Wilton Library in October: Tales to Tails, Poetry, Casino Night Fundraiser, and MORE!

Wilton Library October 2022 Programs & Events In-Person & Virtual Activities

Saturday, October 1 through Tuesday, October 4 Wilton Library’s Awesome Autumn Book Sale Fundraiser, Saturday, October 1: 8 to 10 a.m. Early Buying $15 Admission; Saturday, October 1: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free Admission; Sunday, October 2: 1 to 5 p.m.; Monday, October 3:10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Half-Price Day; Tuesday, October 4: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. - $5 Bag Day (bags supplied by the library). All new inventory! Everyone is covered in this popular fundraiser – from tots to teens in the Brubeck Room with selections from board books and picture books to young adult novels; to a full Book Cellar featuring a large assortment of items including bestsellers, fiction and nonfiction and categories such as self-help, art, history, cookbooks, gardening, travel, biographies and more; new or gently used, collectible, rare books, DVDs, CDs, vinyl, and much more. High quality books at great prices – don’t miss this opportunity! Proceeds benefit library. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Tuesdays, October 4, 11, 18 & 25 Mother Goose on the Loose,10:15 to 11 a.m. Children ages 6 months to 2 years old will enjoy this fun storytime with music, puppets, picture books, and nursery rhymes. No registration required. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Tuesday, October 4 Poetry Discussion with Janet Krauss: The Poetry of Mark Strand (Zoom), 10:30 a.m. to noon. Please join us online as Janet Krauss leads a discussion of a selection of poems by Mark Strand. A readings packet will be emailed in advance of the program. Mark Strand is considered “a poet of mood and longing.” His themes are those of “absence and negation.” We will consider if these are the only themes in his poems. His wit threads through his work, and the poignancy of his ideas affects us. In 1999, Strand won the Pulitzer Prize for his book of poems, Blizzard of One. Janet Krauss, who has two books of poetry published, “Borrowed Scenery,” Yuganta Press, and “Through the Trees of Autumn,” Spartina Press, has recently retired from teaching English at Fairfield University. Advance registration required. Register online in order to receive the Zoom session invitation link and readings packet. Please email Michael Bellacosa at mbellacosa@wiltonlibrary.org with any questions. To register and see more details, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Tuesdays, October 4, 11, 18 & 25 Big Kids Storytime, 4:15 to 5 p.m. Children ages 4 and up are invited to a storytime adventure! We will explore and chat about different exciting topics. There will be stories, songs, and some activities.  Caregivers must remain on library property. No registration required. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Wednesday, October 5 Fired Up: Glass Today, Presented by the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art (Zoom), 7 to 8 p.m. Join us on Zoom for a virtual tour of the Wadsworth Atheneum’s newest special exhibition. From studio glass to American flameworking, Fired Up presents a major showing of contemporary glassmakers who are pushing boundaries, forging new paths, and inspiring people in support of this art. Visit the Wadsworth Atheneum to experience the magic of glass firsthand through a lineup of related programs and events, including live glassblowing demonstrations at the museum. Fired Up is on view until February 5, 2023. Virtual tours are led by Wadsworth docents, volunteer museum educators who engage visitors in interactive discussions about art. Founded in 1842 with a vision for infusing art into the American experience, the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art is home to a collection of nearly 50,000 works of art, spanning 5,000 years and encompassing art from antiquity to contemporary through today. The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art is the oldest continuously-operating public art museum in the United States, opening its doors to the public in 1844. Registration required. Please register online at www.wiltonlibrary.org or call 203-762-6334.  For more information, contact asato@wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Thursdays, October 6, 13, 20 & 27 Terrific Tales for Twos and Threes, 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. Two and three year-olds and their caregivers are invited to join us for a storytime geared especially for them!  Participants will hear stories, sing songs, learn rhymes, do movement activities, and possibly get the chance to use scarves and instruments, while building literacy and social skills. No registration required. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Thursday, October 6 Teen Thursday: Oreo Taste Test, 3:30 to 6 p.m. Drop by the Teen department for a fun activity, every other Thursday. Make a craft, play a game, or just relax. This week's activity: Taste Test Ranking Oreos! Stop by, try different flavors of Oreos, and vote on which ones are your favorite! No registration necessary. Just drop in! This activity is for students in Grades 6-12 only. