

When the immune system is working properly, it is constantly providing protection from bacteria, viruses, and toxins. Feeding the body adaptogenic herbs can help keep the immune system strong. On Thursday, January 14, at 7 p.m., Velya Jancz-Urban and Ehris Urban, the mother/daughter duo of Grounded Goodwife, will teach participants how to make a few remedies that can keep them healthy such as berry healthy herbal tea, Magic mushroom mix and elderberry syrup.

On Friday, January 15, at 7 p.m., East End libraries present the Canta Libre Chamber Ensemble performing a virtual concert of works by Beethoven, Piazzolla and Vivaldi, as well as original compositions written for the ensemble by Long Island Composers Alliance members. The ensemble consists of Sally Shorrock, flute; Bradley Bosenbeck, violin; Veronica Salas, viola; Bernard Tamosaitis, cello; Karen Lindquist, harp. The acclaimed Canta Libre Chamber Ensemble will present a virtual concert performing music for flute, strings, and harp.

Yoga instructor Mary Sammon leads a Zoom session on Saturday, January 16, at 10:30 a.m. that will focus on easy restorative yoga and Yoga Nidra, a guided meditation. Participants will need a few pillows or yoga bolster, a blanket, wall space or a chair, and a quiet spot. The fee is $5 and advance online registration and online payment is required.

Registrants for all programs will be contacted by e-mail with log-in information prior to the event. To register, visit the library’s calendar of events at rogersmemorial.librarycalendar.com or call 631-283-0774 ext. 523. To access any pre-recorded event, visit the library’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/user/RogersMemLib.