Cheshire

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in October

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Science, History, and Technology all come alive with CPL programs this month! Here are some highlights:

Cheshire World War I Digitization Day

Tuesday Oct 3, 2017, 1:00 – 4:30 PM

Cheshire Public Library will be partnering with the Connecticut State Library to hold a World War I Digitization Day on Tuesday, October 3, 1:00 – 4:30 p.m., at the library, 104 Main Street.  Cheshire area residents and their family, friends, and neighbors are being asked to find their WWI related items and stories that might be tucked away in drawers or trunks so they can be included in this important archive.  Registration is not required – just drop in.

Town-Wide Instagram Scavenger Hunt

Saturday Oct 7, 2017, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Grab your friends, family, and phone for the third annual Town-Wide Instagram Scavenger Hunt! You’ll receive a set of clues in the morning, then travel all around Cheshire photographing your solutions and posting them to Instagram. Solve as many or as few clues as you like. All you need is a smartphone or network-enabled device, an Instagram account, a vehicle, and a sense of fun! After the hunt, come back to the Library for a celebratory snack, prizes, and a raffle drawing. Participants of all ages are encouraged to participate. For those unfamiliar with Instagram, technology help will be available when you pick up your clues on the morning of the hunt. Registration is required.

Donuts with Grownups and Coffee with the Candidates

Saturday Oct 7, 2017, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

We are inviting the candidates who are running for the Cheshire Town Council to attend this special session to give Cheshire families the opportunity to meet, ask questions and register to vote if you haven’t already! Donuts with Grownups Storytime is designed especially for working families with children ages 2 and up who can’t make it to our weekday storytimes. Enjoy crafts, activities, music, stories, and of course Donuts as a family!  Best suited for children age 2-6. Cheshire residents only, please. Registration is required.

Introduction to Microsoft Word

Part 1 – October 11, Part 2 – October 18, Part 3 – October 25, 6:00 – 7:30 PM

This class will provide an introduction to Microsoft Word and is divided into three sessions.

  • You will learn basic navigation skills to effectively use the Microsoft Word program.
  • Create a simple document.
  • Edit text and check spelling errors.
  • Format the document.
  • Insert a picture; change font formatting and much more.

Registration is required.

It Happened in Connecticut

Thursday Oct 12, 2017, 6:30 – 7:30 PM

Witchcraft trials, a serial murderer who inspired a popular movie, and a bizarre vagabond who has fascinated people for 150 years are three amazing yet true stories from the state’s past. Author Diana Ross McCain draws the tales from her books It Happened in Connecticut: Twenty-five Events that Shaped the Nutmeg State and Mysteries and Legends of New England: True Stories of the Unsolved and Unexplained. Following the presentation, McCain will sell and autograph copies of her books. Registration is required.

Yale Jashan Bhangra

Saturday Oct 14, 2017, 2:00 – 3:00 PM

Yale Jashan Bhangra, a dance team founded in 2005, performs a traditional folk dance from Punjab.  Learn about Punjabi and Sikh culture, watch a short bhangra performance and get a dance lesson from these talented dancers. No registration required.

Introduction to iPad

Thursday Oct 19, 2017, 6:30 – 7:30 PM

Do you have an iPad or are you thinking of getting one?  Get the lowdown on apps, music, settings and more. Please bring your fully charged iPad (if you have one), Apple user name/password and your e-mail user name/password if applicable. Registration required as space is limited.

Friday Night @ the Library

Friday Oct 20, 2017, 5:30 PM

The library will be opening at 5:30 pm on Friday October 20 for another Friday Night @ the Library! Enjoy events for children, families & adults including a concert, mini-art lessons for adults and children with ArtsPlace artists and more!   The “Back In Time”’ concert at 6:00 pm will feature Liz McNicholl and Lindsey Ceitinn in a family-style singalong of old favorite songs and fiddle tunes.   Purchase pizza (from Cheshire Pizza and Ale) and drinks from our Friends of the Library. No registration required.

