Page 6 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, DECEmbER 29, 2023 ~ Everett Public Libraries Calendar of Events ~ December 29, 2023– January 6, 2024 Parlin Adult and Teens Yarn Club: Parlin Fireplace Room, Tuesday, January 2, at 7 p.m. Come chit-chat and stitch! Bring your crocheting, knitting or any other yarn craft and sit and socialize with other members of the crafting community. Recommended for ages 14-109! Bingo! Parlin Meeting Room, Wednesday, January 3, at 1 p.m. Can’t get enough Bingo? Join us every Wednesday in January! Prizes awarded. Origami Club: Parlin Fireplace Room, Saturday, January 6, at 12 p.m. Come and practice the ancient art of paper folding. All ages and skill levels are welcome! Parlin Children’s Friday Family Movie Night! Parlin Meeting Room, Friday, December 29, at 3 p.m. Break out the popcorn! Come and watch “Frozen 2” with your friends and family. Math Tutoring Sessions: Parlin Meeting Room, Tuesday, January 2, from 4-5:30 p.m. The math tutoring program is designed for students in grades 6-10 and aims to assist children with various assignments and concepts in mathematics. With guidance and support, this program is conducted in order to help students overcome challenges and comprehend topics that can be difficult. Storytime and Sing-along with Karen: Parlin Children’s Room, Wednesday, January 3, at 11 a.m. Join us for a funfilled morning of singing and storytelling with Karen! Suggested ages: newborn to six. Drama Class: Parlin Children’s Room, Wednesday, January 3, at 3 p.m. Do you have a drama queen or king at home? Drama Class in the Parlin Children’s Department is the perfect opportunity for your child to put those acting skills to use with our drama coach! Suggested ages: six to 14. Friday Family Movie Night! Parlin Meeting Room, Friday, January 5, at 3 p.m. Break out the popcorn! Come and watch a movie (TBD) with your friends and family. Parlin Homework Center: Parlin Children’s Room, Mondays through Thursdays from 3-5 p.m. Shute Adult and Teens Resume Writing: Shute Adult Department. Do you need help sprucing up an old resume or creating a new one? Sign up for a 30-minute session at both the Parlin and Shute Libraries. By appointment only; please call 617394-2302 for the Parlin Library and 617-394-2308 for the Shute Library to register for an appointment. Computer Basics 101: Shute Adult Department. Not familiar with the computer? Learn the basics: how to start up and shut down a computer, perform mouse and keyboard functions, use applications, learn Microsoft Word, navigate the Internet, set up an email account, and more! By appointment only; please call 617-394-2302 for the Parlin Library and 617-394-2308 for the Shute Library to register. Shute Children’s Storytime with Vera: Shute Children’s Room, Thursday, January 4, at 12 p.m.; in English or Portuguese by request. Visit the Shute Library Children’s Room to attend! Suggested ages: two to six. How to Avoid Excessive Alcohol Use During the Holidays T to be an excuse to crack open a bottle of booze. Whether at family gatherings, work parties, or any festive gathering, people are drinking, often in excess. Even social drinkers tend JOHN MACKEY & ASSOCIATES ~ Attorneys at Law ~ * PERSONAL INJURY * REAL ESTATE * FAMILY LAW * PERSONAL BANKRUPTCY * LANDLORD/TENANT DISPUTES 14 Norwood Street Everett, MA 02149 Phone: (617) 387-4900 Fax: (617) 381-1755 WWW.JMACKEYLAW.COM to find themselves consuming more alcohol than usual. It can be challenging to avoid the pitfalls of excessive alcohol use during the holidays and refusing alcohol in social situations. Yet, it is not impossible, and there are practical approaches anyone can use to turn down a drink, whether you are young, middle-aged, or a senior. In Massachusetts, the state ranks 14th highest among the states for binge drinking. Roughly 59% of Bay State adults (18+) drink and 26% binge drink. It’s no secret that people tend to drink more during the holidays. The key to success is to practice saying no to alcohol; whether it is a legitimate reason or a wild made-up excuse, he run-up to Christmas Day and days between then and New Year’s Day can seem like an endless drinking session. There seems always Marcel Gemme it all works. Try being direct and honest at first, and say things like “No thanks, I don’t drink anymore,” “Alcohol does not mix well with me, “I can’t drink because my alcohol use gets out of hand sometimes,” or “I’ve decided I feel better without alcohol in my life.” If you cannot be straightforward, invent clever excuses, such as “I am taking a prescription I cannot mix with alcohol,” “I am training for a marathon, I can’t drink,” “Drinking is against my religion,” “No thanks, I get really belligerent when I drink,” or “Before I accept, I should warn you I brought a guitar with me.” Another successful alternative is to bring your own non-alcoholic beverages. This can be the perfect time to try some holiday mocktails. For many of us, having a drink in hand makes us feel more comfortable in social situations. It also makes it less likely that someone else will pressure us to drink alcohol. Or step into the designated driver role. This is one of the easiest excuses for not drinking at a holiday party. If you are the designated driver, you will have no explaining to do. HOW TO AVOID | SEE PAGE 16
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