Dahlov Ipcar Book Signing and StoryWalk® A Success

NOTED AUTHOR CELEBRATED AT RECENT COMMUNITY EVENTS
Dahlov Ipcar Book Signing and StoryWalk® A Success

Brunswick, ME—Hundreds of community members joined Mid Coast Hospital at two recent events that featured local artist and children’s author, Dahlov Ipcar.

Earlier this month, the Mid Coast Hospital Auxiliary hosted the beloved author at the hospital’s fifth annual book signing featuring her latest republished book, Stripes and Spots, and her new board book, Maine Alphabet. Originally scheduled to run for two hours, the event ran well past the closing time.

The proceeds benefited the Auxiliary’s $150,000 pledge for the Walk-in Clinic in downtown Brunswick as well as health career scholarships offered to Midcoast area students. Following the book signing, Ipcar was joined by members of the Auxiliary and friends for an intimate celebration of her 95th birthday, which was November 12.

The following week, Ipcar joined Carol McFadden, Children’s Librarian, and members of the hospital’s Community Education and Outreach Team at the Patten Free Library in Bath to unveil the Wild Animal AlphabetStoryWalk, based on her board book of the same name. During the event participants listened as Ipcar read her colorful story and then were invited to try out the new StoryWalk.

Participants joined Jessica Loney, Mid Coast Hospital’s 5-2-1-0 Let’s Go! Program Coordinator to follow a series of storyboard pages that were set up throughout the library, prompting activities such as “jumping like an antelope” and “slithering like a snake.“

The StoryWalk is aportable resource, developed by Mid Coast Hospital as a tool for use by local schools and community partners to promote 5-2-1-0 Let’s Go!, a statewide program that encourages children to make healthy choices. These include: eating five or more fruits and vegetables per day, limiting screen time to two hours per day, engaging in one hour or more of physical activity per day, and limiting sugarsweetened beverages to zero by choosing water or low fat milk instead.

Ipcar is a treasured friend of the hospital and an invaluable contributor to the Midcoast community. Large format murals by the artist are available for viewing at both the hospital and at the Patten Free Library. Additionally, Island Port Press has republished seven of her original books and published three new board books for enjoyment by generations to come. Wild Animal Alphabet and other books are available for purchase at www.islandportpress.com<http://www.islandportpress.com>, the hospital Gift Shop, and local bookstores.