TOPSHAM – Sunday, Oct. 17, will be “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk.” On that day, walkers from across the state will meet at Monument Square in Portland, at the Town Mall in Brunswick and the First National Bank in Damariscotta.

Teams are being formed – breast cancer survivors and patients, their families and caregivers, area businesses, schools and other organizations all those who have been, or are affected by breast cancer. Proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society’s programs such as Reach to Recovery and Look GoodFeel Better.

To learn more, to volunteer at the event or to receive a registration packet, call Donna Muto at the American Cancer Society at 800-464-3102, press 3, or 207-373-3703.

Cheese festival

PORTLAND – The Maine Cheese Guild will visit the Portland Public Market on Saturday, Oct. 16, to celebrate the second annual Maine Cheese Festival, with seminars and demonstrations from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Market vendors will create special cheese-featured dishes to sample for the festival that will be judged by popular vote. There will be goats and a dairy calf on display, cheese books for browsing and sale, and music by the Harley Smith Band throughout the day.

The 1797 Farm in Auburn and York Hill Farm in New Sharon will be among those present.

For more information about the Maine Cheese Guild, visit www.mainecheeseguild.org or e-mail [email protected].

Home school

MONMOUTH – The Central Maine Self-Learners Home School Group is a network for home-schooling families in Central Maine. Children of all ages are welcome. Free membership is available through the online e-mail list. Membership allows access to the calendar of events for field trips and other activities.

For more information, visit www.cmslhomeschool.org or e-mail [email protected].

Food festival

UNITY – The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association and the Bread Bakers Guild of America are hosting the third annual Maine Food Festival on Sunday, Oct. 10, at the Common Ground Education Center. This year’s celebration of local food will focus on Maine-grown grains.

The day will include demonstrations and presentations as well as a roundtable discussion. Vendors will offer whole and processed Maine-grown grains for cooking and baking, plus a variety of grain products for sample and sale.

Admission will be $5 for adults, $3 for MOFGA and BBGA members, and free to children 12 and under. For more information, visit http://www.mofga.org or call 568-4142.