Old Wood Boat StoryWalk™ for Children on Sears Island
Carver Memorial Library and Friends of Sears Island are collaborating on another summer StoryWalk® for children to enjoy along the Homestead Trail on Sears Island. As families walk along the woods path, they will find display boards with pages of the book Old Wood Boat written and illustrated by Nikki McClure. This lovely book is written to appeal to kids ages 4-8, but readers of any age will appreciate the intricate paper-cut illustrations accompanying this simple story about a dilapidated boat that is lovingly restored by a family before once again setting sail on adventures across the sea.
The StoryWalk® will be available through Aug. 31, and directions to the start of the story can be found by the kiosk just beyond the island gate. From start to finish, the story will cover approximately a half mile of the trail. Sears Island is located off of Route 1 on Sears Island Road, just east of downtown Searsport. To learn more about Friends of Sears Island check out www.friendsofsearsisland.org or facebook.com/friendsofsearsisland. For more information on the Carver Memorial Library, visit www.carverlibrary.org. The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vermont and developed in collaboration with the Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition and the Kellogg Hubbard Library.
Friends of Sears Island to host yoga on the beach with Garrett Vail
Join Friends of Sears Island for yoga on the beach with Garrett Vail on Thursday, Aug. 6 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Using the beach environment, Garrett will engage participants in a relaxing exploration of movement and stretching, taking advantage of all the natural world has to offer for support. This class is for anyone able to walk on the beach. It will be geared for adults but attentive children are also welcome. Garrett has been practicing yoga daily for 25 years. He loves many things about yoga, but its ability to connect us to nature in an outdoor class is a wonderful thing to experience, especially at a beautiful place like Sears Island!
No pre-registration is required for this program, just park along the causeway at the end of Sears Island Road in Searsport, and meet at the kiosk just beyond the island gate by 9:30 a.m. There is no charge for the class but a donation to Friends of Sears Island is always welcome. Please wear comfortable clothing, and bring a beach towel and water. Pets are not permitted at this program. In the event of rain, class will be cancelled. For more information and updates, visit www.facebook.com/friendsofsearsisland.
Jellyfish Jubilee! Summer activity kits available for kids from Friends of Sears Island
Friends of Sears Island has created free jellyfish-themed activity kits for kids that will be available for families to pick up at Carver Memorial Library beginning Wednesday, Aug. 12. You may have spotted a jellyfish in the water or on the beach or in the water this summer. Learn about these fascinating creatures and build a beautiful jellyfish lamp! Each activity kit will include the materials to build an illuminated jellyfish decoration, project instructions, and educational handouts filled with fun jellyfish facts and jokes.
The kits are intended for children ages 5-12. Donations to Friends of Sears Island are always gratefully accepted to allow the organization to continue to offer programming to all at no cost. Activity kit quantities are limited and will be distributed to families on a first-come, first-served basis. Pre-registration is no longer required to receive a kit- simply stop by Carver Memorial Library in Searsport when they are open and request a kit for your child while supplies last!
Friends of Sears Island’s children’s programs and activity kits are sponsored by First National Bank. To learn more about Friends of Sears Island check out www.friendsofsearsisland.org or facebook.com/friendsofsearsisland.
Sears Island Medicinal Plant Walk with Diana Chapin and Kerri Vacher
Friends of Sears Island is hosting an herb walk on Sears Island with Dr. Kerri Vacher and Diana Maria Chapin on Thursday, Aug. 27 from 3 to 5 p.m.. Dr. Kerri is a naturopathic doctor and clinical herbalist with an extensive background in ecology, herbal medicine and homeopathy. Diana Maria Chapin is an energy healer, seasoned gardener and horticultural herbalist. Together, Vacher and Chapin will offer insights around the medicinal properties of woody and herbaceous plants growing in the wild on Sears Island. Learn how to identify some species of plants that are helpful for vitality, healing and wellness. We will also discuss how to respectfully and properly harvest, dry, prepare, and utilize useful medicinal plants that are common in Maine, and explore the methods used to prepare herbal teas, sachets and tinctures. Join us to enjoy learning more about how you might engage in the age-old tradition of harvesting plants on your own land and/or from the wild to provide nourishment and medicine for your body. This will be a short and easy-paced walk on the old Homestead and cell tower trail.
This program is free and open to all, and no advance registration is necessary. If you plan to attend, please park along the causeway at the end of Sears Island Road in Searsport, and meet us by the picnic tables and shed just beyond the island gate by 3 p..m. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and bringing any personal needs for hydration and nourishment. The nature walk will take place unless there is a steady downpour. For updates, visit www.facebook.com/friendsofsearsisland.