Ever wonder why fashion trends come and go so quickly? Do you ever think of all the resources that go into clothing manufacturing and how you can make more sustainable choices when it comes to your wardrobe? Then ecomaine’s “Fast Fashion” course is for you! Come learn how you choose greener options when buying the clothes and garments we wear every day! Join environmental educator Nate Cronauer to discuss the economic and environmental impacts of the global fashion industry. We look forward to seeing you there! Please pre-register as a minimum of 4 people is required to run the course.

Join us at Amolette Herbal Apothecary for a one-hour private mini-class on supporting the immune system. There will be practicing herbalists from the apothecary on-site to answer your questions on what is an herbalist, what they do, and how to incorporate herbs into your life. The Apothecary itself will be closed to the public for the duration so that only class attendees will be in the space. Each participant will also leave with an elderberry syrup herb kit, instructions, and handouts. Pre-registration is required due to limited space. 

Calm the body and mind through breath, meditation, gentle movement, and teachings of the Yamas. The Yamas are the first limb of the ‘Eight Limbs of Yoga‘ and are primarily concerned with the world around us and our interaction with it.  By considering these aspects in our daily practice on and off the yoga mat, all of our decisions and actions come from a more considered, aware, and ‘higher’ place, and this enables us to become more authentic towards ourselves and others. The five Yamas are Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (moderation of the senses/right use of energy), and Aparigraha (non-greed). Please bring a yoga mat, blocks, and a blanket. Let us know if you do not have these items as some mats and blocks may be available. Please pre-register as we need a minimum of 4 people to run the course.

Join us for this rare opportunity to learn about autism from someone who lives it daily. Whether you live with, work with, or know someone with autism, this presentation is for you! Come away with a better understanding of “why” and “how” individuals on the spectrum react to their environment and routine changes and what little things you can do to help. Learn intimate details of what triggers anxiety responses. Come and ask questions from a “true expert”! Dubbed the “autistic comedian,” Deborah and her presentation will leave you smiling and with a greater appreciation of the “gifts” of autism that are often overlooked. Please preregister as a minimum of 4 people is required to run the course.

About Deborah: Deborah Lipsky, B.S., and M.ED is an international author who has written three books on autism and contributed to a fourth best-seller, "Autism All-Stars." Deb's international best-seller, "Managing Meltdowns" has helped countless people worldwide. Besides being a recipient of the Autism Society of America's "Temple Grandin" Award for Outstanding Achievement by a Person with Autism, she has spent the last 14 years traveling the US and Canada, giving seminars, consultations, and numerous keynote addresses on autism. For years, she was a regular contributor to the Autism Society of Maine's newsletter featuring humorous stories of her misadventures as an autistic person trying to navigate non-autistic worlds. Please note: Deb graciously volunteers her time and property. Donations are appreciated and can be contributed on-site at the time of the course. 

Curious about resin? No need to be intimidated! Try out UV resin art and create your own jewelry! Make 2-3 unique pieces in this one-night class; no experience necessary. Bring a pair of scissors. Materials fee of $15 is payable to instructor in class. Please pre-register as a minimum of 4 people is required to run the course.

Join us for this discussion group based on the Socratic style of critical thinking. Bring ideas, questions, concerns, and dreams as we brainstorm, discuss, and “engage in a common quest.”

A Death Cafe is a safe place where you, your family, and your friends can share stories, question reality, and hear new voices as we ponder the mystery of death and dying. Death Cafes are not grief sessions or bereavement groups, but rather interesting and inviting gatherings held around the world to increase awareness of the importance of making the most of this life as we ponder what we know of death. Everyone is welcome at this open, relaxed, spontaneous discussion. Please join us.

History says that the Amish began arriving in Maine in the mid-1990s, buying reasonably-priced farmlands to practice their faith and raise their families. Maine's first Amish community was in Smyrna. From there, communities have been established throughout the state. Now in the Sacopee area, there is a growing Amish Community on the Porter Plain off of South Hiram Road. You have probably already noticed the bicycles and horse-drawn wagons in our area. Their First Fruits Produce Market near the Durgintown Road and South Hiram Road intersection will be opening again in April. Another community-friendly business is opening soon: the Rise-n-Shine Greenhouses. Available for sale will be hanging baskets, such as geraniums, petunias, pansies, and mixed flowers plus vegetable starts and bedding plants. Other ventures in the community include multiple sawmills providing rough-cut lumber, a furniture shop, an insulation business, a harness shop, and an egg farm. The public is welcome to the community to witness the various farming, home, and trades sites other than tour day as well, but we have two dates available. Let’s learn more about this unique and peaceful community. No fees or donations are expected. The Meeting place is located inside the Amish Community of Porter Plains at the Rise-n-Shine Greenhouses. Just follow the SVACE tour signs. No cameras, phones, or other electronic devices are allowed. Please pre-register as space is limited.