Sippican Historical Society is delighted to join forces with author Josh Chalmers to remind children that they, too, are history makers who have the power to change the world – and it’s easier than they think! On May 18 at 11:00 am, SHS will host a reading of the popular new children’s book, Change the World Before Bedtime, a gold medal recipient of the Mom’s Choice Award honoring excellence in family-friendly media, products and services. Co-authored by Mark Kimball Moulton and Karen Good, the book uses simple, engaging rhyme and colorful illustrations (created from recycled materials) to reinforce its influential message: that children can create powerful changes through simple actions.

Designed for children Pre-K through Grade 2, Change the World Before Bedtime explores how the little things in life – a smile, a kind word, a simple deed – can help change the world in a big way, showing readers that even an ordinary kid can be a superhero before bedtime! In addition to reading the book with the children and having a conversation about the many ways young people can make the world a better place, Chalmers will bring a hands-on art activity. Kids can make “How I’d Change the World” banners, posters, flags and signs using construction paper, craft elements, recycled materials, and lots of imagination.

This event will take place at the Marion Music Hall at 164 Front Street (ample parking is available across the street at Island Wharf) and is free to the public. No reservations are required.

Later in May, the public is cordially invited to attend a special lecture presentation, “Frances Perkins: First Female Cabinet Secretary,” co-sponsored by the Sippican Historical Society and Elizabeth Taber Library. To be held on May 24 at the Marion Music Hall at 7:00 pm, the presentation will feature a lecture by David Prentiss, Adjunct Professor of Political Science for UMass-Dartmouth and President/CEO of the New Bedford Symphony. Mr. Prentiss received a B.A. in Philosophy at Assumption College, a J.D. from New England School of Law and the Thomas P. O’Neill Fellowship for graduate studies in political science at Boston College. A popular speaker, he has given talks on Abraham Lincoln and other presidential leadership topics at the New Bedford Civil War Roundtable, the Lincoln Study Group of Boston, the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth, and the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center. Prentiss is currently writing a book on presidential leadership and the nature of democratic politics.

The Marion Music Hall is located at 164 Front Street. Ample parking is available across the street at Island Wharf. The presentation will be offered free of charge, though donations are gratefully accepted. No reservations are necessary. Light refreshments will be provided. For more information, please call the SHS at 508-748-1116.

What is a wetland? Is it water? is it land? Learn how to have fun in wetlands and protect them during a family-friendly Bay Adventure in Mattapoisett on May 18. Through hands-on exploration, participants of all ages will discover what makes a wetland and why these habitats are so important.

The program will take place at the Mattapoisett River Reserve, a nearly 400-acre nature preserve with a tremendous variety of freshwater wetlands, including swamps, marshes, rivers and a cranberry bog.

“Wetlands are historically misunderstood and underappreciated, largely because people have never had a chance to explore them,” said Rob Hancock, Vice-President of Education and Public Engagement with the Buzzards Bay Coalition. “In this program, we’ll put on waders and boots, grab nets, and get down and dirty exploring wetland ecology and life.”

The Bay Adventure, which will run from 9:00 to 11:00 am, is free for Coalition members and $10 for non-members. Reservations are required and can be made by contacting Rob Hancock at 508-999-6363, ext. 222 or hancock@savebuzzardsbay.org. Don’t Fear the Swamp! is part of the Coalition’s Bay Adventures series: programs designed for explorers of all ages to get outside and discover Buzzards Bay. Visit www.savebuzzardsbay.org/bayadventures for more information.

In the early days of our country’s history, the coastline of our region provided the salt used to preserve beef, fish and other food items. This was especially true during the Revolutionary War, when commerce with England was cut off. Local salt works took the water from our coves and harbors, extracted the impurities and ultimately produced the pure salt needed to cure food.

Return to the shoreline of the past on May 26 at 5:00 pm at the Gazebo in Shipyard Park with Seth Mendell, a Mattapoisett resident and current President of Mattapoisett Historical Society. Seth jumped into this topic 45 years ago when he wrote his Master’s Thesis and created his own salt evaporator. Join us as he shares his expertise on a unique and fascinating aspect of Massachusetts’ history. Program is free; donations welcome. (In case of rain, meet at the Mattapoisett Museum and Carriage House, 5 Church Street.) For more information, call 508-758-2844 or email mattapoisett.museum@verizon.net.

