Events
ESL Classes
Mondays and Wednesdays, September 20 through December 22, 9:30–11:30 am
No session Monday, October 11.
Twice-weekly classes in English as a Second Language will be presented on Monday and Wednesday mornings from 9/20 – 12/22 at the Wilton Library by Westport Continuing Education, for both Wilton residents and those in surrounding communities. The class is for students at the intermediate to advanced level. Class size is limited and will be determined by Placement Testing. This test to enter the class will be conducted on September 13 from 10 – noon at the library. No registration is necessary to take the test – just walk in.
Note: Placement testing will also be held on Monday, September 13 and Thursday, September 16 from 7 – 9 p.m. at Westport Continuing Education, Staples High School, 70 North Ave, Westport.

, September 20, September 20
Poetry in Motion: Bridging the Gap
Now through November 7
Teens in grades 7 – 12 are invited to submit original poetry which will culminate in a two-performance poetry event in March 2011 centered on the theme of examining and understanding differences and the ways to bring them together. Topics can focus on age, gender, socio-economic, technological, religious, cultural, ethnicity and more. For more information, contact Teen Librarian Susan Lauricella by phone at 203-762-3950 ext. 243 or e-mail teenpoetry@wiltonlibrary.org. All submissions must be in by November 7. Program is sponsored by Wilton Library with private funding from generous donors.

Lego® Club
Wednesday, November 3, 4-5 pm
Kids in grades 3 and up are invited to join this bi-weekly club. Each session will be based on a new theme such as castles, vehicles, towers and more. Children will learn about the theme through stories and non-fiction books and then create a Lego masterpiece from the library’s Lego collection. Registration required. Sponsored by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.

Author Talk: Jack Cavanaugh-The Gipper
Wednesday November 3, 7-8:30 pm
Wilton Library welcomes back local author Jack Cavanaugh to discuss his latest work The Gipper: George Gipp, Knute Rockne, and the Dramatic Rise of Notre Dame Football. Cavanaugh is a veteran sportswriter whose work has appeared in the New York Times. He is the author of Giants Among Men and Tunney, which was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in biography. Cavanaugh is a professor at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism and lives with his wife, Marge, in Wilton. Books available for purchase and signing; proceeds from the book sales will benefit the library. Registration recommended.

Joanna Ecke Fall Poetry Series
Thursday, November 4, 10:30-noon
Joanna Ecke leads this 4-part fall poetry series exploring various poets and their writing techniques on October 21, 28, November 4 & 11. Poetry packet available at front desk before seminar begins. Advance registration required.

Children’s Beginner Chess
Thursdays, November 4, 4-5 pm REGISTRATION FILLED
Children in grades 1-7 are invited to join the Children’s Department’s Chess Club instructed by Christopher Potts. In this program, those brand new to chess will learn: the history and rules of the game; basic checkmate themes and patterns, basic strategy and tactics. Students to play games and put the lessons into practice. Program fee is $60 per student for all six meetings, for children in grades 1-7. In-person registration is required, payment due at time of registration.

What Might Non-Buddhists Learn from Buddhists? Part III
Thursday November 4, 7-8:30 pm
Prayer and Meditation in Buddhist Practice: What’s in it for Us? Fr. Robert Kennedy, S.J., Priest and Professor Emeritus at St. Peter’s College in New Jersey, will speak on prayer and meditation in Buddhist practice and help us to experience the power of these practices ourselves. Fr. Kennedy studied Zen Buddhism with Zen roshi in Japan and the U.S. and is a roshi himself. (“Roshi” is an honorific signifying learned and elder Zen master). He is also the author of two books: Zen Gifts to Christians and Zen Spirit, Christian Spirit. When Fr. Kennedy last spoke in Wilton over fifteen years ago, he had his large and very appreciative audience engage in meditation themselves for the last part of his presentation. Sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Peter Kaskell and the Wilton Clergy Association. Refreshments served. Registration recommended.
Talk from Part I. Recorded on October 21.

