VOL. 12 ISSUE 2 Hours: (203) 734-1492 March - April 2019 Mon. - Thurs. 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. (203) 732-2913 FAX Sat. - Sun. 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Privately Funded (Open Sat. & Sun. all year) 307 Hawthorne Avenue Derby, Connecticut 06418 www.derbynecklibrary.org email: [email protected]

Derby Neck Library A Regional Library Currents Over a century of service to the Valley Community The Kerry Boys Return to the Derby Neck Library Connecticut’s premier Irish balladeers, the Kerry Boys, will return to the Derby Neck Library on Saturday, March 23 at 2:00 pm for a performance in recognition of St. Patrick’s Day. An annual tradition here at the library, the Kerry Boys will perform a free one hour set of Irish favorites as well as some originals for Derby Neck patrons of all ages. The Kerry Boys are Mark James, originally from the county Kerry Ireland now a Cheshire, CT resident, and Pierce Campbell, (CT’s official State Troubadour 2007/08) from Prospect, CT. These two dynamic and popular Connecticut Irish Balladeers combined their talents to form an exciting Irish music duo over 25 years ago, and have been dazzling audiences from Maine to Pennsylvania ever since. There is no registration required for this event, but seating will fill up quickly. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Derby Neck Library. VITA-Free Tax Preparation Services NATURE AS Discover how every day and Begin at the Derby Neck Library HEALER anywhere nature can guide, Throughout March and up to April 14, VITA calm, inform and restore you free tax preparation services will continue at the Derby Neck Library on Sundays from 1-4:00pm. Households that earned with teacher and healer Marlow less than $55,000 in 2018 may be eligible for VITA’s free tax Shami. Empirical studies preparation services, provided by IRS-certified volunteers at conducted over the past twenty community centers, nonprofit organizations, and other years confirm that contact with convenient locations across Connecticut. For individuals and the natural world and meditation families that qualify, VITA volunteers will work with you step can lift your spirits, reduce by step to ensure you file accurately and on time. To schedule an appointment, call Team, Inc. at 203-736-5420. anxiety, alleviate pain, increase brain function, and help cultivate For other VITA sites’ hours of operation, dial 2-1-1 or visit a sense of belonging and compassion. In this program, beautiful www.211ct.org or www.irs.gov for directions and hours. and compelling images support Marlow’s focus on the challenges and rewards of connecting with nature in a mass-technological Visiting Nature in Matthies Park culture. Learn about and experience the simple power of nature’s Sophie Zyla will give a talk and PowerPoint presentation on The Nature in Matthies Park in Beacon Falls. Much of healing effects through this talk, a deep-guided meditation, and her undergraduate and graduate coursework focused on compelling outside experiential activity on Wednesday, April 10 discovering the biodiversity found hiding in plain sight at at 5:30pm. the local woodland park. This photographic journey of Marlow Shami, M.S. is a nature based teacher, artist, and writer insects, amphibians, who conducts Nature as Healer workshops and talks throughout reptiles, birds, and New England specializing in the healing connection between mammals is suitable for all ages. Sophie’s humans and the natural world. passion is photography Spring Forward and conservation is where her heart is so Sunday, March 10th the work begun in Daylight Saving Time Begins 2010 continues into the present into at least the next few years. ANDREW’S PICKS Rio Bravo (Howard Hawks, 1959) teen EVENTS Was there ever a more versatile director than Teen Film Club Howard Hawks? The contours of practically The Derby Neck Library’s award-winning young adult film every classic Hollywood genre are shaped and club is a magnificent opportunity for all aspiring artists. For defined by Hawks’s emblematic (if idiosyncratic) more than fifteen years we’ve been making movies together contributions. Who could imagine the gangster in a casual, no-pressure, wildly fun environment that nurtures film without Scarface (1932), the screwball creative collaboration and encourages passionate, personal artistic expression. Hang out with us, and you’ll learn and comedy without Bringing Up Baby (1938), the participate in every aspect of film production — so whether film noir without (1946), the war The Big Sleep you’re interested in writing, directing, acting, editing, or all film without Sergeant York (1941), the musical of the above, this program’s for you! All young adults, middle- without Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), the sword-and-sandal epic school through college, are welcome. Stop by the library any without Land of the Pharaohs (1955), or the western without Red River Tuesday at 4 PM, and make some art you can be proud of. (1948) or Rio Bravo? Moreover, across all these genres, Hawks modulated Derby Neck Video Game Club the pace of his films to extremes rarely seen outside experimental cinema, Ever played Smash Bros Ultimate with 8 simultaneous without sacrificing their crowd-pleasing accessibility one iota. The players? What about a heated match of Street Fighter V with screwball comedies — Bringing Up Baby, Ball of Fire (1941), and especially skilled competitors? Think you’re good enough to compete His Girl Friday (1940) — are legendary for their breathless pace: action- in a tournament with real stakes and prizes? Using the packed and brimming with witty repartee. By contrast, Only Angels library’s Nintendo Switch, PS4, Dreamcast, and more, teens Have Wings (1939) and Rio Bravo are slow, almost languorous. Quentin and tweens will play various games on the systems on Tarantino has designated them as the quintessential “hang-out movies,” Tuesdays at 3:00pm. Derby Neck Video Game Club (VGC for since both films feature a crew of misfit professionals just “hanging out” short) is all about fun, so come join us. No registration is for long periods in between jobs (and, in the case of Rio Bravo, singing!). required and we play year-round. You watch the movies over and over just to “hang out” with the characters — who become your friends, too. (Tangentially, as I never tire FREE of pointing out, this is a feature Hawks’s films share in a unique way with the anime series of Shinichiro Watanabe, whose genre-bending Homework masterpieces Cowboy Bebop (1998), Samurai Champloo (2004-2005), HELP and Space Dandy (2014) are all riffs on Hawks, in style and in theme.) Having trouble with that one math problem on Above all, Hawks is a poet of friendship, of camraderie among outcasts — your homework that you just can’t get? Need help and what better friends could you ask for, even if only for 141 minutes, finishing that book report? Maybe you need help than John Wayne, Dean Martin, Ricky Nelson, Angie Dickinson, Walter studying for finals? After school Monday through Brennan, and Ward Bond? Thursday, students are invited to bring their home- work, text books, and other related materials for free tutoring in Math and English from Library staff. There is no registration required for this service, but LITERARY CLUB EVENTS it is on a first-come, first-served basis. Ask Ian Parsells, the head librarian, for more details. Daytime Club Women’s Forum, meeting on the 3rd Monday of each month at 12:30-1:30, will begin the spring discussing short stories. On Mon., March 18 we will focus on two stories involving humorous events — “Broker’s Loan” by Donald Wandrei and “Chalk Talk” by Edward Wellen. On Mon., April 15 our theme will be mystery, with the stories — “The Intruder” by Augustus Muir and “A Gift from the Nabob” by D.L. Murray. Copies of these stories are available at the library prior to each meeting. Feel free to bring a The Valley in World War II light lunch; we serve free coffee and tea. On Monday, March 11 at 6:30 p.m. Pat Sweeney Evening Book Club will present another of her PowerPoint programs This highly informative and stimulating book club meets on the last on local history — The Valley in World War II. Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m., by the fireplace in the Reading This includes an overview of factory production Room. We focus on novellas and memoirs by award-winning authors, and community life during the war, as well as including many of the classics of fine literature. On Mon., March 25 we Frances Osborne Kellogg’s career at that time. will be discussing “The 10th Man” by Graham Greene. On Mon., April 29 Also included in the presentation are highlights our book is “At the Villa of Reduced Circumstances” by Alexander of fashions, entertainments, and home life in this McCall Smith. Copies of the books are available at the library prior to historically significant era. each meeting; some large print editions are included when possible. Join us and have an informal, yet incisive learning experience among fellow readers.

