Dairy workshops

TURNER – The University of Maine Cooperative Extension will offer organic dairy transition workshops at three locations: Houlton, Monday, Dec. 4; Albion, Tuesday, Dec. 5; and Turner, Wednesday, Dec. 6. The workshops, each from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., are free, but preregistration is required by calling 800-287-1426 or 342-5971.

Participants will learn USDA National Organic Program standards, as well as the ways in which organic producers manage herd health. Presenters will also give information to help producers evaluate the economic viability of transitioning to the organic milk market.

The workshops are intended for farmers interested in becoming organic dairy producers, as well as those who want to learn the rules, regulations and management techniques associated with organic production systems.

For more information, contact UMaine Extension educator Rick Kersbergen at 342-5971.

Lego tourney

JAY – This year’s Southern Maine Lego League Tournament will be held on Saturday, Dec. 9, at Jay High School, hosted by Maine Robotics.

Twenty-three teams from all over southern Maine have registered. The doors will open for teams at 8:30 a.m. The morning will consist mainly of judging teams on presentations, robot design, programming and teamwork.

The robotics competition will begin at noon, with all teams trying to earn points on missions simulating nanotechnology. The event is free to the public.

For information on the tournament, contact Tom Bickford at Maine Robotics, [email protected] or 866-4340.

Health care access

PORTLAND – A daylong policy seminar featuring three northern New England states’ approaches to improving health care access is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 1, at the University of New England’s Westbrook campus.

Specifically, the seminar for state legislators, health policy officials and representatives from private-sector health organizations and consumer healthcare reform organizations will focus on health insurance reform efforts in Maine, Massachusetts and Vermont.

To register or for more information, including reference material, biographical information on the featured speakers and directions, visit www.chppr.org.

Scout dinner

SOUTH PORTLAND – Girl Scouts of Kennebec Council will honor Sandra Featherman, Ph.D., president emeritus of the University of New England, at its 10th annual Women of Distinction Dinner to be held at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6, at the Portland Marriott at Sable Oaks.

The dinner recognizes local women who serve as exemplary role models for girls and young women and acknowledges the achievements of women in all fields. Featherman was president of the University of New England from 1995 through June 2006. The UNE board of trustees has named her president emeritus. Her passion for quality education, community and public service are a few of the reasons Girl Scouts of Kennebec Council will recognize her as the 2006 Woman of Distinction.

The celebration will include silent and live auctions. Sponsor tables and individual tickets may be reserved and purchased in advance. For more information, contact Kate Stern via e-mail at [email protected], by phone at 772-1177 or visit www.gskc.org.

Proceeds of the dinner will allow the Girl Scouts of the Kennebec Council to continue to offer programs to more than 10,000 girls ages 5 to 17 in southern, central and western Maine.

Nonprofits sale

SOUTH PORTLAND – The Children’s Museum of Maine, Maine Historical Society, Maine Audubon, Portland Harbor Museum and Portland Head Light Museum will have merchandise for sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at the Thomas Room on Broadway.

All purchases benefit the nonprofit organizations. Parking and entry are free. For more information, call 781-2330, ext. 210.

Audubon on owls

FALMOUTH – Maine Audubon will host two sessions to see and learn about live owls from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and 1:30 to 2:45 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at Gilsland Farm Audubon Center.

“People love owls, but they don’t usually get to see them up close,” said Judy Walker, Maine Audubon staff naturalist. “This program is a rare opportunity to do that.”

Naturalist Marcia Wilson and photographer Mark Wilson will start the program with a slide show introduction to the owls of New England and beyond.

Participants will get a hooting lesson, tips on how to identify and find owls without disturbing them, and an opportunity to see six live owls, including a northern saw-whet owl, eastern screech owl, great horned owl, snowy owl and the newest member of the program, a spectacled owl.

Each session is $8/adult, $3/child per session for Maine Audubon members; $10/adult, $4/child per session for nonmembers. Advance registration is necessary. To register or for more information, call 781-2330.

Bladder problems

SOUTH PORTLAND – The Cancer Community Center will host Theresa Freeman, physical therapist and massage therapist, at an informational session on how to prevent and control incontinence and other issues surrounding the subject from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, at 778 Main St.

People will learn about ways to prevent and control incontinence with basic exercises, lifestyle changes and relaxation techniques. The main purpose is to help people understand ways to improve bladder function.

Call the center at 774-2200 or toll free at 1-877-774-2200 to register for the workshop or register by e-mailing [email protected].