Picnic celebrates a new school year

SHARON — Sharon Center School hosted a welcome back family picnic on Wednesday, Aug. 31. It was a chance for students, their families and school staff to celebrate the beginning of a new school year.There was an extensive food buffet with donated edibles as well as grilled hamburgers and hot dogs. Attendees included all ages, from babies to senior citizens.Principal Karen Manning said she did not know exactly how many people attended, “but it looks like a good-sized gathering.”One of the highlights of the picnic was the official dedication of a new playscape. After an introduction by Marilyn Yerks, past president of the school’s PTO, Manning cut a white ribbon to inaugurate the new playscape. “Many youngsters have been enjoying the new playground equipment all summer long, even though it had not been officially opened,” Manning said.State Rep. Roberta Willis (D-64) attended, and got caught up in the enthusiasm of the young people. To their delight, she climbed up on the playscape’s spinner. Author Fred Bowen, who writes sports fiction for youngsters 8 and up, was at the school the day of the picnic giving presentations to classes. At the picnic, Bowen sold and autographed copies of his books. His first picture book, a biography of Boston Red Sox slugger Ted Williams, was recently honored as a Junior Library Guild selection.