April events at the Lyme Library

Lyme Public Library has a variety of events planned in April, including an Art Exhibit by Judy Cotton. She will be having an artist reception and author reading at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 6.

Other highlights of the month include Shell & Bee Studio Art Class Series, at 4 p.m. April 2, for grades 1-5; “Tax Efficient Strategies,” at 6 p.m. April 3, with USA Financial & Tax Services; "Around the World in Eight Movies,“ at 1 p.m. April 7 and April 21, with Janet Roach; the Connecticut River Poets at 2 p.m. April 13, and an Audubon birding program at 6 p.m. April 18.

The library also will host “As the Page Turns” in collaboration with the Lyme Senior Center Book Club, at 1 p.m. April 19; Cool-ology Wonder Tots, 11 a.m. April 19, for kids 3-6; the Cookbook Club at 1 p.m. April 20; “Birding in Southeastern CT” at 6 p.m. April 25; and Tips for Sleep with Dr. Wendy Hurwitz at 1 p.m. April 27.

Sheep Farm hike April 7 in Groton

The Groton Open Space Association will host a casual, 2-mile hike at the Sheep Farm property at 255 Hazelnut Hill Road in Groton at 1 p.m. April 7. The hike will follow the Fort Hill Brook past several waterfalls before crossing the upper bridge. A loop trail will take hikers past what might be a Native American serpent wall.

GOSA is a member of GO GROTON, a partnership among GOSA, Groton Public Schools, the Town of Groton and the town’s Parks and Recreation Department. For information, email gosamail@gmail.com or visit gosaonline.org.

Celebrate Nurses 2024 in Norwich

The Auxiliary of Lawrence + Memorial Hospital will hold a luncheon to celebrate local nurses from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 20, at Norwich Inn & Spa.

Keynote speaker will be Shannon Christian, vice president of nursing at L+M, who will talk about the "Past, Present & Future of Nursing." Attendees are encouraged to register on Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/celebrate-nurses-2024-tickets-822901268847. For questions, go to auxiliarylmh@gmail.com.

Groton Public Library notes eclipse

The Groton Public Library will hold a series of events related to the April 8 solar eclipse.

Starting at 9 a.m. Friday, April 5, patrons can pick up free, certified ISO 12312-2 solar eclipse viewing glasses. Limited availability, so first-come, first-served. One pair per family.

On Eclipse Observation Day, from 1:30 to 5 p.m. Monday, April 8, bring your chair and solar glasses (limited availability) to view the eclipse on the library grounds. Groton is not in the path of totality but will see about an 85% partial eclipse. Thames Amateur Astronomical Society members will have one or two solar telescopes available for public viewing. View the NASA event livestream in the large meeting room; no registration necessary.

Other related events are Children’s Art at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 9, with the theme Mixed Media Stars, and Teen Art at 2 p.m. April 9, with the theme Galaxy Painting.

On Wednesday, April 10, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., the start of a two-session planetarium experience will feature STARLAB: Starlight, Starbright. STARLAB is a portable planetarium with limited seating. Open to students ages 5 and older. Registration is required. Each family member must register individually.

Other space-themed events next month include Children’s Grab & Go from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, April 11. Pick up a space-themed craft while supplies last. Recommended for ages 4 and older. The Teen Take & Make, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, April 11, includes a space-themed craft for ages 12 and older.

Students ages 8-13 are invited to Mission to the Moon: Launch It from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, April 12. Design and build an air-powered rocket that can hit a distance target. Call (860) 441-6750 or visit grotonpl.org for more information about events.

COMO plans adult program kickoff

Stonington Community Center will unveil its latest initiative with an Adult Program Kickoff Event from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 5.

Community members are invited to the COMO Makerspace, 45 Cutler St., to join in this evening of inspiration and exploration, and learn more about the upcoming programs. There will be a selection of small bites from Wild Side Market and fine wine from Cove Ledge Spirits, with plenty of networking. By expanding offerings, the COMO aims to cultivate an environment in which adults can continue to learn, grow and inspire one another.

RSVP by calling the COMO office at (860) 535-2476 or respond “Going” to the Facebook event.

April luncheon for benevolent society

The First Congregational Church of Old Lyme Ladies Benevolent Society will hold a luncheon from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 9, at the church. It will feature a presentation by storyteller and historian Arnie Pritchard.

