5 Things Happening in the Area Today: Kennedy Comments on STEM

Who should you know about?

Joe Kennedy III

Congressman Joe Kennedy III released the following statement in response to the Administration’s new five-year strategic plan for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.   

“Strengthening our STEM education efforts is critical to ensuring our kids have the skills they need to participate in the innovation economy that will drive this country’s future,” said Congressman Kennedy. “I applaud the Administration for making STEM a priority and for submitting proposals that focus on how we can be more effective and efficient.”

“Moving forward, it’s essential that we approach STEM as a vehicle not just for economic competitiveness abroad, but for economic opportunity at home. Current estimates show hundreds of thousands of jobs opening up in advanced manufacturing, clean energy, information technology and life sciences over the next decade. As companies in these innovation industries continue to grow, they depend on a workforce with basic technical skills and can supply a wealth of strong, well-paid, middle-class jobs. STEM training is key to connecting those jobs with the communities and workers that need them most. We must be diligent in ensuring STEM programs and curriculums reach our middle and working class communities – not just students who are lucky to attend a good school in an affluent city or town. I look forward to working with the Administration and my fellow committee members to explore the role that vocational schools, community colleges and workforce retraining programs can play in our efforts – and to be certain we are equitably distributing the valuable benefits of STEM.”

What should you know about?

Seekonk Annual Town Meeting.

Annual Town Meeting will be Monday, June 10th, 2013 The warrant is open effective April 4, 2013 and will close May 1, 2013 at 12:00 PM

When is something happening?

June 16

The Friends of the Swansea Public Library will be holding their annual Summer book and bake sale on June 15th, 2013 and are looking for book donations and a few remarkable bakers to create delectable treats. Donations of gently used books can be dropped off during normal library business hours. Sign up to bake a sweet treat for our bake sale. We are always looking for a few good “Friends” to volunteer. This year we will be having a special “Attic Treasures” table with some interesting finds from the library attic. The Book and Bake sale will be inside the Christ Church Hall at 57 Main Street in historic Swansea Village along with the Christ Church 2nd Annual Giant Yard Sale on the front lawn. Tables are available for individuals and organizations to rent.
For more information, contact the library at 508-674-9609 or visit our webpage at www.swansealibrary.org.

Where should you go today?

Swansea Public Library

The Swansea Public Library is pleased to announce the start of a new Spring Knitting group to be held every Thursday from 12:00-2:00PM in the reference room. All levels are welcome and resident knitter Sue Carpenter will help teach the basics for beginners. Bring practice yarn, and knitting needles and any current projects. Knitting sessions are free and open to anyone 17 and older. No registration is required. Join us for the first meet and greet on Thursday May 16th.

For more information contact the Swansea Public Library @508-674-9609 or visit us at www.swansealibrary.org

Why should you check back?

We'll check up on the latest Seekonk and Swansea real estate numbers.