Saturday, January 28, 1:30pm
Kickoff Celebration: Paint Tom’s Fence!
Richmondtown branch, New York Public Library
200 Clarke Ave, SINY 10306
This is our Kick-Off event for The Big Read - Tom Sawyer.
Tom Sawyer tricked his friends into doing a messy chore: Whitewashing a big ole fence.
But at OutLOUD's fence-painting party, you won't get paint on your shoes.
Instead, you can have fun decorating Tom’s picket fence with art, quotes, poetry.
We'll have a nice picket fence that you can decorate with simple drawings or watercolors, poems, quotes!
Celebrate Twain, Tom Sawyer & Hometown Staten Island!
Bring a favorite image, poem or quote, or get one from us.
We'll have a selection of Twain quotes, poems, scenes of Staten Island landmarks:
What's most important to you about our hometown? Isn't it a lot like Hannibal, Missouri?
We'll have art supplies, so you can create a drawing or watercolor on the spot!
Meet Mark Twain in person!
19th century music by Joan & Gary Moore.
Readings from Tom Sawyer by celebrity guests.
THIS JUST IN!!! National Public Radio is covering "Paint Tom's Fence"!
So come on down to join us at 1:30pm, and you can be in NPR's video!
They'll post it on their website, and your friends & family can enjoy your moment in the spotlight!
(Of course if you prefer, you can take a seat out of camera range, but still enjoy our fun event)
Perfect for all ages!
For directions to the Richmondtown library via public transportation, visit www.hopstop.com
Sunday, Jan 29, 3pm
Race Issues In Mark Twain
Staten Island Community Charter School, 309 St Paul’s Ave (at Beach St), SINY 10304
A community dialogue on language & dialect in Tom Sawyer & Huck Finn.
Since their publications, Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn have been controversial books.
Over the past 150 years, they've been banned, they've been condemned, and sometimes they've been yanked from library shelves.
Originally, the books were criticized for presenting rebellious role models to youngsters.
Among some modern readers, the books have been condemned for their use of racial slurs in some characters' narratives and dialogues.
Indeed, that language is very hard for contemporary readers to stomach.
But is it fair to assert that these books condone racist language or behavior?
Huckleberry Finn is a seminal American classic that confronted the race issue head-on.
Twain himself was an Abolitionist, and he married into an active Abolitionist family.
But how can we reconcile the impact of the books' racist slurs, the history behind those words and the pain they can still inflict.
How should contemporary readers approach these issues?
How should the books be taught to our children?
We'll read excerpts from Tom Sawyer as our dialogue continues.
What chapters do you think are most important for our conversation? Email us and cast your vote!
OutLOUD invites neighbors to engage in thoughtful conversation on these difficult questions.
We welcome educators, parents, students, writers, and anyone in our community who's interested in creative dialogue.
You'll also have an opportunity to tour Staten Island Community Charter School, one of the Island's newest learning centers.
This event will engage adults, but young readers (ages 12 & up) are welcome!
For directions via public transportation, visit www.hopstop.com
Friday, Feb 3, 8pm
How Nancy Jackson Married Kate Wilson
Every Thing Goes Book Café, 208 Bay St, SINY 10301
Twain’s intriguing short story, contrasted with a few "Becky Thatcher" excerpts from Tom Sawyer
Here's your chance to experience a Twain short story that's unfamiliar to many.
Some commentators have criticized Twain's female characters as stereotypical.
Indeed, Twain's most vivid characters are boys or men . . .
But this story challenges Victorian rules about women. Or does it?
During Twain's life, women's roles changed dramatically.
This story invites us to reflect on women who forged their own paths.
Who was Nancy Jackson?
Who was Kate Wilson?
We'll also read excerpts from Tom Sawyer --
Isn't Aunt Polly a piece of work? What do you think about the Widow Douglas?
Which "Becky Thatcher" chapters are your favorites? Email us and cast your vote!
This reading is best enjoyed by adults (and teens 16 & older).
For directions to ETG Book Cafe via public transportation, visit www.hopstop.com
Saturday, Feb 4, 2:30pm
Tom Sawyer: On Film & On the Page
New Dorp branch–NY Public Library, 309 New Dorp Lane, SINY 10306
Tom Sawyer reading & film screening
Perfect for all ages!
