With several meets cancelled in December, the Wilton High track and field teams finally had their first FCIAC qualifying meet last Saturday at Zeoli Fieldhouse.

Unfortunately, the meet had to be cut short due to Saturday’s snow, with the boys completing only seven events and the girls only eight events.

The teams will host two qualifying meets later this week, on Friday afternoon and on Saturday morning.

At last Saturday’s qualifier, the Wilton boys were led by a first-place effort in the 45 meters by Chris Colbert, who won in a time of 6.02.

Carsten Langholm also had a big performance as he placed third in the 1000 meters (3:13.05).

Richard Tomasetti was ninth in 45 meters (6.22) and Richard Dineen was 10th in the 45-meter hurdles (8.73).

Wilton’s best finishes in the field events came in the shot put, where John McFadden placed fifth (38’5”) and A.J. Pykosz took seventh in the shot put (38-01.5).

Andrew Nisco had a pair of top-10 finishes, taking ninth in long jump (16’4”) and 10th in the 600 meters (1:44.32).

Richard Dineen and Ryan Healey tied for eighth in the high jump (4’8”), while Tyler Daher tied for eighth in pole vault (7’6”).

The Wilton girls took first place in six of the eight events.

Andreen Reid was a pair of first-place finishes, as she won the long jump (14’10”) and tied for first in the pole vault with teammate Anna Rava, both with efforts of 6’6”.

In the shot put, Brady Faria was first (31’5.5”) and Covadonga Perez Palaez was second (31’2.5”).

In the 600 meters, Elizabeth Healy was first (1:50.36), while Ashley Vitarelli (fifth, 1:57.27) and Kirsten Perry (10th, 2:02.74) also placed in the top 10.

Wilton swept the top four spots in the 1000 meters, with Morgan McCormick first (3:23.82), Nina Mellin second (3:24.87), Carly Sullivan third (3:38.61) and Elizabeth Lynch fourth (3:41.83). Emma Westerholm was eighth (3:48.51) and Margaret Fiesel 10th (3:51.34).

Meri Santomero tied for first in the high jump (personal best 5’0”) and also took third in the 45m hurdles (8.71).

Tatum Kelly was second in 45 meters (6.82), while Lacey Eller was second in the long jump (13’7”) and 10th in the 45 meters (7.05).

Elm City relays

Senior Aaron Breene and Colbert, a junior, both competed at the Elm City Relays at the Floyd Little Athletic Center in New Haven on Jan. 6. Breene took second in the 1000-meter race (2:34.7), just a faction of a second behind first. Colbert ran the 300-meter race, taking third place (36.74).

Colbert also competed at the Marine Corps Holiday Classic Invitational at the New York Armory on Dec. 29, placing 17th out of 214 runners in the 200 meter race in a time of 23.14.

FCIAC Qualifier results

Results for Wilton athletes at last Saturday’s FCIAC qualifying meet #2 at Wilton.

BOYS

45 meters

1. Christopher Colbert (6.02)
9. Richard Tomasetti (6.22)
13. Tyler Daher (6.28)
28. Andrew Nisco (6.43)
43. Nicholas Koenigsberge (6.60)
50. Grant Jones (6.66)
59. Leo DiGiorgio (6.73)
60. Matthew Kelly (6.74)
68. Emmanuel Bazile (6.82)
72. Ryan Healey (6.84)
79. Jack Santomero (6.90)
80. Jack Nanez (6.92)
86. James O’Brien (6.98)
88. Christopher Tovar (7.02)
90. Connor McCabe (7.04)
100. Andrew Harris Patnaik (7.27)
103. Cole Stefan (7.29)
104. Matthew Vogel (7.35)
109. Nicholas Lin (7.43)
113. Liam Mannix (7.56)
114. Brett Gilman (7.70)

600 meters

10. Andrew Nisco (1:44.32)
17. William Kalin (1:46.04)
30. Christopher Tovar (1:52.59)
34. Chris Zhu (1:55.56)
35. Nicholas Lin (1:58.39)

1000 meters

3. Carsten Langholm (3:13.05)
15. Nicholas Ivanov (3:28.79)

45m hurdles

10. Richard Dineen (8.73)

Shot put

5. John McFadden (38’5”)
7. A.J. Pykosz (38’1.5)
12. Brendan Quinlan (36’3”)
14. Trevor Brown (33’6”)
19. Brandon Hawk (32’7”)

High jump

8. Richard Dineen (4’8”)
8. Ryan Healey (4’8”)

Pole vault

8. Tyler Daher (7’6”)

Long jump

9. Andrew Nisco (16’4”)
19. Emmanuel Bazile (14’6”)

GIRLS

45 meters

2. Tatum Kelly (6.82)
10. Lacey Eller (7.05)
14. Claudia Nanez (7.18)
22. Lucia Lampard (7.28)
25. Molly Ward (7.31)
25. Anna Sherman (7.31)
29. Alexandra Bartels (7.36)
33. Peyton Lauricella (7.40)
34. Andreen Reid (7.40)
45. Grace Rava (7.46)
48. Sarah Dodman (7.53)
50. Campbell Johnson (7.55)
53. Wictoria Matuk (7.56)
58. Cassidy Costello (7.61)
59. Sophie Peterson (7.62)
63. Lauren Owens (7.65)
71. Remi Taubin (7.74)
74. Kiri Clancy (7.78)
80. Elisabeth Wenman (7.82)
82. Kathryn Walsh (7.85)
87. Anna Rava (7.87)
91. Olivia Vitarelli (7.95)
94. Hannah Noonan (8.04)
106. Quenby Clifford (8.34)
107. Alexandra Edwards (8.45)

