CLASSES MARCH 2024

“An Overview of Climate Resilient Farming Practices Used in Maine” Nicholas Rowley  

This class will focus on farming practices that Maine farmers are adopting to buffer climate changes. Topics will include soil health, reduced tillage and cover cropping. There will be time for questions at the end of the presentation. 

Ages: High school/Adult

Monday, March 4: 2:00-3:00 p.m. Gile Hall, Readfield Town Office, 8 Old Kents Hill Road 

Chair Yoga Ann Parker  

Enjoy the benefits of yoga without getting down on the floor! Chair Yoga is a physical and meditative practice done seated on an armless chair or using a chair for support. It's accessible to most people, including those who may have been inactive for some time or have physical limitations. With regular practice one may build strength, improve flexibility, stamina and balance, and better manage responses to stress. No prior experience is necessary. This practice meets you where you are!

Ages:  Young adult to seniors

Tuesday, March 5: 10:00 -11:30 a.m. Gile Hall, Readfield Town Office, 8 Old Kents Hill Road 

 AUTHOR EVENT with Tim Caverly.  Allagash-New England’s Wild River with author and humorist Tim Caverly. Sponsored by Readfield Community Library. The show includes music as well as scenic and historic photos from our ‘northern forest.’ Attendees will virtually canoe the world-famous river, discover forgotten logging history and learn about Native American archaeology. Hear first-hand about the lore, legends, and characters that Tim experienced during his 32-years while a Maine Park Ranger.

Ages: Any interested

Thursday, March 7: 3:00-4:30 p.m. Gile Hall, Readfield Town Office, 8 Old Kents Hill Road 

An hour of community dialogue about the Israel Hamas war. Camille Davidson Bring a question you’d like to ask and Camille and Scott will lead a discussion at The Gallery. 

Ages: Teen/Adult

Friday, March 8: 9:30-10:30 a.m. The Gallery, 1138 Main St. Readfield

The Benefits of Joining a Local Farm’s Crop Share Program Trent Emery

This is for anyone interested in a healthy and cost effective diet of locally grown and delicious produce.

Age: Adult

Monday March 11: 2:00-3:30 p.m. Gile Hall, Readfield Town Office, 8 Old Kents Hill Road 

“Introduction to Tai Chi for Health and Balance”  Ann Parker

 Tai Chi for Health and Balance has been shown to relieve pain, improve physical movement, strength, flexibility and balance. This mind-body practice is low-impact and suitable for all; no experience necessary. Movements introduced in this class may be done seated on a chair or standing.

Ages: Young adults through seniors. 

Friday, March 15: 10:00-11:30 a.m. Gile Hall, Readfield Town Office, 8 Old Kents Hill Road 

Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Across Generations- Kennebec Land Trust Theresa Kerchner

The Kennebec Land Trust (KLT) recently celebrated its 35th anniversary – and as it reached this milestone the Trust noted a marked increase in interest from people who have recently discovered its close-to-home lands and 58 miles of trails.  Two years ago KLT published the second edition of Take a Hike! which features thirty-two properties including the Gannett Woods and Wyman Memorial Forest, Macdonald Conservation Area, Rosmarin and Saunders Family Forest and Tyler Conservation Area. The hiking guide also includes two properties owned by the Town of Readfield - Fogg Farm Conservation Area and Torsey Pond Nature Preserve - where KLT holds conservation easements.                                                                                                                                                                       Learn about KLT’s land conservation criteria, our work to address climate change, the difference between conservation easements and fee ownership, new trails and properties, careers in the conservation field, Local Wood WORKS (LWW) and sustainable forestry, and more. As the owner of land in Readfield, KLT pays taxes at the open space rate.  We look forward to seeing you! Bring your questions and suggestions for future partnerships in the Town of Readfield.                                                                                                               Ages: Middle school through adult                                                                                                                                                               Monday, March 18: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Gile Hall, Readfield Town Office, 8 Old Kents Hill Road 

“How to Solve the New York Times Crossword Puzzle” Mary Denison

We will review the mysteries of the NYT crossword by going through an example of each day of the week as they get progressively harder.  We will look at different tricks and wordplay that are used and then we will all solve a Monday puzzle completely.  I will provide handouts, participants should bring a sharp pencil with an eraser.

Any age interested

Tuesday, March 19:. 6:30-8:00 p.m.  Gile Hall, Readfield Town Office, 8 Old Kents Hill Road 

“Kents Hill School: A Third Century of Excellence” Chris Cheney

Join Head of School Chris Cheney as he shares Kents Hill School’s past - 200 years of continuous co-education and the strategic vision for the future: Four Cornerstones: Prepared for Anything, Built on Belonging, Grounded in Maine - Connected to the World, In Your Corner All the Time.

