February StoryWalk® at Porter Memorial Library Explores the Joy of Selfless Giving
For Immediate Release
Release Date: January 13, 2025
Program Contact: Shannon Cherry, shannon.cherry@healthyacadia.org or (207) 255-3741 Ext. 120
Media Contact: Tracey Carlson, tracey@healthyacadia.org or (207) 667-7171 Ext. 112
February StoryWalk® at Porter Memorial Library Explores the Joy of Selfless Giving
Machias, Maine – This February, Porter Memorial Library’s StoryWalk® will feature The Giving Tree, a beloved classic by Shel Silverstein that tells the story of a tree’s unconditional love for a boy as he grows up. The tree selflessly provides for the boy at every stage of his life, offering her apples, branches, and trunk until she has nothing left. The book introduces young readers to the joy of selfless giving and the complexities of love and happiness.
StoryWalk® is a literacy-boosting initiative that displays children’s illustrated books page by page along community walking routes. This interactive outdoor reading experience combines physical activity with a love of books, encouraging families to explore and read together.
In October 2023, Porter Memorial Library partnered with Healthy Acadia and Maine SNAP-Ed to bring the StoryWalk® project to downtown Machias.
Each month, a new book is carefully selected to reflect the season or community themes. As families stroll along the outdoor path, they can enjoy the story and discover a new adventure each month they visit. At the end of the StoryWalk®, visitors will also find a healthy, kid-friendly recipe inspired by the book’s themes, encouraging cooking and enjoying nutritious meals at home.
This project was made possible through the vision of Shannon Cherry, Healthy Acadia Maine SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educator, in collaboration with Porter Memorial Library. In addition to offering cooking and nutrition education throughout the year, Maine SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educators support local projects that promote access to fresh, healthy food for all. These Policy, Systems, and Environmental (PSE) Change Projects aim to improve food security and wellness in communities.
Stop by the Porter Memorial Library throughout the year and enjoy the StoryWalk®.
The February book selection is generously sponsored by the Bluebird Ranch Family Restaurant. Learn how you can support the StoryWalk® at Porter Memorial Library by contacting Shannon Cherry at shannon.cherry@healthyacadia.org or 207-255-3741.
The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT, and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Storywalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson.
Healthy Acadia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that engages in a broad range of initiatives to build healthier communities and make it easier for people to lead healthy lives across Washington and Hancock counties, Maine. Learn more at www.healthyacadia.org.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Maine SNAP-Ed is funded by the USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, which is administered by the Office for Family Independence (OFI) at the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and implemented statewide by the University of New England (UNE) through contracts with local community organizations. Maine SNAP-Ed educates families experiencing low income on low-cost healthy eating and active lifestyles. Contact mainesnap-ed@une.edu or 207-221-4560 for more information.
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