ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages)Wednesday, February 1 through Wednesday, April 25, 9:30-11:30 am
Twice-weekly classes in English for Speakers of Other Languages begin Monday, January 30 and continue on Mondays and Wednesdays until April 25th at the Wilton Library given by Westport Continuing Education. Testing and registration required (Placement testing at Wilton Library, Wednesday, January 18, from 9:30-11:30 am).
Books for BabiesWednesday, January 18 through Wednesday, March 21, 10:15 am-10:45 am
We will sing and play and enjoy gentle stories geared for babies under 12 months old. This is an excellent forum to meet other new parents in the area. Bring dad too! 10-week program. No registration. Caregivers must be present.
Wednesday, January 18 through Wednesday, March 21, 11-11:30 am
This program is a sharing time for 1 and 2 year olds and their caregivers. The emphasis is on books, with some songs and puzzles. No registration. 10-week program.
Passionate Perceptions II: The Evolution of Myth in Poetry and PaintingJudson Scruton
Thursday, February 2, 10:30-noon.
Myths “those powerful ancient stories” inform and shape our understanding of underlying dynamics in individuals and societies. Poetry and painting are two art forms that have continually interpreted and reshaped those ancient myths. Except for the Bible, Homer’s Odyssey may be the seminal collection of mythic stories in the western tradition. In our presentation/discussion we will focus on four women who profoundly shaped Odysseus’s journey. By looking at these women in their extended presentations by Homer and later by other poets and painters, we will come to see a fuller picture of their mythic significance. We will look at Athena, the goddess on February 2; Circe, the sorceress on February 9; Calypso, the nymph February 16; and Penelope, the wife in Homer’s Odyssey on February 23, as well as in the work of their interpreters — such artists and poets as Klimt, Rubens, Breughel, Turner, Dossi, Lourain, Ovid, Tennyson, Cavafy, MacLeish, Clampitt, Glück and Boland. Copies of the texts to be discussed will be available at the Circulation Desk by Jan. 23, 2012. Donations welcomed. Registration essential.
Techie Time for TotsThursday, February 2, 11-11:30 am
Children ages 3 -5 are invited to this tech-savvy story program. Parents and children can learn how an iPad can support literacy with young children. Using technology to reinforce reading concepts has been shown to have many benefits. Traditional stories will be read and accompanied by an interactive iPad application shown on the library’s HD TV. This is a fun, interactive program. No registration. Caregivers must be present.
Children’s Beginner ChessRegistration Closed
Thursday, January 19 through Thursday, March 15, 4-5 pm
Children in grades 1-7 are invited to join the Children’s Library Chess Club instructed by Christopher Potts, a US Chess Federation certified tournament director and scholastic chess instructor. In this program, those brand new to chess will learn: the history and rules of the game, basic checkmate themes and patterns, and basic strategy and tactics. Time will be provided for students to play games and put the classroom lessons into practice. Program fee is $80 per student for all eight meetings, for children in grades 1-7. Please note- chess will not meet on Thursday, February 23 due to winter vacation. In-person registration is required, payment due at time of registration.
Children’s Advanced ChessThursday, January 19 through Thursday, March 15, 5-6 pm
Children in grades 3-7 are invited to join the Children’s Library Chess Club instructed by Christopher Potts, a US Chess Federation certified tournament director and scholastic chess instructor. In this program, more advanced students will review the basics, learn more advanced strategy and tactics, learn optimal opening and endgame play, and gain an appreciation for the vital importance of making and carrying out sound plans. Time will be provided for students to play games and put the classroom lessons into practice. Program fee is $80 per student for all eight meetings, for children in grades 3-7. Please note- chess will not meet on Thursday, February 23 due to winter vacation. In-person registration is required, payment due at time of registration.
Wilton Up Close Photography Project ReceptionFriday, February 3, 6-7:30 pm
The public is invited to view the photos and writings created by Wilton Up Close students in grades 7 – 12 who have worked under the direction of award-winning photographer Daryl Hawk. Exhibition runs through February.
