Safe driving techniques
Given the weather conditions and how road conditions have been impacted, now may be a good time for drivers over 50 to take the AARP Driver Safety Class on Saturday, Feb. 21, from 10 to 2.
The class is provides practical techniques on how to adjust to normal changes in vision, hearing and reaction time associated with aging.
The class is $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members, paid by cash or check at the start of the session. Advance registration is required.
Race and politics during the Gilded Age
In the third lecture of the eighth annual collaboration between Wilton Library and the Wilton Historical Society on “The Gilded Age: Culture and Conflict at the End of the 19th Century,” James Goodman, professor of history and creative writing at Rutgers University, will present a lecture on “Race Relations and Politics in the Gilded Age,” Sunday, Feb. 22, from 4 to 5:30, in the library’s Brubeck Room.
Although race relations dominate the study of antebellum America, the Civil War, and Reconstruction through 1877, the topic tends to disappear in the Gilded Age, especially in the popular versions of Gilded Age history.
Examining this point in history helps to provide some prospective as to where the U.S. stands today with black and white issues.
Mr. Goodman is the author of short stories, essays, book reviews, and three books, Stories of Scottsboro, Blackout, and But Where is the Lamb?
The remaining lectures are as follows:
- March 8: “How the Other Half Lives” presented by Bonnie Yochelson at Wilton Library;
- March 22: “From Civil War to Revolution: The Rapid Industrialization of America and the Challenges We Still Face” by Matthew Warshauer at the Wilton Historical Society.
Mr. Goodman’s presentation is sponsored by Chris and Dan Delmar. The moderator is Max Gabrielson. The series is free. Donations are always welcomed. Registration is required.
Weir Farm artist’s exhibition
Rachel Bacon is the Weir Farm artist-in-residence for February. Her exhibition on Monday, Feb. 23, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., encompasses family letters spanning the 20th Century and four generations and will chart a single life-span and reflect the tremendous changes in documentation and communication experienced over the years.
Ms. Bacon is currently based in the Hague where she teaches drawing in the fine arts department of the Royal Academy for Fine Arts. She also has participated in other artist-in-residence programs including Swing Space on Governors Island in New York City, De Nederlandsche Cacaofabriek in Helmond, and Raumars, in Rauma, Finland.
The exhibition is co-sponsored by Weir Farm Art Center and Weir Farm National Historic Site and presented by Wilton Library. Free; registration is suggested.
Meet state representatives
The Wilton Chamber of Commerce, Wilton Library and CBIA are sponsoring an informal discussion about the 2014 elections and provide a peek into the 2015 session of the Connecticut General Assembly on Tuesday, Feb. 24, from 8 to 9:30 a.m.
This legislative forum will provide insight into how the General Assembly was impacted by the most recent election and examine what some of the lawmakers’ priorities are for the 2015 legislative session which got underway in January.
Lawmakers attending are Sen. Toni Boucher, state Rep. Gail Lavielle and state Rep. Tom O’Dea.
Light refreshments will be provided. Free; registration is highly recommended and should be completed by Monday, Feb. 23, through the library’s website.
Book group and author talk programs rescheduled
The winter snowstorms that have been rolling in every week have wreaked havoc with some programs, including the January Senior Center Book Discussion, which has now been moved to Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 11 a.m. with the discussion of The Spirit Level by Richard Wilkinson and Kate Prickett. The session leader is Richard Duffee. Participants are asked to call the senior center at 203-834-6240.
The Area Author Affair, previously scheduled for Feb. 9, has been rescheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 24, from 6 to 7 p.m. Author and photographer Laurie Klein will discuss her book, Photographing the Female Form with Digital Infrared. Books will be available for purchase and signing. Registration is highly recommended.
Technology classes
Mary Anne Franco will teach the ins-and-outs of LinkedIn on Thursday, Feb. 26, at 12:30, and again from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Participants will learn how to create a profile and look for jobs in this demonstration-style class. Registration is encouraged.
Technology classes taught in the Innovation Station this week include:
- Introduction to Soldering on Friday, Feb. 20, from 10 to 11;
- Introduction to 3D Printing on Saturday, Feb. 21 , from 2 to 3;
- Introduction to Tinkercad 3D Design on Sunday, Feb. 21, from 3:30 to 4:30;
- Introduction to 3D Printing on Monday, Feb. 23, from 10 to 11;
- Introduction to 3D Printing on Wednesday, Feb. 25, from 10 to 11.
Registration is required for all Innovation Station classes, along with a valid Connecticut library card and a signed Innovation Station Agreement form, which can be found on the library’s website.
To register for programs, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org and click on Events or call 203-762-3950, ext. 213 for adult programs, ext. 217 for children’s activities and ext. 243 for teen events.