For directions via public transportation, visit www.hopstop.com
Monday, Feb 6, 4pm
Tom Sawyer for Kidz
Richmondtown branch-NY Public Library, 200 Clarke Ave, SINY 10306
Stories for young readers & very young readers.
Perfect for all ages!
For directions via public transportation, visit www.hopstop.com
Saturday, Feb 11, 8pm
A Pen Warmed Up In Hell
Café 4 St Pauls
4 St. Pauls Ave (at Victory Blvd), SINY 10301
Twain’s protest writing & readings from Tom Sawyer.
Music by Peter Arvo.
Here's a chance to get more familiar with Twain's political writing.
He was an Abolitionist, an advocate for animal rights, a pacifist.
His commentaries are many and varied, yet contemporary readers don't often explore these works.
We'll share some of those essays, together with some cogent observations from Tom Sawyer.
Which Tom Sawyer sections would you especially like to hear? Email us and cast your vote!
This event is part of Second Saturday Staten Island . . .
Second Saturday is a marvelous art-walk, including gallery openings, studio tours and other cool cultural events.
For directions via public transportation, visit www.hopstop.com
Sunday, Feb 12, 3pm
Make a Raft, Make Valentines!
Great Kills Park Education Station
Hylan Blvd & Buffalo Street, SINY 10306
Read Tom’s rafting adventure - All ages can enjoy his river voyage as we gaze out at the Marina and the ocean!
Kids can also make their own (miniature) personal rafts, with craft supplies that we'll provide.
And all ages can make valentines with art supplies that we'll have available.
We'll also read the chapter describing the day Tom was smitten with Becky Thatcher . . .
. . . and we'll enjoy Mark Twain's advice on something you should NEVER say to your girlfriend!
A helpful piece of Valentine's Day advice!
Perfect for all ages!
For directions via public transportation, visit www.hopstop.com
Thursday, Feb 16, 3:30pm
Tom Sawyer: On Film & On the Page
Richmondtown branch–NY Public Library, 200 Clarke Ave, SINY 10306
Tom Sawyer reading & film screening
Perfect for all ages!
For directions to 200 Clarke Ave via public transportation, visit www.hopstop.com
Saturday, Feb 18, 2pm
Tom Sawyer: On film & On the Page
St. George Library Center
5 Central Ave, SINY 10301
Tom Sawyer reading & film screening.
Perfect for all ages!
For directions to 5 Central Ave via public transportation, visit www.hopstop.com
Sunday, Feb 19, 3pm
General Ulysses S Grant's Memoirs
Fort Wadsworth's historic Mont Sec House
Bay Street & School Road, SINY 10305
Some scholars contend that Mark Twain was the ghost-writer of portions of General Grant's memoirs; others disagree.
There's no question that Twain invested in Grant's memoirs and worked hard to promote sales, which would help ensure the Grant family's security.
Twain likely edited many portions that Grant wrote or dictated.
Of Grant's writing, Twain said:
"This is the simple soldier, who, all untaught of the silken phrase-makers, linked words together with an art surpassing the art of the schools.
He put them into something which will still bring to American ears, as long as America shall stand,
the roll of his vanished drums and the tread of his marching hosts."
A caveat to any of you book-collectors: Don't pay extra for a signed copy of Grant's memoirs; they were published after he died.
We'll also feature readings from Tom Sawyer.
What's your favorite chapter? Email us and cast your vote!
This event is best enjoyed by adults & young readers age 10 & older.
For directions to Fort Wadsworth via public transportation, visit www.hopstop.com
Tuesday, Feb 21, 2pm
Tom & Becky Lost In the Cave!
The historic Conference House
7455 Hylan Blvd, SINY 10307
Readings, songs & games for kids.
A nice way to enjoy winter break.
It was a happy summer day in Hannibal, Missouri.
The whole town was celebrating Tom & Huck's safe return at a gala picnic.
Some youngsters went off to explore the caverns, and Tom & Becky couldn't resist.
At first it was a fun and scary adventure . . .
. . . but when Tom & Becky realized they were lost in the vast cave, the fun turned into terror . . .
For directions to the Conference House via public transportation, visit www.hopstop.com
Saturday, Feb 25, 2pm
Las Aventuras de Tom Sawyer
Port Richmond Branch, NY Public Library
75 Bennett St, SINY 10302
Spanish reading & film, plus a book giveaway of a Spanish-language version of Tom Sawyer.