First Saturday Books for BabiesSaturday, February 4, 9:30-10 am
Bring your wonderful baby to this infant friendly program at the Wilton Library! We will sing and play and enjoy gentle stories geared for babies under 12 months old on the first Saturday of each month before the library opens. This is an excellent forum to meet other new parents in the area. Bring dad too! Registration suggested.
Saturday, February 4, 10 am-5 pm
Children of all ages are invited to stop by the library in celebration of “Take Your Child to the Library Day!” Libraries all across the state are encouraging families to stop by their local library. Wilton Library will have many story and craft programs throughout the day.
Mother Goose Time for 1s and 2sSaturday, February 4, 10:15-10:45 am
Children ages 1 and 2 are invited to Mother Goose-themed stories and songs in celebration of “Take Your Child to the Library Day.” Caregivers must be present. No registration.
Mother Goose Time for 3 – 5sSaturday, February 4, 11-11:30 am
Children ages 1 and 2 are invited to Mother Goose-themed stories and songs in celebration of “Take Your Child to the Library Day.” Caregivers must be present. No registration.
Korean Spirit & Culture Promotion ProgramSaturday, February 4, 1-3 pm
The Korean Spirit & Culture Promotion Project is a not-for-profit organization that was formed in September, 2005 to promote Korean history and culture to the wider world. The Korean Spirit and Culture Presentation is designed to provide a basic introduction to Korea’s long and rich artistic history, the spirit of its people, and its cultural values. The program will include the viewing of a DVD about Korean history and culture along with a demonstration of the traditional Korean wedding ceremony, in beautiful traditional costume. Following the program, a sampling of Korean foods will be served. Please note that children age 10 and up may attend. Registration highly recommended.
Winter Story TimeSaturday, February 4, 2:15-3 pm
Children ages 5 and up are invited to this interactive winter-themed story time in celebration of “Take Your Child to the Library Day.” Children will hear stories, sing songs, watch a short movie, and make a craft. Caregivers must remain in the building for children under 12. No registration.
Math Club for KidsSaturday, February 4, 3-4 pm
Children in grades 3-5 are invited to join Wilton High School students Rama Siripuram and Eric Li who will be hosting a math club program. Children will have the chance to explore mathematical concepts in this fun, hands-on program. The goal of the program is to prepare students for the Math Kangaroo competition, which takes place on March 15, 2012. See Wilton Library website for details on the club and Math Kangaroo. Math Club is free of charge; however, there is a $20 registration fee to join the competition. Registration required for the club. Competition registration will take place after the first meeting of the club. This program meets every Saturday through March 10. Grades 3-5 with caregiver in the building.
Winter Fairy Doll WorkshopSaturday, February 4, 3:30-4:30 pm
Children ages 3 and up are invited to stop in and create their very own winter fairy doll to take home. Ms. Keogh will help children put the dolls together using a variety of materials and fabrics. No registration. Caregivers must remain in the building for children under 12. Sponsored by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.
Divorce: The Three-Legged Stool WorkshopTuesday, February 7, 8:30-10 am
This multi-dimensional workshop addresses the legal, financial, and psychological issues involved in divorce. This workshop consists of a panel discussion, followed by individual breakout sessions concentrating on each leg of the stool. Divorce professionals, attorneys, financial planners, and those contemplating or participating in a divorce will learn practical, cost-effective strategies that will not only benefit the couple, but also ensure the particular needs of their children. Presenters include: Elizabeth Cox, Certified Financial Planner, Wilton, (http://www.coxfinancialservices.com/); Ann Reeves, Psy.D., Licensed Psychologist, Wilton; Maurice Segall, Esq., Attorney Mediator, Stamford and Wilton, (http://www.ctmediation.com/). Coffee and pastries provided. Registration required.
Terrific Tales for Twos and ThreesTuesday, January 17 through Tuesday, March 20, 10:15-10:45 am
Join Wilton Library for 2 and 3-year old story time. Children and their caregivers will sing songs, listen to stories, and enjoy playtime together while building literacy and social skills. No registration. 10-week program.