600 meters

1. Elizabeth Healy (1:50.36)
5. Ashley Vitarelli (1:57.27)
10. Kirsten Perry (2:02.74)
12. Caroline Hess (2:04.68)
14. Paula Perez (2:05.63)
20. Amy DeCola (2:09.10)
31. Nancy Healy (2:16.34)
32. Cate McCabe (2:16.50)
34. Stella Crowther (2:17.02)
36. Claire Healey (2:17.96)

1000 meters

1. Morgan McCormick (3:23.82)
2. Nina Mellin (3:24.87)
3. Carly Sullivan (3:38.61)
4. Elizabeth Lynch (3:41.83)
8. Emma Westerholm (3:48.51)
10. Margaret Fiesel (3:51.34)
12. Eliza Snyder (3:54.73)
15. Julia Morano (3:57.00)
16. Hannah Bracken (3:57.30)
18. Robin Clasby (4:00.75)
34. Colleen Graham (4:52.19)

45m hurdles

3. Merideth Santomero (8.71)
21. Kiri Clancy (10.33)
22. Mary Collias (10.35)

Shot put

1. Brady Faria (31’5.5”)
2. Covadonga Perez Pelaez (31’2.5”)
20. Aqueelah Muhammad (20’9.5”)
25. Sasha Sypher (18’6”)
26. Jayne Konatsotis (18’5.5”)
27. Hailey Downey (18’4”)
31. Kelly McGovern (14’7.5”)

High jump

1. Merideth Santomero (5’0”)

Pole vault

1. Andreen Reid (6’6”)
1. Anna Rava (6’6”)

Long jump

1. Andreen Reid (14’10”)
2. Lacey Eller (13’7”)
20. Anna Rava (10’2.5”)

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Here’s what’s happening in town today, Jan. 10:

• Terrific Tales for Twos and Threes at Wilton Library, from 10:15 to 10:45.

• Organize Yourself! at Wilton Library, from 11 to 12:30.

• Monogram at Hand Towel at Wilton Library, from 6 to 7:30.

• Breast Cancer Survivors’ Support Group at Wilton Library, from 6 to 8.

For more things to do, check the Wilton Bulletin Board.

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Margarita Garces-Shapiro

Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts longer than three months. It can range from mild to agonizing, but it persists and can take both a physical and emotional toll.

In an effort to help, RVNA offers a free Chronic Pain Discussion Group, which will meet every Thursday for six weeks beginning Jan. 12, from 1:30 to 2:30, in the Caregiver Support Room at 27 Governor Street in Ridgefield.

With Margarita Garces-Shapiro, the agency’s community health and wellness nurse as moderator, the group will explore the causes of different types of pain, what relief efforts are available, what alternative modalities are used for pain and what the latest research offers for pain sufferers.

To sign up in advance, call 203 438-5555.

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Stanley Witkow

Here’s what’s happening in town today, Jan. 11:

• Books for Babies at Wilton Library, from 10:15 to 10:45.

• Wonderful Ones and Twos at Wilton Library, from 11 to 11:30.

• Library Readers at Wilton Library, from noon to 1:30.

• Free Downloads: eBooks and Audiobooks at Wilton Library, from 1 to 2:30.

• New Life for Old Videos at Wilton Library, from 4 to 6.

• Your Elevator Speech with Stanley Witkow at Wilton Library, from 6 to 8.

For more things to do, check the Wilton Bulletin Board.

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Caitlin Gilroy performing at Marly’s Bar & Bistro on Dec. 27.

Sixteen-year-old Wilton resident and musician Caitlin Gilroy performed at Marly’s Bar & Bistro on Tuesday, Dec. 27, and raised approximately $300 to help fund cleft lip and palate repair surgeries for children through Operation Smile.

Caitlin, a junior at the private Hopkins School in New Haven, started playing the piano at the age of six, was writing her own songs by the age of 12, and recently got a guitar.

To date, Caitlin said, she has written about 15 songs, recorded six, and is “also in the process of getting them copy-written.”

Caitlin recently started a SoundCloud page, soundcloud.com/caitlingilroy, where her cover of Rihanna’s “Love on the Brain” and a song she wrote called “Broken Heart” can be heard.

Her mother, Camille Gilroy, said Caitlin “may consider doing another event in spring.”

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RVNA, which serves Wilton, is looking for caring individuals who are interested in volunteering. Those interested may register to participate in an informational orientation session scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 18, 1 to 3:30, at the RVNA Center for Excellence on Governor’s Street in Ridgefield.

This meeting, which only takes place twice a year, is a chance to learn more about what the agency does and what volunteer opportunities are available.                  

Volunteers are an essential part of the agency’s success. They provide support to flu and pneumonia clinics, well child clinics, and blood pressure clinics. Some volunteers help to plan and implement the annual RVNA Health & Wellness Fair, which takes place each spring. Others donate their time to provide office and clerical support, serve as a Friendly Visitor, or help at community events and educational seminars. Many other opportunities exist as well.   

