Hello!

As you look through this newsletter, you'll find it no surprise that October will be the busiest month our Library has ever seen! So many people that I see in and around town remark upon how we've truly become the heart of our community and how heartwarming that sentiment is to those of us who've worked to make it so, designing programs, events, services, and collections that enrich the lives of those of all ages and interests here in town. The month upcoming surely has something for everyone, including collaborations with several other community organizations (Literacy Volunteers of America, Wilton PTA, Vision 2020, United Way of Wilton & Norwalk, Positive Directions, Parent Connection, Wilton Youth Council, Wilton Public Schools, Wilton Youth Services, Stamford Hospital, Norwalk River Watershed Association, Wilton Garden Club, American Red Cross, Wilton Energy Commission, Little People/Big Changes, Wilton League of Women Voters, Wilton Chamber of Commerce, Wilton Senior Center, Ridgefield Action Committee for the Environment, CT EarthNet, and Clean Air-Cool Planet, among others.

In addition to all the programs listed below, please take note of our spectacular Wilton Library Discovery Day on Saturday, October 20th, from 11 am to 2 pm! You are all very cordially invited to see what's new in products, services, and the collection this year and we'll have technology demonstrations, fairy dolls, autumn crafts, Japanese flower arranging, Amber Alert registration, entertainment and free food. There truly will be, once again, something for everyone at the Library. No registration is necessary - just stop by, have fun, and discover what we've got to offer.

See you at the Library!
Kathy Leeds, Executive Director

• Ones/Twos w/Caregivers: Tuesdays, 10:15-10:45 am ~~ Register here.
• Ones/Twos w/Caregivers: Wednesdays, 10:15- 10:45 am ~~ Register here.
• Twos/Threes w/Caregivers: Tuesdays, 10:15- 10:45 am ~~ Register here.
• Twos/Threes w/Caregivers: Wednesdays, 10:15- 10:45 am ~~ Register here.
• Threes/Fours: Wednesdays, 11:30-12 noon ~~ Register here.
• Fours/Sixes: Mondays, 2-2:45 pm (no session on October 8) ~~ Register here.
• Fours/Sixes: Tuesdays, 2-2:45 pm ~~ Register here.

This introductory, hands-on class on Monday, October 1st, from 12:30-2 pm, will make learning English easy and fun, whether you do it from the Library or in the comfort of your own home via our website. Basic computer skills, including mouse proficiency, are required for the class. Please register in advance as space is limited. A repeat hands-on class will be held on November 29th, from 6:30 to 8 pm, for student convenience.

Register online:
~~ Monday, October 1st
~~ Thursday, November 29th

Teens will start on Monday, October 1st (this introduction will last from 4 to 5:30 pm) in our Computer Lab. The 9-week program will meet every Monday with regular sessions from 4 to 5 pm and is intended for kids in grades 7 through 12. Teens will learn about the world of high finance using the real stock market, a real-time portfolio with a live trading simulation and not-so-real currency. Teams of two to four kids will compete with others around the country and use Library resources (print and electronic) to make their investment decisions. The Stock Market Game is endorsed by the National Council on Economic Education and our sessions for teens are made possible by the John & Patricia Curran Teen Fund. Space is limited - please register your team in advance:and note that there is no session on October 8th.

Adults can take part in the same fun and learn how to invest wisely while they compete with other teams around the country. Their sessions begin on Tuesday, October 2nd and continue through Tuesday, December 4th, from 7 to 8 pm each Tuesday night (the introduction on October 2nd will last until 8:30 pm) during the 10-week program. Please register in advance.

Books will be available for purchase and signing. Although there is no charge for the program, we suggest a donation of $10 per person to defray unfunded costs. Please register in advance to save a seat!

A second session with Ms. Wiseman will take place from 8-10 am on Wednesday, October 3rd for professionals and volunteers who work with Wilton's youth. Those arriving early can network (8 to 8:30 am), have breakfast, and listen to this internationally recognized author and educator talk about children, teens, and parenting. This Community Breakfast is sponsored by Vision 2020 Partners: Wilton Youth Services, Wilton Youth Council, Wilton Public Schools, and Wilton Library. To register for the Breakfast, please call Wilton Youth Services (834-6241).

