It’s June already.  I look forward to seeing seasonal visitors and friends and getting out in a lobster boat again.  (I must say that I have become a fair weather stern man.) Last Sunday afternoon I got to spend time in the sun at Fine Sand Beach with family and friends. Definitely a hint of summer in the air that afternoon.

I thought June would be a laid back month with school programs taking up most of the schedule but SIES has some interesting and exciting things going on too.

Exhibits are changing and will be announced soon.  Programs and presentations are lining up again.

On June 17 at 7 pm at the library, Patrick Parenteau will be speaking about the new EPA rules to control carbon emissions from Power Plants.  He will also speak about ocean acidification, the impact on fisheries, and answer any questions people may have.

Winner of many literary awards including the Newbury Medal, Richard Peck will be visiting Swan’s Island on the morning of June 24. Island Readers and Writers is sponsoring an MDI-wide community read featuring Mr. Peck’s book A Long Way From Chicago. Students in grades 3-8 have received a copy of this book to read before Mr. Peck’s visit.

Community members are encouraged to stop by the library to check out a copy to read. It’s hilarious, I highly recommend it and others of his books that are available at the library.

Students in Grades K-2 are having Mr. Peck’s Secrets at Sea read to them at school and the library.

During Mr. Peck’s visit, students in grades 3-8 and members of the Hockamock Players will perform a section of his play Effigy in the Outhouse for him.  A full performance will be scheduled during the summer.

As part of this event students grades 3-8 and community members can enter the model outhouse building contest (out houses seem to be a feature in many of this books).

Younger students will be creating posters based on the book being read to them.

Mr. Peck will be judging the models and posters as well as answering questions for those who attend the event. I will make sure he gets a tour of the island-might he see an outhouse during the drive?