To attend, RSVP to Barbara Newland, RVNA director of Community Health & Wellness at 203-438-5555, ext. 1005, or bnewland@ridgefieldvna.org.

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F. Carl Berry, 78, of Bethel, husband of the late Laurice (Showah) Berry, died on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2017, at his home.

He was born in Brigham City, Utah, Dec. 27, 1938, a son of the late Alvin and Naomi (Ernstsen) Berry.

An area resident since 1954, he attended Danbury High School and was a U.S. veteran having served with the U.S. Marine Corps.

A retired graphic designer, he was employed with the Perkin Elmer Company.

He has been a resident of Bethel for the past 49 years.

He is survived by two sons, Matthew Berry and his wife, Cheryl of Seminole, Fla., and Jonathan Berry and his wife, Alisa of Wilton, Conn.; two brothers, Bob Berry of New Milford, Conn., and Hal Berry of Salt Lake City, Utah; three sisters, Myrna Berry of Port St. Lucie, Fla., Patty Berry of New Milford, and Susan Berry of Chino Valley, Ariz.; three grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will take place later in the spring at a time and place to be announced.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, 125 Kohanza St., Danbury, CT or to a charity of one’s own choosing.

Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home in Danbury is in charge of arrangements.

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It was another tough shooting night for the Wilton High girls basketball team on Tuesday at Staples. While the Warriors again made up for their offensive struggles by playing some great defense, they came up short in a 45-44 overtime loss to the Wreckers.

Wilton dropped to 4-4 overall and 3-3 in the FCIAC.

The Warriors held the Wreckers to only two points in the first quarter to take a 9-2 lead, and were up 12-3 early in the second quarter when Caroline Sweeny converted on a conventional three-point play. Staples rallied with a 10-0 run to take a 13-12 lead.

Wilton answered with another conventional three-point play, this time by Lauren Robertson, and a breakaway layup by Tuin to go up 18-13. The Wreckers took advantage of multiple Wilton turnovers in the final minutes of the quarter to reel off a 7-0 run, taking a 20-18 halftime lead on Arianna Gerig’s basket at the buzzer.

In the third quarter, the game was tied at 22, 26 and 28, with Sweeny’s layup off her own steal making it 28-28 in the final minute.

Both teams struggled to get the ball to drop in the fourth quarter. Staples was up 36-33 with two minutes left when Emily Tuin nailed a 3-pointer to tie things up, 36-36. Elizabeth Breslin’s free throw with 1:11 left tied the score 37-37. The Warriors had the ball with 45 seconds left and worked the clock down, but Sweeny’s 3-pointer with five seconds left was no good, sending the game to overtime.

Gerig scored on a conventional three-play to begin the overtime, putting Staples up 40-37. She later scored a layup to make it 43-39, but Gulbin answered with a clutch 3-pointer to cut the lead to 43-42. Gerig hit one of two foul shots, and Rachel Seidman hit two of two free throws, to extend the lead to 45-42 with 1:13 left in overtime.

Tuin scored off a drive to cut the lead to 45-44. After a Staples turnover, Wilton got off a pair of shots to take the lead with about 30 seconds left, but missed on both. The Warriors had one last chance after another Staples turnover, and came out of a timeout with 11 seconds left with a chance to win. But after a missed 3-pointer, a second-chance shot at the buzzer was no good.

Tuin led Wilton with 14 points, including a pair of 3-pointers, while Sweeney had 10 points and one trey. Rounding out the scoring were Breslin with seven points, Gulbin and Robertson with five points each, and Downey with three points.

The Warriors hit only 25% from the floor in the game, but held Staples to 30%.

Gerig, a freshman, led all scorers with 19 points, as Staples improved its record to 7-2.

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Emily Tuin drives the ball to the basket during the Wilton High girls basketball team’s win over New Canaan last Friday at home. — GretchenMcMahonPhotography.com

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Relying on so many freshmen, the Wilton High gymnastics team didn’t expect to burst out of the gate in top form. But the Warriors were able to bounce back from a disappointing loss in last week’s season opener with a solid victory over Staples on Tuesday at home.

The Warriors were nudged out by Fairfield Ludlowe last Thursday, also at home, 129.5 to 128.9, but did defeat Fairfield Warde, which scored 115.05.

On Tuesday, they raised their team score by nearly five points to trounce the Wreckers, 133.85 to 125.95, improving their record at 2-1.

“The biggest difference was the floor routine was much better and we didn’t have any falls on beam,” said head coach Gary Chadwick. “We did a better job on beam.”

Tuesday’s floor score of 34.55 was an improvement of 2.6 points over last Thursday’s meet.

The floor rotation was bolstered by the return of senior Nicki Babkowski, who had to sit out the opening meet. On Tuesday, Babkowski turned in the top floor routine with a 9.0 score. She was followed by senior Meredith Nash (8.6), freshman Kate Ginsburg (8.55) and freshmen Kayla Heber and Meg McNamara, both with 8.4s.

On beam, Wilton scored 33.3, which was an improvement of 1.25 points over the first meet. Nash led the way with an 8.5, with senior Alex Uriarte and freshman Carter Siegel both scoring 8.3s, and Ginsburg an 8.2, to round out the top four.

The Warriors had slight improvements on both vault and bars in the second meet.

