Now On View

*Historical Society exhibit: Until Thanksgiving, Newtown Historical Society will be exhibiting some treasures from its collection this month including some of William Sniffen’s souvenirs from his service in the Civil War. Sniffen was proud of his service in the Second Connecticut Light Artillery, and especially proud to have fought at Gettysburg.

Along with Sniffen’s sword, hat, canteen and holster, the society is exhibiting some other wonderful artifacts that have not been on view for quite a long time.

*Captured Moments: Beth Schweitzer is presenting “Captured Moments,” an exhibition of her art using acrylics, in the library’s lower meeting room through November 30.

The recent work of this Newtown resident is a dramatic departure from the large, abstract expressionist paintings she has done in years past. Although she uses the vivid colors of her nonfigurative work, she recently moved towards a more representational painting style. She has also switched from working in oils to working primarily in acrylics.

Her paintings are celebrations of unassuming moments. Through her use of color and strong composition, she takes the everyday and makes it heroic.

Children’s Programs

*Thanksgiving Craft Workshop: Children ages 6 and up are invited to join Marie Walker’s Thanksgiving craft program on Saturday, November 19, from 1-2 pm.

Sign up in the Children’s Department. A $3 material fee is due upon registration.

*Nutmeg Book Discussion: All students in grades 4-6 are invited to join us when we discuss Pictures of Hollis Woods on Wednesday, November 30. The one-hour program will begin at 6:30 pm.

Hollis Woods has been in so many foster homes she can hardly remember them all. When Hollis is sent to live with an elderly artist named Josie, she wants to stay. But Josie is growing more forgetful every day.

If Social Services finds out, they’ll take Hollis away and move Josie into a home.

Hollis won’t let anyone separate them. She has escaped the system before; this time, she plans to take Josie with her.

Call the children’s department, 426-3851, to sign up for the discussion of Patricia Reilly Giff’s award-winning book.

For Young Adults

*Let’s Talk About: The next Young Adults book discussion, on Wednesday, November 16, will be about Soldier Boys by Dean Hughes. The discussion will run from 4 to 5 pm (sorry – the incorrect date was printed in previous issues of The Bee).

Spencer and Dieter are both teenagers, both love their country, and both want to show what they are made of. But World War II is going on, and Dieter and Spencer are not on the same side.

These monthly book discussions for grades 5-9 are co-sponsored by Reed Intermediate School, and books are available at both libraries. Sign up at the Booth Library’s main floor circulation desk or call Booth Library.

Adult Programs

*Book Talks: Upcoming discussions include Monday, November 14, at 1 pm, Persuasion by Jane Austen; and Thursday, November 17, at 7:30 pm, Dreams from My Father by Barack Obama.

*De-Stressing with Paint: A wonderful class for adults, “De-Stressing with Paint” will be offered on Tuesday, November 15, at 7 pm. Here is a chance to get in touch with your creative side.

The supply fee is $5 and the class size is limited to 15; there are currently eight spaces are available.

*“Mosaic of Newtown History” Slide Lecture: A reception and slideshow presentation celebrating Town Historian Dan Cruson’s new book, A Mosaic of Newtown History, will take place on Wednesday, November 16, at 7:30 pm.

Copies of the book ($20 hardcover) will be available for purchase at the time of the talk. Mr Cruson will sign copies of his book following the lecture.

*Book Nook News: Holiday cookbooks, craft books and story books are now at the Nook. Come on in while the selection is good.

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