13 Programs in May for Wellness, Asian American Heritage, Sustainable Nonprofits, Hamilton Trivia & More

Posted on April 21, 2022 at 4:15 am

Wellness is the focus of two programs in May—one for tweens and teens all about healthy habits to help steer clear of vaping and one for adults who want to learn and apply the science of well-being to their lives.

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and we’re celebrating with two creative programs and a presentation about the diversity and complexity of Asian American communities and the importance of their experiences and heritage.

Anyone with an interest in business can learn about the no-cost digital resources for businesses offered online in our Digital Library in a presentation led by the library’s Business and Career Development team. And SCORE Spokane presents a workshop for those looking to create a sustainable nonprofit organization.

Other programs for adults include:

• Master Gardeners Plant Clinic
• Library of Things: The Digital Multimeter
• STARS: Toddler Math & Literacy
• SHIBA & Senior Medicare Patrol: Help Stop Fraud
• Picture Book Chat
• Trivia: Hamilton

Wellness for Your Tweens & Teens

Prevention Plus Wellness: Vaping

Did you know that e-cigarettes (a.k.a. vaping) are the most commonly used tobacco product among youth in the U.S.? Youth e-cigarette use has declined in recent years but still remains an ongoing public health concern with over 2 million youth using e-cigarettes today.

This program is taught by local high school students, geared for youth ages 10–14, to promote healthy behaviors like physical activity, nutrition, and sleep, while also discussing the need to avoid vaping e-cigarettes to achieve positive self-identity and behavior. We work on setting goals to avoid e-cigarette consumption while increasing healthy lifestyle behaviors. This discussion of goal setting helps tweens and teens develop multiple skills for self-regulation as well as confidence in their abilities so that they can achieve greater physical and mental wellbeing. All participants will leave with swag for program completion! Ages 10–14

Registration is required.

CHENEY
Tuesday, May 17, 6:30–7:30pm | REGISTER

AIRWAY HEIGHTS
Tuesday, May 24, 6:30–7:30pm | REGISTER

Learning Circle

This type of learning offers people a study group for those who want to take a free online class and learn together with others who share their interest in the topic.

Learning Circle: The Science of Well-Being

Engage in a series of challenges designed to increase your happiness and build more productive habits. Misconceptions about happiness are revealed, including annoying features of the mind that lead us to think the way we do and the research that can help us change. This class helps you prepare to successfully incorporate a wellness activity into your life.

For this Learning Circle, you will need to enroll in the free, online Coursera course “The Science of Well-Being,” offered by Yale University.

The course is taught by Professor Laurie Santos, Ph.D., psychologist, head of Silliman Residential College at Yale, and director of the Comparative Cognition Laboratory and the Canine Cognition Center at Yale. Dr. Santos hosts the popular podcast, The Happiness Lab.

Once enrolled, you watch the course videos and do course readings at your own pace. Next, you meet in the online Learning Circle group discussion with other learners every week for four meetings to discuss what you’ve learned and any questions that have arisen. A librarian facilitates the discussion as a fellow learner. Adults

Registration is required.

ONLINE
Tuesdays, May 3–24, 6:30–8pm | REGISTER

Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Sumi-e Painting

Explore the Far Eastern art of sumi-e painting with Keiko Von Holt. Learn the process and practice of this ink painting technique. Each participant should wear clothing to paint in and is responsible for bringing two items (about the size of a hockey puck) to serve as paperweights for their painting. No experience is required. Adults

Registration is required.

MORAN PRAIRIE
Monday, May 9, 6–7:30pm | REGISTER

ARGONNE
Monday, May 16, 6–7:30pm | REGISTER

Origami Storytelling

Combining traditional Japanese theatre, music, origami, magic, and storytelling, Yasu Ishida will guide us to create some simple origami and tell a visually dazzling story. Participants will need to have origami paper on hand to follow along. All ages

Registration is required.

ONLINE
Tuesday, May 17, 6:30–7:30pm | REGISTER

Asian Americans 101: The Complexity & Diversity of Asian American Experiences

The rise of anti-Asian/Asian American sentiment since the beginning of the COVID pandemic and the Atlanta shooting in March 2021 has prompted many public discussions on the complexity of being Asian American and the ways in which Asian Americans are often viewed or are invisible. Pui-Yan Lam offers us an overview of the diversity and complexity of Asian American communities and the importance of learning about the experiences of Asian Americans, past and present. Adults & Teens

This program is in person and online simultaneously.