On vault, they scored 33.4, an improvement of three-tenths of a point. Babkowski had the top performance with an 8.8, with the top four rounded out by Nash (8.3), sophomore Brooke Taffler (8.2) and Heber (8.1).

On bars, Wilton scored 32.6 on Tuesday, improving by eighth-tenths of a point over last week’s meet. Uriarte led the way with an 8.25, with Taffler (8.2), sophomore Alyssa Jarrett (8.1) and McNamara (8.05) adding to the scoring.

Given that so many ninth graders were making their high school debut, and without Babkowski on floor, Chadwick said, the Warriors’ score in last week’s meet (128.9) wasn’t too bad.

“We’ve got seven freshmen. Our routines are not as polished as they need to be, especially on floor. We did OK. We scored 129.5 in our opening meet last year,” he said. “We had two days of practice. (The freshmen) performed much better last night.”

The three freshmen performing on floor — Heber, McNamara and Ginsburg — improved their combined score by 2.3 points over last week’s first meet.

Another freshman, Marra Woodring, had led the Warriors on beam in the opening meet with an 8.2. Nash had the top scores on vault (8.5) and floor (8.45), while Uriarte led the way on bars with an 8.2

Results for Wilton at the two meets were:

Ludlowe 129.5, Wilton 128.9, Warde 115.05

VAULT (33.1) — Brooke Taffler (8.5), Meredith Nash (8.5), Nicki Babkowski (8.2), Carter Siegel (7.9), Kayla Heber (7.5), Taylor White (7.3);

BARS (31.8) — Alex Uriarte (8.2), Brooke Taffler (8.0), Meg McNamara (7.9), Alyssa Jarrett (7.7), Kate Ginsburg (7.5), Lauren Cooper (7.0);

BEAM (32.05) — Marra Woodring (8.2), Carter Siegel (8.05), Alex Uriarte (8.0), Kate Ginsburg (7.8), Meredith Nash (7.5), Alyssa Jarrett (7.0);

FLOOR (31.95) — Meredith Nash (8.45), Taylor White (8.0), Kate Ginsburg (7.9), Meg McNamara (7.6), Kayla Heber (7.55);

Wilton 133.85, Staples 125.95

VAULT (33.4) — Nicki Babkowski (8.8), Meredith Nash (8.3), Brooke Taffler (8.2), Kayla Heber (8.1), Carter Siegel (7.8), Taylor White (7.3);

BARS (32.6) — Alex Uriarte (8.25), Brooke Taffler (8.2), Meg McNamara (8.05), Alyssa Jarrett (8.1), Kate Ginsburg (7.5), Lauren Cooper (6.8);

BEAM (33.3) — Meredith Nash (8.5), Carter Siegel (8.3), Alex Uriarte (8.3), Kate Ginsburg (8.2), Alyssa Jarrett (7.5), Lauren Cooper (6.5);

FLOOR (34.55) — Nicki Babkowski (9.0), Meredith Nash (8.6), Kate Ginsburg (8.55), Meg McNamara (8.4), Kayla Heber (8.4), Taylor White (7.05).

— J.B. Cozens

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Freshman Kate Ginsburg performs her bars routine for the Wilton High gymnastics team during the Warriors’ season opener last Thursday at home. — GretchenMcMahonPhotography.com

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Unsafe tires help cause four-car accident

A 45-year-old Norwalk man was injured and hospitalized following a four-car accident on Danbury Road Jan. 3 at 3:19 p.m.

Police said Richard Ribisi, of 1 Monroe Street, Norwalk, was sent to Norwalk Hospital

following the accident, which resulted in charges for one driver. Ribisi was was driving a 2011 Saab 93.

Deborah Rath, 62, of 46 Strathmore Lane, Westport, was not injured. She was driving a 2015 Toyota Camry.

Other uninjured drivers involved were Alan Koves, of 3 Silver Brook Road, Westport, in a 2003 Toyota Rav4, and Andrew Frattallone, of 139 North Taylor Avenue, Norwalk, in a 2008 Toyota Corolla.

Police said Frattallone was driving northbound on Danbury Road when he attempted to stop due to the vehicles in front of him stopping. Frattallone’s car began skidding while he was applying his brakes, was unable to stop and struck Rath’s Camry. Because of the impact, Frattallone’s vehicle crossed into oncoming southbound traffic and struck Ribisi’s vehicle on the driver side. Kove was traveling southbound in his Toyota and crossed into the northbound traffic after he saw Frattallone’s vehicle spinning in the roadway, but the rear bumper of Frattallone’s vehicle still struck the front right bumper of Kove’s vehicle.

Frattallone was issued a citation for traveling too fast for conditions, failure to drive right, and operating with unsafe tires.

Possession of marijuana

A 27-year-old Norwalk man was charged with possession of more than half an ounce of marijuana, driving without insurance, driving without a license, and failure to obey a traffic signal Jan. 3 at 10:33 p.m. on Route 7.

Police said Andrew Thompson, of 3 Richelieu Street, Norwalk, was observed traveling northbound on Route 7, approaching Wolfpit Road, when he drove through a red light. After stopping him, officers noticed an odor of marijuana and found more than half an ounce of marijuana.

He was released on a promise to appear in court Jan. 13.