Perfect for all ages - Spanish speakers will love it, and Spanish-learners are especially welcome!
For directions to 75 Bennett St via public transportation, visit www.hopstop.com
Fecha: Sábado, 25 de febrero 2pm
Las Aventuras De Tom Sawyer
Lugar: Sucursal de Port Richmond de la Biblioteca Publica de la Ciudad de New York
75 Bennett St, SINY, 10302
Lectura por parte de la audiencia de selecciones en español del libro LAS AVENTURAS DE TOM SAWYER,
con película y entrega gratuita del libro en español.
Evento perfecto para personas de toda edad.
A personas de habla hispana les encantara.
Estudiantes de español son especialmente bienvenidos.
Para direcciones a 75 Bennett Street vía transporte publico visitar www.hopstop.com
Sunday, Febrary 26, 2pm
Tom & Huck’s Treasure Hunt!
Greenbelt Nature Center
700 Rockland Ave, SINY 10314
Tom & Huck found a fabulous treasure chest filled with glilttering gold coins -
- But suddently, the treasure vanished!
You can hunt for lost treasure: Follow a genuine Treasure Map along a short trail . . .
Maybe you'll find some golden coins (with a tasty treat inside) . . .
. . . or maybe you'll find a wonderful "nugget of knowledge" about the forest that Tom & Huck knew so well!
Join us for a short & easy hike - dress warm!
(Our hike will be on level ground, easy for all ages - weather permitting)
Then come inside, sit by the fireplace, read the "Treasure Hunt" chapter of Tom Sawyer.
Enjoy a photo exhibit by members of the Creative Photographers Guild.
CPG presents this exhibit during Staten Island OutLOUD’s celebration of The Big Read & Tom Sawyer.
Perfect for all ages!
For directions to the Greenbelt Nature Center via public transportation, visit www.hopstop.com
Sunday, February 26 – March 24
Photography Exhibit
Greenbelt Nature Center
700 Rockland Ave, SINY 10314
Presented by members of Creative Photographers’ Guild.
This exhibit continues during OutLOUD's celebration of The Big Read & Tom Sawyer.
The Creative Photographers' Guild is a Staten Island based organization of photographers.
Members range from amateurs to profesionals; their mission is to bring the expressive power of photography to our community.
The CPG Gallery is the premier photography gallery on Staten Island, and is dedicated to innovation in photography.
Visit their website: www.cpggallery.org.
Perfect for all ages!
For directions to the Greenbelt Nature Center via public transportation, visit www.hopstop.com
Saturday, March 3, 2pm
Tom & Huck In Egypt
Historic Richmond Town's Museum
441 Clarke Ave, SINY 10306
We'll read from Mark Twain's hilarious Tom Sawyer Abroad.
Tom & Huck & Jim ride a balloon from Missouri, clear around the world (almost).
When they get to Egypt, their adventure picks up momentum.
Here's your chance to get familiar with a Twain work that few people have read!
We'll also read excerpts from Tom Sawyer.
Which chapter would you like to hear? Email us and cast your vote!
Perfect for all ages!
For directions to 441 Clarke Ave via public transportation, visit www.hopstop.com
Saturday evening, March 3
Las Aventuras de Tomas Sawyer:
an intimate at-home evening among neighbors - en espanol - in a Victorian home
Space is limited - Location & other details TBA
As part of OutLOUD's Big Read-Tom Sawyer series, some of our neighbors are hosting special intimate gatherings in their homes.
On Saturday evening, March 3, guests will gather for a Spanish reading & discussion of Tom Sawyer in a neighbor's charming Victorian.
More at-home events are now being scheduled, and information will be posted as plans are confirmed.
These events will include lively readings from Mark Twain, good conversation, and a cup of tea or a glass of wine.
If you're interested in hosting an at-home event, please give us a call at 718-907-0709.
The guest list, date & time can be arranged according to the host's convenience.
Sunday, March 4, 3pm
Tom & Huck In the Haunted House!
The historic Conference House
7455 Hylan Blvd, SINY 10307
Superstition & mystery in Tom Sawyer . . . And maybe a story of Staten Island ghosts, too!
The subterranean kitchen of the Conference House dates from before 1680.