Look, Listen and LearnTuesday, January 17 through Tuesday, March 20, 11-11:30 am
For 3 and 4 years olds with parent/caregiver. By interacting with stories, singing songs and acting out finger plays and rhymes, children in this program gain pre-reading skills and learn how to participate in a group setting. No registration. 10-week program.
Literary LittlesTuesday, January 17 through Tuesday, March 20, 2:15-3 pm
For independent listeners ages 4-6 years. Story time that provides children with experiences that enrich early literacy with stories, short films, songs and crafts. No registration. 10-week program.
Matters of the Heart: A Forum on Women and Heart DiseaseTuesday, February 7, 7-8:30 pm
WomenHeart, a national advocacy and support group for women is active in the tri-state area with regular support groups and special lectures and outreach programs every day of the year. February is Heart Month, so matters of the heart are on everyone’s mind. Join us for a free forum on women and heart disease presented with information that every woman, regardless of age, and everyone with a woman in their life should attend. Panelists include: Dr. Michael l. Dewar, Cardio-Thoracic surgeon and Assistant Clinical Professor of Cardiac Surgery at Yale University School of Medicine will address Newest Surgical Techniques on Women; Dr. Brian Pollack, Cardiologist with Cardiac Specialists, PC and affiliated with the Western Connecticut Health Network, will speak to Diagnosis and Treatment of Women; Emelie Howard, CT Coordinator for WomenHeart, author and leader of a women’s heart support group for Westchester and Fairfield counties, will discuss her own experience from the patient’s point of view as will Ann Waldman, nurse and champion of WomenHeart; Moderator is CEO and President of Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association (RVNA), RN Theresa Santoro. All participants receive a free ‘Try the Y’ pass! The Greens of Cannondale will offer Free Blood Pressure Screenings, as well as Heart Healthy snacks, at the library from 6 – 7 pm, prior to the forum. The RVNA will offer free, non-fasting cholesterol screenings from 8 -10 am on Wednesday, February 8th, at the Wilton Y. Appointment required by February 1st – please call Eloise Barron at the RVNA at 203-438-5555, Ext. 1005 to book. The Forum is sponsored by WomenHeart, Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association, and Wilton Library. Talk followed by a Q&A. Registration recommended. Snow date: February 9.
Wilton Library ReadersWednesday February 8, 12-1:30 pm
Professional book discussion leader Susan Boyar discusses Swamplandia! by Karen Russell. Group meets second Wednesday of each month from September through May (no meeting in December). Bring lunch; beverages will be provided. For a complete listing of meetings and titles, visit our Wilton Readers page. Advance registration suggested.
Mythology Club for KidsWednesday, February 8, 6:30-7:30 pm
Each month children in grades 3-5 will read a book on a mythological theme and discuss it. Snacks will be provided and an activity or craft will be made. Please note Mythology Club has moved to Wednesdays. The book for the month of February is City of Fire by Laurence Yep. Caregivers must remain in the building for children under 12. Registration required. Sponsored by the Sherman Family Fund.
Hands Only CPR-2 Steps to Save a LifeWednesday, February 8, 7-8:30 pm
All are welcome(*) to this free one-hour class sponsored by the Wilton Volunteer Ambulance Corps and Wilton Library. (*) Must be a Wilton resident or working for a Wilton business, a minimum of 18 years old and ‘able-bodied’ to perform chest compressions while on one’s knees. Registration begins at 7 pm; class begins promptly at 7:30. Registration required.
Passionate Perceptions II: The Evolution of Myth in Poetry and PaintingJudson Scruton
Thursday, February 9, 10:30-noon.
Myths “those powerful ancient stories” inform and shape our understanding of underlying dynamics in individuals and societies. Poetry and painting are two art forms that have continually interpreted and reshaped those ancient myths. Except for the Bible, Homer’s Odyssey may be the seminal collection of mythic stories in the western tradition. In our presentation/discussion we will focus on four women who profoundly shaped Odysseus’s journey. By looking at these women in their extended presentations by Homer and later by other poets and painters, we will come to see a fuller picture of their mythic significance. We will look at Athena, the goddess on February 2; Circe, the sorceress on February 9; Calypso, the nymph February 16; and Penelope, the wife in Homer’s Odyssey on February 23, as well as in the work of their interpreters — such artists and poets as Klimt, Rubens, Breughel, Turner, Dossi, Lourain, Ovid, Tennyson, Cavafy, MacLeish, Clampitt, Glück and Boland. Copies of the texts to be discussed will be available at the Circulation Desk by Jan. 23, 2012. Donations welcomed. Registration essential.