Police urge residents to lock their car doors

There hasn’t been a car burglary or car theft in town since the Christmas holiday weekend, but police are urging residents to lock their car doors and remove valuables from vehicles.

The rash of car burglaries is continuing in surrounding towns like Norwalk, said Lt. Robert Cipolla.

He said the Wilton cases of larceny from vehicles have usually involved an unlocked door.

Identity theft

Police are investigating a case of identity theft that occurred Jan. 9 in which personal information of a Station Road resident was used by someone to falsely open a credit card account.

Identity theft is a common crime in Wilton, police said. Residents are urged to protect their personal information when online and elsewhere.

The Wilton Police Department responded to three calls for domestic violence or domestic verbal abuse during the week of Jan. 3 through Jan. 10.

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Tuesday’s 9-3 win at Guilford was noteworthy on several levels for the Wilton-Norwalk girls hockey team.

It was the team’s second win in seven days, and third of the season — equaling the Warriors’ win total for all of last season.

The nine goals also tied the team record for most goals in a game — something done twice by the 2012-13 team and once by the 2011-12 team,

And the nine goals raised the team’s season tally to 20 goals in six games — equalling the offensive output for the entire 2015-16 season.

The Warriors, who also lost 7-0 last Friday to FCIAC power Greenwich, are now 3-3 on the season.

“The girls are very excited. They’re certainly seeing things turn around a little bit,” said head coach Pete Maxfield. “We’re starting to beat the teams we should beat. I think they will continue to keep building to their goals.”

Leading the way on Tuesday with two goals each were Izzy Thelen, Caitlyn Hocker and Meghan Lane, with single tallies by Molly Thomas, Anna Bean and Ali Purvis.

Thelen also had two assists, with singles helpers from Thomas, Ali Danvers, Lily Blackwell, Alyssa Laychak and Shannon McEveney.

Thomas opened the scoring in the first period, off Thelen’s assist. Guilford answered to make it 1-1 but the Warriors closed out the period with three goals to lead 4-1. Goals were scored by Thelen, Lane (Blackwell assist) and Thelen (Danvers assist).

Goals in the second period by Lane (Laychak assist) and Hocker (Lane assist) made it 6-1. Third-period goals were scored by Bean (Thomas assist), Purvis (McEveney assist) and Hocker (Thelen assist).

— J.B. Cozens

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The Bulletin Board is a guide to events of public interest happening in Wilton designed to let you know what’s happening and when, and to help schedule important events. Submissions may be emailed to editor@wiltonbulletin.com by 5 p.m. Wednesday the week before intended publication. 

Seeds of Diversity Workshop, Saturday, Jan. 14, 11-12:30, Wilton Historical Society, 224 Danbury Road. Children will plant seeds of different shapes, sizes, and colors to sprout side by side. They will also make a snack. Cost: members, $10/child, $25/family; non-members, $15/child, $35/family. Register: info@wiltonhistorical.org or calling 203-762-7257.

New Perspectives Film Series, Saturday, Jan. 14, 7:30-9:30 p.m., Wilton Library. Back on Board, a documentary about Olympic diver Greg Louganis will be screened. Suggested donation of $5. Q&A after the film with moderator Megan Smith-Harris. Registration highly recommended: 203-762-3950 or www.wiltonlibrary.org.

Great Trains Holiday Exhibition Closes, Monday, Jan. 16, noon-4. Wilton Historical Society, 224 Danbury Road. Admission is free for all children and historical society members, $10 per adult non-member. Information:  203-762-7257.

Hands of Friendship, Monday, Jan. 16, 1-3, Wilton Historical Society, 224 Danbury Road. A free, drop-in workshop where children can create outstretched hands of many colors representing diversity in the world.

Valuing Your Business, Tuesday, Jan. 17, 6-8 p.m., Comstock Community Center, 180 School Road. A free program presented by SCORE on how to understand and determine the value of a small business. Check-in starts at 5:30. Information: 203-831-0065 or score.fairfieldcounty@gmail.com.

Breast Cancer Survivors’ Support Group, Tuesday, Jan. 17, 6-8 p.m., Wilton Library. For post-treatment survivors, presented by Nina Marino, LCSW, and the library. Free, registration highly encouraged. Questions: call Nina Marino at 203-857-7304. Register: 203-762-3950 or www.wiltonlibrary.org.

AARP Driver Safety Class, Wednesday, Jan. 18, 10-2, Wilton Library. Practical techniques on how to adjust to changes in vision, hearing and reaction time associated with aging. No tests. Registration required. Cost: $15/AARP members, $20/non-members, cash or check only. Information: 203-762-3950 or www.wiltonlibrary.org.

Eggs and the Economy, Thursday, Jan. 19, 8 a.m., Marly’s Bar and Bistro, Wilton Center. Brian Flaherty, senior vice president of public policy with CBIA will speak. Sponsored by Wilton Chamber of Commerce. $35/members, $40/future members. RSVP: 203-762-0567 or info@wiltonchamber.com.

Candlelight Concert, Sunday, Jan. 22, 4-5:30 p.m., Wilton Congregational Church, 70 Ridgefield Road. Violinist Daniel Phillips will present a program of works by Dvorak, Mendelssohn, and Mozart. Tickets: 203-762-3401 or wiltoncandlelightconcerts.org.

