An Evening With Sydney Sherman, Spiritual Medium & Author

Sydney Sherman

Author! Author! An Evening with Sydney Sherman
Sydney Sherman, author of You Are Not Alone, returns to the library for an evening presentation that delves into the subject of the afterlife.

Program Overview
Ms. Sherman will discuss how all cultures to some degree believe in an afterlife; how the media effects our beliefs, and why and what we believe about the paranormal and the afterlife in a reality beyond her own.

Ms. Sherman's talk will approach the idea of the afterlife -- and the subjects of spirits and ghosts -- with a healthy dose of common sense which encourages skepticism of paranormal claims unless or until they can be substantiated. She will also draw distinctions between myths and the paranormal; recount experiences with spirits, and offer hints to avoid falling prey to the frauds in the paranormal field.

Program Schedule
Wednesday, October 21, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Advanced Registration Required
The program starts earlier than most evening library programs to allow time for Q&A and conversation with the author. Register for the program by phoning the library at 860.267.6621 or register online.

East Hampton CT: Power Down, Solar Up Campaign, 2015

Energy Efficiency Matters
The Town of East Hampton has endorsed the East Hampton Power Down, Solar Up campaign in line with our community's continuous commitment to improving quality of life by promoting energy efficiency and clean, renewable energy.

Power Down/Solar Up: FREE Workshop
Join your fellow energy curious and conscious neighbors and friends for a free workshop hosted by the Town's Clean Energy Task Force. The workshop will be held at the East Hampton Public Library on Thursday, May 14, beginning at 6:00 p.m.

If you did not receive a by mail flyer outlining workshop details or if you set it aside for later review, click here to put workshop details at the top of your must see list!

Workshop Details
During the workshop you can meet with approved energy experts, discuss your energy concerns, and explore the how to make your home or business more energy efficient. These experts can also provide guidance on how to take advantage of federal tax credits, Energize Connecticut rebates, loan and lease options.

Also on hand will be representatives from Aegis Solar and New England Conservation Services.

Register for the FREE Workshop
Yes, it would be good to let the Clean Energy Task Force know if you plan to attend the workshop. Click here to register.

Celebrate the 'Tweets' During February 2015

Bird Month at the Library
Birds bring a welcome splash of color, flash of motion, gentle sounds, and dreams of spring into our lives, especially during the winter months. This February, join us for a celebration of our feathered friends. Throughout the month, we'll connect you to bird-lover resources, events, regional and national efforts, and local programs.

Birders: The Central Park Effect
Documentary Film Screening
Wednesday, February 11, 6:30 p.m.
Enjoy this magical documentary about the extraordinary variety of wild birds that can be observed both seasonally and year-round in Central Park, the only 'wild' piece of territory in the New York City area along the migratory route.

Featuring spectacular wildlife footage capturing the changing seasons, the film reveals that Central Park acts as a magnet for the millions and millions of birds migrating along the Eastern Seaboard twice every year.  Desperate for a rest-stop, the tiny birds funnel in to this oasis of nature amid a sea of steel and concrete – a phenomenon known as the “Central Park Effect.”

Watch the trailer then enjoy the full film in the company of fellow bird lovers.

The Secret Lives of Owls
Presented by Horizon Wings
Tuesday, February 17, 1:00 p.m.
Owls have always been surrounded by an air of mystery, probably because most are nocturnal and not easily spotted in the wild. This is your chance to be only a few feet away from two eastern screech owls, a barn owl, a barred owl, and a great-horned owl! Discover the extraordinary features of owls, including exceptional eyesight, hearing, and ability to fly silently.

Take Your Child to the Library Day, 2015 Edition

Saturday, February 7, 10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Among many other activities, give an early tip of the hat to owls by crafting an owl corner-page bookmark. The owl is exceptional, sturdy, and ready to read the field, just like you! Do drop in for our 'Owl Love You Forever' bookmark craft, 11:30 - 12:30 p.m., and for other Take Your Child to the Library Day events scheduled throughout the day. Registration where noted.

Nature Connections

Since 1989, the National Bird Feeding Society has recognized February as the month to feed wild birds. Visit All About Birds, a service of the Cornell University Lab of Ornithology, for information about feeding basics, including the vitals of keeping your feeders clean, healthy, and safe.