Meanwhile, September 21 marks the 75th Anniversary of the Hurricane of 1938. The Mattapoisett Historical Society, in conjunction with Colin Everett and students at the Old Rochester Regional High School, is looking for volunteers who experienced this natural disaster to participate in an intergenerational oral history project and share their memories of that day with our high school students. The project will culminate in an exhibit at the Mattapoisett Historical Society, interviews archived at the Mattapoisett Historical Society, and educational materials to be used in the Tri-Town schools. For more information, or to volunteer to share your story over a few hours this summer, please contact Elizabeth Hutchison, Curator for the Mattapoisett Historical Society at 508-758-2844 or mattapoisett.museum@verizon.net.

The Mattapoisett Road Race Committee recently met to continue preparations for its 43rd 5-mile run to be held July 4 at 9:00 am. The Race Committee is chaired by Bill Tilden, ORRHS Athletic Director.

Since its conception, the Race Committee has given over $120,000 in awards to graduating seniors from ORR High School who have been involved in running. Highlights for this year’s race are Core Performance Tech T-shirts for the runners, sale of “Future Runner” shirts the day before and day of the race and recognition of the most spirited spectators! Every year spectators have been a huge component of the race with their cheering, decorations, displays of T-shirts and live musical renditions!

Community merchants from the Tri-Town area continue to be most generous in their support with donations and sponsors of T-shirts. The Committee wishes to extend its appreciation to our current supporters:

Barley Family Healthcare & Rehab, Bars Inc., Bartlett Gardens, Bat Club/BCM Country Club, Body in Balance, Colonial Shutterworks, DG Service Co., Dr. David Chesney, Muldoon Family Dentistry, First Citizens Federal Credit Union, G.H. Dunn Insurance, Hiller Fuels, How on Earth, Howard Stillman Bates Foundation, The Inn at Shipyard Park, Jack Conway & Co, Marion dental Health Associates, Nick’s Pizza, On The Go, Panino’s, Peter Briggs, Ins., Robert Paul Properties, Screen Works, State Fruit, Suffolk Construction Co., Tomlinson & O’Neil, Town Wharf General Store, Village Package Store, Village Signs, Ying Dynasty and No Kidding.

This year, online registrations must be completed by June 26, and mail-in registrations must be postmarked by June 24. Runners can also sign up at Shipyard Park on July 3 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm or on July 4 from 7:30 to 8:30 am.

Please go to www.mattapoisettroadrace.com for information regarding mail-in or online registration.

Mattapoisett Road Race Reflections

            As the annual Mattapoisett Road Race approaches, participants may be wondering where are Road Race Scholarship recipients now. How did their scholarships impact their futures? For the next few weeks, we will feature past recipients and what they have been doing since graduating from high school. If other recipients are willing to share what they have been doing, information can be sent to me at bamscats@verizon.net.

Megan Flaherty Hall (1998) attended Wheaton College, where she majored in English and Political Science. She continued to run track and was captain her senior year. After getting her MAT at Boston College, Megan taught English and Social Studies in Newton. In 2011, she earned a M.Ed. in Instructional Technology and has been an Instructional Technology Specialist in the Newton school system. She also coached track and soccer and has run in the Boston Marathon. This summer, Megan and her husband will be returning to the Mattapoisett area.

In 2001, Douglas Hickey received a Road Race Scholarship, which he used to attend the University of Virginia, where he majored in Economics and Government. During his time at UVA Doug was a four-year member of the triathlon and cycling teams. Currently, he works for the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. Doug continues to participate in road races and triathlons. Now, he is training for his second Ironman Triathlon. It is noteworthy that Doug ran his first Mattapoisett Road Race as a first-grader and ran every year until he graduated from high school.

Annice Correia graduated from high school in 2003 and went on to Providence College. In 2007, she graduated with a major in Social Science and a minor in Public and Community Service Studies. After college, Annice volunteered with AmeriCorps. She served in Denver, where she coordinated an alternative sentencing program for women. Following her volunteer work, Annice went on to NYU, where she received a Masters in Education and Social Policy. Currently, she is program manager for MIT’s School Effectiveness and Inequality Initiative.

It is obvious the Mattapoisett Road Race Scholarships benefit students in meaningful ways. Those who participate in the Road Race are responsible for helping numerous young people pursue their educational goals. To everyone who runs, thank you.