Art Exhibition Reception for Wilton Tree Art Exhibition
Friday, November 5, 6-7:30 pm
The Wilton Tree Exhibition is sponsored by Wilton Library, the Wilton Tree Committee and the Wilton Garden Club to raise awareness of the beauty and importance of trees in the environment. Regional artists will exhibit their sculptures, paintings, photographs, drawings and wood art. A majority of artworks available for purchase. Exhibition runs through November 28. Reception open to public.

AARP Driver Safety Class-Session II
Saturday, November 6, 12:30-4:30 pm
The AARP Driver Safety Program is the nation’s first and largest classroom driver safety course designed especially for drivers age 50 and older. The two-part, eight hour course covers the normal changes in vision, hearing and reaction time associated with ageing and provides practical techniques on how to adjust to these changes, along with learning to operate vehicles more safely in today’s increasingly challenging driving environment. There are no written or driving tests – classroom only. If you are registered for Session I on October 30th, you are automatically registered for this class, as well.

Hot & Cool: Jazz at the Brubeck Room
The Ted Rosenthal Trio
Saturday, November 6, 7:30–9:30 pm
The Ted Rosenthal Trio consists of three superb jazz musicians – Ted Rosenthal on piano, Thomson Kneeland on bass, and Matt Wilson on drums. Suggested donation: $10. Funded by William and Karen Tell Foundation with special thanks to Ed and Catherine Romer, and Tish and Chris Brubeck. Advance registration strongly suggested. Pre-registrants must arrive by 7:20 p.m. to be guaranteed a seat. Wait-listed and walk-ins will be admitted after 7:20 p.m., if seating is available.

Wilton Candlelight Concerts at Wilton Congregational Church
Johannes String Quartet
Sunday, November 7, 4-6 pm
Join these remarkable young musicians for a program of Mozart, Janaček, and Dvořak. All performances are on Sunday afternoons at the Wilton Congregational Church located at 70 Ridgefield Road, Wilton. A portion of the proceeds benefits Wilton Library. For ticket information call 203-762-3401 or www.wiltoncandlelightconcerts.org.

Wilton Garden Club Presents Todd Harrington
Monday, November 8, 11-noon
Todd Harrington, known as the Soil Surgeon™, is the president and owner of Harrington’s Organic Land Care, an organic landscape management business. He takes a proactive approach to plant healthcare by enhancing the natural health of plants and their resistance to pests–an approach that minimizes the use of chemicals over time. He is a true forerunner in the industry, passionately trying to preserve and protect landscapes and the surrounding environment through the use of organics. Public is invited. Co-sponsored by Wilton Garden Club and Wilton Library. Registration suggested.

The Message is the Medium
New Ways to Connect with Customers: LinkedIn – Rich Gee
Tuesday, November 9, 8-9:30 am
A series of programs to acquaint and update community businesses with the latest technology to promote their business is being offered through joint sponsorship by the the Wilton Chamber of Commerce and the Wilton Library. Each program will feature a speaker for approximately one hour, followed by a Q&A.
Today’s program, Take Action: LinkedIn For Your Business, is presented by Rich Gee of The Rich Gee Group. LinkedIn is the number one business networking site worldwide. When your profile is properly created and managed, it accelerates trust and enhances credibility. Customers are increasingly using LinkedIn to screen potential choices – it is the most cost-effective way to connect with your key prospects. He will cover:
▪ Optimizing your profile
▪ Setting up features
▪ Giving and receiving endorsements
▪ Leveraging Groups
▪ Showcasing Intellectual Content
Additional sessions:
Coffee, tea, and breakfast pastries will be provided. To promote networking and discussion among participants, refreshments will continue to be available until 10 am The fee for the programs is $10 separately, or $50 for the package of seven.

