Workshops and Events
...helping people shape the future of western Maine.

Listed here are events, workshops, forums and opportunities that are assisting sustainable development efforts in western Maine.

Real Food Campaign Presents 2010/2011 Workshop Series - Nutrient Dense Crop Production Course
After the success of last year's course, Dan Kittredge will be presenting another series of workshops for the 2010-2011 growing season. The goal is to engage and build on what you already know and are doing.  Participation-based with questions and answers, the workshop series is designed for farmers, growers, and gardeners of any type to learn current research and proven methods, and go step-by-step through the process that will lead to optimum crop health and sustained yield.  Check out this workshop series taking place in VT, MA, CT and NY.  FMI click here.

MOFGA Pest Report
This report focuses on late blight, potato leaf hoppers, imported cabbage worms, scarab beetles, spider mites on cucumbers, and hornworms and their parasitic braconid wasps. Click here to view the latest pest report of the 2010 growing season.

ME  Dept of Agriculture, Food & Rural Resources – Maine Farms for the Future Program
Request for Proposal #201007749 – Business Planning support & grant through the Maine Farms for the Future Program. For the Legal Notice and Frequently Asked Questions or Copies of the Request for Proposals (RFP) and Program Application please contact Kimbalie Lawrence at kimbalie.lawrence@maine.gov or 287-3491.

Mabel's Book 2010: Local Foods Directory
A Guide to Farms and Farm Stands in western Maine
Download Mabel’s Book here.

Twilight Meeting for Farmers and Home Gardeners
Come tour, discuss, and taste the outcome of the University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s research and trial garden in Franklin County.  This 2 session workshop will address resistance to late blight, flavor, and utility of specific tomato and potato varieties. FMI call 207-778-4650 or email cefrk@umext.maine.edu.

September 9, 2010
5:00 p.m.
Chesterville – please call 778-4650 for directions
Bring a notebook, pencil, and wear outdoor attire. 

September 15, 2010
4:00 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Franklin County UME Cooperative Extension, 138 Pleasant St, Farmington
Session 2, a late blight resistant tomato tasting. 
 
Innovative Market Analysis for Downtowns - Downtown Institute 2010
September 10, 2010
9:00a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Lecture Hall, City Center, 16 Cony St, Augusta
Todd Barman with the National Trust Main Street Center to Maine will lead this session focused on better approaches to downtown market analysis and putting effective economic restructuring principles into practice. Registration and refreshments will be available at 8:30 a.m.  Advance Registration Required, $35 per session,$25 per session for Main Street Maine communities, Maine Downtown Network communities and Maine Development Foundation members.  To register click here.

Bus Tour Marketing Workshop -  How to market your business or community to the Bus Tour Industry
September 13, 2010
5:30 p.m.
U of ME Cooperative Ext. Office, 138 Pleasant St., Suite 1, Farmington
The motor coach industry is big business and can bring positive economic impacts to your community or business.  This workshop will give you an understanding of this industry and the tools you need to tap into the bus tour market.  An industry professional will provide insights and information from a tour operator’s perspective.  Call for details and to register:  Marc Edwards 207-778-4650 or medwards@umext.edu.  Space is limited, cost $35.

Savoring the Harvest
September 22, 2010
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
1st Congregational Church, South Paris
The Oxford Hills Food Collaborative presents Savoring the Harvest, a four-course dinner prepared from Maine-grown foods showcasing the talents of local chefs. The Oxford Hills Food Collaborative is a coalition including local family farms, bakers, Maine producers, and adults with developmental disabilities. The group’s mission supports the “Eat Smart Eat Local” campaign by bringing producers and consumers together to promote local foods, providing education and marketing for producers to help them meet demand, and improving the distribution channels for local foods. Proceeds from this special dinner will be used to build and continue the growth of the collaborative and the outreach to the community. For information about the dinner location, reservations, or dietary or other accommodation needs, please contact Patricia Verrill at (207) 674-5903. Seating is limited so sign up early!

Common Ground Country Fair
September 24, 25 & 26, 2010
Tickets On Sale Now. Buy tickets in advance and go to the head of the line on September 24, 25 & 26! Tickets are available at natural foods stores, farm and garden supply shops, bookstores, and other locations around Maine. If you purchase tickets from these businesses, please thank them for volunteering their services! See the list of ticket outlets. You can purchase Fair tickets online.