On scheduled Sundays of every month (see the calendar), members of the D&D club will meet in the library from 1-5pm to play epic campaigns and enjoy the company of fellow D&D enthusiasts. Refreshments are served throughout. All supplies provided. Contact club Sundays moderator, Ian Parsells at [email protected] if you are interested in joining the group. All programs will be drop-in with no registration required. We welcome patrons from all towns to come and enjoy the programs. - Prethrees classes are for ages Birth-3yrs and offer age appropriate stories, finger plays, Nursery rhymes, puppets, coloring pages and music. Name tags and a different theme are provided each week. Classes regularly occur on Mondays at 10am. - Mommy and Me: Art Partners is for all ages. Working together you will explore different mediums such as crayons, markers, colored pencils, watercolor pencils, paint and finger paint. Both you and your child can open up a new expressive world to explore as you share time together creating your own art. All supplies will be recurring provided. Classes regularly occur on Mondays at 11am. children’s - Been There Done That Movin’ On Twos and Threes is for children who have been coming to the classes for a while and are capable of following more specific directions to musical games and are ready to learn new programs songs. Each week a different type of instrument is introduced and shared. Classes regularly occur on Tuesdays at 10am. - Wee Jamboree is for ages birth and up! Drop in and spend time playing musical instruments with your child. This event series is a relaxing time to explore a variety of child-friendly instruments and help introduce music to babies and toddlers. Children will enjoy participating in free play and parades. Classes regularly occur on Tuesdays at 11am. - Music and Movement programs are for ages Birth to 5 and use instruments, scarves and singing to enhance children’s language proficiency. Songs and dancing combine to help children learn about rhythm and practice motor skills needed to improve their communication abilities. Scarves and musical instruments add to the fun. Classes regularly occur on Thursdays at 10am and 11am.