Parent Support Group, Monday, Jan. 23, 10-11:30, G&B Cultural Center, 49 New Street. For parents  of children with behavioral, emotional and mental health issues. Free, presented by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Child and Adolescent Network (CAN). Information: Beth at 203-984-0123 or Beth44es@gmail.com or visit namisouthwestct.com.

Senior Center Book Discussion, Tuesday, Jan. 24, 11-noon, Wilton Senior Center, Comstock Community Center, 180 School Road. Michael Hess will lead a discussion of Empire by Gore Vidal. Register: 203-834-6240.

Mah Jongg, Tuesday, Jan. 24, 12:30, Wilton Senior Center, Comstock Community Center, 180 School Road. Beginners welcome. Sponsored by Stay at Home in Wilton and the senior center. RSVP: Kay Chann at 203-762-9026.

Tuesday Movie, Tuesday, Jan. 24, 3-5 p.m., Wilton Senior Center, Comstock Community Center, 180 School Road. Meryl Streep stars in Florence Foster Jenkins. Free. Complimentary popcorn, candy and soda. RSVP: 203-762-2600.

Author Talk, Thursday, Jan. 26, 7-8:30 p.m., Wilton Library. CNBC Senior Contributor Larry Kudlow discusses his new book, JFK and the Reagan Revolution: A Secret History of American Prosperity, written with Brian Domitrovic. Q&A and book signing will follow. Books available for purchase. Free, registration required: 203-762-3950 or www.wiltonlibrary.org.

Chinese New Year Celebration, Friday, Jan. 27, 4-4:45, Wilton Library. Families may welcome the Year of the Rooster with stories, snacks, fortunes, and crafts. Registration required: 203-762-6336 or www.wiltonlibrary.org.

Tales to Tails, Saturday, Jan. 28, 11-noon, Wilton Library. Children who are independent readers may read to therapy dogs. Free, registration required: 203-762-3950 or www.wiltonlibrary.org.

Scholarly Series, Sunday, Jan. 29, 4-5:30, Wilton Library. The first of a five-part collaboration between the library and Wilton Historical Society: Finding Our Place: Evolving American Identity. The program focuses on the United States’ place in the world during World War I and its aftermath. John Tully, professor of history at Central Connecticut State University, will discuss how U.S. foreign policy in the 20th Century reflected American values. Registration required: 203-762-6334 or www.wiltonlibrary.org.

Technology Classes, Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2-3 and 6:30-7:30 p.m., Wilton Library. Michael Bellacosa will show how to create and format a basic spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel 2010. Free, basic computer skills required. Advance registration required: 203-762-3950 or www.wiltonlibrary.org.

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Here’s what’s happening in town today, Jan. 12:

• Yoga at Wilton Senior Center, from 10 to 11.

• Mother Goose on the Loose at Wilton Library, from 10:15 to 10:45.

• Mother Goose on the Loose at Wilton Library, from 11 to 11:30.

• Lunch at Wilton Senior Center at noon.

• Blood Pressure Screening at Wilton Family Y, from 12:30 to 2.

• Bingo at Wilton Senior Center at 12:45.

• Bringing Your Photo Albums into the Digital Age at Wilton Library, from 2 to 4.

• Children’s Beginner Chess at Wilton Library, from 4 to 5.

• Children’s Advanced Chess at Wilton Library, from 5 to 6.

For more things to do, check the Wilton Bulletin Board.

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Diving right in

The New Perspectives Film Series begins the New Year with a compelling story of Olympic diver Greg Louganis in the documentary, Back on Board, on Saturday, Jan. 14, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Award-winning filmmaker Cheryl Furjanic created a candid film about Louganis and his troubled upbringing, his glorious Olympic achievements as a diving champion, his personal and financial struggles when he disclosed he was openly gay with HIV, and his turn as a mentor to the U.S. Diving team in 2012. Accolades abound for this film, including The Hollywood Reporter calling it a “rich, satisfying story, skillfully told by director Cheryl Fujanic.” The New Perspective Film Series is programmed and moderated by Megan Smith-Harris. A Q&A will follow the film. There is a suggested donation of $5 per person to offset licensing fees. Registration is highly recommended especially during the winter months when inclement weather may become an issue.

Maker classes this week

The Innovation Station was a hub of holiday cheer and gift-making during the holidays and this week is no exception. Classes for first timers and those seeking more expertise are on the schedule. On Saturday, Jan. 14, from 10 to noon, makers can come in and Personalize a Tumbler to give to someone or to keep for themselves. There is a fee of $5 per tumbler to offset costs. A new Embroidery (Session 2) class has become available for people who have been introduced to the new embroidery machine but feel they need a little more time on it before they can become certified to use it on their own. The Session 2 classes are two-hour intervals set for Saturday, Jan. 14, at noon, and Tuesdays, Jan. 17, 24, and 31 at 11. These are all one-on-one sessions. Etched Glass is a great craft on Wednesday, Jan. 18, from 10 to noon. Participants will learn how to etch a glass plate, vase or votives using the die cutter and some simple supplies. The fee if $3 per plate or vase and $5 for two votives with tea lights. The Solder Craft on Wednesday, Jan. 18, from 4 to 5:30, also is a favorite. Attendees learn how to wield a soldering gun and make a blinkie pin. This rudimentary skill is just the beginning of bigger things leading to jewelry making or circuitry wiring. The session is free. For those who have heard so much about 3D printing, now is the time for people to test drive it on their own. People can take 3D Printing for Beginners on Wednesday, Jan. 18, from 6 to 7:30 and learn how to use the library’s MakerBot Replicator 2X. After the session, participants can sign up for their own time to use the 3D printer to make their own creation. All of the Innovation Station classes are for seventh graders to adults and sixth graders accompanied by adults who are willing to learn, too. Attendees must have valid Connecticut library cards and signed Innovation Station Agreement forms which should be brought to the workshops. Registration is required.

Breast cancer group meets

The Breast Cancer Survivors’ Support Group meets this month on Tuesday, Jan. 17, from 6 to 8 p.m. This monthly meeting is for post-treatment breast cancer survivors and is led by Nina Marino, LCSW. There is no charge. Registration is encouraged particularly during the winter months when weather might be an issue. Questions may be directed to Nina at cancersurvival2@aol.com.

Knit one, purl two

The library’s Stitch Time for Knitters and Crocheters is going strong on Mondays (except Jan. 16), from 1 to 2:30. Knitters are encouraged to join this wonderful group of crafters who share knitting and crocheting tips with all. For those who want to start a winter project, the library is offering Knit a Cowl Scarf in a two-part workshop on Fridays, Jan. 20 and 27, from 1 to 3. Volunteer “mad knitters” are Cindy Hojnacki and Marianne LaSala, who laugh and knit their way through these fun sessions. Novice knitters ages 18 and up will need to bring two skeins of bulky yarn and a set of circular needles. Registration is required. Registering for the first session automatically counts the attendee in the second session as well. Once registered, the participant will receive the specifics about yarn and needles.

Economic expert

Coming up in two weeks, Larry Kudlow, host of CNBC’s “The Kudlow Report” and now senior contributor for CNBC will visit the library on Thursday, Jan. 26, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. He will be discussing his latest book, JFK and the Reagan Revolution: A Secret History of American Prosperity, which he co-authored with Brian Domitrovic. In his talk, Kudlow will shed light on a time when bipartisanship was a driving force behind America’s thriving economy. In his book, Kudlow argues that the solutions needed to fix the current woes in this election cycle, and the ongoing aftermath of the Great Recession, stem from the free-market principles of limited government, low tax rates, and a strong dollar, once put in place by the bipartisan wisdom of two great presidents. Kudlow currently hosts a nationally syndicated weekly radio show and writes a weekly syndicated column. The program is co-sponsored by the library and the Wilton Chamber of Commerce. A Q&A will follow the talk. There is no charge. Registration is required. Books will be available for purchase and signing available courtesy of Elm Street Books, New Canaan.

The library will be closed on Monday, Jan. 16 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. To register for programs, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org and click on Events or call the Circulation Desk at 203-762-6334 for adult programs, the Children’s Library at 203-762-6336, Teen Services and Innovation Station classes at 203-762-6342.

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Downsize with style

Who doesn’t think of downsizing? If reducing your footprint is on your list of New Year’s resolutions, Carey Karlan, well-known interior designer and consultant on downsizing, can help. She will give a free talk on the subject Tuesday, Jan. 17, 10 a.m., at the senior center. The talk, open to the community, is sponsored by the Encore Club of Wilton.

She will discuss how to get started and how to evaluate what should be removed as an essential step in moving into a smaller living space. She will share experiences of people who have gone through the process of unloading.

Winter safety tips

You’ve seen these tips before, yet they never get old. Read through them and do what you need to do! Go ahead and check off each item! Presented by Synergy HomeCare.

For your home:

• Smoke alarms are needed with fresh batteries, top of stairs, kitchen, furnace, bedrooms.
• Carbon monoxide alarm is needed with fresh batteries.
• Line up snow clearing people for sidewalk, driveway and front door.
• Fuel oil delivery: top off and set up automatic delivery.
• Clean furnace and renew annual service contract. Make certain you have 24-hour service and the emergency number is available.
• Have someone install storm windows.
• Have someone cover your outside air conditioning units and cover shrubs.
• Maintain a land-line telephone.
• Make sure trees over wires are made safe by having branches cut.
• Clean the gutters. Do not attempt yourself. Divert water away from the house.
• Make sure you have adequate bright lighting at home.
• Salt sidewalks and driveways with a scoop.
• When power goes out, make sure you have flashlights. Do not use candles during a power outage.
• Reverse ceiling fans to create an updraft and bring warm air down.
• Test your sump pump.
• Keep wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.
• Purchase manual can opener for food.
• Maintain cell phone with chargers.
• Winterize your lawn mower/tractor.
• Store firewood at least 20 feet from the home.
• Look into a generator before they are gone. Test the one you have.
• Close the flue/vent in your fireplace.
• Do NOT use gas grills inside to help heat your home.
• Do NOT use kerosene lamps or heaters inside.
• Generators need to be outside, never in the house or garage.
• NEVER store gasoline inside.

Coming events

For the week of Jan. 13:

Friday, Jan. 13, 10, Feldenkrais with Cathy Paine; 12, Bridge with Eleanor Mihailidis; 12, Introduction to Bridge with Michael Hess; 1:30, Intermediate Bridge with Michael Hess.

Monday, Jan. 16, Senior Center Closed.