Registration is required.

ONLINE
Wednesday, May 18, 6:30–7:30pm | REGISTER

SPOKANE VALLEY
Wednesday, May 18, 6:30–7:30pm | REGISTER

Nonprofit & Business Matters

Nonprofits and businesses can find resources and services at the library for no cost. Learn more about everything the library has to offer your business and employees on our Business Matters web page.

Business Resources Overview

Learn about all the business tools and resources available to you with your library card. Adults

Registration is required.

ARGONNE
Wednesday, May 4, 6–7pm | REGISTER

SCORE Workshop: Building a Sustainable Nonprofit

Do you have an idea for a nonprofit that addresses an unmet need in the community? This workshop is for people thinking about, or in the early stages of, starting a nonprofit organization. Topics covered in the workshop will help you build your nonprofit on a strong foundation for long-term sustainability. Learn the steps involved in incorporating, obtaining tax-exempt status from the IRS, building a sustainable business model, fundraising, and forming a board of directors. Adults

Registration is required.

ONLINE
Thursday, May 19, 12–1:30pm | REGISTER

Other Programs for Adults

Master Gardeners Plant Clinic

Need assistance identifying a garden pest or determining why a plant is not thriving? The Master Gardeners can help with a wide variety of horticulture issues, including plant selection, installation, and maintenance; plant problem diagnosis and treatment; environmentally sound gardening practices; pest identification* and management; and effective landscaping practices. All ages

Presented by the Spokane Master Gardeners

*Due to limited space, please bring samples for pest identification in a 1-gallon plastic zipper bag or smaller. For additional information about preparing a sample for pest identification, contact Master Gardeners at 509.477.2181 or by email at mastergardener@spokanecounty.org.

CHENEY
Friday, May 6 & 20, 1–5pm

Library of Things: The Digital Multimeter

We’re checking out the newest thing in our Library of Things: the digital multimeter. When used properly, a multimeter can help you solve a number of problems around the home and garage and is an invaluable tool for the electronics hobbyist. Come learn about our latest gadget in this hands-on demonstration. Teens & Adults

Registration is required.

THE LAB AT NORTH SPOKANE
Wednesday, May 11, 6–7:30pm | REGISTER

STARS: Toddler Math & Literacy

Toddlers learn through play, including early math and literacy skills. We’ll explore the ways toddlers learn math through play, including counting, number sense, patterns, and spatial relationships. And we’ll look at how these early experiences build a strong foundation for learning. This program is designed specifically for individuals working with toddlers (ages 18–36 months). 2 STARS credits. Adults

Registration is required.

ONLINE
Saturday, May 14, 10am–12pm | REGISTER

SHIBA & Senior Medicare Patrol: Help Stop Fraud

This presentation from the Statewide Health Insurance Benefit Advisors (SHIBA) and Senior Medicare Patrol program can help you learn how to prevent, detect, and report Medicare fraud. Adults

This free, unbiased information session is presented by Aging & Long Term Care of Eastern Washington (ALTCEW) and the Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA), a free service of the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner.

Registration is required.

ONLINE
Tuesday, May 17, 12–1pm | REGISTER

ARGONNE
Monday, May 23, 12–1pm | REGISTER

Picture Book Chat

Discover new picture books that children will enjoy with librarians Mary Ellen and Sheri as they chat about recently released titles in our collection. Hear and see what they like about these wonderful books for toddlers, preschoolers, and emergent readers. They also offer some book-inspired activities you can try with the children in your life! Adults

View Picture Book Chat on our Facebook page.

If you miss this on Facebook, you can see it and previous episodes on our YouTube channel.

ONLINE
Wednesday, May 18, 1–2pm

Trivia: Hamilton

Fans of Lin Manuel Miranda’s popular musical can compete to see who knows the most about Hamilton. If you know the lyrics to your favorite songs, which Schuyler sister said what, and everything about your favorite founding fathers, don’t miss an evening of fun facts and friendly competition. All ages

Registration is required.

ONLINE
Wednesday, May 25, 6:30–7:30pm | REGISTER

Tags: adults, Asian American Heritage, business, digital resources, Hamilton, learning circle, Library of Things, Master Gardeners, Medicare, multimeter, origami, Pacific Islander Heritage, parents, picture books, plant clinic, SCORE, STARS Training, sumi-e painting, teens, trivia, vaping prevention, wellness