The Audubon Society also offers information about backyard feeders with recommendations about which type of feeder you might use to create a refuge for different birds.

Watch for upcoming book and web site recommendations -- new, regarded, and essential -- about how to enjoy the tweets in your life through the remaining winter months if not all year round.

Great Backyard Bird Count

February 13-16, 2015

Participating in the 'count' is a great family activity and also a great way to get to know other bird-loving families in your community. Learn about how to participate by counting birds in your backyards and neighborhoods. The purpose is to learn more about birds and how to protect them and the environment we share. We'll be offering info and bird-friendly stories to support the effort and we'll be counting at the library, too! Be there for the 18th Annual Backyard Bird Count!

   

It's 2015... Do You Know Who Your Ancestors Are?

Join us on Tuesday, January 13, 1:00 p.m. for an Introduction to Genealogy ready made for beginning genealogists as well as for those who need to brush up on their research skills. Every new year is a marker sign to thinking about family.

Topics covered include:

How to get started with family genealogy

Best genealogical research practices

Types of genealogical sources

Electronic websites available to the genealogist

Tips and tricks for getting over that “brick wall”

Collecting and preserving your family history.

Join Carol R. Whitmer, professional genealogist and active researcher on a journey to discover the past and unveil the mysteries of your family history. Carol has been doing family research for over 35 years, acts as a consulting genealogist for the Connecticut Historical Society, and is a member of both the Association of Professional Genealogists and the Connecticut Professional Genealogists Council. In addition, she sits on the Board of Governors of the Connecticut Society of Genealogists and is on the Board of Trustees for the CHS.

Click to sign up for this free workshop.

Green Matters

Image courtesy of the Wesleyan
Student Assembly, Middletown, CT

Green Choices
This coming spring, which is not that far away, the library will be hosting a series of programs about green projects and initiatives you can take on yourself or with others. We'll also be developing a variety of resource lists, including online and in print, and posting them up in preparation for Earth Day (April 22) and through the end of May. Programs first...

Community Gardening
Wednesday, April 9, 6:30 p.m. Click to Register
Meet Barbara Wagner and Bill Deusing and join the discussion about what it takes to form an organic gardening community. Ms. Wagner is Executive Director of the Board of Directors of the Wind Hill Community Farm in Glastonbury, CT. Mr. Deusing, farmer, author, and environmental activist served as Executive Director of the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Connecticut (CT NOFA) for 12 years and currently grows fruits and vegetables on the Old Solar Farm located in Oxford, CT. We'll be chatting about organic community gardening as a means to promote local growing, healthy food choices, and environmental stewardship.

Beekeeping in Connecticut: History, Opportunities and Challenges
Thursday, April 24, 1:00 p.m. Registration Opens March 15
By request, the library welcomes back guest speaker Mark Creighton, Beekeeper & Agricultural Research Technician at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station and CT’s Apiary Inspector. Mr. Creighton inspects 5,400 beehives in the state. Learn about beekeeping opportunities from an expert who also happens to be a hands-on urban beekeeper.

East Hampton Small Business Showcase: Positively Clean
Wednesday, May 14, 6:30 p.m. Registration Opens April 12
Meet, greet, and chat with Priscilla Connors, owner-manager of East Hampton's own Positively Clean. Learn about natural, non-toxic, no chemical ways to disinfect and deodorize your home, just in time for windows open spring. Ms. Connors is also a proponent of feng shui, which further informs the presentation.

Sustainable Landscaping
Thursday May 22, 1:00 p.m.
Registration Opens April 19
Gail Reynolds, UCONN Master Gardener Program Coordinator, will discuss planting gardens and landscapes to enhance the sustainability of your backyard's ecosystem. Gail lectures widely throughout our state and hails from Higganum.

February-March Concerts Coming Your Way!

Upcoming Concerts
If you love music, join us for any or all of our upcoming concerts scheduled in February and March 2014. All concerts are free and open to the public though for seating purposes, we do ask that you register online or give us a call. Love music? Find it here!