Drop-in Valentine’s Day CraftsSaturday, February 11, 10 am-5 pm
Children of all ages can stop by during regular library hours and make a Valentine’s Day craft to take home. No program fee, no registration, made possible by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.
Stitch-In-Public-Day at Wilton LibrarySaturday, February 11, 10 am-4 pm
Members of the Fairfield County Chapter of the Embroiderer’s Guild of America will be stitching in public all day in the Gallery of the Wilton Library. They will have many hand-embroidered items on display, so drop by, take a look, say hello, and get inspired! And be sure to take a look at the display of books on embroidery that can be checked out from the library!
with Suzanne Sheridan and Rozanne Gates!
Saturday, February 11, 2-4 pm
Rozanne Gates and Suzanne Sheridan missed the chance to document their own parents’ stories, so founded The Legacy Project USA in 2009, adding Legacy Masterpiece in 2011, to help others, through their talents in photography, interviewing, and writing, tell their own stories, to create their legacy. Whether you’re a highly motivated do-it-yourselfer or just prefer some guidance along the way, you’ll find lots of advice in this informative, fun presentation to get you started on creating your own family history. Registration highly recommended.
Math Club for KidsSaturday, February 11, 3-4 pm
Children in grades 3-5 are invited to join Wilton High School students Rama Siripuram and Eric Li who will be hosting a math club program. Children will have the chance to explore mathematical concepts in this fun, hands-on program. The goal of the program is to prepare students for the Math Kangaroo competition, which takes place on March 15, 2012. See Wilton Library website for details on the club and Math Kangaroo. Math Club is free of charge; however, there is a $20 registration fee to join the competition. Registration required for the club. Competition registration will take place after the first meeting of the club. This program meets every Saturday through March 10. Grades 3-5 with caregiver in the building.
New Perspectives Film Series: Waste LandSaturday, February 11, 7:30-9:30 pm
Filmed over nearly three years, Waste Land follows renowned artist Vik Muniz as he journeys from his home base in Brooklyn to his native Brazil and the world’s largest garbage dump, Jardim Gramacho, located on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro. There he photographs an eclectic band of “catadores”-self-designated pickers of recyclable materials. Muniz’s initial objective was to “paint” the catadores with garbage. However, his collaboration with these inspiring characters as they recreate photographic images of themselves out of garbage reveals both the dignity and despair of the catadores as they begin to re-imagine their lives. Director Lucy Walker (Devil’s Playground, Blindsight and Countdown To Zero) and co-directors João Jardim and Karen Harley have great access to the entire process and, in the end, offer stirring evidence of the transformative power of art and the alchemy of the human spirit. Academy Awards® – Nominated Best Documentary Feature – February 2011, Sundance Film Festival – Audience Award for Best World Cinema – Documentary 2010. Suggested donation of $5. Refreshments served. The New Perspectives Documentary series is programmed and moderated by filmmaker, Megan Smith-Harris. Registration highly recommended.
Sunday, February 12, 1:30-3 pm
In Photoshop Elements, there are LOTS of tools on the sidebar. Most of us only use a few familiar ones. What about the Cookie Cutter Tool, the Smart Brush Tool, the Straighten Tool and the Selection Brush Tool? Michael Franco will show you how to use them to your best advantage. This class will be given twice; please register for one session. This is a hands-on class and registration is limited to ten students for each session. To ensure the best learning experience for all, students must arrive no later than ten minutes after the start of class. Students arriving after that time will not be admitted. Basic computer skills, including mouse agility, are required.
