Toasting of the Trails

RAYMOND — The Loon Echo Land Trust will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony and Toasting of the Trails at noon on Saturday, Dec. 17, in the parking lot of the Raymond Community Forest on Conesca Road. 

Four years ago Loon Echo Land Trust and the Raymond Conservation Commission first proposed their land conservation project, the Raymond Community Forest, and it is now open.  The Raymond Community Forest is 356 acres of land in North Raymond, including much of Pismire Mountain and a large forested parcel beside Crescent Lake. 

Master Gardener Training Course

FALMOUTH —  University of Maine Cooperative Extension in Cumberland County is offering a Master Gardener Training Course beginning Feb. 3, 2017.

The 2017 training program will focus on fruits and vegetables, and take place on 16 consecutive Friday afternoons in Falmouth.

A master gardener is a trained volunteer of UMaine Extension. Master gardeners receive approximately 50 hours of practical training in basic horticulture, and complete a minimum of 40 hours of approved volunteer work on various community-based projects around the county.

Participants must be residents of Cumberland County and are selected through an application process.

The deadline for submitting applications is Friday, Dec. 30.

FMI, application packets: 207-781-6099, 1-800-287-1471, tinyurl.com/jnsvqv9.

River Valley scholarship seeks applicants

DIXFIELD — The Dixfield Outdoor Market will award two scholarships for each River Valley high school in June 2017.

Ideal candidates will demonstrate financial need and academic merit, as well as a commitment to volunteering in their respective communities. Eligible candidates will be high school graduates in the River Valley, who are attending an accredited college or trade schools in any field.