The Karkowska Sisters Duo
Saturday, February 22 @ 2PM
We could not be more excited or proud to welcome the Karkowska Sisters Duo to East Hampton, Connecticut. This internationally acclaimed, multi-award-winning duo has performed in the United States and abroad with many featured performances in Poland. From Carnegie Hall to Lincoln Center, these two classical music performers have delighted and entertained all with their extraordinary blend of talent, music, and wonderful stories. We're still thinking "Oh, my!" and are sure you will, too. Click to register.

Photo: Dawn Indermuehle

Outlaws, Villains & Rogues with Rick Spencer
Thursday, February 27 @ 1PM
Join us for the music of multi-talented Rick Spencer and his performance of historical and popular songs from the 18th to the mid-20th century. The songs tell the stories of Captain Kidd, Jesse James, Stagger Lee, and Pretty Boy Floyd, among others. While performing, Spencer also discusses the possible reasons why we as a culture are so fascinated by mayhem, violence, and misdeeds. Rick is known internationally for his work as a historian, researcher, singer, songwriter and performer of music in the American folk tradition. Click to register.

Music from the Heart with Danny Quinn
Wednesday, March 12 @ 7PM
Look no further for an early way to celebrate St. Paddy's Day! Put a spring in your step and join us for an evening of Irish and American folk music delivered by regional (and library) favorite Danny Quinn. Danny has been a performer of Irish and American folk music for over three decades and has shared the stage with or opened for renowned artists such as the Clancy Brothers, Tom Chapin, Peter Yarrow, the Makem Brothers, The Chieftains and many others. Click to register.

A Cup O' Joe with State Troubadour Kristen Graves
Saturday, March 29 @ 11AM
Enjoy morning coffee, with or without caffeine, plus a performance and chat time with Kristen Graves, recently named Connecticut's 15th State Troubadour. Expect honesty, catchy songs, funny stories, and lyrics sure to engage and inspire. Kristen is a singer/songwriter and activist from Fairfield, CT who performs about 175 shows a year throughout the country. We're feeling very lucky to be one of 2014's 175. Coffee's on us. Click to register.

Too Human Appearing Saturday, January 18, 2PM

Saturday Afternoon Concert
A quick look at the duo's talents, always supported by a jazzy upright bass player!
Click to register for this free concert.

Though music will be played on a winter afternoon, think summer...

Winter Fun: January 2014's Special Events

Our Happy New Year Lineup
Scheduling programs in January can be a little tricky. The specter of snow -- from a dusting to mounds and mounds -- is always a concern. The good news is the Winter Solstice has passed; spring seeds are already on sale in our local garden shops, and positive thinking seems to go hand-in-hand with the turn of the calendar page. Here's hoping the weather cooperates so all may enjoy our lineup of January 2014's special events.

The Fashions of Downton Abbey with Kandie Carle
Rescheduled to March 22, 2:00 p.m.
American audiences will be returning to Downton Abbey, Season 4, on Sunday, January 5. A few days after the fever subsides, join us for an evening program featuring Kandie Carle, who will take us on a journey through Downton's Edwardian Era using vintage and reproduction clothing and accessories. Expect a visual delight full of wit, grace, and surprising audience participation. Learn more by enjoying an interview with Ms. Carle courtesy of author Evangeline Holland. Seasons 1-3 on DVD are available for reserve or checkout with Season 4 due for release in late January.

Let Your Light Shine! Winter Craft for Kids
Saturday, January 11, 11:00 a.m.
In January's Saturday morning craft session, you'll be using a variation of 'melt your own crayon shavings' to create a simple but awesome luminary sure to make any day feel special. LED tea light is included. For kids 4-8 (parent participation required) and a great craft to keep in your family's things-to-do quiver when you need to add a little light to an otherwise gloomy day.

Saturday Afternoon Concert with Too Human
Saturday, January 18, 2:00 p.m.
Welcome back Too Human (Ellen Schwartz and Roger Bruno) for music on a winter afternoon. This acoustic music act plays familiar jazz standards as well as originals that will rock your gentle soul. Ellen and Roger hail from New York and became professional songwriters in Los Angeles, on staff with music publishing giant Warner/Chappell Music, where they had their songs covered by many recording artists including Pat Benatar, Cher, Teddy Pendergrass, Martha Davis, Angela Bofill, Anne Murray and Nancy Wilson. Moving back east, they became Too Human...