DNA Testing for Genealogy Research: Fact & Fiction

Saturday Oct 21, 2017, 2:30 –  4:00 PM
Thinking about doing a DNA test for your genealogy research or have done one already?  Genealogist Janeen Bjork will talk about the three major companies offering DNA testing, the costs, facts and misconceptions of what testing can do for you.  Registration is required.

Reviving Five Thousand Years of Chinese Civilization

Monday Oct 23, 2017, 6:00  –  7:30 PM
This presentation covers the essence of the traditional Chinese philosophies: Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism, how those core concepts influence medicine, literature, music, and arts, how the rich traditions are being interrupted, and how the authentic culture is returning to world stage through New York based Shen Yun Performing Arts. Registration is required.

Connecticut Rock ‘n Roll: A History

Tuesday Oct 24, 2017, 6:30 – 7:30 PM

Join author Tony Renzoni as he shares tales from his book “Connecticut Rock ‘n Roll: A History.” Learn about some of the Nutmeg State’s musical highlights: the beautiful harmonies of New Haven’s Five Satins, Gene Pitney’s rise to fame, Stamford’s the Fifth Estate and notable rockers such as Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth, Rivers Cuomo of Weezer and Saturday Night Live Band’s Christine Ohlman. Book sale and signing immediately following the program, registration is required.

Connecticut Made

Thursday Oct 26, 2017, 6:30  –  7:30 PM
Join us as Cynthia Parzych discusses her book Connecticut Made.  She will explain interesting, fun business to visit in the state, from wine, beer, jewelry, art and much more.  Her book will also be available for purchase and signing after the presentation.  Registration is required.

Halloween Dance Party and Trick-or-Treating

Monday Oct 30, 2017, 6:00 PM

Come dressed in your Halloween costume for this special Halloween dance party followed by trick-or-treating around the library! For ages 2 and up. Registration required.  Open to Cheshire residents on September 15, all others on October 29th.

Anime Club Halloween Cosplay Extravaganza

Tuesday Oct 31, 2017, 3:00 – 4:30 PM

Dress up and act like your favorite character: anime or otherwise! Prizes will be awarded and Japanese refreshments will be provided—this is one event you won’t want to miss!!  For grades 7—12, no registration required.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in September

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Seems like summer just began, and now it’s over. Our Fall lineup of programs kicks off with some ways to help you get organized, get crafty, and get connected.

 

After school Zumba

Thursdays, Sep 7, 14, 21, 28, 4:00 – 5:00 PM 

Zumba® is an easy-to-follow, Latin-inspired dance-fitness program. Classes specifically for kids are formatted in a way to make getting fit fun. Kids can just let loose and be themselves. It’s an hour filled with energy and routines created to the latest music, like hip-hop, reggaeton and cumbia. For all ages, Parents and/or caregivers are welcome to participate with their children. No registration required.

B.Y.O.C.

Thursday Sep 7, 2017, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Bring Your Own Crafts!  Coloring, stitching, drawing, stamping, scrapbooking, if it’s crafty, bring it in!  Come for a relaxing and destressing night of crafting. We will meet most every first Thursday of the month. There will be plenty of room to spread out for your crafts.  Some supplies will be provided for this adult program, no registration required.

Keepsakes: Sorting the Stuff of Memories 

Saturday Sep 9, 2017, 3:00 – 4:00 PM

Back by popular demand Sheri Bertoolini will build on her teachings Heart of Organization.  She will discuss what to do with sentimental or inheritance of family members earthly goods and are both faced with the question: which things do I keep?  Registration is required.

A Day in the Life of a 102d Infantry Soldier

Tuesday Sep 12, 2017, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

America entered World War I, the Great War, 100 years ago.  What was it like for the men and women who served?  Alan Crane of the 26th Yankee Division WWI Living History Group will lead the discussion. Seating is limited and registration is required.

Get a Handle on All that Paper

Thursday Sep 14, 2017, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

Do you waste time searching through piles and stacks of paper in order to find the one piece that you really need? Are you wondering where you put the bills you just received? This workshop will teach you how to create functional, efficient paper management systems for your home and office. Registration is required.

