SOUTH ABINGTON TWP. — Ball games. Fishing. Nature walks. Ice skating. An outdoor concert series.
Hillside Park is the setting for a vast array of activities year round, and this weekend it will serve as the backdrop for a new and unique event: the Abington Community Library’s StoryWalk and Story Songs workshop. Scheduled for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 4, the free event is co-sponsored by the library and the Abington Area Joint Recreation Board (AAJRB). It is supported by grants from the Lackawnna County Commissioners and the Covenant Presbyterian Church in Scranton.
The StoryWalk will be set up along the walking trail around Lake Eston Wilson on Winola Road. Participants can enjoy reading aloud the book “Growing Vegetable Soup” by Lois Ehlert.
“Each page of the book…is mounted on a sign, and these signs will be spread out around the pond,” explained Laura Gardoski, head of youth services at the library. “So families will be able to enjoy a nice walk and read together.”
The event will also feature a live show by Tim Farrell, a finger-style guitarist, composer and educator, at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and 12 p.m.
Farrell performs at a variety of venues, from concert halls to outdoor music festivals, but it isn’t often he gets to play in a setting such as this.
“I look forward to this because of it’s uniqueness and the integration of all of the diverse but connected elements, from literature, to health and fitness, to music and art,” he said.
In a similar fashion, Farrell’s varied roles as a performer, recording artist, composer and educator all add up to who he is as a musician.
“I compose a lot of music for many different purposes and instruments,” he said. “Much of the music I perform are my compositions. The type of music I play and the level of finger-style guitar technique needed are pretty advanced and I am happy to share my knowledge and experience with everyone. I will perform this music during the performance segments of my presentation.
“For my Story Songs workshop I am combining music, educational elements and integration of the arts in a fun and enjoyable way. I will sing and play some story songs, which are songs that tell complete stories from beginning to end, instead of a repetitive verse/chorus format. The participants will be invited to sing along and will also be invited to draw pictures of their interpretation of the story that they have heard in the song.”
The StoryWalk and Story Songs workshop also serves to kick off the library’s summer reading program, for which early registration will be available during the event.
“I am looking forward to connecting with families and children before the Summer Reading Club begins and getting everyone excited for a great summer at the Library,” said Gardoski.
The StoryWalk and early summer reading registration will also be available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m during the Forever Young Fishing Derby the following Saturday, June 11 at the same location. Library patrons in up to grade 6 may register for the Summer Reading Club during these events or at the library beginning June 6.
