School garden regional gatherings

STATEWIDE — All who have an interest in school gardens and farm to school efforts are invited to join attend a free networking event in their county.

These events are geared toward K-12 educators, community supporters, food service and local farmers who want to learn more about each other’s experiences with school gardens and local procurement, and strategize how to best sustain these programs. Share your enthusiasm, your burning questions, success stories and biggest challenges. Bring seeds to swap and an appetite to enjoy locally produced refreshments.

Visit Maine School Garden Network at www.msgn.org to RSVP and find information about a Regional Gathering near you.

If you have questions, contact [email protected].

Extension provides tractor safety class

FAIRFIELD — University of Maine Cooperative Extension, Kennebec County Farm Bureau and Hammond Tractor are sponsoring a five-session 4-H Tractor Safety Course from 6 to 8 p.m. beginning Tuesday, March 31, at Hammond Tractor, 216 Center Road.

Classes will be held consecutive Tuesdays; the final session April 28 will include a written exam and tractor-driving course.

Participants will be instructed how to safely handle tractors and equipment, to identify hazards and to minimize chances of accidents. It is open to interested adults and youths; priority will be given to youths 14-16. The course is required for 14- and 15-year-olds operating farm equipment for hire on farms other than their own. A federal Certificate of Training will be issued upon successful completion.

The $20 fee includes all materials and snacks; pre-registration is required. For more information, or to request a disability accommodation or registration form, contact Karen Hatch Gagne or Diana Hartley at 207-622-7546, 800-287-1481 (in Maine), [email protected] or [email protected].

18th annual $1,000 art scholarship

LIBERTY — Liberty Graphics, environmentally conscious T-shirt printers, is accepting submissions for its 18th annual $1,000 art scholarship. All high school seniors residing in Maine are invited to submit original works that reflect the theme of “Art and our Natural Environment.”

Entries must be traditional two-dimensional media and must be postmarked by Monday, April 27. Photography, sculpture and computer-generated works cannot be considered. Entry forms are available by contacting school art teachers or by visiting the FAQ page at lgtees.com. The winner will be announced by early May.

Art will be returned in late May. For more information, contact [email protected]. Each student may submit more than one piece of work.

Maine Grocers announce scholarships

AUGUSTA — The Maine Grocers & Food Producers Association has announced the 2015 Scholarship Program. “Three Maine students who have successfully completed requirements for graduation from an accredited high school and have been accepted by a college or university will receive $1,000 scholarships,” said Shelley Doak, executive director.

The association is composed of grocery stores, supermarkets, food and beverage producers, wholesalers and distributors, processors and manufacturers and associated service companies. High school seniors, college freshman, sophomores and juniors who are employees or children of association member companies are eligible to apply.

The application deadline is May 23. Applications may be found at mgfpa.org, by sending an email inquiry to [email protected] or by calling the office at 207-622-4461.