Summertime is almost here and the children of Orchard Lake can’t wait to have as much fun as they want, but Mayor Mudpuddle may have different plans. What will Ike, Lilly and the rest of their friends do when their favorite park has been cleared away?
Joined by his family, local author, Nick Keefer, visited Neshannock Memorial’s kindergarten, first grade, and second grade students on Friday, March 31st to read his children’s book, Pear-a-Dise. In preparation for his visit, all students responded to a writing prompt on ways in which they can be a friend to a new student at school as Pear-a-Dise focuses on kindness, friendship, and most of all, inclusion. No one likes to be left out, not even Pear-a-Dise’s villian, Mayor Mudpuddle! The students’ writing prompts and illustrations adorned the auditorium stage for Nick Keefer and his family to enjoy!
PTO decorated the stage in a way that made the students — and author — feel as if they were walking right into Pear-a-Dise! Donated playground equipment surrounded by green balloon “tree tops” were the perfect backdrop for Mr. Keefer’s read aloud. Once he finished the story, Nick stepped down from the stage to get up close and personal with the students as they asked several questions about his life and inspirations as an author. As if the author visit were not enough, the students were all surprised and extremely excited to receive their very own signed copy of Pear-a-Dise!
Thank you, Nick, for joining us at Neshannock Memorial Elementary School! We have no doubt that our students will remember this experience — and your message — for years to come!
We would like to extend our gratitude to elementary librarian, Mrs. Amy Ebner, for organizing and carrying out such a special event for our students. Thank you to Mrs. Tracey Romano, library assistant, for her help, support, and creativity. Special thanks to our ever supportive PTO for decorating the stage in such a creative way!
About the Author
Pear-a-Dise is Nick Keefer’s first book. He had hoped to finish it during a year tour of duty in Afghanistan. Although it took a bit longer than that, with the help of intelligent advisers, a few revisions and much prayer, it is now ready to be enjoyed by all. Nick has many interests, including cooking for his wife and children, hunting, skiing, golfing and sports. He is also an avid fan of the Pirates, Steelers, and Penguins. Nick makes his home in Neshannock Township with his wife, Ciara (a graduate of Neshannock), daughter, Ella, son, Rocco, and soon-to-be baby girl.