Years ago, Pritchard inherited his father’s World War II Army footlocker, which contained hundreds of letters and family papers. From this trove of information and personal insights, he created the story “This Business of Fighting,” portraying the journey of a young man dealing with raw fear as he endures incredible trials and hardships.

Suggested donation is $5 per person plus a nonperishable food item for the food bank or a package of disposable diapers for the diaper bank. Call (860) 434-8686 by Friday, April 5, to make a reservation.

Women’s Network hosts Coffee & Connections

The Southeastern CT Women’s Network will host a Coffee & Connections networking event at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 3, at the Washington Street Coffee House in New London.

Bring you business cards, flyers and QR codes to exchange. You do not need to be a member to attend this free event.

Contact SECT Women’s Network board member MaryLou Gannotti at (860) 362-0963, email mwgannotti@alz.org or visit sectwomensnetwork.org.

Circle of Friends events in April

The Circle of Friends at Groton Public Library in April includes an Open Hours Book Sale from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 3. Browse new and used fiction and nonfiction books, DVDs, audiobooks, puzzles and games. All items are "name your own price," and proceeds will benefit the Groton Public Library.

The Junior Friends, meanwhile, is planning a Bottle & Can Drive April 14-27. Drop off empty and clean bottles and cans at the Groton Public Library, and the Junior Friends will bring the recyclables to redemption centers. Proceeds will help fund their ninth Annual Bumpers & Books event.

Library Clean Up Day will be held at 3:30 p.m. Monday, April 22. Patrons are invited to help the Groton Public Library staff tidy up the grounds by picking up litter and recyclables.

Circle of Friends Monthly Meetup will be held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, April 27, and the Bumpers & Books Planning Meeting will be at 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 30.

Ledyard libraries’ adult programming

Among the programs at Ledyard libraries will be “Autism and Work” from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Monday, April 15, at Ledyard Bill Library, 718 Colonel Ledyard Highway. Jeremy K. Farrell will speak on ways for autistic adults to be successful in their workplaces.

Also, a Narcan training program will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 23, at Ledyard Gales Ferry Library, 18 Hurlbutt Road. Narcan is an over-the-counter drug that can save the life of a person who is overdosing on opioids.

The Drop-In Genealogy Club meets from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Wednesday April 24 at Ledyard Bill Library. Beginning and experienced genealogists are welcome.

For information on all programs, visit www.ledyardlibrary.org.

Ledyard libraries’ children and youth programs

Ledyard’s public libraries will have several programs for the younger set in April.

Baby Storytime is held in two sessions, Mondays at 9:30 a.m. or 11 a.m. at Ledyard Gales Ferry Library, 18 Hurlbutt Road.

At Giggles and Wiggles, toddlers are told stories at 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 3, at Ledyard Bill Library, 718 Colonel Ledyard Highway.

Chess for Kids is planned for 4-5 p.m. Monday, April 1, at Ledyard Bill Library. Beginning and intermediate players are welcome.

Also, a “Spring Spectacular and Planting Workshop” with Allyson Angelini will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 10, at Ledyard Bill Library. An interactive Jack and the Beanstalk story will follow.

In addition, a workshop titled “Drumming About You” with Bob Bloom is planned for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 13, at Ledyard Bill Library. Bloom leads this play-along with enticing beats and endearing rhythms for all ages. Registration is required.

For information on all programs, visit www.ledyardlibrary.org.

Rotary Club fundraiser in Old Saybrook

The Rotary Club of Old Saybrook will hold its 26th annual Wine/Beer Tasting and Silent Auction from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 12, at the Saybrook Point Resort and Marina. In addition, there will be food, music by Laid Back Jazz and an appearance by Channel 3 meteorologist Scot Haney and TV news anchor Nicole Nalepa.

The proceeds fund many community projects including scholarships to graduating seniors from Lyme/Old Lyme, Old Saybrook and Westbrook high schools. In addition, these funds help support the DARE program, the Dictionary Project for third graders, Student of the Month Recognition, Meals on Wheels and many community service projects.

Tickets are $50, available from Seaside Wine & Spirits and Northeast Medical, 520 Boston Post Road, both in Old Saybrook, or online at www.osrotary.org. For more information, contact Marty Drobiarz (event coordinator) at (860) 388-1437, or email marty@northeastmp.com.

Book sale April 19-21 in Norwich

The Friends of Otis Library will hold its semi-annual book sale April 19-21.

