Passionate Perceptions II: The Evolution of Myth in Poetry and Painting

Judson 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.

Children’s Beginner Chess

Registration 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 Chess

Thursday, 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 Land Conservation Trust Annual Meeting:

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.