Join MDF for a workshop with Janine Fondon, Co-Founder UnityFirst, Assistant Professor and Chair of Undergraduate Communication at Bay Path University. We will revisit the path from inequity to inclusion by learning more about truth-telling in a world of fake news, distorted facts and untold history. The session will examine a range of topics from the tragedy of George Floyd, the struggle of women of color to make change, violence against Asians, the future of white privilege, and Juneteenth. How do we address systemic racism in a divided society? Part of MDF’s Women Transforming Leadership Series.
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Union Church of Biddeford Pool is celebrating their 20^th Speaker Series Anniversary with another slate of nationally recognized speakers. This year’s summer-long series features virtual addresses from authors and thought leaders who take their inspiration from nature as part of the unifying theme: “Rekindling Love for Our Living Earth.”

Four presentations are scheduled over a three-month period, all touching on important topics related to the health of our planet. On June 17th, Jennifer Comeau, author and founder of Sunrise Hill Sanctuary, kicks off the series with a presentation on “Reclaiming Your Wild.” On July 8th, local entrepreneur Phil Coupe, founder of Revision Energy, will give a talk entitled “A Blueprint for a Renewable Energy Future.”  This event will be a hybrid in-person/zoom event. On July 29th, Diane Wilson, Executive Director of the Native American Food Safety Alliance, and author of The Seed Keeper, will speak about “Seeds for Seven Generations.” On August 19th, author and Harvard Divinity School Writer-in-Residence, Terry Tempest-Williams will speak on “Defending Wild Earth”.  All events are at 7PM EDT via Zoom.

Several additional events are included with your Series ticket price, such as a Movie Night, featuring a screening of Kiss the Ground, an inspiring film about agricultural revolution in America, a workshop on the wonders of nature, and community “Deepening Conversations” designed to and enhance conversation around “what is mine to do” in terms of climate and environmental degradation.

The healthcare landscape in Maine and across the nation has undergone dramatic change in the past several decades, and change continues unabated. Join MDF’s panel of healthcare experts and practitioners as we examine the current healthcare ecosystem in Maine, and explore innovative approaches to funding, delivery, and development of a more diversified healthcare workforce. Specifically, we’ll look closely at: innovations and disruptions occurring in healthcare that will fundamentally change how healthcare is delivered and paid for; the current and projected impact of Community Health workers, an emerging peer workforce, on healthcare delivery in Maine; addressing the barriers to work faced by foreign trained health professionals and the role they can play in creating a diverse and culturally competent workforce. Participants will hear from Judiann Ferretti Smith, Hanley Center; Peter Hayes, Healthcare Purchaser Alliance of Maine; Ben Hummel, Maine Mobile Health Program, and Sally Sutton, New Mainers Resource Center, Portland Adult Education. Part of our Innovating for Economic Growth Series.
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Join the YMCA of Southern Maine for the Virtual Peaks to Portland Swim to Benefit Kids! The event runs anytime between July 1 and July 31, and brings the world-famous open water swim to you while helping the Y provide critical support to kids and families in our community.  By registering to swim the 2.4 miles in your body of water of choice, you’ll be making life more certain for kids while continuing the tradition of the iconic Peaks to Portland swim.

The Camden Garden Club’s major fundraiser is back after a year hiatus with its “Gardens-Only” tour on July 15. The annual tour includes wonderful gardens and a special guided visit at the Conway Homestead. The Club continues its 73-year tradition providing locals and visitors with a fun day spent in lovely gardens. A painting by Maine artist Cali Veilleux will be raffled off, with all proceeds going to the Club’s Scholarship Fund. Purchase tickets online or at the Camden Chamber of Commerce Office on tour day.

Join the Friends of Fort Williams for the 10th annual Cape Elizabeth Garden Tour, featuring beautiful gardens with ocean views, backyard wildlife habitat, native plants, woodlands, raised beds, stone work, historic homes, and more! The event is self guided, with maps and a program available at registration on the morning of the tour. Tickets are $30, with proceeds benefitting the Friends of Fort Williams Park, a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose Ecology Project controls damaging invasive plants and nurtures sustainable plant communities. Established sites support wildlife and provide natural spaces for visitors’ enjoyment. For more information, contact Jennifer at Friends of Fort Williams Park (207-767-3707).

LifeFlight’s annual fundraiser is a remote event where participants “cross” their favorite part of Maine by swimming, paddling, hiking, biking, running, sailing, rowing and more. This unique event aims to connect the corners of Maine with hundreds of individual “crossings” much like LifeFlight connects patients from all over the state to the critical care they need. This unique statewide event has raised more than $1.8 million to help LifeFlight carry out its lifesaving mission. The breathtaking waters, mountains and trails of Maine are legendary… find your favorite place, or a new one, and make your crossing epic!