Thousands of donated books will be on sale. Proceeds from the sale will go to support Otis Library,. The sale starts with an early-bird special from 9 to 10 a.m. Friday, when patrons will pay an entrance fee of $10. The rest of the sale is free to enter and runs 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and noon to 3 p.m. Sunday.

Bill Library speculative fiction club

Something Else Entirely is a speculative fiction book club for busy readers that meets every other month on the second Saturday at Bill Memorial Library in Groton.

The 10:30 a.m. meeting April 13 will be discussing "The Giver“ by Lois Lowry. Other titles can be found at billmemorial.org/book-clubs, and books will be made available at the library.

To register, go to https://bit.ly/3OW6HCJ or call the library at (860) 445-0392 to let staff know. Registration encouraged, but not required. For more information, visit billmemorial.org or follow on Instagram at @billmemorialgrotonct or on Facebook at Bill Memorial Library.

Poetry for young adults at Otis Library

A Poetry Take & Make will be held at Otis Library. Monday, April 8, through Saturday, April 13, in the Young Adult Room.

Grab a Poetry Take & Make and use the random words to create your unique poem. For grades 6-12. Drop in; no registration required. For more information, call or visit the Young Adult Department, (860) 889-2365, ext.107.

Cookies & Coloring at Otis Library April 12

Norwich’s Otis Library will hold a Cookie & Coloring program from noon to 2 p.m. Friday, April 12, in the Young Adult Room for grades 6-12. Drop in; no registration required.

For more information, call or visit the Young Adult Department, (860) 889-2365, ext.107.

Fiber Arts Club on April 2

The Fiber Arts Club for grades 6-12 will meet at Otis Library from 3 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 2, in the Young Adult Room. Kait, Otis Library’s young adult librarian, will teach you how to get projects started, keep the momentum going and help finish them. Register through the online calendar at otislibrarynorwich.org, contact the Young Adult Librarian at kmoseley@otislibrarynorwich.org, or call (860) 889-2365, ext. 107.

Mental illness support groups

The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Southeast Connecticut offers Family Support Groups for family, partners, friends and significant others of adults living with mental illness.

In-Person Family Support Groups are held on the first and third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at Brian's Healing Hearts, 461 Main St., Niantic. The dates for April are April 1 and April 15.

Online Family Support Groups are held via Zoom on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. The dates for April’s online groups are April 10 and April 24. Email information@namisect.org for the Zoom meeting link.

For more information, visit: www.namisoutheastct.org.

Global Cafe poetry event April 2

The University of Connecticut at Avery Point’s Global Cafe is inviting the public to a poetry event at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 2, at the Branford House.

"Community-building Through Poetry" will explore writing as a pathway for connection, understanding and healing with Avery Point students and local creatives Yexandra Diaz, Frederick Douglass Knowles II and Jessica Cerullo.

For information, email katharine.richards@uconn.edu.

Flag raising ceremony April 5

The Town of Old Lyme’s flag-raising ceremony kicking off National Donate Life Month will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 5, at the Old Lyme Memorial Town Hall. The Donate Life Flag will fly at the Town Hall through April to raise awareness of the need for organ donors.

Teen events at Groton library

Teens in grades 6-12 looking to help out with programs are invited for sign up as volunteers Saturday, April 6, from 9:45 to 11:15 a.m., and Monday, April 15, from 6 to 8 p.m. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, contact the Library before signing up.

Other events for teens include the Therapy Dog Meet & Greet at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 6; Teen Study Hours 3 to 5 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, starting April 15; Anime Take & Make from 3 to 9 p.m. Monday, April 15; Teen Craft 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 16; Teen Art at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 18, and Teen Book Box 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, April 19 (celebrating “The Tortured Poets Department” album release)

Registration required, beginning April 1. Must have a valid library card. Following registration, additional information will be emailed. Call the Groton Public Library at (860) 441-6750 or visit grotonpl.org for more information.

April activities for children in Groton

The Groton Public Library’s list of events for children is almost endless. Here are a few upcoming:

Crafty Kids starts at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 6; Read with Major the dog occurs at the same day and time, and Anime Grab and Go runs from 3 to 9 a.m. Monday, April 15.

Also, Preschool Story Art is scheduled at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 25, and Children’s Grab and Go from 3 to 9 p.m. Monday, April 29, recommended for ages 5-plus.

Storytime programs include Babies & Books at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 16, 23 and 30; Toddler Time at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 16, 23 and 30, and Sing & Stomp at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 17 and 24.

For more information call (860) 441-6750 or visit grotonpl.org.

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