Calendar

The MOFGA Calendar

May 2012

16 - MOFGA Certification Services, LLC Board Meeting. 3:00 to 5:00 at MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center in Unity.
18 to 20 - Northeast Livestock Expo. Windsor Fairgrounds, Windsor. Updates posted at www.northeastlivestockexpo.com/
19 - Wild Greens for the Common Table. Saturday, 9:30 am to 2 pm, $40. Koviashuvik Local Living School, PO Box 383, Temple, Maine 04984; (207) 778-0318. Schedule and details.
21 & 28 - Sheep & Goat Foot Health Webinar Series. 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. both evenings. Foot rot in sheep and goats is a contagious and devastating disease that has put producers all over the world out of business. The instructors are University of Maryland Extension small ruminant specialist Susan Schoenian and University of Maine Extension educator Richard Brzozowski. The webinar series is designed for Maine sheep and goat producers to identify, treat and eliminate foot problems in their flocks or herds. Required registration. For more information, please call UMaine Extension at 207-781-6099 or email richard.brzozowski@maine.edu.
23 - Conservation Farm Tour. Join MOFGA and USDA NRCS at Six River Farm in Bowdoinham for a Conservation Farm Tour. 4:30 p.m. Nate Drummond and Gabrielle Gosselin of Six River Farm, along with Paul Carmichael of NRCS, will lead a farm tour of on-farm conservation practices. We will see practices that protect natural resources and benefit farmers as well as learn about programs to help implement the practices. RSVP: rsvp@mofga.org with your name, phone number, email and "Conservation Farm Tour" as the subject line.
25 - Fabulous Fruit Leather. Friday, 4 to 6 pm, $15. Koviashuvik Local Living School, PO Box 383, Temple, Maine 04984; (207) 778-0318. Schedule and details.
26 - Springtime Ice Cream Open House. Saturday, 10 am to 3:30 pm, tours at 10:30 am and 2 pm. Free. Koviashuvik Local Living School, PO Box 383, Temple, Maine 04984; (207) 778-0318. Schedule and details.

June 2012

Weekly Through August - Farm Training Project Workshops. At locations around the state. Workshops give apprentices and other young, beginning, and aspiring farmers the chance to visit other farms, learn from farmers about their areas of expertise, and network. Details.
1 - (and the first Friday of every month) MOFGA’s show “Common Ground” on WERU, 89.9 FM and weru.org. 10 to 11 a.m.
1 - Natural Resources Conservation Service begins its third 2012 ranking period for applications for technical and financial assistance for on-farm energy, organic, and seasonal high tunnel conservation initiatives. Details.
3 - MOFGA Board of Directors Meeting. 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center in Unity.
8 - Hand Tool Sharpening. Friday, 4 to 6 pm, $15. Koviashuvik Local Living School, PO Box 383, Temple, Maine 04984; (207) 778-0318. Schedule and details.
14 - MOFGA Buildings & Grounds Committee Meeting. 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center in Unity. For more information, contact Vernon LeCount.
14 - Common Ground Country Fair Steering Committee Meeting. 6:00 p.m. at MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center in Unity.
16 - Farm & Homestead Day. At MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center in Unity. Details.
16 - Chicken Butchering Workshop. Saturday, 8 am to 10 am or 11 am to 1 pm, Chichester, N.H. $50 per chicken. Pre-registration and $35 non-refundable deposit required. Register at: https://www.events.unh.edu/RegistrationForm.pm?event_id=10148. More information: Mary West, Merrimack County Extension, 796-2151 or mary.west@unh.edu.
16 - Deerskins into Leather. Sat., 9 am to 4:30 pm, $55. Koviashuvik Local Living School, PO Box 383, Temple, Maine 04984; (207) 778-0318. Schedule and details.
23 to July 1 - 2012 Permaculture Design Certificate Course at Newforest Institute. Second course week August 26 to September 2. Two week-long sessions. Lead teachers Charles & Julia Yelton with guest speakers. Topics: Design for True Resilience in Maine; Edible Landscapes & Food Forests; Energy Efficiency & Green Building; Food Preservation & Storage; City/ Suburbs/ Rural Applications. Fee $1350. $250 deposit required. $100 discount for registration by April 22. Registration: 207-722-3625, info@newforestinstitute.org
23 - Organic Orcharding Workshop: Managing Fruit Trees Organically. At MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center in Unity. Join C.J. Walke, MOFGA’s Organic Orchardist, as he discusses organic orcharding methods and explains how he manages MOFGA's orchards. Details.
30 - Moccasin Making. Sat., 9 am to 5 pm, $75 + $15 optional rubber coating. Koviashuvik Local Living School, PO Box 383, Temple, Maine 04984; (207) 778-0318. Schedule and details.