Wilton Candlelight Concert:Leila Josefowicz, Violinist with Joan Novacek
Sunday, February 12, Pianist, 4-5:30 pm
Dynamic violin virtuoso and ardent champion of modern music, Leila Josefowicz has recorded a number of masterpieces of the violin repertoire for the Philips, Deutsche Grammophon and Nonesuch labels. The program includes selections from Schumann, Stravinsky and Messiaen. 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.
Chocolate Making for ChildrenMonday, February 13, 4-5 pm
Learn about chocolate and make chocolate truffles, chocolate crunch and other delicious chocolate candies. Then bring your treats home as a Valentine’s gift or eat them on the spot! For students in grades 4-6. Caregivers must remain in the building. Registration required. Space limited. Sponsored by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.
Chocolate Making for TeensRegistration Full
Monday, February 13, 5:30-6:30 pm
Learn about chocolate and make chocolate truffles, chocolate crunch and other delicious chocolate candies. Then bring your treats home as a Valentine’s gift or eat them on the spot! For students in grades 7 – 12. Registration required. Space limited. Sponsored by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.
Breast Cancer Survivors’ Support GroupTuesday, February 14, 6-8 pm
The Breast Cancer Survival Center, a Fairfield county non-profit, has been holding support groups, retreats and candle lightings for post-treatment survivors for the past 12 years. Please call Nina Marino, LCSW, Clinical Director of The BCSC, at 203-857-7304 with any questions. To learn more about the BCSC visit www.breastcancersurvival.org.Co-sponsored by the Breast Cancer Survival Center and Wilton Library. Registration highly encouraged.
The Serendipity Chorale ConcertWednesday, February 15, 7–8:30 pm
The Serendipity Chorale of Southwestern Connecticut, a group founded in 1976 by Gigi Van Dyke and comprised of volunteers from all walks of life who love to sing, will perform in concert. The concert at Wilton Library will feature Edward Pleasant, baritone. In 2000, the Chorale was named a ”Connecticut Treasure” by Lt. Governor Jodi Rell. Their repertoire includes Broadway show tunes, pop standards, folk songs, Negro spirituals, and Gospel songs. Bring a good voice with you, because a few sing-alongs of some old familiar spirituals are on the program. Donations gratefully accepted. Registration highly encouraged.
Passionate Perceptions II: The Evolution of Myth in Poetry and PaintingJudson Scruton
Thursday, February 16, 10:30-noon.
Myths “those powerful ancient stories” inform and shape our understanding of underlying dynamics in individuals and societies. Poetry and painting are two art forms that have continually interpreted and reshaped those ancient myths. Except for the Bible, Homer’s Odyssey may be the seminal collection of mythic stories in the western tradition. In our presentation/discussion we will focus on four women who profoundly shaped Odysseus’s journey. By looking at these women in their extended presentations by Homer and later by other poets and painters, we will come to see a fuller picture of their mythic significance. We will look at Athena, the goddess on February 2; Circe, the sorceress on February 9; Calypso, the nymph February 16; and Penelope, the wife in Homer’s Odyssey on February 23, as well as in the work of their interpreters — such artists and poets as Klimt, Rubens, Breughel, Turner, Dossi, Lourain, Ovid, Tennyson, Cavafy, MacLeish, Clampitt, Glück and Boland. Copies of the texts to be discussed will be available at the Circulation Desk by Jan. 23, 2012. Donations welcomed. Registration essential.
Conservation of Tomorrow, Overcoming Nature Deficit Disorder Today
Thursday, February 16, 8-9:30 pm
Henryk Teraszkiewicz, Executive Director of the Woodcock Nature Center, will speak on the importance of introducing children and families to the natural world in the annual meeting open to the public. He will talk about the benefits of developing a positive attitude toward nature and the land in childhood, when minds are open to learning and exploring new ideas, with the hope of developing future conservationists to work on preserving the land. The Wilton Land Conservation Trust is a private, non-profit organization that manages more than 100 properties, representing some 750 acres. Co-sponsored by the Wilton Land Conservation Trust and the Wilton Library. Registration requested. See Wilton Library’s registration link for information about the speaker, the Wilton and Conservation Trust.