Hands-On Computer Classes:
Basic PowerPoint 2007
Tuesday November 9, 6:30-8 pm
Learn to create and format a basic presentation in PowerPoint 2007 in this free class. Basic computer skills, including mouse proficiency, are required. Class limited to ten students–advance registration required. To ensure the best learning experience for all, students are asked to arrive on time; no one will be permitted to enter classroom 10 minutes after start of the class. When the class is full, additional registrants will be added to a wait list. If any original registrants drop out, people from the wait list will be moved up to take the vacated spot.

Wilton’s Men (and Women) and the Wars
Tuesday, November 9 , 7-8:30 pm
Local historian, author, and former First Selectman, Bob Russell presents a bit of history about the men and women of Wilton and their participation in the wars from pre-Revolutionary War days through Iraq and Afghanistan. Bob will also highlight the sometimes surprising ways in which local women helped the war effort, including the Woman’s Land Army in World War I, led by local resident Grace Schenck. Copies of Bob’s Wilton, Connecticut : Three Centuries of People, Places, and Progress will be available for purchase and signing. No charge for the program. Registration encouraged. Bob will also present Wilton and Abolition, Temperance, and Women’s Rights on Sunday, November 28, at 3:00PM.

Wilton Library Readers
Wednesday, November 10, 12-1:30 pm
Professional book discussion leader Susan Boyar discusses Daniyal Mueenuddin’s In Other Rooms, Other Wonders. Bring lunch; beverages will be provided. For a complete listing of meetings and titles, visit WLA Readers. Advance registration suggested.

Wilton Up Close—Photo/Writing Experience
Tuesday, 6-7:30 pm
REGISTRATION FULL! A photography and writing project for up to 25 students in grades 8 through 12 which will take place over two months for a total of approximately 16 hours on five different dates.
The dates are:
- 9/28 – Kick Off
- 10/5 – Photo/Writing
- 10/19 – Photo/Writing
- 10/26 – Photo/Writing
- 11/10 – Selection of Photos
The students will be working with professional and award winning photographer, Daryl Hawk. He will help them get to the heart of the program – to unplug, slow down and explore the everyday landscape. To open their minds to discover what is right at their finger tips but see it in a way they have never seen before. They will capture these moments and pictures in photographs and writing. The project will conclude with a photographic and journalistic exhibit to share with the community, during Jan./Feb.
There will be a charge of $40. per student to cover the cost of framing three photographs for each student. The sign-up deadline is Friday Sept. 17th.
To Sign Up email: mfuentes@wiltonlibrary.org or phone 203-762-3950 ext. 224. Checks should be made out to the Wilton Library and must be received to hold the spot.

Joanna Ecke Fall Poetry Series
Thursday, November 11, 10:30-noon
Joanna Ecke leads this 4-part fall poetry series exploring various poets and their writing techniques on October 21, 28, November 4 & 11. Poetry packet available at front desk before seminar begins. Advance registration required.

Hands-On Computer Classes:
Basic PowerPoint 2007
Thursday November 11, 12:30-2 pm
Learn to create and format a basic presentation in PowerPoint 2007 in this free class. Basic computer skills, including mouse proficiency, are required. Class limited to ten students–advance registration required. To ensure the best learning experience for all, students are asked to arrive on time; no one will be permitted to enter classroom 10 minutes after start of the class. When the class is full, additional registrants will be added to a wait list. If any original registrants drop out, people from the wait list will be moved up to take the vacated spot.

Children’s Beginner Chess
Thursdays, November 11, 4-5 pm REGISTRATION FILLED
Children in grades 1-7 are invited to join the Children’s Department’s Chess Club instructed by Christopher Potts. In this program, those brand new to chess will learn: the history and rules of the game; basic checkmate themes and patterns, basic strategy and tactics. Students to play games and put the lessons into practice. Program fee is $60 per student for all six meetings, for children in grades 1-7. In-person registration is required, payment due at time of registration.