Rosh Hashanah with PJ Library and Temple Beth David

Friday Sep 15, 2017, 10:30 – 11:15 AM

PJ Library in cooperation with Cheshire Library and Temple Beth David present a family friendly Rosh Hashanah program – come read, sing and create an apples and honey dish with other families! All ages welcomed. Registration is required.

Create Greeting Cards with Rubber Stamps

Thursday Sep 21, 2017, 6:00 – 7:30 PM

Greeting cards are quick and fun to create – and even more fun to receive. Join Sue Bernier and create three beautiful greeting cards with rubber stamps, in, and Stampin’ Up products. All levels are invited to join. Space is limited, registration is required.

Community Connections Civic Engagement Fair

Saturday Sep 23, 2017, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Are you looking to find local volunteer opportunities but can’t seem to find anything?  Are the volunteer opportunities you find not really appealing to you?  Do you want to meet fellow civic minded individuals? Let the Cheshire Public Library and the Cheshire High School help! Join us at the Cheshire High School for a civic engagement fair.  Local non-profit organizations as well as political groups will be onsite for you to learn how to get involved. This program will take place at the Cheshire High School 525 S Main St, Cheshire, CT.

Mark Twain in Connecticut

Tuesday Sep 26, 2017, 6:30 PM
Welcome Dr. James Golden of the Mark Twain House and Museum as he explains the importance of Connecticut and Hartford to Twain’s life and work, including his famous neighbors, such as novelist Harriet Beecher Stowe, travel writer and journalist Charles Dudley Warner, Civil War hero and senator Joseph Hawley, and female suffrage campaigner Isabella Beecher Hooker. Registration is required.

Job Search! Tune In & Tune Up!

Wednesday Sep 27, 2017, 6:00 – 7:30 PM

This 90-minute workshop will look at job searching from a wholistic perspective. Come prepared to address your barriers, review your job search skills and build a plan that re-energizes your search! At this interactive workshop, you will learn about:

  • Your emotional, social and/or physical barriers
  • How to move beyond your barriers
  • Winning strategies of the successful job seeker

Registration is required.

Organizing for Those Downsizing

Thursday Sep 28, 2017, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

Are you thinking of downsizing to a smaller home or apartment?  Are you overwhelmed on what to do with all the stuff you have accumulated over the years?   Join us as Elaine C. Turek, a declutter specialist,  gives you the techniques you need to organize the maze of clutter. Registration is required.

 

 

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in August

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Play, learn, and create with these programs at Cheshire Library in August!

Color Yourself Calm

Thursday Aug 3, 2017, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

De-stress your busy life with a relaxing night of coloring. We’ll provide coloring pages and supplies, but feel free to bring your own pages, art supplies. This adult only program meets the first Thursday of every month, drop on by!

Builders Brigade LEGO Club

Tuesday Aug 15, 2017, 4:00 – 5:00 PM

Do you love building with LEGO® blocks or Mega Bloks? The Builders Brigade is the program for you! All Ages, No registration required.

The Bear Reality

 Wednesday Aug 16, 2017, 6:30  –  8:00 PM

The black bear population in Connecticut has continued to increase since 1980. It’s important for residents and outdoor enthusiasts to learn real facts about black bears enabling them to stay safe, protect themselves and their property and make possible coexistense with bears.  Join presenter Felicia Ortner, a Connecticut Master Wildlife Conservationist (MWC) for a program  that will provide education and facts about bears and help dispel myths and common misunderstandings. Registration is required.

Pottery Night

Thursdays,  Aug 17 & 24, 2017, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Join us for two nights of fun with pottery.  You will learn the origin of clay, how it’s been used through the ages and how it’s used today.  Participants will have the opportunity to make handprint bowls and lace bowls.  Your pottery will be fired at Cheshire’s own Ready Glaze Fire. Space is limited, registration required for this adult only program. By signing up you agree to attend both 8/17/17 & 8/24/17.

