Teens hope for smashingly successful fund-raiser
The library’s robotics team, Singularity Technology, is sponsoring Destroy Your Hard Drive on Saturday, Nov. 19, from 10 to 4. The fund-raiser is designed to do just that — completely smash up and render useless old computers that can then be recycled. The $20 fee per computer will help offset costs the team incurs while competing in the national FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) competitions taking place this fall. People can bring in their old computers anytime during the fund-raiser and either leave them or watch while the kids obliterate the hard drives. For information, call 203-762-6342.
Local artists featured
The library’s November/December art exhibition, The Message is in the Medium, opens Friday, Nov. 18, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The works of four local artists will be featured: Eileen Panepinto (Weston), painting, who also is the spouse of library staffer Michael Bellacosa; Debra Schaffer (Ridgefield), mixed media photo collage; Ellen Schiffman (Weston), fiber art; and Joyce Seymore (Wilton), photography. Their collective works offer a panoply of varied subjects, styles and medium. The reception is open to the public. The majority of the works are available for purchase with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the library. The exhibition runs through Thursday, Dec. 29, giving buyers a chance to perhaps purchase something for the holidays.
Reading activity
Children who are independent readers will get a chance to read to gentle therapy dogs in the Tales to Tails program on Saturday, Nov. 19, from 11 to noon. Children who read aloud regularly gain a confidence in their reading skills and often become lifelong readers. There is no program charge to read to the pups. Registration is required for a time slot during the hour. Register online or call the Children’s Library.
Choo choo train safety
Metro-North Railroad presents Get There Safe on Saturday, Nov. 19, from 3 to 3:45. This community outreach program for children and their families is designed to educate people about rail safety. Registration is suggested.
Thanksgiving fun
Children have a few fun things to do this week before and after Thanksgiving. On Sunday, Nov. 20, from 1 to 4:30, children of all ages can take part in Thanksgiving Crafts. They can drop in with a parent or caregiver at any time on Sunday to make turkey centerpieces or celebratory placemats to take home. The Day After Thanksgiving Movies this year are set for Friday, Nov. 25, with a screening of Finding Dory at 10:15 and the remake of the classic The Jungle Book at 2. The movies are free and rated PG. Children under age 8 must be accompanied by adults; children 8 through 11 must have adults remain in the building.
Hospice panel discussion
Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County and the library are hosting an important discussion with a panel of experts about caring for a loved one who is nearing the end of life. The program, Peace and Compassion on the Final Journey, is on Monday, Nov. 21, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and features an enlightening and compelling film by Barbara Karnes, RN, followed by a panel discussion moderated by Emmy award-winning broadcast journalist and best-selling author, Diane Smith. Caregivers and other family members and loved ones will benefit from the informative and compassionate guidance they receive and learn how they can help to provide a caring and peaceful end-of-life experience for those they love. There is no charge. Registration is recommended.
Senior book group
Ray Rauth will lead a discussion of The Death of Ivan Ilyich by Leo Tolstoy for the Senior Center Book Discussion on Tuesday, Nov. 22, from 11 to noon. Usually classified as one of the finest examples of the novella form, The Death of Ivan Ilyich is a brief work that is both profound and provocative. Written in 1886 following Tolstoy’s crisis of faith and religious conversion, the book is an examination of the meaning of life and of death. After November’s session, the group meets again in January. Call the senior center for details and to register at 203-834-6240. Comstock Community Center, 180 School Road, Wilton.
The library will be closing at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 23, and will remain closed for Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 24. To register for programs, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org and click on Events or call the Circulation Desk at 203-762-6334 for adult programs, the Children’s Library at 203-762-6336 and Teen Services at 203-762-6342.