Quilting show slated for July 26 at library

The Goodwives' Quilters will display their works in this year's annual quilting show at the Rowayton Library, Tuesday, July 26 from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. (rain date July 27). Everyone is invited to view this collection of handmade quilts from the art and talent of the Goodwives' Quilters. With more than 70 members strong, many with vast experience with quilting, the Goodwives' Quilters work on many projects including quilts for: NNIC Unit at Stamford Hospital, Birthright Norwalk, Veterans of Rocky Hill CT, Malta House Norwalk, Veterans New Haven, AmeriCares, AIDS, Hospice, breast cancer groups including one at the Whittingham Cancer Center, and many more. The quilts on display include ongoing projects and true gems from their personal collections. Come see -- first hand -- an art that thrives in our community.

A glimpse of life from magical shores

Brendan's 101 Gallery will be hosting an artist wine and cheese reception celebrating the photography of Lisa Liable. "Surface and Substance: Pictures from Tasmania and other magical spots," opens on Thursday, July 21 from 6-8 p.m. Liable lives in Hong Kong. Her most recent years in Asia have exposed her to a wider spectrum of subjects to photograph. She is an artist who uses film and camera as her medium and tool. She is a graduate of Denison University and has studied at the School of Visual Arts and the New School in New York.

Music by the water

On Sunday, Mystic Bowie will bring his reggae music to Bayley Beach at 5:30 p.m. as part of the Rowayton Civic Association's series Music by the Water. Concert rain location is the Rowayton School. This concert is free. For information on the concert series and Bayley Beach rules, visit the Rowayton Civic Association's website at www.rowaytonct.com.

Marbles tourney slated July 23

Welcome to the world of marbles, a game that has been played through the ages, a game that your grandparents likely played. By some accounts it has been played for 300 plus generations, and now it is time once again to pass it on to the next generation. Become a "mibster"(marble shooter). Free marble sets with instructions will be distributed to kids ages 7-14 while supplies last beginning July 18 and the Marbles Tournament will be held on Saturday, July 23 from 10-12 at the Rowayton Library. Prizes for everyone.

Sing along at the RAC

The Rowayton Arts Center will present a "Sea Chantey Sing-Along" with Deirdre Murtha of "The Johnson Girls" in conjunction with RAC's Marine & Coastal Exhibition, Thursday, July 21 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. $5 admission fee; refreshments included.

Time for business and bagels

On Thursday, July 28 (7:30 -8:45 a.m.) BusinessTalk -- Business & Bagels, will take place at the Rowayton Library. Fairfield County SCORE is co-sponsoring this small business information series. Scott Herckis, a CPA with Big 4 public accounting experience and a former CFO in private industry will share with you -- the tips and tricks on Social Security withholding changes for 2011, business write offs, the new healthcare legislation and overlooked tax breaks. There will be a meet and greet from 7:30 to 7:45 a.m. Bring a lot of business cards because it's a great opportunity to network. Then Herckis will lead the discussion from 7:45 to 8:45 a.m. The Rowayton Library is located at 33 Highland Ave. For information and a reservation, please call (203) 838-5038.

Grab a book for the beach

With an outpouring of generosity of book donations from fellow Rowaytonites, the Rowayton Library is pleased to continue to offer free books at Bayley Beach and the Rowayton Railroad Station. Next time you are enjoying some fun in the sun and forgot your current "read," go through the stacks at the Pavilion and find a good read. And, if you have rushed off to catch the train at the Rowayton Railroad Station and haven't a thing to read, the paperback carousel is there for your reading pleasure. Take one or many. They are FREE and then... pass them on to a friend. The library is always pleased to accept book donations at the library only.

Are you a New Yorker fan?

The Rowayton Library's new book club for devoted readers of The New Yorker magazine will meet on Wednesday July 20 at 9:30 a.m. at the Rowayton Library to talk about recent articles and cartoons in the magazine. Author (The Book Club Companion) Diana Loevy will be the discussion leader. Coffee and light breakfast fare will be served. This program is free and open to the public. Multiple copies of the New Yorker Magazine will be available to participants each week.