Book Discussion Group : The Tiger's Wife
Wednesday, January 22, 6:30 p.m.
Join us to discuss The Tiger’s Wife by Téa Obreht, named one of the New Yorker's twenty best American fiction writers under forty and included in the National Book Foundation’s Five Under Thirty Five. The book tells the story of a young doctor arriving to an orphanage by the sea while on a mission of mercy in a Balkan country recovering from years of conflict. Library staff member Phil Carr moderates the always lively discussion.

Take a Break! (And Give Yourself a Break, Too)

Demystifying Technology with Abby Stokes

Thursday, January 23, 1:00 p.m.

Abby Stokes, author of Is This Thing On?" A Computer Handbook for Late Bloomers, Technophobes and the Kicking & Screaming, will be on site to present a reassuring, jargon-free, and totally straightforward talk to help late bloomers and technophobes better use and enjoy the wonders of the digital world. Practical how-to advice and a round of encouragement will be served!

Holiday Programs Coming Your Way...

We've Got Music! We've Got How To! We've Got Movies! Who Could Ask for Anything More? 
Hope all enjoyed a fabulous Thanksgiving holiday weekend with friends and family. We'd like to keep the holiday spirit going with a more formal online announcement of upcoming holiday programs scheduled for December 2013. Enjoy holiday music on a weekday evening; get crafty as an adult or kiddo; take in a classic holiday film, or dance your socks off as a family! Here's the lineup:

Home for the Holidays: Concert with the Larry Gareau Trio
Tuesday, December 10, 6:30 p.m. [Click to Register]
Set aside the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and treat yourself to an evening concert filled with the sweet sounds of your favorite seasonal music. Enjoy familiar carols, traditional tunes, and winter standards -- all with a jazzy twist. Local favorite The Larry Gareau Trio presents a concert sure to eliminate any holiday stress and put you on a smooth groove.

Area Business Showcase: Holiday Centerpiece Design with It's So Ranunculus
Thursday, December 12, 1:00 p.m. [Click to Register]
Welcome floral designer Leah O'Hearn to the library! In this afternoon how-to program, you'll get expert advice and design/make a holiday centerpiece using winter greens, seasonal berries, ornaments, pine cones, and ribbons to suit your style and fit your own home decor. Registration is limited with a $10 per person fee to defray the cost of supplies.

The Tenth Reindeer: Holiday Craft for Kids
Saturday, December 14, 11:00 a.m. [Click to Register]
You all know the story about Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Rudolph and the rest of Santa's nine. Name them all then craft your very own 10th reindeer, great for holding holiday treats. The 10th reindeer will be small but mighty, just like you! The craft is appropriate for ages 4-8; registration is limited and parent participation is required.

Happy Holidays! Song Dance and the Possibilities with Brian Gillie
Saturday, December 14, 2:00 p.m. [Click to Register]
Flying reindeer? Dancing snowmen? Kids invent outrageous new versions of some old, holiday song favorites and then create a hip, holiday dance to a funky seasonal tune; all while exploring language, poetry, music and pop culture. Presented by Brian Gillie, a long-time performance-educator with Young Audiences of CT and Master Teacher with the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism. For families with older kids, younger kids, and music lovers of all ages. Make an inter-generational day of it @ your library. Ho! Ho! Ho!

Film Night: A Christmas Carol Classic
Tuesday, December 17, 6:30 p.m.
View and discuss one of many film adaptations of Charles Dickens' classic holiday story, A Christmas Carol. The 1951 version we'll show is in black & white and purists beware, there is side story that wasn't part of Dickens' original story. The film stars Alastair Sim -- in our humble opinion the best Scrooge of all Scrooges ever! Join us to view a film, and story, about community and family. Library staff member Phil Carr moderates the discussion.

Ghosts of the American Road: Wednesday Evening Music

A November Evening Concert 
The library will be CLOSED on Monday, November 11, in honor of Veterans Day.

On Wednesday, November 13, 7:00 PM, the library will be hosting a FREE concert featuring Ghosts of the American Road, a Texas-based Americana music duo travelling through our area by way of the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance Conference (NERFA). At the concert, you'll meet singer-songwriter Kevin Higgins and musical partner, Barbara Malteze. With seven Texas Music Awards between them, this duo is all set to deliver musical poetry/storytelling at its best. Check out the duo's songs here and here.

