Building on the mischievous nature of Tom Sawyer, program planners on Swans Island initiated its own “Where’s Waldo” program featuring Tom. He could be anywhere – at the cemetery, library, ferry terminal, Odd Fellow’s Hall, Lobstermen’s Coop or just hanging out with friends. The idea is to note and report where and when Tom was seen throughout the island. I understand the winner will receive a special prize!
Island Readers & Writers Blog
Mrs. Abbott’s lesson of “duty before pleasure”
On Saturday, Maudie March aka Mrs. Abbott instructed students on her expectations for their orderly and respectful behavior and conducted a variety of lessons focusing on the theme “duty before pleasure.” Students listened intently and quickly adjusted to the norms of the day. Then on Wednesday, Mrs. Abbott traveled by ferry to Long Island. Mrs. Abbott and games specialist Linda Uberseder were properly greeted by the students of Frenchboro School. They delighted in sharing a classroom experience in an historic setting reminiscent of the 1840s. The students did an excellent job memorizing and reciting poems and discussing stories from the McGuffy Reader. Following their lessons they joined Mrs. Uberseder for a rousing game of tag – learning games of the 1840s such as hoop rolling and “graces” – and tried their hand at tops, jacks, marbles and pick-up sticks and much more. All had a grand time.
Maudie March (aka Mrs. Abbott) at the Frenchboro School and at Mount Desert Island Historical Society's Old Schoolhouse and Museum
Smokey Joe McKeen
“Smokey” Joe McKeen brought the Northeast Harbor Library exhibit “Life Along the Union River” to life with stories and music. This folk historian shared stories about the Union, Penobscot and Kennebec rivers through songs and recollections learned from “old timers” whose tales were passed down through the years. Smokey played two different guitars, a banjo, accordions, bones, jew’s harp, and harmonica. Listening to the music and lyrics surrounded by the photographs and maps of the river transported the audience to the campfires of the logger with a heighten appreciation for the dangers and traditions of logging. Ties to Mark Twain and the Mississippi were artfully woven throughout the performance.
Smokey Joe McKeen
Report from Swan’s Island
What a great event – The Big Read. We are big fans of the Big Read. We set sail over to Swan’s Island then over to Reel Pizza. Looking forward to the next event on Saturday.
Sally, Sam & Kate Hoff
Winterfest
Winterfest…. a late January community gathering in the Deer Isle-Stonington elementary school auditorium. It’s the place to be on a snowy Saturday, with fun things to do, friends to meet, great food to eat, performances to watch, and books to discuss. IRW was present too, giving out books to young and old, and chatting about Mark Twain and Tom Sawyer to neighbors. Our booth was alongside one from the local historical society and both of us featured aspects of life on our island during the time of Tom Sawyer. Candace Hall, the librarian at our town’s public library, helped kids with a Go Fish game like one the kids played back in the 1840s. The prize catch included miniature yoyos or marbles as well as a quote from Mark Twain glued to a paper ‘fish’. You can see from Candace’s jaunty hat, that our island people really get into these events!
Sallie Findlay
Candace Stover and The Big Read Maine 2012
Everybody’s talking about Tom Sawyer! When you live in a small town, especially one that is located on an island, everybody knows what’s going on!
Earlier tonight Candace Stover facilitated a lively discussion at the Somesville Library focusing on landmarks in our village and what it means to really know a place, like Tom knew his community. We discussed childhood, independence, play, imagination, safety, and parenting among other topics. Candace did a wonderful job of helping us relate elements of the story to our own lives and community. View the video to learn more.
Deer Isle – Stonington Big Read Kickoff
January 17, 2012 KICKOFF
The Reach Performing Arts Center
Deer Isle- Stonington Elementary School
Students and community members were treated to an exciting introduction to Mark Twain and his book “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” by special guests, Huckleberry Finn and Dr. Barbara Snedecor from Elmira College.
Marvin Merritt played the role of Huckleberry Finn as part of The Big Read Kickoff. Huck jumped out of the pages of Robert Bruleigh’s book “The Adventures of Mark Twain” to introduce his friend Sam Clemens. The video clip is an excerpt from that performance.
Marvin is an 8th Grader and has been in numerous theatrical productions at the Reach and the Stonington Opera House. He has been chosen to play Mike TV in the Cabin Fever production of “Willy Wonka” in March.
Dr. Barbara Snedecor continued the story about the life of Mark Twain focusing on his love of rivers, steamboats and Quarry Farm where he wrote “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.” Her presentation included slides of Sam Clemens early life, the Mississippi River and Quarry Farm the summer home of the Clemens family located in Elmira, New York.
Dr. Barbara Snedecor directs the Elmira College Center for Mark Twain Studies. She has taught composition and literature at various colleges and universities and has published two novels and a variety of essays. Her focus in Twain studies is autobiography, biography, and domesticity. She is currently completing a book entitled Gravity: Selections from the Letters of Olivia Langdon Clemens.
From Top to Bottom: Dr. Barbara Snedecor; Quarry Farm; Steamboat on exhibit at the Deer Isle-Stonington Elementary School; "Fabulous Fences and Wise Words" Exhibition at the Bass Harbor Memorial Library
The Big Read in Maine Communities!
Jesup Memorial Library goes all out for The Big Read
PE teachers from MDI and Deer Isle gather at the Trenton Elementary School to learn mid-1800s games to teach to grades 3-4-5 as part of The Big Read.
Big things are on the horizon thanks to The Big Read!
Big things are on the horizon thanks to The Big Read. Scores of free events will be offered now through Saturday, Feb. 11 including theater performances, films, art exhibits, public readings and lectures, music concerts, storytelling, game nights, book discussions, workshops and crafting sessions, and even logrolling classes at venues on Mount Desert Island, Deer Isle/Stonington, Swans Island, Islesford, Frenchboro and Isle au Haut. Oh, and there’s reading, too.
The whole shebang is geared around “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” Mark Twain. “I think the beauty of this program is that you don’t necessarily have to be a reader,” said Candy Emlen, director of the Southwest Harbor Library. “You can participate in all the different programs that are offered and don’t even have to read the book and you’ll still get something out of it.” But organizers are hoping people of all ages will read the book, either on their own or as part of a group.
– an excerpt from Melinda Rice’s article in the MD Islander on 1/5/12
Lisa Shields We Salute You!
Lisa Shields we salute you! Since 2009 Island Readers & Writers has been taking authors, illustrators, and special book tours (The Circus Ship) to the children on North Haven. These trips wouldn’t have been possible without the support and dedication of Lisa Shields, Arts Coordinator for North Haven Community School.
Last week I visited with Lisa on North Haven to thank her for her participation, creativity and support of Island Readers & Writers. She has been a joy to work with and is our champion on North Haven for art and literature. A gracious host, advocate, and friend, we will miss her!
Gratefully,
Jan Coates, Executive Director