July 2012

6 - (and the first Friday of every month) MOFGA’s show “Common Ground” on WERU, 89.9 FM and weru.org. 10 to 11 a.m.
7 - Rocket Stove Building Workshop. Sat., 9 am to 12 pm, $35. Koviashuvik Local Living School, PO Box 383, Temple, Maine 04984; (207) 778-0318. Schedule and details.
12 - Meeting of the Executive Committee of MOFGA's Board of Directors. 3:00 to 5:30 at MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center in Unity.
12 - Common Ground Country Fair Steering Committee Meeting. 6:00 p.m. at MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center in Unity.
14 & 15 - Packbasket Weaving Weekend. 9am Saturday to 4pm Sunday, $245. Koviashuvik Local Living School, PO Box 383, Temple, Maine 04984; (207) 778-0318. Schedule and details.
15 - "Gardens in the Watershed" Garden Tour. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. rain or shine. Sponsored by and to benefit the Georges River Land Trust. The self-guided tour will feature seven exceptional country gardens in Rockland and Spruce Head. A gourmet bag lunch is available by pre-order. Tickets are $25 in advance and $28 on tour day at selected local stores and from the Georges River Land Trust, 8 North Main Street, Suite 200, Rockland, ME 04841. For more information call 594-5166 or visit www.grlt.org.
20 - Giant Wooden Spatula or Spoon. Friday, 3 to 6 pm, $25. Koviashuvik Local Living School, PO Box 383, Temple, Maine 04984; (207) 778-0318. Schedule and details.
21 and 22: Canoe Paddle Making. 9 am Sat. to 2 pm Sun., $195. Koviashuvik Local Living School, PO Box 383, Temple, Maine 04984; (207) 778-0318. Schedule and details.
26 & 27 - The Kneading Conference. At the Skowhegan State Fairgrounds. The conference brings together novice and professional bakers, grain farmers and millers, researchers, wood-fired oven enthusiasts and lovers of handcrafted breads for workshops, presentations, and panel discussions. MOFGA is a sustainaing sponsor of this event. Details.
28 - Artisan Bread Fair. At the Skowhegan State Fairgrounds. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Skowhegan State Fairgrounds. Dozens of vendors. Tour the Somerset Grist Mill. Live music. Details.
28 - Organic Orcharding Workshop: Bud Grafting. Thorndike. Bud grafting is a great way to start your own fruit trees as well as many ornamentals. Details.
30 to August 1 or August 24 to 26 - Family Sustainability Stay: An Educational Vacation (please inquire for dates). 10:30 am Friday to Sunday afternoon. $650 per family or $450 if you schedule to come at the same time as a second family. Koviashuvik Local Living School, PO Box 383, Temple, Maine 04984; (207) 778-0318. Schedule and details.

August 2012

1 to 3 - Food Project’s Summer Institute. Lincoln and Boston, Mass. Learn from an inspirational group of staff and teens about their work in and around Boston, Mass. Cost: $400. Contact: Greg Gale, 781-472-9824; institute@thefoodproject.org. Information: thefoodproject.org/institute
3 - (and the first Friday of every month) MOFGA’s show “Common Ground” on WERU, 89.9 FM and weru.org. 10 to 11 a.m.
9 - MOFGA Board of Directors Meeting. 1:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center in Unity.
9 - MOFGA Buildings & Grounds Committee Meeting. 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center in Unity. For more information, contact Vernon LeCount.
9 - Common Ground Country Fair Steering Committee Meeting. 6:00 p.m. at MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center in Unity.
10 - Fermentation Fiesta. Friday, 2 to 6 pm, $25. Koviashuvik Local Living School, PO Box 383, Temple, Maine 04984; (207) 778-0318. Schedule and details.
10 - 12 - NOFA Summer Conference. Amherst, MA. Details.
15 - MOFGA Certification Services, LLC Board Meeting. 3:00 to 5:00 at MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center in Unity..