Click here to register online for this free concert or give us a call at 860-267-6621.

Honor: A Tribute by Ghosts of the American Road

Temperatures Falling But Programs Rising! Upcoming Library Events

November Programs for All Ages
Join us in November for any of a variety of programs for adults, tweens and teens, and of course, little people! Whether it's discussing a good book; learning to play an oh-so trendy game; making a cool craft; enjoying a concert or a movie -- or learning about useful ways to fund a college education from expert advisers -- we've got a little something for everyone coming your way.

Hope to see you in November as the leaves keep falling, as the holidays approach, and well before we all start stressing about winter!

College Funding Strategies : Navigating the Financial Aid Process
Tuesday, November 5, 6:30 p.m.
If you missed the "college guys" in September, meet them in November. If you have children heading to college soon or sooner, join us for a presentation on college funding strategies, funding options, and navigating the financial aid process. The seminar will be presented by LPL Financial Associates. Nothing to sell; just free advice for parents across the financial spectrum. Click here to register if you plan to attend this free program.

Be Creative @ your library : Turkey Day On the Way!
Saturday, November 9, 11:00 a.m.
Join us on a Saturday morning and make a nifty, not to mention colorful holiday centerpiece sure to please you and your family. The cool thing about this bird is on the BIG DAY, you can invite your family members to write down something they are thankful for on each of the paper feathers. Give thanks! For ages 4-8; click here to register and sign up to be creative.

Munchkin!
Wednesday, November 13, 3:00 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Munchkin is a mega-hit card game about dungeon adventure. You and your friends compete to kill monsters and grab weapons, magic items and treasure. Then use these items to defeat monsters or thwart your friends. There will be a variety of differently themed Munchkin games to play including: Fantasy, Vampire/Werewolf, Apocalypse, Superhero, Pirates, Zombies, and Sci-Fi. For grades 6-8; click to register.

Evening Concert : Ghosts of the American Road
Wednesday, November 13, 7:00 p.m.
Welcome duo Kevin Higgins and Barbara Malteze for an evening concert all about storytelling through song. Enjoy vocals over guitar and piano and the melodic poetry that is this pair's signature sound. Please do catch this award-winning, Texas-based Americana music duo as they travel through our area by way of the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance Conference (NERFA). Check out the tunes; then click to register for this free concert.

Small Business Showcase : Crafty Cakes and Cupcakes!
Thursday, November 14, 1:00 p.m.
Take a Break! Meet and greet Cindy Sullivan, co-owner and the baker behind Crafty Cakes and Cupcakes, one of the latest additions to the East Hampton Village Center's open-for-business list! Learn about how to get crafty and plan for way cool desserts for the upcoming holiday season. Click to register to let us know you will be attending this local showcase event.

Library Book Discussion Group : The Geography of Bliss
Wednesday, November 20, 6:30 p.m.
Join us and discuss The Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner, a memoir by a self-professed "grump" who traveled to many different countries around the world looking for the secret to happiness. Throughout his quest, the author weaves in classical thoughts on the nature of happiness and healthy rounds of humor. What makes you happy? Library staff member Phil Carr moderates. Discussion book copies are now available for pick-up at the front desk. Join the conversation! Click here to add to your events.

Library Film Group : Much Ado About Much Ado
Tuesday, November 26, 6:30 p.m.
Looking for a different film take on Shakespeare's comedy? You asked and here you have it! We'll be viewing the 1996 film featuring Emma Thompson, Denzel Washington, Michael Keaton, and Kenneth Branagh. Compare and contrast to Joss Whedon's version or enjoy this one on its own. No matter which you view or prefer, the Bard's 16th century play comes complete with mischief, jealous scheming, and laughter all around.

Beware of Zombies: Coming to a Village Near You...

Shiver and Laugh: Zombie Makeup Workshop
Saturday October 26 @ 11:00 a.m.

Join us as we study the altering art of zombification with assistance from professional makeup artist, Caroline Wilcox. There will be eye-fooling pins, scabs, welts, burns, sores, and other gruesome crud sure to displease the humans or trick the creeping hoard.

