The new year has barely begun yet the library has several programs planned for this weekend and the following week. Starting today, More Poetry with Ben Van Vechten begins a 5-part series on consecutive Thursdays (Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27 and Feb. 3) from 10:30 - noon. More than 20 poets will be explored during the engaging discussions led by popular guest lecturer Ben Van Vechten. A packet of poems are available at the front desk. There is no charge for the program. Registration is required.
Digital photography is making quite an impact and now people can actually learn how to use their new digital cameras they received over the holidays. On Saturday, Jan. 8 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Mary Anne and Michael Franco will present a demonstration-style class on Digital Photography: Using Your New Digital Camera. They will provide useful instruction and helpful hints on how to get the most out of the new technology. There is no charge for the program. Advance registration is suggested. To register for the poetry program or digital photography, call 762-3950 or register online.
The new year brings a new art exhibition to the library with "Cooke and Mullen: All the Difference." The opening reception for J. Patrick Cooke and Bobbi Eike Mullen is Sunday, Jan. 9 from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Mr. Cooke brings dramatic, oversized paintings and charcoals of exotic and domestic animals. By contrast, Ms. Mullen uses color strikingly in her landscapes and still life work. The two styles combine for a visually arresting exhibit. The show runs through the end of January.
On Thursday, Jan. 13 from 6 - 8:30 p.m., State Senator Judy Freedman, State Representatives Toni Boucher and John Hetherington start off the new year with a Town Hall meeting at the library. There is no charge for the program. Registration is not required.
The PTA Reflections art exhibition for Wilton students begins with an opening reception on Friday, Jan. 14 from 6 - 8 p.m. at the library. This year's theme, "A Different Kind of Hero," incorporates four categories: literature, musical composition, photography and the visual arts, which include art forms such as drawing, painting, print-making and collage. Students in grades K - 12 participate. Community judges choose selected works for each of the categories which are then forwarded to represent Wilton at the state level of competition. The exhibit runs through the end of January.
A guided tour through Sacajawea's lifeGeorge Lowell, a recent Lewis & Clark trail guide in Idaho's Lemhi Valley and Beaverhead Mountains presents an engaging story of America's push westward starting with the Louisiana Purchase and the Louis & Clark expedition in The True Story of Sacajawea on Wednesday, Jan. 12 from 7 - 8:30 p.m. at the library. His presentation covers the Shoshone people and the conflicting stories involving Sacajawea, including the mystery surrounding her death - did she die at age 24 or live to the ripe old age of 94? Mr. Lowell enlivens the interactive discussion with his own love of the topic, having lived in Montana and Idaho for more than four years. As a volunteer for the Bureau of Land Management, he served as a cultural interpreter and goodwill ambassador for the Sacajawea Cultural Education Center in Lemhi Valley and for the city of Salmon, Idaho. Mr. Lowell incorporates tales of Sacajawea's French Canadian trapper "husband" Charbonneau, her son, Pomp, her daughter Lisette and the Shoshone people. There is no charge for the program. Advance registration is suggested. All ages are welcome. Call 762-3950 or register online.
Moms and daughters share seminarOn Thursday, Jan. 13 at 7 p.m., the library and the Domestic Violence Crisis Center of Norwalk/Stamford present the program, Breaking the Silence Between Moms and Daughters. This is a seminar about self-esteem and relationships - creating safe and healthy choices and opening the doors of communication. The two presenters are Jane Field, youth and children's activities director for Wilton Presbyterian Church, who also works as a community educator at the Domestic Violence Crisis Center and Susan Delaney, the Center's coordinator of education and training. According to Ms. Field, "This highly interactive seminar will help bridge the gap that often exists between parents and teens when it comes to talking about dating. Both teens and adults will get important and valuable information about avoiding abusive and dangerous dating partners, recognizing the warning signs of unhealthy dating relationships, and intervening and getting help when dating violence happens to you or someone you know." There is no charge for the program. Advance registration is suggested. Call 762-3950 or register online.
Franchises explainedOn Friday, Jan. 14 from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. the Wilton Chamber of Commerce and the library co-sponsor Exploring Business Ownership through Franchises presented by Tim Stubbs of The Entrepreneur's Source. Topics include the discussion of the market, myths and misconceptions of business ownership, franchise basics and how one should approach a change in one's career. The cost of the program is $25 for Chamber members/$30 for non-Chamber members. Advance registration required. Call the Chamber office at 762-0567, the library at 762-3950 or register online.
Story Times beginWinter Story Times begin on Monday, Jan. 10 for children ages 1 - 6 at various times and days, depending on age. There is no charge for the 8-week program however advance registration is required. Call 762-3950 or register online.