AUBURN — John Newlin and Theda Lyden, Growing to Give co-founders, will speak at the Lewiston-Auburn Rotary Lunch Club meeting at noon Thursday, March 22, at the Village Inn, 165 High St.

Newlin is co-founder and executive director of Growing to Give, a nonprofit that grows organic vegetables at Scatter Good Farm in Brunswick and donates the produce to local people facing food insecurity through partner food banks and pantries.

For the past few years, Newlin has focused on diversifying operations and expanding the use of climate-friendly methods at Scatter Good Farm, where he lives with his family. In addition, he is the board chairman of Unity College, senior advisor at Re-Fridge and a climate advocate trainer with Citizens’ Climate Lobby.

Previously, Newlin worked 30 years in Maine as a high school teacher, school reform coach, facilitator and nonprofit director, including a long period with the Great Schools Partnership and more recently as executive director of MICDL, located at USM’s Lewiston-Auburn College.

Lyden is co-founder and farm manager of Growing to Give. As farm manager, Lyden plans and oversees all growing and harvesting activities. A long-time resident of Greene, she is a Master Gardener and ceramic artist.

Previously, she operated her own farmers market business, Dig it Farm, selling certified organic herbs, flowers and perennials at the Portland Farmers Market. She also worked many years as the executive chef at the award-winning Harraseeket Inn in Freeport. As a chef, Lyden was instrumental in building partnerships with local farmers and growers, with an emphasis on organic and all-natural local food.

Reservations are not required at the luncheon. For more information, contact president and program chairwoman Monica Millhime at 207-713-7045 or millhime@myfairpoint.net. Events and other club information are posted at www.lewistonauburnrotary.org and www.facebook.com/lewistonmainerotary/.

John Newlin

Theda Lyden