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Thursdays, October 6, 13, 20 & 27 Team STEAM Presents Engineering Fun, 4:15 to 5 p.m. Kids in grades K-4 can join Wilton High School Students' Team STEAM as they teach little engineers the basics of the engineering design process in a fun, creative, and hands-on manner! Each session will tackle a different engineering-related problem and discuss what it takes to be an engineer. Registration required for each individual session. Drop ins accepted if space allows. 3DuxDesign kits provided by the Amadeo Family. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Thursdays, October 6, 13, 20 & 27 The American Novel in the 1940s and 1950s with Mark Schenker (Zoom), 7 to 8 p.m. Mark Schenker of Yale College offers a third installment of his American Novel lecture series at Wilton Library, turning to a varied quartet of mid-20th-century classics. This series will be offered via Zoom with a bonus: the final session will be in-person in the Brubeck Room [as well as on Zoom] with a short reception after the lecture to chat with Mark and each other at the series conclusion. If the pre-adolescent was the primary model of the child in American and British fiction of the 19th-century, the adolescent and young adult were the focus of much American fiction of the 1940s and 1950s. One could hardly find two more different books focusing on young Americans growing up in challenging circumstances than Native Son and A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. And the themes of alienation and rebellion are given original and realistic treatments in two post-WWII examinations of the tensions between loneliness and community, between culture and counterculture. Attendees are not expected to read or reread all or even any of the novels, but a familiarity with them will of course make the lectures more meaningful. Here are the novels for each week: Oct. 6 - Native Son, Oct. 13 - A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Oct. 20 - The Catcher in the Rye, Oct. 27 - On the Road. No charge for the program. This lecture series is made possible with the support of the Literary Series in Memory of Amy Quigley. Advance registration required. Register online at www.wiltonlibrary.org or call 203-762-6334. You will automatically be registered for all four sessions in the series. Please email Michael Bellacosa at mbellacosa@wiltonlibrary.org with any questions. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Friday, October 7 Finger Painting for Littles, 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. Kids ages 2 and up can come to the Wilton Library for finger painting fun! All participants will have a wonderful time making a mess. Old clothes should be worn and large t-shirts are strongly suggested. Registration required.  Drop-ins accepted if space allows. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Friday, October 7 Metro Art Studios Exhibition & Reception, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Area artists from Metro Art Studios in Bridgeport will be showcased in Wilton Library’s October-November art exhibition. Their work represents a wide variety of styles, media, and subject matter. Reception free and open to the public. Exhibition runs through November 12.  A majority of the works will be available for purchase with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the library. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Saturday, October 8 AARP Driver Safety Program, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Please join us for this in-person session of the AARP Driver Safety Program, which is the nation's first and largest classroom driver safety course designed especially for drivers age 50 and older, although all ages are welcome. This single session course covers the normal changes in vision, hearing, and reaction time associated with aging 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. In-person classroom only. NY residents: please contact your insurance carrier to confirm they will accept a Connecticut State class certificate. Program cost: $20 for AARP members; $25 for non-members. Bring check (preferred) or cash only to the session.  Also bring lunch if desired; there will be a 30 minute break. Registration required.  Limited to 20 participants.  Register online at www.wiltonlibrary.org or call 203-762-6334. For more information, contact asato@wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Saturday, October 8 Tales to Tails, 11 a.m. to noon. Children who can read independently are invited to read to a ROAR (Ridgefield Operation Animal Rescue) Therapy Dog. 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. As they improve their literacy skills, they're not just learning how to read, they're learning to love to read! Masks recommended for all participants. Registration required. Drop-ins accepted if space allows. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Wednesdays, October 12, 19 & 26 Wonderful Ones and Twos, 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. Active one- and two- year olds and their caregivers are invited to join us for a storytime especially geared for them!  The program includes books, songs, rhymes, movement activities, and possibly some instruments and scarves, all geared towards building literacy skills. No registration required. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Wednesdays, October 12, 19 & 26 Bouncing Babies, 11:15 to 11:45 a.m. Join us for this interactive program especially for babies up to 12 months. We will share stories, songs, and rhymes. Scarves and movement activities will be included and we will close out with a calming lullaby. No registration required. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Wednesday, October 12 Wilton Library Readers: Harlem Shuffle by Colson Whitehead, Noon to 1:30 p.m. Professional book discussion leader Susan Boyar discusses Harlem Shuffle by Colson Whitehead this month. Group meets the second Wednesday of each month through June. Feel free to bring your lunch and a beverage. For a complete listing of meetings and titles, visit our Wilton Library Readers page at www.wiltonlibrary.org/wilton-library-readers. Advance registration suggested. Register online at www.wiltonlibrary.org or call 203-762-6334. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Wednesday, October 12 Author Talk: Ted Aldrich – The Partnership, 7 to 8:30 p.m. A joint biography of Stimson and Marshall, two pillars of the American Century, is a valuable addition to history. - Walter Isaacson, bestselling author of Einstein, Steve Jobs, and The Code Breaker. The Partnership: George Marshall, Henry Stimson, and the Extraordinary Collaboration That Won World War II shines a spotlight on two giants, telling the fascinating stories of each man, the dramatic story of their collaboration, and the epic story of the United States in World War II. Gen. George Marshall and Henry Stimson were two very different men who combined with a dazzling synergy to lead the American military effort in World War II, in roles that blended politics, diplomacy, and bureaucracy in addition to warfighting. They transformed an outdated, poorly equipped army into a modern fighting force of millions of men capable of fighting around the globe. They, and Marshall in particular, identified the soldiers, from Patton and Eisenhower to Bradley and McNair, best suited for high command. They helped develop worldwide strategy and logistics for battles like D-Day and the Bulge. They collaborated with Allies like Winston Churchill. They worked well with their cagey commander-in-chief. They planned for the postwar world. They made decisions, from the atomic bombs to the division of Europe, that would echo for decades. There were mistakes and disagreements, but the partnership of Marshall and Stimson was, all in all, a bravura performance, a master class in leadership and teamwork. Edward “Ted” Aldrich is an international banker and commodity specialist. He and his wife, Susie, have three children and live in Westport, Connecticut. elmstreetbooks.com will be selling copies after the talk.  A portion of the proceeds go to Wilton Library. The media sponsor of our author talks is GOOD Morning Wilton. Registration required. For more information visit www.wiltonlibrary.org, call the library’s reference librarians at 203-762-6350 or email reference@wiltonlibrary.org. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Saturday, October 15 Poetry in the Preserve: Live Poetry Reading in a Romantic Meadow, 2 to 4 p.m. Poetry in the Preserve: blending art and the natural environment within Wilton Land Conservation Trust’s protected open space. This program offers an opportunity to relax and listen to poems within a beautiful meadow setting.  Attendees may share a poem of their own with the group. Immerse yourself in nature and bring your chair or blanket to enjoy a relaxing afternoon listening to poetry while connecting with nature and community. All are welcome to this program. This exceptional and unique event is co-sponsored by the Wilton Land Conservation Trust, the Wilton Library, and the Wilton Chapter of the Connecticut Poetry Society. Together, we are enriching the Wilton community and elevating minds within beautiful landscapes. Registration requested at registration@wiltonlandtrust.org or visit www.wiltonlandtrust.org and click on “Events & Programs” to register and see more details. For more information, contact inquiry@wiltonlandtrust.org or asato@wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Saturday, October 15 Wilton Library’s Casino Night Fundraiser, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Wilton Library is hosting its first-ever Casino Night fundraiser inside the library, and we invite you to be part of the action. Imagine the library’s open spaces transformed with lights, sounds, and professional gaming tables for a Saturday night to remember, where you can experience the thrills of Vegas right here in Wilton…all for a great cause…to benefit Wilton Library. At the event, guests will be treated to exciting games, an open bar, delicious hors d’oeuvres, “fun money” for gaming, and prizes for top winners. All attendees must be 21 years of age or older. Tickets are $175 per person and are now on sale on the library’s website at www.wiltonlibrary.org or by contacting Suzanne Verrilli at sverrilli@wiltonlibrary.org or 203-762-6321. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Monday, October 17 Make Your Own Squishies!, 4 to 5 p.m. For kids entering grades 4-6. Craft a cute memory foam friend. Help yourself to precut shapes or make them from scratch. Wear clothes to paint in. Registration required. Drop-ins admitted if space allows. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Monday, October 17 Healthcare Coverage in CT (Zoom), 7 to 8:30 p.m. Are you or anyone you know fighting a health insurance denial or other health coverage issue, or confused about your health coverage or how to find coverage? It’s a little-known fact that residents of CT have access to free, expert health coverage advice or representation from the state Office of the Healthcare Advocate (OHA). Join us on Zoom to learn about OHA’s services, and to discuss any problems or difficulties you or your loved ones are having affording or securing quality healthcare. Ted Doolittle is the current Healthcare Advocate for the State of CT. Ted is a seasoned government executive, attorney and former federal prosecutor, including service as the Deputy Director of the Center for Program Integrity at Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Service (CMS). To register and see more details, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Tuesday, October 18 Teen Library Council, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. **Please note: this meeting will be on the third Tuesday of the month on 10/18, instead of the regularly scheduled second Tuesday of the month. The Wilton Teen Library Council (TLC) is a monthly group for youth in grades 6-12 who are interested in becoming more involved with the library. All Wilton teens are welcome. Benefits include: helping librarians choose teen materials, brainstorming ideas for teen programs, gaining experience working in a leadership role, and helping the community through service projects. Each meeting will consist of a small group activity and discussion of upcoming events. We will meet the second Tuesday of each month and ask that you attend all meetings. Registration is optional, but we recommend submitting a TLC application before your first meeting. Please contact Teen Services at (203) 762-6342 with any questions. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Tuesday, October 18 Paint it Up!, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Come join us for a fun and relaxing evening. We'll supply the canvas, paints, brushes and a collection of masterpieces to copy and inspire you. No art experience required. Just a desire to pick up a brush, have fun and let your inner self out! For adults, ages 18+. Space limited. Registration required. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Tuesday, October 18 Medicare Boot Camp, 7 to 8:30 p.m. How do you sign up for Medicare? When do you become eligible?  What are your options? To find out more, please join us for a community conversation in the Brubeck Room. This discussion will provide information for those who will be new to Medicare in the near future. Learn the “ins and outs” of Medicare enrollment and how to avoid mistakes that can be costly. Most importantly, bring questions of your own! There will be brief presentations by Lisa Alhabal, CHOICES Counselor and SMP Coordinator for the Southwestern Connecticut Agency on Aging (SWCAA), and Lauren Hughes, Coordinator of Senior Services for the Wilton Department of Social Services. Registration required.  Please register online at www.wiltonlibrary.org or call 203-762-6334.  For more information, contact asato@wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Wednesday, October 19 The College Process: Supporting Your Teen and Finding the Right Fit, 10 a.m. to noon. The college process can often feel like a frenzy but there are ways to manage it that foster resilience and relationships rather than discord and despair. Please join Susan Bauerfeld, Ph.D., and Deena Maerowitz, J.D., M.S.W., to learn tips, strategies and suggestions for reducing stress, staying connected to your child and managing the process with greater ease and comfort. You will feel better and your teen will thank you! Susan Bauerfeld, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist, speaker, parenting coach and ADHD coach. She has a private practice in Norwalk. Deena Maerowitz, J. D., M.S.W., has had a multifaceted career, including experience in graduate admissions and working in the public policy arena around education. As an educational consultant with the Bertram Group, Deena advises students throughout the entire college admissions process. This free event is recommended for parents of 8th -12th graders.  All adults and interested parties are welcome to attend. Brought to you by the Wilton Youth Council in partnership with the Wilton Library Association. Registration required.  Please register online at www.wiltonlibrary.org or call 203-762-6334.  For more information, contact asato@wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Wednesday, October 19 Nutmeg Book Discussion, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Kids in grades 4-6 can get ready for the Nutmeg Awards by discussing Nightbooks by J.A. White.  Alex loves scary stories more than anything until he is trapped by a story-loving witch. In a horrific mashup of Hansel and Gretel and Scheherazade, will Alex manage to escape and help his new friend as well? Read the book on your own and come prepared to talk about it. Registration required. Drop-ins accepted if space allows. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Wednesday, October 19 Ensemble Chaconne: The Glorious Ones – Treasures by the Late Baroque Masters, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Ensemble Chaconne transports the audience to the salons and palaces of 18th century Europe with The Glorious Ones – Treasures by the Late Baroque Masters. Praised by Classical Voice of North Carolina as “a powerhouse of great playing,” the ensemble performs masterpieces by J.S. Bach, Handel, Vivaldi, Telemann and other great composers of the baroque era. Ensemble Chaconne features Peter H. Bloom on renaissance and baroque flutes, Olav Chris Henriksen on lute, theorbo, and early guitars, and Carol Lewis on viola da gamba. Now celebrating its 37th season, the ensemble tours widely in the U.S. and abroad. Registration required.  