Maine Development Foundation Annual Meeting - Investing in Maine: Unleashing the Potential
September 24, 2010
9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Holiday Inn by the Bay, Portland
MDF's annual meeting is the must-attend event in the run-up to the November elections.  The theme, Investing in Maine, builds upon the "Making Maine Work" report, produced in partnership with the Maine State Chamber, and provides priorities for the next governor. FMI click here.

Koviashuvik Local Living School  Wild Harvest Weekends: Gathering Food, Friends and Families 
Come to either or both days.  Subsistence activities were once the glue that held together community. These two weekends begin with a free-of-charge harvest day. The day will be spent harvesting, singing songs and sharing a potluck picnic lunch. The second day of the weekend is a paying class at Koviashuvik during which we will teach how to preserve and enjoy the harvest for the rest of the year.  Schedule following:

October  2, 2010 Apple Harvest- Koviashuvik Local Living School
Time and location TBD, free of charge: Join us for a day of tree climbing and apple tasting as we search abandoned orchards and field edges for the best apples.  FMI: Koviashuvik; PO Box 383; Temple, Maine  04984, Phone (207) 778-0318.

Wild Apple Weekend: Apple Preservation Class - Koviashuvik Local Living School
October 3, 2010
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
We will cover the basics of root cellar storage, hard cider, vinegar, fruit leather, dry apples, and applesauce. $35 FMI: Koviashuvik; PO Box 383; Temple, Maine  04984, Phone (207) 778-0318.

Tour De Farmington
October 10, 2010
The Tour de Farmington is a one-day bike tour of farms in the Franklin County area of western Maine scheduled for Pre-Registration is required by Sept 28, 2010. Celebrating local agriculture and promoting alternative modes of transportation, the Tour de Farmington offers cyclists a choice of two routes.  For more information and to see a map of the Tour De Farmington visit  http://www.westernmountainsalliance.org or contact us at (207) 778-3885.  Click Here to Register.

Maurer Meals -Celebrate Fresh Local Foods at Area Restaurants
October 15 & 16, 2010
Maurer Meals is a two-day event during the harvest season in western Maine. Local restaurants and ARAMARK dining services at UMF host the fundraising dinners.  Area chefs serve up a diverse menu of locally grown foods to raise money for Justin’s scholarship as well as heighten awareness of local agriculture.  To see which restaurants are participating or FMI click here.

October 16, 2010 Acorn Gathering - Koviashuvik Local Living School 
Time and location TBD, free of charge: We will go as a group to the oak groves and harvest acorns.  A great activity for all ages including small children!

Wild Oak Weekend: Acorns into Flour - Koviashuvik Local Living School
October 17, 2010
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Learn about harvesting, drying, shelling, leaching, and grinding acorns.  We’ll end the day by baking some tasty acorn treats and sharing recipes. $35 FMI: Koviashuvik; PO Box 383; Temple, Maine  04984, Phone (207) 778-0318.

The Great Maine Apple Day
October 23, 2010
12:00 noon- 4:00 p.m.
Common Ground Education Ctr, 294 Crosby Brook Rd, Unity 
Rain or Shine. Educational workshops and talks. Rare and heirloom apples on display and for tasting.   Also apple products, cheeses and other local handmade products. Admission $4. Details.

Koviashuvik Local Living School  -  Koviashuvik Day
October 23, 2010
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Tours 11am and 1pm, free of charge: ongoing work with acorns.

Chainsaw Safety for Beginners
October 31 , 2010
9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Hidden Valley Nature Center, Jefferson

November 7, 2010
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Hidden Valley Nature Center, Jefferson
Learn chainsaw safety, what safety gear is needed and what to look for when buying a chainsaw. Also learn how to and actually do bucking and felling of small trees safely. A chainsaw and personal protective equipment (eye protection and steel toed boots) are required for class session two.  Fee: $120 ($110 for HVNC supporters). FMI or to register visit www.hvnc.org or contact Gary at 586-6752 or waywards@hotmail.com.

MOFGA’s Farmer T o Farmer Conference
November 5 - 7, 2010
Point Lookout Resort in Northport
Learn a lot, eat well, share your expertise, make new friends, and reconnect with old ones at the 2010 MOFGA Farmer to Farmer Conference!  Click here for details.

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