Wilton Library’s Wine Tasting Fundraiser
Thursday, November 11, 7-8:30 pm
Sample wines from California, Spain, France, and Italy thanks to New Canaan Wine Merchants. Tasting notes and an overview add to the evening’s enjoyment, as will delicious hors d’oeuvres provided by some of Wilton’s finest restaurants. Admission limited to the first 100 people to buy tickets which can be purchased online or at the Library’s Circulation Desk. Note that 10% of all sales resulting from the evening (for which free delivery is available) will benefit the Library. Perfectly timed for holiday entertaining.

WINRs Circle (Wilton Intermediate Nutmeg Readers)
Saturday, November 13, 3-4 pm
Each month the WINRs Circle book club discusses a new 2011 Nutmeg-nominated book. In addition to discussion, children can enjoy activities, games, trivia, and pizza generously donated by Wilton Pizza. November’s book is Iron Thunder by Avi. Children in grades 4-6 with caregiver in the building. Registration required. Sponsored by a generous grant from HSBC Bank.

New Perspectives Film Series: Afghan Star
Saturday, November 13 , 7:30-9:30 pm
An American Idol-style TV show in Afghanistan that is open to everyone across the country despite gender, ethnicity or age is enlightening. The film follows 4 young contestants-two men and two women and shows striking contrasts in Afghanistan’s struggle for modernity. Winner of the Directing and Audience Awards in Sundance’s 2009 World Documentary competition. Join host documentary film maker, Megan Smith-Harris for a Q&A following the screening. Refreshments provided. Registration suggested.

Math Club for Kids
Sunday November 14, 3-4 pm
Come join an exciting, interactive math club hosted by Wilton High School student, Kevin Murphy. Kids can explore the fascinating side of math that is not taught in school, featuring interesting math and logic puzzles, challenging trick questions, and cool mathematical ideas. This program runs Nov. 14, 28 and Dec. 12 at 3:00 pm. Ages 10-13, children under age 12 must have a caregiver in the building. No registration.

Connecticut’s Own
Kyle Nobles
Sunday, November 14, 4–5 pm
Wilton resident Kyle Nobles returns to Wilton Library with his own concert, performing George Winston’s December album. No charge. Advance registration is suggested and pre-registrants must arrive by 3:50 p.m. to be guaranteed a seat. After 3:50 p.m., and if space is available, waitlisted and walk-in registrants will be admitted.

Author Talk: Gay Talese
The Silent Season of a Hero
Tuesday, November 16 , 7-8:30 pm
Meet Gay Talese, bestselling author as he talks about his latest work, The Silent Season of a Hero: The Sports Writing of Gay Talese. The book features more than forty selections of Talese’s sports pieces and his recollections of reporting on athletics and events from the ‘40s through his New York Times reporting in which he met major athletes whom he befriended, such as Joe Louis, Joe DiMaggio, Floyd Patterson and Muhammad Ali. Books available for purchase and signing following the talk. Book sales benefit both Elm Street Books and Wilton Library. Registration recommended.

A Visit to Ambler Farm
Wednesday, November 17, 2:15-3 pm
Children ages 4-5 are invited to join Wilton Library in a visit to Ambler Farm. Caregivers and children will meet at Ambler Farm to enjoy theme based stories as well as a nature walk. Children may check books out at the farm, so make sure to bring your library card! During the month of September the focus will be on fruit. Registration required. Children must be accompanied by a caregiver. This program runs for four months through December. Call for details (203)762-3950 x217. Please register children individually.

Lego® Club
Wednesday, November 17, 4-5 pm
Kids in grades 3 and up are invited to join this bi-weekly club. Each session will be based on a new theme such as castles, vehicles, towers and more. Children will learn about the theme through stories and non-fiction books and then create a Lego masterpiece from the library’s Lego collection. Registration required. Sponsored by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.

