The second annual “Walk a Mile for Water and Eat More Than a Mud Cookie” is planned for Saturday, Aug. 6 in Waterville, to help raise awareness of issues of food and water security and support the Homeless Youth Outreach Program, Kennebec Behavioral Health.

According to a news release from Emily Fournier, walk coordinator, registration starts at 9:15 a.m. in the parking lot of Exoptica Studio, 10 Railroad Square, with the water walk starting at 10 a.m. Bring a cup, jar or bucket to carry water back from the Kennebec River. Participants will walk together in solidarity with those who do this daily during a 1-mile walk to Head of Falls and back to the parking lot at Exoptica. If walking is not an option, drive along to collect and carry water. This water will be used in a circle of life ceremony.

Registration is free, but participants are encouraged to collect pledges or donations to support Homeless Youth Outreach Program. Donations can be turned over at registration. All proceeds will be used by HYOP to provide emergency/after hours food to local homeless teens.

Following the walk, around 11 a.m, attendants will participate in a Native American water ceremony. Brandi Farrington of the Homeless Youth Outreach Program, Kennebec Behavioral Health, will give a brief keynote address. Margaret May Lambert will play her Native American flute as Emily Fournier leads a guided meditation. Shirleyanne Ratajczak, of Exoptica Studio, will explain the significance of mud cookies and teach participants to make one. A giant community dream catcher will be on display with the opportunity for everyone to share their thoughts and add feathers to it. Light refreshments will be served. This event is fun and educational for the whole family.

This is a free event, open to all. Those who would like to donate but cannot attend, bring or send a check, payable to HYOP, to Walk a Mile for Water, 4 Cottage St., Fairfield, ME 04937. Donations also will be collected by Ratajczak when feathers are added to the dream catcher at the Taste of Greater Waterville on Wednesday, Aug. 3. For more information, call Fournier at 314-8607 or visit facebook.com/walkamileforwater.

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