Trading Card Club: Yu-Gi-Oh & Pokemon

Friday Aug 18, 2017, 3:00 – 4:30 PM

Yu-Gi-Oh! and Pokemon trading card game tournaments here at CPL!   Just bring your cards, and join in the fun!  No registration required, Grades 7-12

Afternoons of Awesome: Exploring the Eclipse

Monday Aug 21, 2017,  1:00 – 2:00 PM

Kids entering grades 3-6 are invited to Afternoons of Awesome (or A-squared for short) for fun with art, science, technology, and games. Today we’re learning about the solar eclipse taking place across the U.S. today, and we’ll head outside to view its beginning here in Cheshire! Registration required. Registration begins August 1 for Cheshire residents and August 15 for nonresidents.

Free glasses for viewing the eclipse will be given out at Cheshire Library beginning August 16 –  1 per person, first come first served.

University Admissions and the Application Process

Tuesday Aug 22, 2017, 6:30  –  7:30 PM
Join Jas Jernaill, the Managing Director of Bulldog Tutors, for a general discussion on the university admissions and college application process. Topics will include the primary components of a successful application, standardized testing options, how the admissions timeline differs for aspiring collegiate athletes, and building the common app. Registration is required.

Baby Play Group (pre-walkers)

Wednesday Aug 23, 2017, 10:00 – 11:00 AM

Baby Play Group is a special time for babies and caregivers to interact with books, songs, rhymes, American Sign Language, PLAY. This program is for pre-walking babies and their caregivers. In order to give our youngest patrons a safe space of their own, we request no siblings, please.  Registration required starting August 1st for Cheshire residents and August 16th for all others.

Five Common Diseases of Apple in New England

Wednesday Aug 30, 2017, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Apples are important specialty crops in New England. Join Dr. Quan Zeng as he explains the most common diseases of apple in New England orchards and backyard gardens, from the aspects of disease symptoms, diagnostics, and management. Registration is required.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in July

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Both indoor and outdoor activities are on the schedule for July, we’re getting back to nature! Take a look:

Cheshire Cats Classics Club

Monday Jul 3, 2017, 6:30  –  7:30 PM

CCCC is headed out to sea with this month’s modern classic, Jaws by Peter Benchley. Put your water-wings on and join us to discuss this creepy anti-beach read. Contact Jennifer Bartlett at jbartlett@cheshirelibrary.org to register.

Farmington Canal Trail Family Hike @ Lock 12 Historical Park

Thursday Jul 6, 2017, 10:00 AM

For all ages. Get on your walking shoes for stories, songs, and science in the great outdoors! We’ll take a family-friendly walk along the Farmington canal trail at Lock 12 Historical Park and explore nature and local history. Don’t forget to bring a water bottle and sun protection! For children of all ages and their families. Registration required.

Farmington Canal Trail STEM Hike @ Lock 12 Historical Park

Tuesday Jul 11, 2017, 10:00 AM

For ages 8 and up. A STEM program in the great outdoors! We’ll meet at Lock 12 Historical Park and walk along the Farmington canal trail while learning about science, nature, and history. Don’t forget to bring a water bottle and sun protection! For kids ages 8+ and their parents/caregivers. Registration required.

Movie Matinees

Tuesdays at 1:00 PM

Too much nature? Beat the heat with a movie matinee! No registration required.

  • July 11: Avanti. (1972, Rated “R”; 2 hours, 20 minutes.)
  • July 18: Groundhog Day. (1993, Rated “PG”; 1 hour, 41 minutes.)
  • July 25: Captain Fantastic. (2016, Rated “R”; 1 hour, 58 minutes.)

Nature Nick’s Animal Adventures

Thursday Jul 13, 2017, 4:00 –  4:45 PM

Nature Nick is returning to the Cheshire Public Library bringing his new show “Build a Better World.”  In this show, Nature Nick will introduce you to some of the strangest animals on earth while giving little known facts about each one. See how every animal in nature has a role which in turn helps us build a better world! Ages 4 and up. Registration required starting June 1 for Cheshire residents and July 12th for all others. 