Nourishing Our Community
Wednesday November 17, 7-9:30 pm
Wilton Go Green partners with Wilton Library, Fairfield Green Food Guide, and Fairfield Organic Teaching Farm to present the film Nourish. Nourish is a national initiative dedicated to creating a sustainable food future to engage and educate the public. Stay for a moderated panel discussion with:
- Annie Farrell: Master Farmer, Millstone Farm
- Tim LaBant: Award-winning Chef/Owner of the Schoolhouse Restaurant at Cannondale Village
- Jim Hunter: Biology and AP Environmental Science teacher, Founder edible school garden, Wilton High School
- Moderator: Analiese Paik, Founder & Editor, Fairfield Green Food Guide
Exhibitors, Networking and Refreshments to follow discussion. Registration Recommended.

Have Your Cake and Read It, Too!
Child/Adult Book Discussion
Thursday November 18, 6:30-7:30 pm
Join Wilton Library’s kids’ book club for children in grades 3 and up; dessert will be served and adults will be included. Children and their adults will read the book selection and then join the discussion. This month selection is The Cryptid Hunters by Roland Smith.R egistration is required. Made possible by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.


Getting Real About Retirement:
Asset Protection
Thursday November 18, 7-8:30 pm
A key goal of retirement planning is Asset Protection – protection of your wealth. Are you prepared? Many of today’s retirement investors have seen how quickly the market can change and put their retirement plans at risk. For many, it may be necessary to expand their thinking about how they invest. Allianz Global Investors presents six ‘real truths’ to help set the stage for a realistic approach to retirement investing that will benefit you and help you achieve your goals. Please join us for this third program in a seminar series organized by Steve Shernan, VP/Portfolio Manager, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, Westport, CT.
The remaining topic and date is:
Refreshments served. Sponsored by Steve Sherman, VP /Portfolio Manager, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, Westport CT, Allianz, and Wilton Library. Registration encouraged.

Celebrate Harry Potter
Friday, November 19, 7-8 pm
Join the library for this fun program to celebrate the movie release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1! Kids will be sorted into a house, play Harry Potter trivia, make a craft, and take home a goody bag. Each participant will have a chance to enter a raffle to win tickets to a showing of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1. Ages 8 and up. Registration required. Sponsored by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.

Kiwanis Kids’ Korner
Saturday, November 20, 11-11:30 am
Children ages 4-7 are invited to this story time program offered by the Wilton Kiwanis Club. Kiwanis member David Bloomer will share stories, songs and activities with the children. Ages 4-7 with a caregiver in the building. No registration. Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Wilton.

Kidiquette: Manners for Children
Saturday, November 20 , 3-4 pm
Through role playing, crafts, and games, kids ages 8 to 10 will learn table setting and mealtime etiquette. Participants’ manners should make their parents proud as they gather around the Thanksgiving feast. This class has class! Registration required. Sponsored by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.

Thinking of Buying a New Camera?
Sunday, November 21, 2-3:30 pm
Thinking of buying a new camera for someone for the holidays? Perhaps for yourself? What’s the buzz? Join Michael Franco to learn about features and options on the newest models in this demonstration-style class. Learn what to look for and the best places to research your purchase. Advance registration suggested.

Red Cross Babysitting Training
Course full
Monday, November 22 and Tuesday, November 23 , 2-5:30 pm
A 2-day workshop conducted by the Red Cross for students ages 11-15. Upon completion of the course, students receive a babysitting certification. Cost = $65.00 due before class. To sign up for the waiting list, call Susan L. at (203) 762-3950 x243. (Registration cannot be done online.) Once placed on the list, the patron must send a $65.00 check made out to the Wilton Library to Susan in order to hold the spot. Maximum of 12 per class. Students should bring drinks &/or snacks to the class.