Please register online at www.wiltonlibrary.org or call 203-762-6334.  For information, contact asato@wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Thursday, October 20 Teen Thursday: Tiny Pumpkin Decorating, 3:30 to 6 p.m. Drop by the Teen department for a fun activity, every other Thursday. Make a craft, play a game, or just relax. This week's activity: decorate a tiny pumpkin to celebrate Halloween! No registration necessary. Just drop in (while supplies last)! This activity is for students in Grades 6-12 only. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Saturday, October 22 (Not) Just for Kids: Strings - Meet Mr. Mahler, 3 to 4 p.m. Children ages 4+ and their families are invited to this presentation by Norwalk Symphony Orchestra. The String Quartet (Violins, Viola, and Cello) is featured. Gustav Mahler represents the Romantic composers, and was also an accomplished conductor.  Learn more about his music while enjoying the sounds of the orchestra’s string section.  Masks recommended. Registration required.  Please register all attendees. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Sunday, October 23 Halloween Books and a Blanket, 10 to 11 a.m. The Wilton Land Conservation Trust, Wilton Library, and Wilton Go Green have come together to offer a unique and immersive book reading experience for toddlers and preschoolers. Together, we've created an opportunity for families to venture outside, explore nature, listen to stories, and make an upcycled craft. Especially for October, come in your Halloween Costume, take part in singing, dancing, and a Trick-or-Treat Parade! Please visit www.wiltonlandtrust.org and click on “Events & Programs” to register and for more information. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Monday, October 24 Zentangle Art Workshop: Zooming with Amy (Zoom), 3 to 4:30 p.m. Join Amy, Wilton Library's certified Zentangle teacher (CZT), as she guides us through a fun and relaxing Zentangle session.  This meditative art form uses simple steps to teach practitioners how to create beautiful patterns. Suitable for anyone who doesn't believe they can draw, as well as experienced artists!  For adults and teens, ages 13+. See the library’s registration link for suggestions of supplies needed. Registration is required and space is limited.  Zoom link will be sent no later than the morning of the program. To register and see short video tutorials, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Monday, October 24 Zombie Barbie, 4 to 5 p.m. 4th - 8th graders can give Barbie, Ken and friends an undead makeover. Dress to paint and express your creepy creativity! Registration required. Drop-ins admitted if space allows.  To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Tuesday, October 25 Senior Center Book Discussion: Five Points: The 19th-Century New York City Neighborhood That Invented Tap Dance, Stole Elections, and Became the World's Most Notorious Slum, 11 a.m. to noon. Please join us as Carol Kaelin leads a discussion of Tyler Anbinder's Five Points: The 19th-century New York City Neighborhood that Invented Tap Dance, Stole Elections, and Became the World's Most Notorious Slum. Tyler Anbinder has provided us with a much-needed upgrade to the history of the notorious 19th-century Five Points neighborhood of lower Manhattan. Relying on a wide variety of sources including census lists, police reports, the records of charitable organizations and real estate companies, as well as personal documents, he tells the intimate stories of the German, Jewish, Italian, Irish, Chinese and African-American immigrants that crowded into this neighborhood. And, beyond the individual anecdotes, the social, cultural, political, and economic history of this densely-packed melting pot of humanity is engagingly recounted. This group meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month from September through May, excluding December. Call the Senior Center for details and to register at 203-834-6240. Comstock Community Center, 180 School Road, Wilton. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Wednesday, October 26 American Red Cross Blood Drive, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please come to Wilton Library to donate blood on October 26. The Red Cross is very low on donations and every pint helps. For more information, visit www.redcrossblood.org. Appointment Hours: 10:00AM - 3:00PM. To sign up, go to www.redcrossblood.org and use sponsor code WiltonLibrary. Walk-ins will be accommodated. Please note: Positive ID required at time of donation. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Wednesday, October 26 Scary Stories for Halloween, 4:15 to 5 p.m. Calling all kids in grades 1-5:  come get ready for Halloween with an afternoon of spooky stories! Come in costume and hear our librarians as they tell their favorite creepy tales aloud. The lights will be low, and no books will be needed. Prepare to be scared! Registration required. Drop-ins accepted if space allows. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

 

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Submitted by Wilton, CT

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