Cool off at the library

Come in to the Rowayton Library to cool off with a glass of iced tea, a cookie or two, and a good book. Nothing is better than back to basics and the pleasures of summer reading.

Calling all Rowayton photographers

The Clamdigging Blog (www.ClamdiggingAroundRowayton.com) is looking for current photographs of the Rowayton landscape and architecture. If you feel like taking a snap or two, please send them to Clamdigging@Rowayton.org with the location, date and name of photographer (no people in the pictures please). Thanks. Then, you may catch them online.

Don't let overdue fines ruin your vacation

Going on Vacation? Have a few books and DVDs out from the Rowayton Library? Don't have time to look for them... to return them... just before you leave? Just call the Rowayton Library at 203-838-5038. Ask to extend your "due dates" until you return from vacation... and it will be done*... *(as long as the items are not NEW or on hold for anyone else - though we can make an exception for an extra day or two on a few). State your name and the date you expect to return the materials and you are done.

RHS is serving up a fundraiser

On Thursday evening, July 21 from 6-8 p.m. at Pinkney House, Chef Marc Poidevin and Margaret Poidevin of Marc's Rowayton Market will be providing the gourmet fare and Joe and Tripp Donelan of Donelan Wines will be showcasing their gorgeous, delicious wines. Bill Nollman and Ed Wright will be providing the music... and all to benefit the Rowayton Historical Society. A suggested donation of $35 per person would be appreciated. More information to follow.

School's out but art is in session

Registration continues for summer art activities for youngsters ages 6-11 at the Rowayton Arts Center, 145 Rowayton Ave. In conjunction with Norwalk Quilt Trail activities being held throughout Norwalk, this summer's projects will include designing individual paper quilt squares from colorful geometric shapes. All of the squares will be assembled into a large paper quilt for display in the window of a vacant storefront. Each weekly session is from 1:30-4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday throughout July and August (July 19, 20, 21 ... July 26, 27, 28 ... August 2, 3, 4 ... August 9, 10, 11 ... August 16, 17, 18 ... August 23, 24, 25). Tuition is 1 week - $125, 2 weeks - $225, 3 weeks - $350, 4 weeks - $450. Register now by calling 203-866-2744.

Get back to basics at the library

- Quilting 101 - YoYo's, Mondays at 2 p.m. Goodwives Quilters will be leading these sessions.

- Origami 101, Tuesdays at 2 p.m. -- for everyone.

- Beadwork 101, Wednesdays at 2 p.m. -- for everyone.

- Board Games/Chess 101, Wednesday evenings at 5 p.m. -- for everyone.

- Knitting 101, Thursdays at 3:30 p.m. -- for kids ages 8 and up.

- Felt Critters 101, Fridays at 2 p.m. -- for kids ages 8 and up.

I Can Read Aloud...

The Rowayton Library's summer pilot project for kids ages 5-8 continues on Tuesday, July 19 at 5:30 p.m. This program is designed to provide a book group environment for children and their parents/ caregivers in support of the art of reading aloud. The program will be using the I Can Read Aloud series "Little Bear," "Father Bear Comes Home," and "Little Bear's Visit," by Else Holmelund Minarik, illustrated by Maurice Sendak. Multiple copies of the books are available at the Rowayton Library.

Get your hot dogs

Everyone is invited to help celebrate July as National Hot Dog Month with the Rowayton Library's sixth annual free hot dog picnic July 26 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. (rain date July 27. Come check out what's new at the Rowayton Library and join us for a "Free Hot Dog Lunch."

For information on Rowayton Library programs, please call 203-838-5038. All programs are free and open to the public. Some may require a courtesy reservation. Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.

In the "know" around Rowayton? Please share Rowayton happenings with your community. Send them along to our email Clamdigging@Rowayton.org. And now you can follow the goings-on in Rowayton on our Blog at www.NorwalkCitizenOnline.com. Feel free to comment and start a Rowayton conversation. You can also sign up for an RSS feed and get Clamdigging sent to you.