Tuesday, Jan. 17, 9:45, BeMoved with Phyllis Hirschfield; 10, Painting the Figure; 10, Downsizing with Carey Karlan; 11, Yoga with Denise O’Hearn; 12, Duplicate Bridge with Maureen Turnier; 12:30, Five Crowns with Nerina Klobas; 2, Chair Yoga at Ogden House.

Wednesday, Jan. 18, 9:30, Sewing at Ogden House; 10, Open Bridge with Michael Hess; 10, Comstock Writers with Magdalen Livesey; 10:30, Tai Chi with Joe Alampi; 12, Lunch at Ogden House; 12:45, The Hoot Owls perform after lunch at Ogden House; 1, Mah Jongg.

Thursday, Jan. 19, 10, Yoga with Denise O’Hearn; 11:45, St. Matthew Church Lunch.

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Cider Mill Students celebrating Reading Rocks! on Dress Like a Rock Star Day last January. — Ema Whittaker Photography

Wilton Education Foundation (WEF)’s sixth-annual Reading Rocks! read-a-thon, sponsored by the Stroup family, kicked off Friday, Jan. 6, at Miller-Driscoll and Cider Mill schools.

All pre-K through fifth grade students are invited to participate in the noncompetitive reath-a-thon, which encourages children to have fun reading while raising money for the foundation, which uses the funds to give back to Wilton’s public schools.

Registration and pledge forms went out Jan. 6, the same day Miller-Driscoll and Cider Mill students celebrated Book Character Day by dressing up as their favorite book characters.

Pledge forms and money will be due Friday, Jan. 27. On that day, students will dress up like rock stars for Dress Like A Rock Star Day.

Reading begins Saturday, Jan. 28, and ends Saturday, Feb. 11.

Reading Rocks! has raised more than $200,000 over the last five years. With the money raised, the foundation has funded SMARTBoard purchases, professional development for teachers, literacy initiatives, performing arts programs, and more.

To learn more about WEF and its programs, visit wiltoneducationfoundation.org.

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We are coming up on a long holiday weekend during which we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the life, the sacrifice, and the vision of this most influential man.

King, of course, is our best-known civil rights leader, who argued tirelessly for his dream of equality for all. Not just for African Americans and whites, but for people of all colors and creeds. “… we will be able to speed up that day when all of God’s children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual: Free at last!” he said in his famous I Have a Dream speech.

Here in Wilton, happily, there is reason to believe King’s dream persists. Last Friday, as can be seen in a photo on Page 3A, members of Temple B’nai Chaim welcomed the town’s Syrian refugee family to a Shabbat service. It was a particularly poignant event, since one of the Syrian children was marking his 6th birthday and the temple congregants joined in his celebration as he and his family joined in theirs.

This event underscores the need to look beyond our mode of dress, the color of our skin, and the way we pray to what is in the heart of each one of us.

Two other noteworthy events take place this weekend at the Wilton Historical Society. They are the Seeds of Diversity and Hands of Friendship workshops. On Saturday, children are invited to plant seeds of all kinds near one another in a planter which they can take home and then watch grow side by side. (Interestingly, there is a gardening method called companion planting, in which plants of different types thrive when planted near one another rather than in large, homogenous plots.)

On Monday, children may create paper hands of many colors.

King’s speech resonates as clearly today as it did when he gave it in 1963, which is unfortunate, given that our country has made only modest gains in the intervening 54 years. And if you read it, you can substitute many other minorities — most notably the LGBT community — for the blacks King was speaking to.

The biggest takeaway from that speech, which we would all do well to remember, is his observation that we must all move forward together. One group’s freedom is intrinsically tied to another’s. One cannot — should not — benefit at the expense of another. As King so simply said, “We cannot walk alone.”

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On this holiday weekend, the Wilton Historical Society will offer two workshops for children that honor the ideals of Martin Luther King Jr.

During the Seeds of Diversity workshop on Saturday, Jan. 14, from 11 to 12:30, museum educator Lola Chen will talk about King’s dream of seeing people of all countries, races, and religions living together in harmony as children plant seeds of different shapes, sizes, and colors to sprout side by side. They will take their planters home so they can watch the seeds grow and eventually transplant them to a pot or garden.

The children will also make their snack, Birds of Pizza.

The cost for members is $10 per child, maximum $25 per family; for non-members, $15 per child, maximum $35 per family. Register by emailing info@wiltonhistorical.org or calling 203-7627257.

There will be a free Hands of Friendship drop-in workshop for children on Monday, Jan. 16, from 1 to 3, where they can create outstretched hands of many colors, representing diversity in the world.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 16, is also the last day of the Great Trains Holiday Exhibition, which is open from noon to 4. Admission is free for all children and historical society members, $10 per adult non-member.

All events take place at the historical society’s campus at 224 Danbury Road.

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Here’s what’s happening in town today, Jan. 13:

• Feldenkrais at Wilton Senior Center at 10.

• Jewelry Workshop at Wilton Senior Center at 10.

• Movement and Dance for Little Ones at Wilton Library, from 11 to 11:30.

• Bridge at Wilton Senior Center at noon.

• Intermediate Bridge at Wilton Senior Center at 1:30.

• Free Senior Swim at Wilton Family Y, from 1:30 to 3.

For more things to do, check the Wilton Bulletin Board.

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