September 2012

7 - (and the first Friday of every month) MOFGA’s show “Common Ground” on WERU, 89.9 FM and weru.org. 10 to 11 a.m.
13 - Meeting of the Executive Committee of MOFGA's Board of Directors. 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. at MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center in Unity.
13 - Common Ground Country Fair Steering Committee Meeting. 6:00 p.m. at MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center in Unity.
19 - Common Ground Country Fair Planning Team Pot-luck Supper and Meeting. 6:00 p.m. at MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center in Unity.
21 - 23 - Common Ground Country Fair. MOFGA’s premier event celebrating rural living. Three full days of educational talks and demonstrations, entertainment, delicious Maine-grown, organic food and products from local artisans. Details. To volunteer contact volunteers@mofga.org.
28 to October 3 - Earth Lodge Workshop. Friday through Wednesday. Attend one day, all six days, or anything in between. $100 for the first day, $30 each additional day. Koviashuvik Local Living School, PO Box 383, Temple, Maine 04984; (207) 778-0318. Schedule and details.

October 2012

3 - Common Ground Country Fair Planning Team Wrap-up Meeting. 6:00 p.m. at MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center in Unity.
5 - (and the first Friday of every month) MOFGA’s show “Common Ground” on WERU, 89.9 FM and weru.org. 10 to 11 a.m.
6 - Processing Acorns into Flour. Sat., 10 am to 3 pm, $35. Koviashuvik Local Living School, PO Box 383, Temple, Maine 04984; (207) 778-0318. Schedule and details.
6 - 8 - Nose to Tail Pork Processing. At MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center in Unity. This workshop covers all aspects of raising, humanely slaughtering, and processing pigs. Registration opens June 1st. Details.
11 - MOFGA Buildings & Grounds Committee Meeting. 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center in Unity. For more information, contact Vernon LeCount.
14 - MOFGA Board of Directors Meeting. 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center in Unity.
14 - Common Ground Country Fair Steering Committee Meeting and Pot-luck Lunch. 9:00 a.m. at MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center in Unity. The afternoon session will be a joint meeting of the Steering Committee and the MOFGA Board of Directors.
21 - Great Maine Apple Day. At MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center in Unity. Celebrate the history, tradition, and flavor of Maine apples with MOFGA. Rare and heirloom apple displays, educational talks, as well as apples and apple products for sale. Details.
24 - Food Day. Food Day seeks to bring together Americans from all walks of life to push for health, affordable food produced in a sustainable, humane way. www.foodday.org.

November 2012

2 - (and the first Friday of every month) MOFGA’s show “Common Ground” on WERU, 89.9 FM and weru.org. 10 to 11 a.m.
8 - MOFGA Fundraising Committee Meeting. 10:00 a.m. to noon at MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center in Unity.
8 - MOFGA Finance Committee Meeting. Noon to 2:00 p.m. at MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center in Unity.
8 - Meeting of the Executive Committee of the MOFGA Board of Directors. 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center in Unity.
8 - Common Ground Country Fair Steering Committee Meeting. 5:00 p.m. at MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center in Unity.
9 - 11 - Farmer to Farmer Conference. At Point Lookout in Northport. This is MOFGA’s annual conference for farmers - a great opportunity to talk about what works and what doesn’t while learning new ideas from University faculty, fellow farmers, and others. Registration will open in early August. Details.
TBD - Low Impact Forestry Workshops. At MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center in Unity. For people who want to learn and practice sustainable woodlot management, as well as logging with animals and low-impact machinery. Details.
TBD - Chainsaw & Forestry Safety Courses. At MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center in Unity. Level I is a two-day course covering many aspects of chainsaw use including; the basics of saw mechanics, operation, maintenance, and safety and an opportunity to learn and practice safe felling techniques. Level II is offered on Friday only and is designed for the saw operator who has experience, but wants to practice and improve upon their technique. This course is open to graduates of the Level I course with one year of practice. All students are expected to provide a tuned saw, tools, PPE (steel toed boots, leg protection, hearing, eye and head protection) and gloves. Details.
10 & 11 - Maine Harvest Festival. At the Bangor Auditorium. MOFGA will have an exhibit. Details.
14 - MOFGA Certification Services, LLC Board Meeting. 3:00 to 5:00 at MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center in Unity.

December 2012

2 - MOFGA Board of Directors Meeting. 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center in Unity.
5 - Kitchen Licensing Workshop. At MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center in Unity. This class is designed for farmers and others interested in home-food processing for resale. Details.
7 - (and the first Friday of every month) MOFGA’s show “Common Ground” on WERU, 89.9 FM and weru.org. 10 to 11 a.m.
13 - MOFGA Buildings & Grounds Committee Meeting. 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center in Unity. For more information, contact Vernon LeCount.
13 - Common Ground Country Fair Steering Committee Meeting. 5:00 p.m. at MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center in Unity.