There's Still Time to Read 'Wonder,' this Summer's Town Book

Oyster Bay Councilwoman Rebecca Alesia is inviting teens and pre-teens to participate in a town-wide essay contest as part of this year’s program for "One Town, One Book: Oyster Bay Reads."

“At this point in the program, I hope countless town residents are enjoying the inspiring story of August Pullman that is chronicled in "Wonder," by R.J. Palacio, as much as I am,” Alesia said.

“This year we are very excited to have chosen "Wonder " as our book selection, and have numerous events planned," Alesia said. "This essay contest will serve as a way to get the younger kids within the town involved in the program.”

Teens and pre-teens who wish to participate in the essay contest are asked to read "Wonder," and write a short essay, no longer than 500 words, on how the thematic issues within the book resonated with you, such as the spotlight it places on bullying or the struggle to "fit-in."

Participants are asked to send their submissions by July 31 to Councilwoman Alesia’s office, 54 Audrey Ave., Oyster Bay, NY 11771.  Winners will be selected and honored by the town at the Aug. 6 meeting of the town board and will receive a gift basket donated by Barnes and Noble in Massapequa.

Throughout the months of June and July, participants in the program have read Wonder in preparation for a series of Town-wide events.  In addition, each library within the town has joined up to host events of their own to tie in with this year’s selection. 

The first will take place on Thursday, July 18 at 7 p.m., at the William P. Bennett Hicksville Community Center, 28 West Carl St. in Hicksville. This event will feature a panel discussion featuring disability advocates from across Long Island.

Additional events include a dramatic re-enactment of key scenes from the novel on Aug. 1 the Plainview-Old Bethpage Library and a book discussion/lecture event facilitated by Anna Katsavos, Ph. D., Professor Emeritus at SUNY Nassau, Literature and Women’s studies, on Aug. 15 at the Syosset-Woodbury Community Park.

Details for these events will be announced in the coming weeks through the Town’s website, www.oysterbaytown.com, as well as the Town’s official ‘One Town, One Book’ Facebook page (facebook.com/OneTownOneBookOysterBayReads.)

“I urge any interested resident to contact my office at (516)-624-6364, and my staff will help you get in contact with your local library in the coming weeks, to inquire about the ways in which they also are taking part in "One Town, One Book: Oyster Bay Reads.” 

The fourth of eight 2013 household hazardous waste disposal days is scheduled for Saturday July 13. 

The town program, which allows residents to get rid of household pollutants, electronic waste and prescription drugs will take place at the Old Bethpage Solid Waste Disposal Complex, 101 Bethpage-Sweet Hollow Road, in Old Bethpage,

Residents who would like further information on the S.T.O.P. program can call (516) 677-5943. A copy can also be downloaded from the Town’s website, www.oysterbaytown.com.

Planning Board to Meet July 18

The Town of Oyster Bay Planning Advisory Board has scheduled a meeting for Thursday, July 18, in the town board hearing room at 54 Audrey Ave. beginning 7 p.m.

The Planning Advisory Board reviews applications for development projects. For further information, contact the Department of Planning & Development at 624-6200.