Oyster Bay's 'One Town, One Book' is 'Wonder'

Posted by Heather Doyle. Written by Joe Dowd.

A panel of town librarians and the Town of Oyster Bay have decided on R.J. Palacios's "Wonder" for its "One Town, One Book" summer reading project. 

Spearheaded by Plainview Councilwoman Rebecca Alesia, the national movement seeks to challenge communities to read the same book and discuss it with friends and families. Last year's selection was the F. Scott Fitzgerald classic "The Great Gatsby."

The program's goal is to promote literacy while creating a great sense of community within our town.

Wonder tells the story of August Pullman, a fifth grader with a facial deformity that prevented him from attending a mainstream school up until the time we meet him. The book follows his efforts to convince his classmates that he’s just like them, despite the difference in his appearance. 

Released in February 2012, Wonder has been a national bestseller.

The town has partnered with each local library to help coordinate programs that will take full advantage of this summer reading initiative. More information about specific programs will be announced shortly, town officials said. 

Town Issues Hicksville Brownfield Survey

Hicksville residents and business owners are being asked for their input on developing a vision for future redevelopment for northwest Hicksville. 

The survey, part of the town’s Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA) Step I project, is available online here.   

“This survey... will offer residents and business owners a direct means to help shape the future of northwest Hicksville,” said Councilman Joe Pinto.  

Brownfields are areas deemed underutilized such as vacant properties or areas of economic distress. The Northwest Hicksville Study Area is bounded by the Northern State Parkway to the north, Old Country Road to the south, Cantiague Lane to the west, and 106/107 to the east.   

For more information and updates on the project, visit the Town’s website, www.oysterbaytown.com, or contact the Town’s Department of Economic Development, at 516-624-7890.  
  
Town Offices Closed Monday; Garbage Pick-up Delayed

Memorial Day is a federal, state and local holiday. Government offices will be closed Monday, including Oyster Bay Town Hall. 

There will be no Sanitation and S.O.R.T. Recycling collection on Monday. Those who normally receive sanitation pickup on Monday will receive it Tuesday. Tuesday collection will be made Wednesday.

But Tobay Beach, Philip B. Healey Beach, and Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Beach will be open for weekends only beginning this weekend.