by Frank Schroth

You might not know it – what with the whacky spring weather, constant moaning about the weather’s consequences, and rather alarming events both here in town and outside of it – that there are positive things happening. Here are a few that occurred recently.

Yesterday the Milton room at ester’s restaurant was filled to capacity with fans of “The Boys in the Boat,” this year’s Milton Reads selection. Milton Reads, now in its fourth year, has features a trivia night as part of its programming around the event which encourages the community to read a book together. Some folks had formed teams in advance and others partnered on the spot. The quiz was led by Library Director Will Adamczyk. The staff at ester couldn’t have been more accommodating, serving up their special meatballs and cheese boards. It was a great afternoon. Milton Reads continues this week with the film “Unbroken” tonight at the library. For those who may not know, the boys in the boat were a group of University of Washington rowers who won gold for the US at the Berlin Olympics where Louis Zamperini, the subject of the book and film “Unbroken” also won gold as did the remarkable Jesse Owens.

The Milton library was the host for Teen Con South. Close to 95 registrants attended and took part in a Cosplay Fashion Show, a photo booth featuring a life-size TARDIS, Japanese brush painting, Doctor Who trivia, Anime Dancing, a Teen Mural, Candy Sushi, lots of games, snacks, prizes and much more! It was open to teens in grades 6 to 12. Teen Con is a take off on Comic Con – a convention that takes place in a variety of cities. Revelers come dressed as their favorite characters from anime, graphic novels, YA lit, and comics. It was all a bit over my head but the teens loved it. During the fashion portion of the afternoon, participants were invited to walk the red carpet, identify their character, and say something about themselves. They encouraged people to subscribe to their  Youtube channels and Instagram profiles. Many said they write or draw and one confessed, “I probably read more than is good for me.” Somehow we don’t think so. The MC for this event was Amy Rosa, Milton’s young adults librarian. She was joined by several other teen librarians from throughout the south shore. They did a great job.

Both of the aforementioned events were sponsored by the Friends of the Library, a local “booster” group for the library that is worthy of your support IMHO. You can learn more about the friends here. (In interests of full disclosure I am a Library Trustee.)

And then there is this. Who knew there was a new hospital at the Campbell School? Apparently, the kindergarten class has set up shop as it were and is very busy. According to one parent (don’t worry she wasn’t admitted) they have a pretend version of Milton Hospital set up, complete with teachers in scrubs, students manning a reception desk, “patients” in wheelchairs, HIPPA forms, etc. The hospital simulation reinforced learning taking place there about the body: how it breaks down food, what cells do, where the femur is and what bones look like on the inside. (Click on an image for a larger view).

These are just three small examples of events and programs that help young and old to gain knowledge,form relationships, and develop understanding. The sorts of small events that knit, grow, and strengthen a community.

This community was well protected last week. A much belated shout out of thanks to the Milton Police Department and Principal Jette and his team at Milton High for the effective manner in which they dealt with a troubling event. Why a young man under the influence with a gun in his backpack and $3000 dollars, drugs, and a bottle of booze on him would think it a good idea to enter a school in the middle of the day is a question we may never get a good answer to. But he didn’t get far thanks to the vigilance of school staff and a disciplined, intelligently thought out protocol that went into effect. Thank you for all the work that goes into keeping this community safe.