‘Newtown Reads’ Slates Book Discussions And Activities

 Now that all of Newtown has read the book April Morning, it is time to take part in some fun community activities that the Newtown Reads committee has planned.

Start off by learning more about the author, Howard Fast, a prolific writer and deep thinker who was deeply and passionately involved in some popular and not so popular causes of the 20th Century. Mimi Fast will be at the library on Friday, April 11, at 7:30 pm, to share some first-hand experiences and insights into the life and works of her late husband, Howard Fast. The library is expecting a large crowd, so it is recommended that those wishing to attend sign up in advance by calling 426-4533.

A variety of discussions about April Morning are taking place around Newtown during April. Discussion leaders have done their homework and are ready with background material and good discussion questions that have no right answer. Anyone who has read the book is invited to join any of the discussions being held at the library:

Sunday, April 6, 2 to 4 pm, with Margaret Brown and Liz Arneth family discussion);

Monday, April 7, at noon, with Cecilia Dalzell and Cheryl Wicks, at noon (bag lunch optional);

Wednesday, April 9, at 7:30 pm, with Terry Stoller and Joy Kopesky;

Thursday, April 10, at 1 pm, with Linda Mayo Elsenhans; and/or

Wednesday, April 23, at 7:30 pm, with Elizabeth Adam and Janice Fields.

Those interested in being outside and taking a hike with April Morning are invited to join Town Historian Dan Cruson as he leads a walking tour through Putnam Park in Redding on Saturday, April 12, at 1 pm. The park was the site of a winter encampment during the Revolutionary War.

Mr Cruson and a colleague are currently digging at the site and have already made some interesting and historically significant discoveries. The hike is about a mile long and the trail through the park is not difficult. Call the library if directions to Putnam Park are needed.

Several special events will also be taking place in Newtown the late in April that relate to Newtown Reads:

On Thursday, April 24,at 7 pm, Leland Kellogg will be directing some young Newtowners in the American Girl play Tea for Felicity. After the performance the audience will be invited to participate in a mock debate to highlight views of both Tories and Patriots.

On Friday, April 25, C.H. Booth Library is going back in time and becoming a place of fun and games. The year is 1775 and the place is the local tavern. Re-enactors representing Redcoats and Patriots will be on hand to mingle with Newtowners, sing songs, play Colonial-era games, and even teach a few dance steps. The evening promises to be a fun family affair, and all are invited to participate. Dress in Colonial attire or modern day blue jeans.

Finally, on Saturday, April 26, these same Tories and Patriots will be staging a reenactment at Fairfield Hills. The day will be full of living history demonstrations culminating in a confrontation between the Tories and the Patriots. The fun starts at 9:30 with the reenactment in the early afternoon. Drop in throughout the day.