Fall 2024 Scholarly Series: The Ridgefield Library will be celebrating the boundless human capacity and desire to explore, learn and discover with special programming for all ages this fall. The Curious Mind: Exploration and Discovery is the title for this year’s Scholarly Series, the Library’s annual in-depth examination of a topic or author supported by funding provided by the Friends of the Ridgefield Library.
If you missed the fascinating keynote presentation by Dr. Rudy L Ruggles, Jr., on September 12th, view the recording here:
Upcoming programs in the series are listed here – all programs will be held in person at the Ridgefield Library, unless otherwise noted.
Ridgefielders agree – it’s easy to LOVE the Library! While the Library receives funding from the town, we also depend on broad support from the Ridgefield community to fund our exceptional collections, programs and services.
Thank you for helping us meet our annual fundraising goals– your donation to the Annual Appeal matters and makes a difference in the Library’s ability to serve our entire community!
Please donate here: https://ridgefieldlibrary.ejoinme.org/…/Default.aspx
Tuesday, September 24th @ 7:00 pm & Thursday, September 26th @ 10:30 am: Parents and caregivers of children ages birth-three years are invited to join Lauren Pambianchi APRN, CPNP for an overview with evidence-based information on introducing your child to solids, food allergies, and suggestions for picky eaters. Lauren is a pediatric nurse practitioner passionate about establishing and maintaining healthy eating habits for children.
Sunday, September 22nd @ 2:00 pm: Join two celebrated, award-winning songwriters as they come together to share original songs with heartfelt and joyous musical connection.
Michele Gedney has been writing songs since she was seven years old and spent the last 23 years as one half of the award-winning duo Open Book with her late husband, Rick Gedney. The duo released four albums which received national airplay and critical acclaim. Michele released their final album, Leaning In, following Rick’s passing. The album has been on the Folk Alliance International charts since its release. Michele is a co-founder and teacher at Dar Williams songwriting retreat, entering its 13th year.
Louise Mosrie began writing songs after college while working in Knoxville’s TV and radio scene. She moved back to Nashville in 2004 to co-write in country, bluegrass and folk and has numerous rave reviews on the Folk DJ charts while winning top awards at folk festivals and songwriting contests around the country. Her latest album, Lay it Down, is a collaboration with folk-rock songwriter/producer Cliff Eberhardt featuring minimalist arrangements that highlight the power of song. She’s currently in the studio working on her next album.
The Ridgefield Folk Concert Series is made possible through the generous support of the Friends of the Ridgefield Library.
Click here to learn more and register.
Saturday, September 21st @ 10:00 am: Learn about the “No Excuse” absentee voting initiative that is on the ballot in November; early voting; voter registration; same day registration and voting ; and how to vote absentee in 2024. Laura Smits, the Director of Communications for the League of Women Voters CT will talk about these topics and more.
Ms. Smits, a member of the League of Women Voters CT since 1999 was an active member of the Weston LWV where she also served on the Weston Board of Education from 2001 – 2005 and a Registrar of Voters from 2008-2016. She has held two major roles in the state League of Women Voters, as President and prior to that, VP of Voter Services. She is currently a member of the Norwalk League and a certified Elections Moderator for the city of Norwalk.
Click here to learn more and register to attend.
Tuesday, September 17th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm: The Library is pleased to co-sponsor this annual voter registration drive with the League of Women Voters of Ridgefield (LWVR). If you know someone who is new to the community or a Ridgefield resident who needs to change their address, name or party affiliation, tell them to stop by the Library and the League will be happy to help. No registration is required, just come to the LWVR table in the Library’s Main Lobby.
Thursday, September 12th @ 7:00 pm: As the opening keynote for our fall Scholarly Series, The Curious Mind: Exploration and Discovery, join us for an evening with Rudy L. Ruggles, Jr., Scientist, Philanthropist, Explorer, National Security Expert and Inventor. Rudy will share the role curiosity has played in his career that has had him at the forefront of national security affairs, high-speed computing and international strategic relations. Through curiosity and a love of lifelong learning, Rudy will share how asking the question, Is it stimulating, rewarding and worthy? has taken him to the ends of the earth.
Rudy currently serves as Adjunct Professor and Vice Chairman, Board of Trustees of the J. Craig Venter Institute. Throughout his career, Rudy has been posted and worked in multiple countries, including China, Iran, Algeria and Australia during more than 40 years working in national security and intelligence services. He was elected a Fellow Member of the Explorers Club in 1980. His expeditions have included travel to the North Pole, the Antarctic, tropical rainforests and an 8,500-foot dive in a Russian deep submersible to study mid-Atlantic Ridge hydrothermal vent field biodiversity. Further, he has flown MIGs in Russia and lectured at the U.S. Army War College. He was a Senior Associate Physicist in IBM’s Research Labs and a Strategic Planner at IBM’s Corporate Headquarters. He served as President at the Hudson Institute and has received numerous awards, and academic honors. Rudy served in the U.S. Army, Combat Engineers.
Rudy has lived in Ridgefield for over 50 years.
This program is part of the Library’s Scholarly Series, The Curious Mind: Exploration and Discovery, made possible by the Friends of the Ridgefield Library.