Now On View

*Wooden Wildlife: In the display case near the children’s department, Newtown residents Carol and Wayne Smith have assembled recent works that they have created for a display called “Artistry in Wood.” Mr Smith (a/k/a The Grizzly Woodsmith) carves wonderful animals (and for the holiday season, Santa figures) and then Mrs Smith brings them to life with painted details. The Grizzly Woodsmith has been honored with Best of Show and blue ribbons at numerous fine arts and crafts and woodcarving shows.

The carved critters will remain on view until March 31.

* Anita Gregorski’s “Surroundings”: Oil paintings and watercolors by the Middlebury artist Anita Gregory will open at the library this weekend. A collection of familiar scenes of New England and surrounding areas, the exhibition will be on view in the Olga Knoepke Memorial Meeting Room until March 31.

Having lived all of her life in Connecticut, Mrs Gregorski’s paintings successfully capture the colors and atmosphere that are so much a part of this area. Many of the barns she has painted over the years have since disappeared, streets have changed, and storefronts modernized. Mrs Gregorski’s paintings offer a nostalgic look at what makes New England so charming and unique.

Children’s Programs

*St Patty’s For Kids: Marie Walker will conduct a St Patrick’s Day craft program for children ages 6 and up on Saturday, March 11, from 1 to 2 pm. Registration begins March 3, and a $3 material fee is due upon registration.

Programs For Young Adults

*Let’s Talk About: Our next Young Adult book discussion will be held on Wednesday, March 8, from 4 to 5 pm, in The Story Room. We’ll be talking about Eldest by Christopher Paolini.

In the sequel to Eragon, the young dragon rider is adopted into the Ingeitum clan and sent to finish his training so he can further help the Varden in their struggle against the Empire.

These monthly book discussions are for readers in grades 5-9, or any young person who has read the book, and are co-sponsored by Reed Intermediate School. Copies of the books are available at both libraries.

Call or sign up in person at Booth Library.

*The YA Creative Writing Group is forming for the spring session. Participants can write about some of their life experiences in Tales of a Newtown Something.

The group will be led by Humanities teacher and Newtown resident Julie Stern. It is limited to ten Newtown students in grade 6 and up. Participants are expected to attend all five sessions, which will meet on five Mondays from 6 to 8 pm: March 20 and 27, and April 3, 10 and 24. Sign up at the Main Floor Circulation Desk or call 426-4533.

Adult Events

*Independent Film Series: The series will continue on March 7 with film shorts including Inja, Mt Head and Das Rad (three of the selections included in a compilation that received Academy Award nominations) and Sangam, a Sundance selection.

Upcoming films will be Drifters on April 4, and Agata and the Storm on May 2.

Screenings are free, and all begin at 7:30 pm. Fliers with descriptions for each of the films are available at the library.

*Book Discussions: All book groups are ongoing, and newcomers are welcome. If you need a copy of a book call the library and we’ll reserve a copy for you.

Upcoming discussions include All the Shah’s Men by Stephen Kinzer on Tuesday, March 7, at 1 pm; The Ideal Husband by Oscar Wilde on Monday, March 13, at 1 pm; and The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger on Thursday, March 16, at 7:30 pm.

*Author Talk: Sue Delbianco, the author of The Last Phantom Train, will be our guest on Thursday, March 9, at 7:30 pm.

Sue will give a slide show presentation featuring her new book, plus information regarding the history of the Rails to Trails project in our region.

*A History of Beer: Steve Small, general manager of Yankee Wine & Spirits in Newtown, will give a talk on the history of beer and offer a beer tasting at the library on Friday, March 10, at 7 pm.

Participants must be 21 years or older. Refreshments will be served. Registration is requested.

*Fun Creations with Digital Photography: Join us on Saturday, March 18, from 10 to 11:30 am, and learn how to make personalized calendars, baseball cards, pop-up cards and a slideshow. Participants will be using Adobe Photoshop elements and Microsoft Moviemaker, which is included in Windows XP software.

*How To Eat A Truffle: Maria Poirer Brandriff will give a lecture and demonstration celebrating chocolate on Wednesday, March 22, at 7 pm.

The demonstration will focus mainly on the making of hand-rolled and dipped chocolate truffles. Participants will sample the chocolate candies and compare several types of chocolate, both imported and domestic.

*Book Nook News: An abundance of Irish folk tales and book by Irish authors are featured in The Book Nook, located on the library’s main floor near the circulation desk.

C.H. Booth Library, at 25 Main Street in Newtown, can be reached by calling 426-4533.