By John Maruskin

Clark County Public Library

For the next three Saturdays, the Clark County Public Library will sponsor a series of programs about Chinese art and culture.

Helen He, who teaches Chinese language and art classes at Shearer and Strode Station elementary schools, generously offered to present these classes.

A few weeks ago, I wrote a column about a beautiful piece of Chinese needlework Helen, her husband and son donated to the library. When they made that donation, Helen also offered to do the upcoming programs.

All of these events are free and open to the public.

Saturday from 1 to 1 p.m., Helen will lead a Chinese brush calligraphy workshop. In this class, she will teach participants to draw and write using traditional Chinese brush and ink techniques.

Helen is supplying all of the materials for this class. It is limited to 15 participants, so you must register to attend. You can register by calling the library at 744-5661 or by using the Evanced online registration system on the library’s homepage at www.clarkbooks.org.

From 1 to 2 p.m. Feb. 10, Helen will present a beginning Tai-Chi class. Tai-Chi is an ancient Chinese practice of flowing movements and breathing techniques that promote good health, flexibility, and mental calm. For this class, Helen will be joined by her father who has been researching and practicing Tai-Chi for more than 10 years.

This Tai-Chi class is limited to 15 people, so register by calling the library or using Evanced. If you attend, please wear loose, comfortable clothing in which you can move freely.

On Feb. 17, from 1 to 2 p.m., Helen will present a show of traditional Chinese costumes. She acquired these costumes from the University of Kentucky Confucius Institute. They will be available for children to wear while they have their picture taken. This will be a fun educational event for the whole family.

When you visit the library in February, be sure to look at the display case of Chinese artifacts that Helen and her family have donated to the library. You’ll see a gorgeous Chinese bamboo flute and a beautifully carved ink brush stand and ink well.

The library is happy and honored to receive these wonderful gifts. I hope they inspire library patrons to look through some of the books the library has about China.

Joyce Morton and Connie Curry sent me information about a banquet the Winchester Black History and Heritage Committee will host at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24 at First Baptist Church, 37 N. Highland St.

This banquet will honor members of Winchester’s black community who served in the United States armed forces. The speaker for the banquet will be Dana Bowie, SGM (Retired), U.S. Army. The band Prototype will provide musical entertainment.

Tickets are $10 for veterans and children, and $20 for adults. For ticket and banquet information, contact Connie Curry at 859-595-1072 or Jacquetta “Missy” Hudson at 749-4186. You can buy tickets for the banquet Saturdays at Joe’s Detail Shop, 48 N. Burns Ave, from 1 to 3 p.m.

Other library programs this week include:

— Tuesday, Meeting of Minds, the library’s discussion group talks about New Year resolutions.

— Wednesday at 2 p.m., Kentucky Picture Show presents a 2017 film about a young girl who lives in a dysfunctional family of nonconformist nomads. Her mother is an eccentric artist and her alcoholic father stirs the children’s imaginations with hope as a distraction to their poverty. Rated PG-13.

— Wednesday at 7 p.m., Trivia night at the Engine House Pizza Pub.

— Friday, Write Local. All local writers welcome.

Every day, great books to read.

John Maruskin is director of adult services at the Clark County Public Library. He can be reached at john.clarkbooks@gmail.com.