The Guitar GuyFriday, February 17, 11-11:30 am
Children ages 2-6 with caregivers are invited to a fun performance by Robert the Guitar Guy. Robert uses music, props, movement, and dance to entertain children and their grown-ups. Sure to be great fun for the family! Next date: March 16. Registration recommended. Sponsored by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.
Math Club for KidsSaturday, February 18, 3-4 pm
Children in grades 3-5 are invited to join Wilton High School students Rama Siripuram and Eric Li who will be hosting a math club program. Children will have the chance to explore mathematical concepts in this fun, hands-on program. The goal of the program is to prepare students for the Math Kangaroo competition, which takes place on March 15, 2012. See Wilton Library website for details on the club and Math Kangaroo. Math Club is free of charge; however, there is a $20 registration fee to join the competition. Registration required for the club. Competition registration will take place after the first meeting of the club. This program meets every Saturday through March 10. Grades 3-5 with caregiver in the building.
Tuesday, February 21 Tuesday, 11-noon.
There will be a Book Buzz conversation moderated by one of Wilton Library’s reference librarians on the third Tuesday of every month. Participants are encouraged to come and chat about one of their most recent favorite reads or just listen to what others recommend. Additional dates for the series: March 20, April 17, May 15, and June 19. Registration suggested but not required.
Tuesday, February 21, 7:15-9:30 pm
Zoning Board of Appeals meetings are public hearings for the Town and are open to the public.
Passionate Perceptions II: The Evolution of Myth in Poetry and PaintingJudson Scruton
NOTE TIME CHANGE DUE TO PLANNED POWER OUTAGE
Thursday, February 23, 1 pm-2:30 pm.
Myths “those powerful ancient stories” inform and shape our understanding of underlying dynamics in individuals and societies. Poetry and painting are two art forms that have continually interpreted and reshaped those ancient myths. Except for the Bible, Homer’s Odyssey may be the seminal collection of mythic stories in the western tradition. In our presentation/discussion we will focus on four women who profoundly shaped Odysseus’s journey. By looking at these women in their extended presentations by Homer and later by other poets and painters, we will come to see a fuller picture of their mythic significance. We will look at Athena, the goddess on February 2; Circe, the sorceress on February 9; Calypso, the nymph February 16; and Penelope, the wife in Homer’s Odyssey on February 23, as well as in the work of their interpreters — such artists and poets as Klimt, Rubens, Breughel, Turner, Dossi, Lourain, Ovid, Tennyson, Cavafy, MacLeish, Clampitt, Glück and Boland. Copies of the texts to be discussed will be available at the Circulation Desk by Jan. 23, 2012. Donations welcomed. Registration essential.
Vacation Week Movie-Kung Fu Panda 2Friday, February 24, 10:15-11:45 am
Kung Fu Panda 2 (PG) will be shown. No registration. Caregivers must be present for children under 8, and in the building for children under 12.
Vacation Week Movie-Mr. Popper’s PenguinsFriday, February 24, 2-3:30 pm
Mr. Popper’s Penguins (PG) will be shown. No registration. Caregivers must be present for children under 8, and in the building for children under 12.
Tales to TailsSaturday, February 25, 11-noon.
ROAR’s (Ridgefield Operation Animal Rescue) Therapy Dog Program will be bringing therapy dogs to the library for children to read to them. The use of trained therapy dogs in reading programs can result in children who feel comfortable reading out loud, read more often, attempt more difficult books, and actually look forward to reading. Children must read independently to participate in this program. Registration is required.
Math Club for KidsSaturday, February 25, 3-4 pm
Children in grades 3-5 are invited to join Wilton High School students Rama Siripuram and Eric Li who will be hosting a math club program. Children will have the chance to explore mathematical concepts in this fun, hands-on program. The goal of the program is to prepare students for the Math Kangaroo competition, which takes place on March 15, 2012. See Wilton Library website for details on the club and Math Kangaroo. Math Club is free of charge; however, there is a $20 registration fee to join the competition. Registration required for the club. Competition registration will take place after the first meeting of the club. This program meets every Saturday through March 10. Grades 3-5 with caregiver in the building.
