These tips, which can be downloaded or printed, are courtesy of the Connecticut Department of Public Health.Connecticut Department of Public Health: Tips on Safely Preparing Your Holiday Meals

The event is free

The Stratford Library will kick-off Stratford’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony with a holiday program for families,  “The Small World Magic Show” with Magician Debbie O’Carroll at 4:30 p.m. Nov. 27.The show will precede the town event, which this year is being held on the steps of Town Hall, according to a release.  

The family program is free and open to the public.More about the show: "Magician Debbie O'Carroll's magic hat is on the fritz! Where in the world can she find a new one? Will she choose a wizard's hat from England, a sorcerer's turban from India, a conjurer's cap from China, a genie's fez from Turkey, a fairy godmother's crown from France, a seanachie's tam from Ireland or a sprite's headdress from Ghana?"

To learn the answer: join  O'Carroll "on her magical quest around the globe." 

"Full of physical comedy and audience participation, “The Small World Magic Show” is ideal for all ages."

 O’Carroll has performed at schools, libraries and festivals across the country, the release said. She also teaches theater, magic and dance workshops at many elementary and high schools in Massachusetts, the release said.  

In the event of inclement weather, the program and tree lighting will be held on Nov. 28. Due to safety concerns, parents with strollers will be asked to “park” their stroller in a designated area in the Library’s main lobby. Families are invited to attend public caroling and the tree lighting ceremony following the magic show at Town Hall.

For more information, call the Stratford Library Children’s Department at 203.385.4165 or visit: www.stratfordlibrary.org.

Photo: Magician Debbie O'Carroll will perform at the Stratford Library on Tuesday, November 27 at 4:30 pm

Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed.

Musician Phil Rosenthal to Perform Dec. 9

 

The Stratford Library and the Square One Theatre Company will present “A Bluegrass Holiday” concert at 2 p.m. on Dec. 9. 

 Musician Phil Rosenthal "will perform an original program of Bluegrass standards combined with some seasonal offerings," according to a release.Sponsored by the Friends of Square One Theatre Company, the concert will be held in the Library’s Lovell Room. It is free and open to the public, the release said.

"With firm roots in folk, bluegrass and country, Phil Rosenthal’s music is a delight for all ages," the release said. " His rich baritone voice, lively instrumental work and relaxed stage presence have charmed audiences around the world. A former member of the legendary band the Seldom Scene, he was appointed Connecticut State Troubadour in 1994."

Also, "His original compositions have been recorded by Johnny Cash and Bill Monroe. A pioneer in bringing traditional musical styles to children, his recordings have received over 20 awards from the Parents’ Choice Foundation, the National Parenting Publications Association and the American Library Association. Whether playing for adults or children, Rosenthal’s mixture of memorable original songs and classic favorites and his expert picking on banjo, guitar and mandolin have won him new fans everywhere he’s traveled."

“A Bluegrass Holiday” will begin with a brief reception at 2 p.m. Dec. 9 followed by the concert. The event is recommended for all ages. For further information call the library at: 203.385-4162 or visit its website at: www.stratfordlibrary.org.

Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed.

 

It is open for Milford residents and business owners Milford Police Citizens' Academy Milford Police Citizens' Academy

The program is free and open to the public.

The Stratford Library will hold a “Meet-the-Author” program with former Stratford author James Mihaley at 2 p,m, Dec. 2. 

 Hageman is the author of the witty new children’s novel, “You Can’t Have My Planet, But Take my Brother, Please,” according to a release.

Mihaley was born in Bridgeport and attended Eli Whitney elementary school in Stratford, the release said. He is a graduate of Brown University.  

His recently published novel for children, ages 9-12, is the Macmillan titled “You Can't Have My Planet, But Take My Brother, Please,” the release said. 

"In the book it turns out that we humans are merely renting Earth and because we're such lousy tenants, we're about to get evicted," the release said. 

The author adds, “This is a hilarious book with a big eco-theme, which is even more pertinent now after Hurricane Sandy, which many believe was influenced by climate change. I use humor as a way to draw kids in and make them care about the environment.”  

Mihaley now lives in Los Angeles, the release said. 

 Autographed copies of the novel will be available for purchase following the library program.

The event will be held in the Lovell Room of the library. For more information, call the library’s Public Relations & Programming office at 203.385.4162 or visit: www.stratfordlibrary.org.

Photo: Book jacket, "You Can't Have My Planet, But Take My Brother, Please"

Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed.

 

Learn steps you can take to keep your home and credit cards safe, thanks to the Milford Police Department Holiday Season Safety Tips

The event is free and open to the public

Adam Gidwitz will tell "his personal tale of becoming a writer" at 6:30 pm Nov. 29 in the Children’s Room at the Fairfield Main Library, 1080 Old Post Road, according to a release.
In Gidwitz’s book, "A Tale Dark and Grimm," Hansel and Gretel "take on a new adventure that weaves together many of the Grimm’s tales," the release said.  
"The book is a New York Times bestseller, a 2012 Intermediate Nutmeg Nominee, and was recently selected for Al Roker’s 'Today Show Book Club for Kids.'”   
 In his latest book, "In a Glass Grimmly," Jack and Jill "lead the way with more delights and scares in fairy tale land" the release said.
Both books will be available for purchase and signing at the event.

All programs at the Fairfield Public Library are free. To register for the program or for more information, go to www.fairfieldpubliclibrary.org or call 203-256-3160. 

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Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed.