SPL Winter Workshops

We have several programs in the works for the deep of winter when we could all use an excuse to get out of the house. We plan to build the schedules and tailor the content around those who want to participate. All we’re asking for right now is to tell us you’re interested—there’s no commitment. Have a look below at what we’re cooking up, and then sign up to learn more about any that strike your fancy.

What If We Get It Right?

January – February 2025

What If We Get It Right? is a four-part public conversation series on visions of climate futures based around the book of the same name by Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson. Hosted by SPL and Linda Nelson, Stonington Economic & Community Development Director. Ideally for readers ages 14 & up.

Rosswords: Crosswords with Chris

February – March 2025

Grab your pencils and sharpen your minds. The key to becoming a better solver is not knowing lots of trivia BUT in training your mind to stay flexible when solving. Don’t get boxed in, think outside the box! Ideally for solvers ages 14 & up.

Chris Ross is obsessed with word games. Yes, he solves Wordle and Connections and Spelling Bee every day, and he’s completed the New York Times crossword for 2,531 consecutive days and counting. He loves the challenge of puzzles that bend his brain and lives for the AHA! moment when everything falls into place.

Chris will lead a mini workshop at WinterFest 2025 for anyone who wants a taste before signing up for the multi-session workshop and diving in head first.

Build Your Own Board Game

February – March 2025

Do you have a knack for design, math, art, or Dungeons & Dragons? Then join Jordan in making your very own board game this winter. By the end of the workshop, you will have a game that you can take home and force your friends and family to play! All ages.

Jordan Ramsey is an active member of the board game community of Deer Isle. He volunteers at the Deer Isle-Stonington After School Program and leads board game afternoons at the Island Community Center on Sunday afternoons. He has also created a handful of his own games that he and his friends playtest once a month.

You can meet Jordan and play board games with him at WinterFest 2025.

How to Read a Graphic Novel

Winter 2024 – 2025 (repeatable)

A two-part discussion of a graphic novel for reluctant readers of the “genre.” There’s more to comics than meets the eye. Join Molly to learn the language of comics and find your way into this diverse art form. Title(s) for discussion will be chosen to match the reading interests of participants. Ideally for readers ages 14 & up.

Molly Gotwals is a retired English teacher who taught graphic novels in high school for several years, and she is now a year-round Stonington resident. Molly led an SPL workshop each of the past two summers in which participants created their own graphic stories.