Ages: 18+

Wednesday, March 20: 10:00-11:30 a.m. Kents Hill School, Bibby and Harold Alfond Dining Commons 93, Kents Hill Loop Road

AUTHOR EVENT with David Florig. Sponsored by Readfield Community Library

David’s new book, The Stones of Ailsa Craig, is a work of historical fiction, set in 1890s Scotland and present-day Belfast, Maine. It is a mystery, of sorts, centered around the 60 million year-old island of Ailsa Craig in Scotland (home to the finest curling stone granite in the world) and the ancient Scottish sport of curling. Sometimes dark, sometimes light, the novel is full of curling history and anecdotes, Scottish history, and Maine history. It explores themes of obsession, vengeance, and justice.

Thursday, March 21: 6:00-7:30 p.m. Gile Hall, Readfield Town Office. 8 Old Kents Hill Road 

“Growing Lavender Successfully in Maine” Kathy Landrum

Lavender is a perennial herb that can be challenging to grow in Maine. Find out which varieties do well here and best practices for planting and sustaining their growth.

Ages: 16+

Friday, March 22:  2:00-3:00 p.m. Gile Hall, Readfield Town Office, 8 Old Kents Hill Road 

“Introduction to Permaculture Landscape Design”  Kathy Landrum

Permaculture landscape design is a way of organizing and prioritizing your outdoor surroundings, so they become more efficient and satisfying.                    

Ages: 16 +

Friday, March 22  3:30-4:30 p.m. Gile Hall, Readfield Town Office, 8 Old Kents Hill Road 

The Aging Continuum: A Physical Therapist's perspective Mary Ellis

The program will start with a 45 minute talk on the "normal aging process”, followed by 30 minutes of seated gentle movement, a break, and then finish with 15 minutes of open discussion/ question time.

Ages: All

Saturday, March 23: 9:30-11:00 a.m. Gile Hall, Readfield Town Office, 8 Old Kents Hill Road 

“The Beans of Readfield Maine” Dale Potter-Clark

The Beans were significant landowners, manufacturers, town officials and farmers in Readfield from 1780 into the 19th century. Their mills and farms were concentrated on and around Thundercastle Road, but some family members lived near Lake Maranacook, on Kents Hill and near Readfield Depot too. At one time Torsey Pond was called Joel Bean’s Pond and nearby was another small mill pond called Bean’s mill pond. They built many beautiful stonewalls, dams and foundations that have endured for two centuries. They also had their share of tragedy. Come and learn more about “The Beans of Readfield, Maine.” 

Any age interested

Sunday, March 24 2:00-3:30 p.m. Gile Hall, Readfield Town Office, 8 Old Kents Hill Road 

Creative Paper-Folding Cheryl Clark and Nan Bell

Participants will work through the steps to create 3-dimensional paper objects, using origami and other techniques.  Bring scissors and two-sided tape.

Any age interested

Monday, March 25: 2:00-3:30 p.m.  Gile Hall, Readfield Town Office, 8 Old Kents Hill Road 

Smart Eating, Healthy Living: Preventing & Managing Diabetes through Diet. Brenna Nelson, RD, LD, CLC

Empower yourself or your loved ones with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed dietary choices to prevent or manage diabetes. This interactive presentation will offer practical strategies and valuable insights that can be implemented immediately to promote better health and well-being.

Ellen Bowman, LCPC, will also share her work from a support group for children with diabetes.

Age: 18+

Wednesday, March 27: 3:00-4:30 p.m. Gile Hall, Readfield Town Office, 8 Old Kents Hill Road 

Readfield in the Good Old Days  Ed Dodge A panel of Readfield Residents(from past years) talk about Readfield 70 or so years ago. Moderator: Dale Potter-Clark

Any Age interested

Saturday, March 30: 2:00-3:30 p.m. Gile Hall, Readfield Town Office, 8 Old Kents Hill Road 

Bios of presenters:

Ellen Bowman Although one could say that Ellen’s life-focus of work has been exploring ways to reach children in angst, her graduate work at Boston Children’s Hospital followed by postgrad work at the Royal Hospital for Children in Edinburgh, Scotland broadened her clinical view and approaches. If there were two or more children sharing a medical diagnosis, Ellen would form a group wherein the children could feel the support of others, no longer following the path alone.

Chris Cheney. With 30+ years of experience in education, Chris has spent his entire professional life preparing young leaders for maximum impact in their careers and communities. Prior to joining Kents Hill School, Chris served as the founding Head of School at LEAF Academy in Bratislava, Slovakia; Assistant Dean of the Academy for Admissions and University Guidance at African Leadership Academy in Johannesburg, South Africa; and Chair of the Environmental Science Department and Director of College Advising at Kimball Union Academy. He has also held teaching positions at Colorado Academy, Northfield Mount Hermon School, Williston Northampton School, Milton Academy, and Hanover High School. Chris is a graduate of Bowdoin College where he earned a degree in Biology and Environmental Studies, and Harvard University where he received a M.Ed. with a concentration in administration, planning, and social policy. Chris and his partner Lisa are the parents of two daughters, Shea and Zoe.