It was built on land that was sacred burial ground to the Raritan band of the Lenape people.
As you enter the old house, you may remember Tom & Huck at the haunted house of Hannibal . . .
Candlelight on the weathered brick floor. . .
Heavy oaken shelves and tables. . .
Old pots that were used before the American Revolution. . .
Ghosts still haunt the old house, they say . . .
Perfect for all ages!
For directions to the Conference House via public transportation, visit www.hopstop.com
Sunday evening, March 4
Twain's Feast, by Andrew Beahrs
an intimate at-home evening among neighbors in a historic home
Space is limited - Location & other details TBA
As part of OutLOUD's Big Read-Tom Sawyer series, some of our neighbors are hosting special intimate gatherings in their homes.
On Sunday evening, March 4, guests will gather to read Andrew Beahr's Twain's Feast and excerpts from Tom Sawyer, in a neighbor's charming home.
Twain's Feast is an unusual food memoir: a tribute to a fantasy menu that a homesick Mark Twain created during his 1879 European tour.
It is also a paen to the unique tastes of the New World, and a statement on the wisdom of locally-sourced food.
More at-home events are now being scheduled, and information will be posted as plans are confirmed.
These events will include lively readings from Mark Twain, good conversation, and a cup of tea or a glass of wine.
If you're interested in hosting an at-home event, please give us a call at 718-907-0709.
The guest list, date & time can be arranged according to the host's convenience.
Saturday March, 10 2:30pm
American Idol: A Fresh Look At Tom Sawyer
College of Staten Island
Center for the Arts - Recital Hall
2800 Victory Blvd, SINY 10314
A symposium on Tom Sawyer and Mark Twain.
OutLOUD's Tom Sawyer symposium has something to interest everyone - Scholarship & literature meet performance art & painting.
We welcome academics & artists, writers, critics, musicians, teachers & students, all Staten Island residents, anyone who's interested in Twain.
Professor Richard Currie (College of Staten Island)
Professor Ellen Goldner (College of Staten Island)
Professor/Poet Marguerite Rivas (Borough of Manhattan Community College)
Artist/Curator/Educator Robert Bunkin (Curator, Staten Island Museum; Adjunct Lecturer, BMCC)
Performance Artist D. B. Lampman, who will present her new piece, Tom And the River
More details TBA.
This event will be particularly interesting to adults and young readers age 14 & older.
Artists, writers, educators and students are especially welcome - But all Islanders are invited!
For directions to the College of Staten Island via public transportation, visit www.hopstop.com
Sunday, March 11, 3pm
Tom & Huck In the Cemetery!
Historic Lake Cemetery
1688 Forest Ave, SINY 10302
Tom & Huck crept into the cemetery late one night . . .
They wanted to create a cure for warts, but they got more than they bargained for!
They were surrounded by tombstones, and the dark, velvety night . . .
It was quiet in the cemetery - Quiet as the grave . . .
But as they sat near a freshly-dug plot, they suddenly heard a noise!
Who's there?
Grave-robbers?!
Could it be???!!!
Dear Lord! Did you see that???!!!!
What happened??!!!???
Something too frightening to tell anyone!
Tom & Huck were the only eye-witnesses ...
They were terrified to talk about it!
But their old friend Muff Potter might hang for a crime he didn't commit!
What would YOU do, if you were Tom or Huck?
Perfect for all ages!
For directions to Lake Cemetery via public transportation, visit www.hopstop.com
Saturday March 17, 2pm
Party Cries In Ireland
Alice Austen House Museum
2 Hylan Blvd, SINY 10304
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day - and Alice Austen's birthday!
Twain's short story about life and politics in Northern Ireland is a witty seasonal treat.
Join us in Alice's charming 18th century waterside cottage.
Maybe it will remind you of Aunt Polly's house in St. Petersburg (Hannibal).
And we'll also share your favorite chapter from Tom Sawyer.
Which chapter do you want to hear? Send us an email & let us know!
This event will be especially interesting to adults and to young readers age 10 & older.
For directions to the Alice Austen House via public transportation, visit www.hopstop.com
Sunday, March 18, 2pm
Tom - Huck - Becky Lookalike Contest!
Greenbelt Nature Center
700 Rockland Ave, SINY 10314
A fun-filled lookalike competition, with music & prizes. For all ages!
Yes, this is lots of fun for kids. . .