Insects: The Good, the Bad, the Beautiful and the Just Plain Ugly

Thursday Jul 13, 2017, 6:00 PM  –  8:00 PM

Join presenter Rose Hiskes, diagnostician and horticulturist at The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station in Windsor, as we enter the world of plant pests, showing the beautiful, the beneficial, the bad and the just plain ugly. Registration required.

The Bobcat – Connecticut’s Secretive Wild Cat

Wednesday Jul 19, 2017, 6:30  –  8:00 PM

Join certified Master Wildlife Conservationist Paul Colburn to learn about the history of bobcats in CT, with an overview of bobcat habitat, diet, behavior, reproduction, and current research efforts. Bobcat artifacts will be on display. Registration required.

DIY: Backsplash

Thursday Jul 20, 2017, 6:00 – 7:30 PM

An indoor project to do-it-yourself. Is it time for a change in your bathroom or kitchen?  Time to replace that old backsplash but don’t know where to begin?  Join us as Jenn of Home Depot, Milldale CT will show us how to put up backsplash. Registration required.

Lyme Disease and Tick Control

Wednesday Jul 26, 2017, 6:00  –  8:00 PM

You’ve heard it on the news, CT officials expect an increase in the number of ticks this year, including those carrying diseases. Medical-veterinary entomologist Dr. Kirby C. Stafford will provide valuable info on the epidemiology and basic symptoms of Lyme disease, the biology of the tick vector, and tick bite prevention and tick control. Registration required.

 

Library Partners

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Did you know that the Children’s Department at the Cheshire Public Library visits almost every preschool in Cheshire once a month?  Did you know that Cheshire Birth-to-Three child development experts visit library programs to answer questions caregivers have?  Did you know that the library participates at local festivals such as Fall Festival, Strawberry Festival, Touch-a-Truck and more?  Over the past two and half years the Children’s Department has been partnering with local organizations who serve youth to share resources, expertise, and reach more people.  Below is a brief summary of a few of our partners.

Cheshire Birth-to-Three:
Cheshire Birth-to-Three program has a highly qualified and experienced staff consisting of a physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech pathologist, social worker and special education teachers. The staff makes home visits to provide speech, physical, occupational and/or educational services. In addition, B-3 hosts the Parent/Child Resource Center which is a playgroup for children ages 0-3 and their parents.

If you have concerns regarding your child’s development, either attend the Parent/Child Resource Center at Darcey School (call for times 203-272-9108) or call Infoline at 1-800-505-7000 and request the Cheshire Birth-to-Three Program. The Birth-to-Three Team can conduct a complete developmental evaluation in your home.

Artsplace:
 Artsplace provides a creative environment for students to explore their artistic endeavors. This is possible with our fantastic teaching staff (many national award winners) of over 20 professional artists.  Art classes and workshops are offered in a wide variety that are suitable for all ages and levels. The youngest Artsplace student is three and the oldest is ninety nine. Artsplace is a most uncommon art school in that standard supplies are provided for all classes.

Cheshire Parks and Recreation:
The Cheshire Parks and Recreation Department offers a wide variety of activities to the residents of Cheshire and maintains the beauty of the many parks in our town.  The department maintains and schedules six major park facilities, the Youth Center, and the Community Pool.

Visit their website to find classes and other activities for yourself or your young one.  They offer everything from adult yoga to toddler music classes. Visit here to learn more.

Cheshire YMCA:
The Cheshire Community YMCA is the premier child care provider by offering a safe and nurturing environment in which children are encouraged to develop social skills through age appropriate curriculum. They offer everything from enrichment classes for youth, preschool to aftercare for elementary school students.  Visit their Child Development page to find out more about their youth services.

Musical Folk:
Musical Folk offer Music Together® Program, Ukulele and Movement classes! Have you ever wondered what you can do to nurture the musical growth of your child, regardless of your own musical ability? Experience Music Together and find out how important–and how fun–your role can be!  Music Together® classes build on your child’s natural enthusiasm for music and movement while developing important musical, social, cognitive, physical & language skills.