If you would like more information about the two Rosalind Wiseman events, please call the Library at 762-3950 or click here.

The fee for the 5-week workshop is $100 (for which scholarships are available on a confidential basis). Registration is limited to 13 participants and for additional information or to register, please call 227- 7644, extension 132 or email prevention@positivedirections.org.

Starting on Tuesday, October 9th and continuing on all Tuesdays through November 13th, from 7 to 8 pm, our English learners can take part in fun conversation classes for adults. There is no charge and no need to register - just stop by the Library and start talking with our trained ESOL volunteers. Let's Chat: Learn to Speak Conversational English was a great hit when we held the sessions last spring - be sure to spread the word.

Following the presentation, participants can create posters to support the local "No Idling" campaign. The posters will be displayed at various central locations throughout Wilton by businesses supporting the LPBC No Idling effort. Space is limited and advance registration is required, so please let us know you are coming. This program is presented as part of the Wilton Library Environmental Initiative and is funded by the Betsy and Jesse Fink Family Foundation.

Space is limited and we must make advance registration required. This program is sponsored by Stamford Hospital and Wilton Library with support from the National Network of Libraries of Medicine--New England Region under contract #N01-LM-1-3518 with the National Library of Medicine. Additional dates: for programs in the Hands-On Healthy Choices series are October 30th and November 8th, both from 10 am to noon.

Ben will explore various authors and their writing techniques in this five-part short stories series (October 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th, and November 1st). The stories to be discussed will be available at the front desk before the seminar begins, so please ask for yours.

And on Thursday, October 18th, from 6 to 8:30 pm, you can learn the fun of downloading audiobooks from NetLibrary to your computer at home and transferring them to a portable listening device. You'll always have books available on a small device that will easily fit into your pocket or purse. Please note that this service is not compatible with iPod or Mac products. We ask that you register in advance for this demonstration-style class.

Additional Sleepytime Story Time dates are October 18th, November 1st, and November 15th.

On Wednesday, October 10th, from noon to 1:30 pm, the Wilton Library Readers Discussion Group will talk about The History of Love, by Nicole Krauss with their leader, Susan Boyar. The group meets the second Wednesday of each month from September through May (no meeting in December) and all are welcome. Bring lunch and beverages will be provided by the Library. For a complete listing of meetings and titles, visit our Wilton Readers page. Advance registration suggested.

On Tuesday, October 23rd, at 11 am, Michael McEneaney will discuss The Potter's Field, by Ellis Peters. During the plowing of the Potter's Field in October 1143, the grisly remains of a woman's body are unearthed. The discovery of the corpse on Abbey land raises all sorts of questions, and one that impels Brother Cadfael to leave the tranquility of the herbiary in order to piece together some cryptic clues and solve a baffling crime. Again, all are welcome and The Senior Center Book Discussion Group meets the fourth Tuesday of each month through May (no meeting in December). Please call the Senior Center for details and to register at 834-6240. The Senior Center is located at Comstock Community Center, 180 School Road, Wilton.

On Wednesday, October 10th, at 7 pm, we'll offer a College Talk with the Greenes. Howard and Matthew Greene, nationally recognized educational consultants, survey today's college admissions landscape and share their expert insights, strategies, and tips with parents and students facing the college application process--what every family should know. Advance registration is strongly suggested.

Unfortunately, our popular American Red Cross Babysitting Training course scheduled for October 17th and 18th is filled to capacity. You may call Teen Librarian Susan Lauricella to be placed on a waitlist at 762-3950, extension 243.

On Saturday, October 13th, from 10 am to 1 pm, a limited number of fortunate teens and their parents can join Wilton High School science teacher Jim Lucey in a fascinating environmental workshop examining real life macroinvertebrates and other specimens of aquatic life. Entitled Co-Discovery: An Outdoor/Indoor Norwalk River Research Lab for Teens and Parents, the workshop will take place in the Norwalk River and the WHS lab and will include discussion of how the local river's ecosystems can be improved. A Continental breakfast will be served and teens are welcome to attend without their parents. Space is limited to 25 teens/parents total and advance registration is required. This workshop is sponsored by the Betsy and Jesse Fink Foundation for Wilton Library's Environmental Initiative, and by the Norwalk River Watershed Association.

