Howard County Library logoThe Howard County (Maryland) Library is sponsoring the 2011 Sherlock Holmes Essay Contest. From the library website:

Howard County Library, in partnership with Watson’s Tin Box of Ellicott City and Howard County Public Schools, announces the seventh annual Sherlock Holmes Essay Contest for all Howard County public, private and homeschooled 7th grade students.

Students are asked to read the Sherlock Holmes short story, The Adventure of the Speckled Band, and write a five-paragraph analytical essay according to the rules and guidelines of the contest. Students may download a booklet that includes the story, pre-reading activities, a glossary of British terms, specific essay questions, the rubric which will be used in judging the essays and a contest entry form.

Teachers who choose to have their classes participate will forward to Watson’s Tin Box the top two essays from each of his/her classes. Home schooled students may send their essay to the Watson’s Tin Box address listed in the booklet.

Essays must be received by Watson’s Tin Box by June 1, 2011. Prizes will be awarded for the best three essays. Winners will be announced at an awards presentation in June 2011 at Howard County Library.

Special thanks to contest sponsor and creator, Watson’s Tin Box of Ellicott City.

 

Gillette to Brett III

Here’s something to put on your Sherlock Holmes calendar (it is already on mine): “In 2002 and 2007, Wessex Press sponsored their first two blockbuster Sherlockian conferences. Devoted to Sherlock Holmes on stage, screen, television, and radio, From Gillette to Brett 1 & 2 featured film festivals, Sherlockian vendors, and all-star rosters of distinguished speakers and presenters. And now we are proud to announce From Gillette to Brett 3 is set for November 11-13, 2011.”

I’ll try to keep you posted once details (like where it’s going to be!) are announced.

A Scintillation of Scions IVAnd while you’re waiting for Gillette to Brett 3, you can plan on attending A Scintillation of Scions IV Aug. 13 in Columbia MD. The event will be at the Owen Brown Community Center 6800 Cradlerock Way Columbia, Maryland 21045. Sponsored by Watson’s Tin Box of Ellicott City MD, the event goes from “11 am to 4 pm and will include presentations, skits, a dealers’ room, a traditional English afternoon tea, and time to socialize with Sherlockians from all over the U.S. Click here for a registration form.