Hopefully Spring is in the air and here at the library Miss Kathi is adding spring like music to her programs in celebration. Children love to sing and dance and the opportunity to do so with their grown up makes it extra special. Using musical instruments and scarves adds to the fun. Using stickers and craft kits, Monday’s art program provides a chance for children and adults to work together and use their creativity as they enjoy making fun projects. Tuesday’s Wee Jamboree program gives children a chance to explore playing with many different instruments. Spirit, our B.A.R.K (Be A Reading Kid) dog will also be here in March and April for your children to meet and also read stories to. Reading to a four legged friend can help children in building confidence reading aloud, while also improving sight reading and word pronunciation. As Spring nears, remember to visit the library and pick up some good books to read to your children while enjoying the warmer weather. Story time and music programs will continue throughout March and April, so check out the dates on line and here in our newsletter. Facebook and Twitter will also help keep you updated on all the programs. - Miss Kathi FROM THE ARCHIVES . . . TUESDAY AFTERNOON By Patricia E. Sweeney Tea-V . . . Creation of Park Avenue in the Derby Neck District Mysteries Matinee From The Evening Sentinel for April 11, 1901 “The horsemen in this vicinity, who have been interested in a As 2019 continues, our streaming TV viewing program, proposed speedway have made application to President D.S. Brinsmade meeting each Tuesday at 1 p.m. in the Community Room, will be of the Ousatonic Water Co. for permission to build a good road on Park featuring the best of British mystery drama. We begin with Agatha Avenue, and to use the same for speeding horses. Park Ave. is located Christie’s beloved detective Hercule Poirot, the legendary Belgian on the land opened a few years ago and cut up into building lots by the sleuth, portrayed by Tony Award nominee—David Suchet. Each water company. It runs parallel with Housatonic Avenue*, extending week we will present an approximately hour-long feature film, from the baseball field south to the road followed by a group discussion. We serve free coffee, tea, and running down from the cemetery and is biscuits or cookies. Come join us for a relaxing viewing experience a trifle over half a mile long. The on a large screen. horsemen are very enthusiastic about having such a rare opportunity of securing a adult programs stretch of road for speeding their trotters, and will Computer Orientation Classes begin at once to circulate a paper to raise the Feeling left behind in a world where computers are everywhere? required funds.” No matter where you are at skill-wise, whether you need to learn *Note—Housatonic Ave. is now Roosevelt Drive the basics of Microsoft Word, how to search the Internet, or simply how a mouse works, this is the class for you. Bob teaches to the individual and meets you at your needs. Start any day, but STAFF: you can only attend once a week. Classes last an hour and are Ian Parsells, Head Librarian held on Mondays at 6pm and Wednesdays at 10:30am. Instruction Kathleen Gordon, Children’s Librarian in Spanish is available. La instrucción en español está disponible. Patricia Sweeney, Reference Librarian Dinner and a Movie Roberto Carmona, Head of Circulation Taking place on the 1st Thursday of the month, adults are invited Christina Baclawski, Andrew Bisaccia, Stephen Bisaccia, to the library’s Dinner and a Movie. Featuring movies new and old on Bluray, this popular program has Bonnie Chevarella, Kim MacDonald, David Makusevich, something for everyone 18 and over! Christopher Ochoa, Norman Strumello, Kristina Warrenger Dinner will be served at the half-way BOARD OF DIRECTORS: John Walsh, President; Shirley Erickson, point with refreshments being served Vice President; Maureen Coffey, Linda Coppola, Tim Dillon, throughout. Our March film will be Laura Donahue, Rick Dunne, Michael Flora, Karen Kemmesies, the smash musical biopic, Bohemian Rhapsody. Check the flyers in the Richard Knoll, John Rak, Bruce Sill, Fr. Christopher Tiano. building or on our Website for April’s selection. Calendar of Events March 2019 March 4, 11, 18, 25 Pre-Threes classes for children 10:00 am March 4, 11, 18, 25 Mommy & Me: Art Partners for children 11:00 am March 5, 12, 19, 26 Been There Done That classes for children 10:00 am March 5, 12, 19, 26 Wee Jamboree for children 11:00 am March 7, 14, 21, 28 Music and Movement classes for children 10:00 & 11:00 am March 5, 12, 19, 26 Video Game Club (VGC) for Teens/Tweens 3:00–6:00 pm March 5, 12, 19, 26 Teen Film Club 4:00 pm March 10, 24 D&D Sundays for teens and adults 1:00–5:00 pm March 2, 9, 16, 30 Needlers Club for adults 1:00–4:00 pm March 4, 11, 18, 25 Computer Orientation Classes for adults 10:30–11:30 am March 6, 13, 20, 27 Computer Orientation Classes for adults 6:00–7:00 pm March 5, 12, 19, 26 Afternoon Tea V for adults 1:00 pm March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 VITA Free Tax Assistance (by appt. only) 1:00–4:00 pm