On Thursday, October 11th, from 12:30 to 2 pm, Breast health experts will present Pink Bag Lunch: Discover More About Breast Health. Dr. Donna-Marie Menasseh and Michelle Speer, RN, from Stamford Hospital's Women's Breast Cancer Center, will speak about prevention, detection, and treatment of breast cancer. A pink bag lunch will be served while attendees learn about breast health in a friendly environment. Advance registration is suggested.

On Wednesday, October 24th, from 12:30 to 2 pm, Dr. Michael Parry, Director of Infectious Disease, Stamford Hospital, will present Pandemic Influenza/Avian Flu--Are We Ready? exploring the clinical nature of Influenza, examining how antigenic "shifts" produce new strains of the virus, and explaining how new strains can lead to a pandemic. Looking back on the historical impact of Influenza, Dr. Parry will discuss the importance of vaccination and preparedness of both individuals and healthcare systems. The H5N1 Avian Influenza strain will be given special consideration. Light refreshments will be served and advance registration is suggested.

On Thursday, October 25th, from 12:30 to 2 pm, Dr. Frank DiFazio, Stamford Hospital, will talk about Joint Replacement. He will provide an informative discussion about joint replacement surgery, particularly hip and knee replacements, as well as non-surgical options that may be available for reducing pain and regaining mobility. Light refreshments will be served and advance registration is suggested.

All sessions are sponsored by Stamford Hospital and the Library with support from the National Network of Libraries of Medicine--New England Region under contract #N01-LM-1-3518.

Anne, who now divides her time between acting off-Broadway and raising sheep both near New York City in Port Jervis as well as in Nova Scotia, has written a delightful account of her twenty-year adventure with sheep, which started on an island off the Nova Scotia coast. As one reviewer noted, she "becomes a real farmer - a dirt-under-the nails, manure between the toes, sheep farmer. We follow her as she delivers lambs and puppies, worms ewes and rams" . . . and we meet all kinds of helpful friends who add to her colorful story.

Anne grew up spending summers in Wilton with her family in the former Eugenia Slaughter house and then at her family's home on Piper's Hill Rd. Her father, Dr. William Parsons, was a well-known surgeon and professor in New York City and her mother, Rose Parsons, was head of the National and International Council of Women for many years. Her grandfather was a renowned headmaster of a New England school, and Anne comes from a well-known Boston family of achievers.

But Anne's story stands on its own as a pioneer memoir for today. She herself went to Radcliffe College and was a foreign correspondent covering much of the post-war work of the United Nations, followed by 10 years of working for the civil rights movement. She made her theatre debut in 1968 and continues to act in the greater New York area, playing roles such as that of an aged Irish mother when she isn't busy with her sheep or spinning and weaving the wool from her flock.

We will have books available for purchase and signing, and a reception with refreshments will follow Anne's talk. We ask that you register for this fascinating program in advance.

Also on the program, there will be a comedy short subject entitled Two Tars (1928), starring Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy in one of their best two-reelers, featuring one of the biggest traffic jams and the definitive example of 'road rage' ever recorded on film. Theatre pianist Professor John Mucci, whose scores capture this bygone era with total accuracy, will provide live musical accompaniment for both pictures. Film historian Lou Sabini, will also be on hand to introduce the films from his collection and to answer questions when the show is over.

Please register in advance for this entertaining afternoon in the Brubeck Room.

Books are available for loan and advance registration is required for the six-part series on consecutive Mondays (October 15th, 22nd, 29th, November 5th, 12th, and 19th).

~~ How To Get Published in the 21st Century
Wednesday, October 24th, from 10:30 to noon Literary agent and lawyer, Jodi B. Reamer (agent for Daniella Brodsky, Fear of Driving), of Writers House in NYC; senior editor, Julie Strauss-Gabel, of Dutton Children's Books, and non-fiction author and publishing coach, Lucy Hedrick, will discuss and answer questions on traveling the maze to publication. Advance registration suggested.

