Art Exhibit

*Now On View: Lisa Orleman, a resident of New Fairfield who has studied with the renowned Russian painter Krill Doron, will open the next art exhibit in the library’s Olga Knoepke Room on Friday, March 4.

Her paintings have been shown at Bethel Arts Junction, The Barn Gallery in New Fairfield, and are part of several private collections. Ms Orleman has exhibited in the Regional Hospice Art Festival, and the Cendant Mobility Art Exhibition.

Ms Orleman paints exclusively in oils on both canvas and wood. She is a graduate of Sacred Heart University and has studied at Trinity College in Dublin.

Lisa will be hosting an opening reception on Saturday, March 12, from 2 to 4 pm. All are welcome.

Her work will remain on exhibit at the library until Wednesday, March 30.

Children’s Programs

*Crafts Saint Patrick Would Like: A pre-St Patrick’s Day craft workshop with Marie Walker will take place on Saturday, March 5, from 1 to 2 pm, for children ages 6 and up.

A $3 material fee is due upon registration. A sign-up sheet will be available in the children’s department beginning February 26.

*Let’s Discuss: The new 2006 Nutmeg list has been revealed.

If you want to read all of the titles before voting for next year’s winner, pick up a copy of Trouble Don’t Last by Shelley Pearsall and join us in the first of ten Nutmeg book discussions to take place at the library between March and December.

Winner of the Scott O’Dell Award for historical fiction, Ms Pearsall’s book has been called “one of the best underground Railroad narratives in years.” The discussion, for students in grades 4-6, will take place on Wednesday, March 30, from 6:30 until 7:30.

The Underground Railroad program that was originally planned for February 28, and has been rescheduled for March 28, would be a perfect prelude to this book discussion. See program details under Adult Programs.

Young Adults

*Creative Writing Competition: The 27th Annual Trumbull Arts Festival Literary Competition, for original

creative writing in the areas of poetry, fiction and non-fiction, is underway.

Cash prizes will be awarded in the four categories of Adult, High School (grades 9-12), Middle School (grades 6-8), and Elementary School (grades 3-5).

Entries will be accepted through April 26. Pick up applications at Booth Library’s in YA Department.

Adult Programs

*Book Discussions: Upcoming discussions include The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood on Monday, March 14, at 1 pm; and The Soloist by Mark Salzman at Thursday, March 17, at 7:30 pm.

April discussions will include In An Uncertain World by Robert E. Rubin on April 1 at 1 pm; April 11, Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The House of Seven Gables, also at 1 pm; and April 21, Nickel and Dimed by Barbara Ehrenreich, 7:30 pm. Newcomers are always welcome for any of the discussions.

*Indie Film Series:  Come in from the cold and enjoy some first run award winning independent films on Tuesday evenings at 7:30 pm.

On March 8 the film will be Wolves in the Snow. The film begins with the news that that Antoine has been cuckolding Lucie for years. A violent marital dispute ensues, resulting in Antoine’s death. The body of Antoine disappears, other corpses appear, and missing money quickly becomes the only pretext of an alarming turn of events.

The film is in French with English subtitles.

On March 22 the movie will be Falling Angels, and on March 29 the feature will be Witnesses.

*Exploring Self-Employment: Tim Stubbs, The Entrepreneur’s Source consultant and coach, will be at the library on Thursday, March 10, at 7 pm, to present “Exploring Self-Employment with Franchises.”

The program will help participants explore business and career options. To register for the seminar call 364-9000; drop-ins are welcome, however.

*Chocolate Making Workshop, For Adults: This time it’s the grown-ups’ turn.

Come learn some of Marie Walker’s favorite chocolate candy recipes on Tuesday, March 15, at 7:30 pm. This is a hands-on workshop and there will be plenty of opportunity for tasting and also for bringing home samples to the chocolate lovers in your life.

Space is limited, pre-registration is required and there is a supply fee of $7; call the library to reserve a place.

*“Freedom Quilts” Rescheduled: “The Freedom Quilts & The Underground Railroad” program originally scheduled for February 28 has been rescheduled for Monday, March 28, at 4 pm (for students) and 7:30 pm (for adults).

Trish Chambers, a Civil War re-enactor, will offer a lively performance in period dress. Her presentation will include a brief history of The Underground Railroad, and more detailed discussion of quilt patterns as a method of communication by slaves seeking freedom.

This event is being co-sponsored by the library and Newtown Historical Society.

*Bluebirds Coming: On Sunday, March 6, at 3 pm, “The Bluebird Man” – Fred Comstock – will be at the library to talk about how to attract bluebirds to your backyard.

Copies of his book Bluebirds and bluebird kits will be available for purchase at the time of the talk.

Please note the time of this program is 3 pm, not 2.

*Author Reception & Book Signing: Come celebrate Nancy Schulz and her new book, Dirt Rich: The New American Gentry, on Sunday, March 13, from 2 to 5 pm.

Copies of this Newtown resident’s book are currently available for purchase at the library and will also be available at the time of the signing. Profits from the sale of this book are going to be donated to the library.

*Computer Classes: The next intermediate-level computing class will be offered on Saturday, March 19, also 9 am until noon. There is a $10 fee for this class and pre-registration is also required. Call the library for more details.

*Indian Cooking Class: Local chef and caterer Kanwal Sakhi will at the library this month to share some of her favorite recipes including chicken kababs, pakova, samosa and chaat.

Come learn how to make delicious Indian dishes on Wednesday, March 23. Ms Sakhi will be offering sessions at 11 am and 7:30 pm. A small supply fee of $7 will be charged and space is limited so sign up early.

C.H. Booth Library, at 25 Main Street, can be reached at 426-4533. Winter hours are in effect: The library is currently open Monday through Thursday from 10 am to 8 pm, Friday from noon to 5 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, and Sunday from 1 to 5 pm.