The Message is the Medium
New Ways to Connect with Customers: WordPress Blogs – Rich Gee
Tuesday, November 23, 8-9:30 am
A series of seven programs to acquaint and update community businesses with the latest technology to promote their business is being offered through joint sponsorship by the the Wilton Chamber of Commerce and the Wilton Library. Each program will feature a speaker for approximately one hour, followed by a Q&A.
Today’s program, Take Action: WordPress For Your Business, is presented by Rich Gee of the Rich Gee Group. Professionals ranging from realtors to lawyers and stock brokers are using WordPress to share their expertise, and companies have discovered the power of blogs to personally engage with their customers. Worried about starting a website – costs ranging from $5000 to $50,000? You can open, populate, and maintain a site for your business for pennies.
▪ Getting Started
▪ Themes
▪ Setting Up Your Site Pages
▪ Placing Photos, Graphics, Video, Links, etc.
▪ Checking Your Analytics
▪ Blogging
Additional sessions:
Coffee, tea, and breakfast pastries will be provided. To promote networking and discussion among participants, refreshments will continue to be available until 10 am The fee for the programs is $10 separately, or $50 for the package of seven.

Senior Center Book Discussion
Tuesday, November 23 , 11-noon.
Ray Rauth leads a discussion of Life on the Mississippi by Mark Twain. Call the Senior Center for details and to register at 203-834-6240. Comstock Community Center, 180 School Road, Wilton. Visit for more dates and titles.

Flu Vaccine Clinic at Wilton Library
Friday, November 26, 10:30 am-1:30 pm
Sponsored by Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County. No appointment necessary – you will be taken in the order in which you register. For further details call Visiting Nurse & Hospice at (203) 762-8958 ext 312.

Day After Thanksgiving Movies
Friday, November 26, 10:30 am and 2 pm
Two free movies for kids. 10:30 am Movie to be announced; 2 pm How to Train Your Dragon (PG). Snacks will be served. Children under 8 must be accompanied by caregivers, ages 8 – 12 must have caregivers in the building. No registration. Sponsored by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.

Wilton and Abolition, Temperance, and Women’s Rights
Bob Russell
Sunday, November 28, 3-4:30 pm
Local historian, author, and former First Selectman, Bob Russell, continues his informative and entertaining recall of Wilton’s history with Wilton’s role in the three major 19th and early 20th century ’causes’ – Abolition, Temperance, and Women’s Rights – and the people who influenced them. Registration encouraged.

Math Club for Kids
Sunday November 28, 3-4 pm
Come join an exciting, interactive math club hosted by Wilton High School student, Kevin Murphy. Kids can explore the fascinating side of math that is not taught in school, featuring interesting math and logic puzzles, challenging trick questions, and cool mathematical ideas. This program runs Nov. 14, 28 and Dec. 12 at 3:00 pm. Ages 10-13, children under age 12 must have a caregiver in the building. No registration.

SPED*NET at Wilton Library
The Structure of Social Instruction and Supporting Friendships:
Part I – Social Stories & Video Social Stories
Tuesday, November 30 , 10 am-12:30 pm
This is a year-long instructional seminars and workshops series hosted by Michael Weiss, Ph.D., Consulting Developmental Psychologist, Adjunct Professor at Fairfield University and Director of Applied Developmental Analysis, LLC. Series addresses the needs of children with special needs — from AD/HD and learning disabilities to Asperger’s Syndrome and autism spectrum disorder — focusing on the ‘core spheres’ of differences in communication and social interaction and narrow ranges of actions and interests. Dr. Weiss will discuss therapeutic uses of Social Stories and ‘Video Social Stories’ and offer guidelines for creating them. Visit /events for details on what to bring to make videos. Next topic: Monday, Dec. 20 (snow date Wednesday, Dec. 22): Developing a ‘Behavior Support Plan’Coffee and tea served. Registration highly recommended. To register, please call Wilton Library at 203-762-3950 ext. 213 or SPED*NET Wilton at 203-563-9994 or e-mail rsvp@spednetwilton.org.