WLA/WHS – The American Civil War Series, Part II:A Connecticut Focus – Dione Longley
Sunday, February 26, 4-5:30 pm at Wilton Library
In this second lecture of the annual collaboration between the Wilton Library and the Wilton Historical Society focusing on the American Civil War, Part II, Dione Longley will discuss the role of Women in the Civil War. She includes many quotations from the women themselves–their letters and diaries–as well as from the soldiers. She prefers to use real stories about specific people to illustrate the points she is emphasizing, and as she puts it, ”And boy, are there a lot of great stories.” Ms. Longley graduated from Wesleyan in 1982. She worked in the curatorial department of the Connecticut Historical Society and for two decades was the director of the Middlesex County Historical Society in Middletown. She recently annotated The Old Leather Man (Wesleyan University Press), and she is writing a book on Connecticut in the Civil War with Peter A. “Buck” Zaidel. Reception following the talk. No charge, but donations are always welcomed. Series sponsored by Wilton Bank. Series hosts-Louise Herot and Greg Chann. Program sponsored by Nancy Pantoliano. The moderator is Max Gabrielson. Registration essential. The remaining lectures are as follows – please note location of each lecture: March 4 at the Wilton Historical Society-“Connecticut’s African-American Soldiers” – David Koch; March 18 at the Wilton Library-“The Artist in the Civil War” – Don Troiani.
Monday, February 27 and Tuesday, February 28, 4-8:30 pm
Regie Gibson, a professional poet and national poetry slam winner will work with selected students on performance poetry skills in preparation for Poetry in Motion. Students will be advised of which day they are to attend. Snow date: Wednesday, February 29.
Weir Farm Artist-in-Residence Exhibition/Reception: Meg PierceMonday, February 27, 6-7:30 pm
February brings Meg Pierce to the Weir Farm artist in residency program. Meg, an artist now living in Sarasota FL, creates sensitive, complex and detailed mixed media work. She often uses materials associated with women: threads, buttons, pins, handkerchiefs or beads, or older things, like newspapers or snapshots that carry a sense of the past, in her works. Meg grew up in the Buffalo area. A graduate of the College of New Rochelle, she went on to gain a Masters in Art and Art Education from Columbia University, NY and a Master in Fine Art in Painting from Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, NY. She was a teacher of art in the Herricks Public Schools on Long Island from 1969-2001 and found teaching to be an extraordinary source of energy and pride. Co-sponsored by Weir Farm Art Center and Weir Farm National Historic Site and presented by Wilton Library. Registration suggested.
Good Reads, Great KidsMonday, February 27, 6:15-7 pm
Children in grades 2 and 3 and their parents will have the opportunity to meet and discuss books as a group. In addition to personal selections, we will all discuss the book The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary. Parents and guardians must be present. Sponsored by the Sherman Family Fund. Registration required.
Senior Center Book Discussion: Colonel RooseveltTuesday, February 28, 11 am-noon.
David Ostergren will lead a discussion of Colonel Roosevelt by Edmund Morris. In this meticulously researched third volume of the life of Theodore Roosevelt, Edmund Morris tells the story of the final years of this extraordinary man. The first book, The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt, covering TR’s boyhood to his presidency, was published in 1979. The second, Theodore Rex, published in 2001, covers the White House years from 1901-1909. Colonel Roosevelt (the title by which Roosevelt chose to be called during his post-presidential years) examines the final years of Roosevelt’s life and the waning of his political and physical powers. Group meets 4th Tuesday of each month through May. Call the Senior Center for details and to register at 834-6240. Comstock Community Center, 180 School Road, Wilton.
Cartooning for KidsTuesday, February 28, 4-6 pm
Children in grades 3-5 are invited to learn how to create cartoon cells in this fun, hands-on program. Children will have the opportunity to create original characters for their own take-home cartoon cells. This program is being offered by The Art Spot in Danbury. In-person registration is required, $5 per child. Space is limited, sign up today! Sponsored by the Coyle Family Young Readers Fund.