Note that a final installment in our Writers' Block series, entitled Works in Progress, is scheduled for November 8th, from 7 to 9 pm, when we will host the reading of original works.

The CEEF was created by the Connecticut legislature to promote efficient energy use, help residents and businesses save on their electric bills, promote economic development, reduce electric demand and help reduce air pollution. Connecticut's energy-efficiency programs are funded by the conservation charge on customer electric bills. Additional information on Connecticut's energy-efficiency programs can be found at www.CTSavesEnergy.org or www.cl-p.com. Sponsored by Connecticut Light & Power (CL&P), the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund (CEEF), and Wilton Library.

• the flow of funds from incremental costs associated with signing up for clean energy options (i.e., investments in clean energy, the certificate program, the allocation of dollars from household signups toward generation, transmission, and clean energy investment);
• background on Community Energy and Sterling Planet companies and how dollars funneled from energy consumers via CL&P to these companies are invested in renewable energy sources;
• the relationship between CL&P, DPUC, and the clean energy suppliers;
• DPUC oversight of the program and the clean energy suppliers;
• successful energy efficiency programs for residents and the Town available via the Connecticut Conservation and Load Management Fund, the CT Energy Independence Act of 2005, and the Federal Energy Policy Act.

This important and informative program is sponsored by the Betsy and Jesse Fink Family Foundation for Wilton Library's Environmental Initiative, The Wilton Energy Commission, and Little People, Big Changes. Advance registration is suggested.

Advance registration is suggested and pre-registrants must arrive by 3:50 pm to be guaranteed seating. After 3:50 pm, and if space is available, waitlisted and walk-in registrants will be admitted.

The evening is sponsored by the Betsy and Jesse Fink Family Foundation for Wilton Library's Environmental Initiative, the Wilton Energy Commission and the Ridgefield Action Committee for the Environment. Please register in advance.

Children should wear Halloween costumes (and they don't have to be togas). Space is limited and advance registration is required. Please register by calling the Children's Library at 203-762-3950, Ext. 217. Funding for this evening was provided by the Children's Library Hogwarts Banquet Fundraiser.

On Sunday, October 28th, from 2 to 3 pm, we'll show kids in grades 3-6 how to make spooky gingerbread houses. There is no charge for the program and all materials will be provided, thanks to the Coyle Family Fund. Space is limited to 12 young builders, so register now.

And from Monday, October 29th though Wednesday, October 31st, children of all ages can stop by during Library hours to make their own crafty creations with Halloween-themed crafts. Materials will be supplied by the Children's Library. There is no charge and no reservations are required. Stop by for some more spooky fun!

Please don't bring us encyclopedias, magazines, or textbooks (these don't sell well). And if you miss the collection on October 27th, you can always drop your used books, videos, and DVDs off at our grey bins on Godfrey Place. All donations benefit the Library's annual book sale in April.

The Wilton Congregational Church is located at 70 Ridgefield Road in Wilton. A portion of the proceeds from the concert benefits Wilton Library's classical music collection. For ticket information, please call 762-3401 or visit the Candlelight Concert website.

The Reverend Mary Grace Williams and I will accompany you on the trip and a private tour of the highlights of the Museum has been arranged for those who choose this option (for which there is limited availability of 20 participants) and will provide a list of options for lunch in and around the building. The cost for transportation and Museum admission is $45 regular/$40 senior (65+). For tour-takers, the total cost is $52 regular/$47 senior. Payment must be made in advance to reserve your space, so call us with your credit card information (762-3950) or stop by with card, cash, or check.

We have had some wonderful outings over the last couple of years - please join us for a fabulous day of art and architecture at the Guggenheim. Art trips are sponsored by St. Matthew's Episcopal Church and the Library. We'll have more in store, so stay tuned!

Do you work with individuals or couples who are separating or divorcing? Are you going through a divorce? Do you want to become more knowledgeable about the divorce process? Attorney Segall will discuss the basics of the divorce process in Connecticut and answer all your questions on this difficult issue. Advance registration is suggested.