Book Markers 05.02.13

Dogs for Steinbeck

    You say John Steinbeck Weekend is news to you? Never mind that and simply give in to the charm of the “Travels With Charley” dog walk on Saturday starting at 8:30 a.m. at Havens Beach in Sag Harbor. Jill Rappaport of the “Today” show, known as an advocate for the four-legged, is the host, and the beneficiaries are the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons and the Bay Street Theatre, where the walk will wind up with a “bagels and bones” reception.

    The entry fee is $25, and entrants must seek donations from sponsors. Whoever raises the most money will get a prize. Sign-up is at the theater on Long Wharf, at ARF on Daniel’s Hole Road in East Hampton, or at Havens Beach an hour before the start.

Earth Essay Contest

    Not so fast, Earth Day isn’t over. Canio’s Books in Sag Harbor has invited writers to weigh in on the theme of a “Thirty-Year Plan” for our beleaguered planet, having taken a cue from the title of an anthology published last year by Orion, the popular enviro mag out of Great Barrington, Mass. To put a fine point on it: “Describe one thing — an emotion, insight, technology, resource, practice, policy, habit, attitude — that humanity is increasingly going to need in order to build a better, more sustainable future.”

    The contest will be judged by David Bouchier, whose commentaries can be heard on NPR stations on Long Island and whose opinion columns have appeared in newspapers ranging from Newsday to The Los Angeles Times. The winner, announced in October, will read at Canio’s, receive a cash prize, and get a subscription to Orion.

    Essays should be no more than 1,500 words, double-spaced, in at least 11-point type. There is a $5 reading fee, which can be mailed along with essays to Canio’s at 290 Main Street, Sag Harbor 11963. E-mail submissions can go to [email protected], with “Earth Conscious Essay” in the subject line. The deadline is Sept. 3.