March 7 Dinner and a Movie for adults: Bohemian Rhap. 5:30 pm March 11 The Valley in World War II 6:30 pm March 18 Women’s Forum 12:30 pm March 20 B.A.R.K. with Spirit for children 5:00 pm March 20 Friends of the Derby Neck Library monthly mtg. 6:00 pm March 23 Kerry Boys Performance 2:00 pm March 25 Evening Book Club 6:30 pm March 27 Friends, Food, and Books Club for adults 6:00 pm

April 2019 April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Pre-Threes classes for children 10:00 am April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Mommy & Me: Art Partners for children 11:00 am April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Been There Done That classes for children 10:00 am April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Wee Jamboree for children 11:00 am April 4, 11, 18, 25 Music and Movement classes for children 10:00 & 11:00 am April 2, 9, 23, 30 Video Game Club (VGC) for Teens/Tweens 3:00–6:00 pm April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Teen Film Club 4:00 pm April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Computer Orientation Classes for adults 6:00–7:00 pm April 3, 10, 17, 24 Computer Orientation Classes for adults 10:30–11:30 am April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Afternoon Tea V for adults 1:00 pm April 6, 13, 27 Needlers Club for adults 1:00–4:00 pm April 7, 14 VITA Free Tax Assistance (by appt. only) 1:00–4:00 pm

April 4 Dinner and a Movie for adults 5:30 pm April 7 D&D Sundays for teens and adults 1:00–5:00 pm April 10 Nature as Healer – Earth Day Event 5:30 pm April 15 Women’s Forum 12:30 pm April 17 B.A.R.K. with Spirit for children 5:00 pm April 17 Friends of the Derby Neck Library monthly mtg. 6:00 pm April 20 LIBRARY CLOSED (Easter Weekend) April 21 LIBRARY CLOSED (Easter Weekend) April 24 Friends, Food, and Books Club 6:00 pm April 25 Visiting Nature in Matthies Park 6:30 pm April 29 Evening Book Club 6:30 pm

New programs are added frequently, so check in the Library and our Website for the most up-to-date schedule.