Go gross! Go funny! Go theatrical! But above all, use the experience to create your own story about how to survive in a zombie-infested world!

The program is open to tweens, teens, and interested adults. Click here to register online or give us call at 860-267-6621 for more information.

Just For Fun: Zombie Jamboree
If you are a fan of the TV series, The Walking Dead, you're likely to have tuned into the background music now and again. Great history of zombie-centric tunes here, with a recurring jamboree theme. Here's one version mentioned:

Witch Hunt!

Connecticut History Series:
New England's Other Witch Hunt : the Hartford Crisis of the 1660's
Everyone knows about the witch hunt at Salem in 1692. But few people know that in the years before Salem, Connecticut was New England's fiercest witch prosecutor. The first person hanged for witchcraft in New England came from Windsor, and every single person indicted for witchcraft in Connecticut in its early years was convicted and hanged.

Thursday, October 24, @ 1:00 p.m.
East Hampton Public Library Community Room

Dr. Walter Woodward

Join Dr. Walter Woodward, Connecticut State Historian, as he brings the events surrounding Hartford’s terrifying and deadly witch panic to life. Dr. Woodward will explore the context, actions, and consequences of this horrific event that occurred a generation before the Salem witch trials.

Why did people believe in witches? Why were most accused witches women? How could people be so afraid of witches’ powers that they were willing to kill their neighbors? How did the Hartford witch hunt change witchcraft prosecution in Connecticut and in New England?

You’ve always known about Salem…now learn about the rest of the story.

Sign Up to Attend
All East Hampton Public Library events are free and open to the public. For seating purposes, registration is encouraged. You may call the library at 860-267-6621 to let us know you will be attending or you may click here to register online.

If Fall Goes Well: Upcoming Library Events

Fall In!
The breezes are cooler and the leaves have already started to show their colors. Harvest season is here and Halloween is just around the corner. Fear not and enjoy the bounty of public programs the library will offer in October 2013.

Early October Programs
Here's a quick list of early October programs for adults and/or teens, all of them free and open to the public. Phone, stop by the library, or check out our online events calendar any time to find latest news on these and other upcoming events! Registration required where noted.

Tuesday, October 8, 6:30 p.m.
Movie Night at the Library
View and discuss the latest book-to-film adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. Directed by Baz Luhrman and starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Gatsby, this version is both faithful to the story and visually intense. But is it better than the book? Big screen, comfy chairs. Phil Carr moderates.

Wednesday, October 9, 7:00 p.m.
Researching the Unexplained: CT's Own Ghostbusters!
The CPRS was founded in 1995 by paranormal researchers Joseph Franke and Orlando Ferrante. Meet the duo as they discuss paranormal activity in our home state. View video and photographs of ghostly images, listen to audio and more! This program is appropriate for adults-teens.
Please register if you plan to attend.

Thursday, October 10, 2:00 p.m.
Sustainability Series: Raising Chickens in Your Backyard
Take a Break and meet Dr. Michael Darre (rhymes with 'dairy'), professor at the University of Connecticut and Extension Poultry Specialist for Connecticut and New England. Dr. Darre will present info on breeds, housing, management, nutrition and health of chickens. Even if you are or aren't an aspiring chicken or small poultry flock owner, UConn's "chicken man" will cover topics relevant to a backyard poultry farm. Please register if you plan to attend.

Rock-n-Roll... Library Style!

The Roots of Rock-n-Roll with Brian Gillie
The East Hampton Public Library is proud to kick off its 16th Annual Saturday Afternoon Concert Series on Saturday, September 28, @ 2 p.m.

A Musical History Lesson
Get ready for a high-energy, fun-filled afternoon with Brian Gillie, long-time international performer, swing dance choreographer, singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist.

Unlike any history lesson you will ever see, Mr. Gillie will use impersonations, costumes, props, original sound bites, stand-up piano-playing, radio commercials and attitude to reveal the story of rock's origins through gospel, rhythm and blues, and country and western. Meet the personalities and songs that shaped the music of doo-wop, Motown, girl groups, surfin', soul, novelty tunes and much more: Little Richard to Beach Boys, Chuck Berry to Beatles, Elvis to Supremes.
sh BOOM!

Click here to register for this FREE concert... with a sneak peak...