Thursday, March 6th @ 7:00 pm: Join Dr. Blaine Langberg as he shares his thrilling adventures hiking Mt. Whitney and Mt. Kilimanjaro, featuring a captivating slideshow of his experiences. He will also screen an inspiring movie, by local cinematographer Alex Lugones, about his trek to Everest Basecamp. To conclude the event, Dr. Langberg will engage the audience with a reading from his book, Conquering Whitney: A Mountain of Misadventure.
Conquering Whitney: A Mountain of Misadventure is a rollicking mix of travel narrative, humor, and a search for self-discovery. Jacob’s inspirational odyssey is set against a backdrop of breathtaking scenery, burgeoning friendships, raving raptors, and an epic hunt for ice cream sandwiches-truly something to satisfy every appetite! Books on the Common will have copies for sale and signing.
Click here to learn more and to register.
Saturday, March 1st @ 2:00 pm — Ridgefield art collector Joel Third will present a talk, Just Audubon: Birds & Animals, to coincide with the special exhibition of his extensive collection of Audubon prints, on view in the Library’s Gallery through April 9th. There will be a reception with refreshments and conversation following Third’s talk.
Click here to learn more & register.
Sunday, March 2nd @ 2:00 pm: Join us for a documentary film screening of “Alien: American Dream Denied,” hosted by the Library and Ekta Community Center. This film spotlights the emotional journey of highly-skilled, documented immigrants as they seek permanence in a country that benefits from their talent, but denies them a home.
The film will be followed by a panel discussion with Director/Producer Vidyut Latay, Immigration Attorney Ekta Dixit and Raman Sehgal, moderator and Modern Minorities Podcast Host .
Founded by people of Asian Indian heritage, the mission of Ekta Community Center is to nurture and promote public interest in Indian and Indo-American culture. As a secular, nonprofit organization the goal is to serve as a hub for community building, enrichment, volunteering and support services.
Click here to learn more and to register.
Did you miss the CT Legislators’ Housing Forum held on Saturday? View the recording here on the Library’s YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/pAB8FkWxkTI
Please note that the recording of the February 22nd Housing Forum is unedited and starts with Rep. Berger-Girvalo’s welcoming remarks, followed by introductory remarks by each of the CT Legislators on the stage. Public questions start at 27:27 and continue through the end of the meeting at 1:23:09.
Saturday, February 22nd @ 9:00 am: The Ridgefield delegation of elected state officials and Majority Leader Jason Rojas invite you to join their discussion about current housing laws, as well as proposed housing legislation for this year’s session. No registration required. All participants and attendees are expected to conduct themselves with dignity and treat all those present with respect, empathy and civility.
The Housing Forum will be recorded and made available for viewing on the Library’s YouTube channel.
Wednesday, February 26: Students in Grades K-5 are invited to meet local student athlete Zoe Guerrero. Zoe is currently ranked #20 in the World in Halfpipe Snowboarding by the World Snowboarding Federation. She’ll talk about her experiences training and competing as a snowboarder and then join us as we build and race our own snowboarders in a hands-on STEAM challenge. Registration is required and opens on January 26, 2025.
Programs like this are made possible in part by the generosity of our donors.
Wednesday, February 26th @ 11:00 am: Ridgefield First Selectperson Rudy Marconi will give a “State of the Town” presentation and talk about current issues facing Ridgefield. A question and answer period will follow.
This is an in-person, free event, open to the public co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Ridgefield and the Ridgefield Library.
Click here to learn more and register.
Sunday, February 23rd @ 2:00 pm: This program tells the history of Western Classical Music from ancient times to the present. It discusses the formation and evolution of musical genres including opera, symphonies, and concertos (and more), plus the circumstances which led to the creation of theses works. Musical demonstrations at the piano will highlight and display excerpts of many of these works, and will demonstrate the evolving styles which composers from each period first abided by, and then expanded, thus changing history, and influencing others to do the same.
Dr. Harold Rosenbaum is a retired professor from Julliard and three other colleges. He taught Music Appreciation and many other courses during his 45-year teaching career. He is the founder of the all-professional choir, The New York Virtuoso Singers, now in its 37th season. He has conducted 600 world premieres, has toured with choirs 29 times in Europe, and has conducted about 1900 concerts in his 55-year career.
Click here to learn more and register.
Monday, February 17-Friday, February 21: Drop-in during your Winter Break and enjoy some laid back activities or curl up with a stuffie for movie! No registration required. Children must be accompanied by an adult for all activities. Programs like this are supported by the generous donations of our patrons.
Monday, February 17 @ 2:00 pm: Ratatouille (2007), Rated G
Tuesday, February 18 from 2:00-3:30 pm: Drop-in Activities
Wednesday, February 19 @ 2:00 pm: Paddington (2014), Rated PG
Thursday: February 20 from 2:00-3:30 pm: Drop-in Activities
Friday, February 21 @ 2:00 pm: Rio (2011), Rated G
Saturday, February 8th & Saturday, February 15th: Learn more about the proposed Town of Ridgefield’s Public Safety Building for the Police and Fire Departments. First Selectperson Rudy Marconi, Director of Public Works & Facilities Jake Muller, Police Chief Jeff Kreitz and Fire Chief Jerry Myers will discuss the details of the proposed new building and answer questions from the public.
Information presentations will be held on Saturday, February 8th from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm , and again on Saturday, February 15th from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.
Click here for more information.
Thursday, February 13th @ 1:00 pm: Cognitive Decline and Dementia: The Importance of Early Evaluation with Dr. Alison McElhone, offered in partnership with rvnaHEALTH.
Understanding the early signs of dementia can be crucial for effective care and planning. In this enlightening session, Dr. Alison McElhone, Geriatrician, will explore the various types of dementia, their prevalence, and the underlying brain pathology that contributes to cognitive decline. She will discuss key risk factors, including genetic influences, to help you identify early warning signs and explain why primary care may not be the most suitable setting for a comprehensive evaluation.
Dr. McElhone will guide you through the evaluation process, emphasizing the importance of early detection and assessment in accessing appropriate resources and support. While Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia cannot be treated, early evaluation can significantly impact the management of symptoms and improve quality of life for patients and caregivers. Whether you’re a caregiver or concerned about your own cognitive health, this session will equip you with vital knowledge to navigate the complexities of dementia care.
Please register HERE.