Cheryl Clark and Nan Bell are residents of Gardiner and Hallowell respectively.  They are involved in the art scene in the Kennebec area and love upcycling and community-building through art. 

Dale Potter Clark is a retired nurse who currently spends her days (and sometimes nights) doing genealogical and historical research. She is a born “Mainah” who has loved local history for as long as she can remember and whose family has lived in Readfield for ten consecutive generations. Dale leads Readfield History Walks, and serves on the Readfield Historical Society’s board of directors. She has written articles for area newspapers, Discover Maine Magazine, and several monographs pertaining to Readfield’s history. Her website “Readfield1791” includes extensive information about early Readfield and its people. Among her works are four books: The Founders and Evolution of Summer Resorts and Kids’ Camps on Four Lakes in Central Maine co-authored with Charles Day, Jr. pub. 2016; The Paupers and the Poor Farms: support and care of the poor in Readfield, Maine pub. 2018; Brief Bios c.1900 pertaining to some residents of Readfield, pub. 2021; and Escape From Bunker Hill, a historical novel about the Underground Railroad, pub. 2022. Dale and William J. Adams Jr. research pre-1900 houses in Readfield which has resulted in the sale of nearly one- hundred house circa signs in town and whose research will culminate in a book.

Camille Davidson Camee, who grew up in Israel, is a dual citizen Israeli/American. She served in the IDF and met and married Scott who was a volunteer during the Yom Kippur war. They were married later that year on the Mediterranean beach near the Lebanese border. They have close friends and family in Israel and visit yearly. This war has impacted their family and they are happy to help you understand it better if they can. 

Mary Denison: I have been solving the NYT crossword for over 30 years and have competed in the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament on 4 occasions.  I am familiar with several of the constructors and I can usually solve any NYT crossword, including Sunday’s in less than 30 minutes.  I am hoping I can make this fun and informative so that others get as hooked on this activity as I am. 

Ed Dodge: I moved to Readfield in 1948 from away! Was away from Readfield for a short time but came back and had an Insurance business here for over 60 years.

Mary Ellis: I grew up in Western Maine. Graduated from Northeastern University in 1989 with BS in Physical Therapy. Began my career with a focus on orthopedics and sports medicine eventually branching into pediatrics, private practice and home health. I developed a passion for working with older and elderly patients and obtained my Board Certification in Geriatrics in 2019. I currently treat all ages as the physical therapist for RSU 9 and through my cash- based direct access private practice seeing local older individuals in their homes.

Trent Emery owns a produce farm in Wayne, Maine offering a CSA, wholesale and delivery, farmstand with meat, dairy and vegetables.

Theresa Kerchner is the executive director of KLT. She oversees the operations of the Trust and works with the Board of Directors and KLT staff to develop and implement organizational, land conservation, and fundraising goals. Theresa is a founding partner of LWW, a statewide initiative that aims to promote and advance forestland conservation and northeast wood products markets simultaneously. In 2002, Theresa earned a master’s degree in ecology and environmental science from the University of Maine where she developed a case study of the land-use history of the Jabez Besse farm in Wayne.

Kathy Landrum  My second “job” with my husband is a small specialty Lavender Business. I harvest, stems and buds, and I make products to sell. After successfully, completing the Maine master gardener volunteer course in York county in 2011, I pursued a Permaculture landscape design certification while living and working in Colorado, in 2016. I love to share what I have learned!

Brenna Nelson  RD, LD, CLC I have been in community nutrition for 6 years. I have been with Maine General’s Peter Alfond Prevention and Healthy Living Center for a year now as their registered dietitian. My role is to provide the community with evidence based nutrition information to help manage or prevent chronic diseases.

Ann Parker  I have been a registered yoga and tai chi instructor in central Maine for several years and currently teach for the Peter Alfond Prevention and Healthy Living Center through Maine General offering Chair Yoga, Yoga for Bone Health and Tai Chi for Health and Balance.  I have been practicing yoga for almost 40 years and teaching for over a decade. I have had the great pleasure of guiding seniors and participants with physical limitations in chair yoga classes for the past ten years. I was introduced to Tai Chi for Health and Balance over a decade ago and love the sense of calm and relaxation this practice nurtures along with all the physical benefits.

Nicholas Rowley University of Maine Cooperative Extension, Sustainable Agriculture and Horticulture Professional. I have worked for Cooperative Extension in Maine and NH for the past 6-7 years focused on helping farmers grow crops and offering agricultural programing. I have done much work with soil health, reduced tillage and cover cropping. I am a Certified Crop Advisory and have a M.S. in Plant Soil and Environmental Science.