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.
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.
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.
Tuesday, February 11th @ 1:00 pm: Nikki Nuut is the new Executive Director of Founders Hall, a hub of learning and connecting for our local 60+ community. Membership is now at 3500 members, which represents approximately half of the total senior population in Ridgefield. As the new Director, Nikki’s vision for enriching mind, body and spirit are connected in the offered courses in education, fitness and creativity.
Senior Voices is a free event and a hybrid program held on the second Tuesday of the month. Individuals may attend in person and online. Light refreshments will be served. If you have any questions, please contact the Commission on Aging at [email protected].
Click here to learn more and to 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 27th @ 6:00 pm: Students in grades K-8 are invited to join New York Times bestselling author Maria Scrivan as she shares her inspiration for the beloved Nat Enough series through childhood art, photos and stories. Come hear about Maria’s own struggles with not fitting in, her love of cartooning at an early age and her strategies for moving through doubt and fear. Young writers and readers will learn more about her creative process along with the tools and materials she uses to create each book. Registration is encouraged but drop-ins are welcome as space permits.
Books on the Common will have copies of her books available for sale and signing. This program is co-sponsored by the Ridgefield Council of PTA’s Young Writers Conference.
Thursday, January 30th @ 7:00 pm: Author Dan Slater will discuss his new novel, a harrowing tale of early 20th-century New York reveals the true stories of an immigrant underworld, a secret vice squad and the rise of organized crime. In this mesmerizing and atmospheric account, drawn from never-before-seen sources and peopled with unforgettable characters, Slater tells an epic and often brutal saga of crime and redemption, exhuming a buried history that shaped our modern world.
Click here to learn more and register.
Saturday, February 1, 2025: Families with children are invited to Take your Child to the Library for a day of Library joy, button-making from 12-1pm and a scavenger hunt. With the inspiration of the Children’s Mural art by Cynthia Meyers, we welcome special guest Doug Salati alongside our ROAR therapy dogs, Pistachio the Rooster, and BenAnna Band. To register or for more information, visit the event page.
10:30-11:00 am: Family Storytime with Doug Salati | Families with children of all ages are invited to celebrate Take Your Child to the Library Day with a storytime featuring our special guest, Doug Salati, author and illustrator of the 2023 Caldecott award-winning book Hot Dog. Come talk, read, play, move, and sing together in this celebration of Library Joy!
11:15-11:45 am: Hot Dog Cart Art | Register to visit the Hot Dog Art Cart with Doug Salati to customize your own weiner dog inspired by the art in Hot Dog, Doug Salati’s Caldecott Award-winning picturebook. There will not be food served at this event. Registration strongly encouraged.
11:30 am-12:30 pm: Read to ROAR | Children entering grades 1-4 enhance their oral reading skills by reading to trained therapy dogs from ROAR Ridgefield. Time slots will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Please bring a favorite book to read or pick one out in the library before your session. Registration is required.
1:00-2:00 pm: Play Pokemon with Pistachio the Rooster | Ridgefield Library’s very own Pistachio the chicken is teaming up with Pokémon Players Club for a special event. Join Pistachio as he learns how to play the Pokemon TCG and makes Pokémon crafts. Beginners and experts alike are welcome to attend. A very special “Pistachio ex Pokémon Card” will be distributed at the event. Don’t miss your chance to own this special limited edition card! What a great way to kick off the month of “love” by sharing it with Pistachio, Pokémon Players Club and, of course, the Ridgefield Library.
2:00-2:45 pm: BenAnna Band Family Concert | BenAnna Band is a nationally touring children’s band that focuses on music and inclusion for kiddos of all ages, abilities and identities. This family-friendly, interactive concert will give you a chance to dance, sing and play along with Ben and Anna at the Library! This program engages both the caregiver and the child together, so all attendees should expect to participate. Registration is encouraged but drop-ins are welcome as space permits.
Wednesday, January 22nd @ 1:00 pm: Join RVNAhealth’s Susan DiGregorio, M.A. CCC-SLP, for an engaging discussion on aging and brain health. In this informative session, you’ll discover the key risk factors associated with cognitive decline and learn how lifestyle choices and environmental influences can impact your brain function as you age. Susan will also share practical, evidence-based strategies to help you proactively protect your brain health and boost memory function. This is a great opportunity to gain valuable insights and actionable steps that can enhance your cognitive wellness and overall quality of life.
Don’t miss out on this chance to equip yourself with knowledge that can make a meaningful difference in your health journey!
Click here to learn more and register.