But we're betting that adults can't resist impersonating Aunt Polly, Judge Thatcher, Muff Potter, and other dezens of Hannibal.
If you can't arrange for full costume, get creative with a hat, an ascot, a mobcap, a parasol.
Just a suggestion of a costume can be dramatic - Sometimes, less is more!
Prizes, music, and lots of laughs.
We'll read a chapter from Tom Sawyer.
What's your favorite? Email us and cast your vote!
Get to know your neighbors, and meet new friends.
Did we mention prizes? Oh, yeah!
Perfect for all ages!
For directions to the Greenbelt Nature Center via public transportation, visit www.hopstop.com
Saturday, March 24, 2pm
Life On the Mississippi
Aboard the Staten Island Ferry
(Join us on the Ferry eaving Staten Island's St. George Terminal at 2pm
The same Ferry will cross the harbor to Manhattan, then it will leave Manhattan's Whitehall Terminal at 2:30pm)
Join us for a seafaring reading of Twain's classic account of life on the Big River.
As a young man, Twain worked as a steam boat pilot on the Mississippi River .
His pen name was inspired by the mariners' term "mark twain" - which the boatmen called out when water depth measured two fathoms, safe for river travel.
(Actually, "mark twain" can be described more precisely as the point between safe water, and dangerous water.)
In Life On the Mississippi he recalls the joys & skills of his hard-working fraternity of river pilots on the great Mississippi.
Come read & chat with us as the Staten Island Ferry plys the waters of New York Harbor . . .
We'll enjoy a very different view (Gotham, not Hannibal) as we read Twain's stories, and the “Pirates” chapter from Tom Sawyer.
Meet us in the Staten Island Ferry terminal at 1:45, to board the 2pm boat, or board the Ferry in Manhattan, on the 2:30 boat.
We'll be seated in the middle of the Ferry's main deck, on the side facing the Statue of Liberty.
If you have any trouble finding us, just call 718-907-0709 and we'll tell you where to find us.
On Staten Island, all buses and all SIR trains take you to the Ferry Terminal.
In Manhattan, the #1 and the R trains stop at South Ferry/Whitehall; just walk upstairs and enter the Ferry terminal.
The #4 & 5 trains stop at Bowling Green; just follow Broadway or Whitehall Streets one block to the Ferry Terminal.
This event will be especially interesting for adults and young readers age 10 & older.
For directions to the Staten Island or Manhattan Ferry Terminals via public transportation, visit www.hopstop.com
Sunday, March 25, 3pm
Lies, Damn Lies & Statistics
Killmeyer's Old Bavaria Inn
4356 Arthur Kill Rd, SINY 10309
We'll share readings fron Mark Twain’s uncensored autobiography & Tom Sawyer.
"You will never know how much enjoyment you have lost until you get to dictating your autobiography."
Twain made several attempts (both light-hearted & serious) to write his autobiography.
But his orders were to keep most of it unpublished until 100 years after he died - when he'd be "dead, and unaware, and indifferent".
In 2010, the 100th anniversary of Twain's passing, the first full volume of his uncensored autobiography was published.
Join us as we explore a portion of this marvelous tome.
And when you attend OutLOUD's event, enjoy a delicious lunch from Killmeyer's affordable menu.
We'll also read some choice excerpts from Tom Sawyer (itself partially autobiographical).
Which chapter would you like to hear? Email us and cast your vote!
This event will be especially interesting to adults, but young readers are welcome with their parents.
For directions to Killmeyers via public transportation, visit www.hopstop.com
Saturday, March 31, 8pm
Tom Sawyer Lives on Staten Island!
Brighton Heights Reformed Church
320 St Marks Place (corner Hyatt St), SINY 10301
Innovative performance art, lively spoken-word & music, celebrating Mark Twain’s classic – and Staten Island!
19th century music by Joan & Gary Moore.
Pre-performance banjo tunes by Doris Nielsen.
Spoken-word by community members (Cast list TBA).
Two new performance art pieces by local artists, created especially for Staten Island OutLOUD:
D. B. Lampman (Tom And the River) and Day de Dada (We Are Not Dead Yet).
Day de Dada will invite our audience members to participate in an unusual community performnce.
Perfect for all ages!
For directions to 320 St Marks Place via public transportation, visit www.hopstop.com