Cooking for Crowds

 Quick Tips  No Responses »
May 222013
 

chef_stiring_pot_anim_150_clr_6703The UMaine Cooperative Extension (Piscataquis County Office) is offering a “Cooking for Crowds” workshop in August.  You’ll learn up-to-date food safety techniques for buying, storing, preparing and serving foods. Participants receive a resource manual, thermometer, and more! Workshop is scheduled for Thursday, August 15th from 1 PM until 5 PM and costs only $15! (Scholarships are available.) The August workshop will be held at the Extension Office in Dover Foxcroft. You can register online at http://umaine.edu/food-health/food-safety/cooking-for-crowds or by calling 564-3301.

This workshop is actually available in many different parts of the state… Bangor in June… Skowhegan in July…  if you visit the link given above you’ll find a complete list and a way to request a workshop in your area.

Cooking for Crowds – Great for Granges!

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Loafing with CWA

 CWA Committee  No Responses »
Apr 252013
 

There appears to be several versions of the recipe for the Blueberry Banana Loaf floating around, including one that omits a line of instruction. The recipe in the official CWA Program Book is complete, and that book can be downloaded from the MSG website. The confusion appears to be in step one. The complete, correct instruction (as shown in the program book) is:

 Step #1

Heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and flour bottoms only of three 6”x3 ½” inch loaf pans. In large bowl, combine sugar and oil; beat well. Add bananas, applesauce, vanilla and eggs; blend well.

(This was edited a bit for clarity.) The program book also includes complete rules for entering, including contest deadline.

Officers and Directors, please note: This might be a good opportunity to remind everyone that posting your program book, contest rules, etc. on the website can avoid a lot of confusion and make the information widely available. Do not assume I have your information.. Program books or lengthy instructions and forms are best sent electronically (a PDF file is perfect) as an attachment to an email addressed to webmasteratmainestategrangedotorg  (webmasteratmainestategrangedotorg)  . If you have submitted your program books and other information to the site, please send any changes and corrections when you make them. We can save time and avoid confusion and frustration with a program of active communication.

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Selling Eggs in Maine

 Agriculture  No Responses »
Apr 122013
 

Webmaster’s Note: The following article is reprinted with permission from the Farming Newsletter for Piscataquis & Penobscot Counties, published by the UMaine Cooperative Extension… there’s been a growing interest in keeping backyard poultry throughout the state, so we thought this would be of interest.

No license or inspection is required by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Quality Assurance and Regulations for producers of eggs with less than 3000 laying hens.  However, there are several regulations that sellers of eggs must follow.

When selling eggs in Maine, the size and grade of the eggs must be labeled on the egg carton. The name, address and zip code of the packer must also be on the carton (an address sticker or stamp will suffice).  Eggs in the carton must match what is on the carton as labeled (grade, size and color). Cartons must also be labeled to state that refrigeration is required. Eggs must be stored and transported at 45 degrees F or less.

When reusing cartons, the USDA Shield must be obliterated from the carton because this shield suggests that the eggs have been inspected by the USDA. Cartons must be clean and odor free. Some grocery chains do not want their cartons to be reused. Generic cartons can be purchased from a local farm store or online. Keep empty egg cartons in a clean, dry odorless area.

Clean the eggs of any fecal matter as needed. Use a bleach solution of 1 tablespoon of bleach per gallon of warm water to wash any soiled or dirty eggs and use single-use, disposable paper towels. Other egg wash materials designed for this purpose are available for purchase. One such product is Egg Wash Powder from NASCO. The temperature of the water for washing eggs should be at a minimum of 90 degrees Fahrenheit.  Do not soak the eggs. Eggs have a natural wax covering. Excessive washing may remove this wax.

Those who sell eggs are encouraged to have product liability insurance. Your homeowner’s insurance may not be adequate. Speak to your insurance agent to make certain your product is covered.

The candling of eggs to determine cracks is not required. However, cracked eggs should not be sold because cracks increase the risk of contamination and entry of bacteria. Eggs must meet a minimum of Grade B quality.

For specific questions or additional information about regulations please call (207) 287-6319 or write:

Quality Assurance & Regulations, Dana Finnemore
Maine Department of Agriculture
State House Station 28
Augusta, ME 04333-0028
Email address:

danadotfinnemoreatmainedotgov  (danadotfinnemoreatmainedotgov)  

FYI: The State of Maine Food Code is a manual that lists all regulations related to food. You can request a free copy of the manual from the Maine Department of Agriculture or obtain in on-line at http://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/rules/01/001/001c331.doc

Information compiled by Richard Brzozowski, Extension Educator
University of Maine Cooperative Extension – Revised April 2010

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Halcyon Grange and Food Sovereignty

 Agriculture, Grange News, Legislative  No Responses »
Apr 082013
 

Webmaster’s note: Please note his is a local (Halcyon Grange) resolution and, as such may not reflect Maine State Grange Policy. For more information visit the Halcyon Grange website. You may also visit the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee’s webpage.

The Halcyon Grange enthusiastically voted to support  legislation being considered in Augusta called LD 475 An Act to Increase Food Sovereignty in Communities. Halcyon Grange Master John Gandy  sent the following letter to the clerk of the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee:

Please find attached Halcyon Grange of Blue Hill’s Resolution For Food Sovereignty in support of LD-475. The members of the Blue Hill Grange feel strongly that individuals have the right to consume foods of their choice from sources of their choice and that government does not have the right to take that freedom from us. We value the wholesomeness of locally grown and produced food from our farm neighbors. Therefore, Halcyon Grange #345 of Blue Hill unanimously passed the attached resolution and authorized me as Master of the Grange to forward it to the Committee.

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Highland Lake Grange Hosts Ag Program

 Agriculture, Uncategorized  No Responses »
Apr 022013
 
Highland Lake-Knight_resized

Warren Knight discusses ag with members and guests

Highland Lake Grange No. 87 in Westbrook hosted its first in a series of agricultural programs on March 24th. The evening was very enjoyable with 30 people in attendance, including five farm families.  Dr. Richard Brzowzowski from the Cooperative Extension Office of Cumberland County was the program facilitator.  Each farm discussed their operation and brought a power point presentation. They also pointed out the issues facing local farmers, especially the economic challenges and the creative ways they have found to make their farms economically viable. Farms in attendance were Sebago Lake Ranch of Gorham (grass-fed beef), Smiling Hill Farm of Westbrook (dairy), Jordan Farm of Cape Elizabeth (fruits and vegetables), Winslow Farm of Falmouth (organic fruits, vegetables and eggs) and Idle Knot Farm of Falmouth (vegetables).

The next agricultural night at Highland Lake is April 24th at 7PM with Dr. Brzowsowski presenting a program ways to extend the growing season in Maine. The Grange is at the corner of Rt. 302 and Hardy Road in Westbrook.

FMI – Dave Gowen, 854-5753 or gowenfrmatgwidotnet  (gowenfrmatgwidotnet)  Highland Lake-Hartwell_resized

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Wayside Grange Sets Show and Supper Schedule

 Events, Grange News  No Responses »
Mar 202013
 

The Wayside Grange in Dexter  finalized their 2013 Theatre Show schedule last Thursday evening. Eight bands have been booked to play from April to October. Two Talent Nights, and a Children’s Play will also be featured to round out the schedule. Beginning the season on April 27th will be the Abbott Hill Ramblers, a local youth music group from the Dexter School District SAD 46.

Ken and Jane Brooks will be here on May 25th to play Classic Country,, and Zevulon performs on June 22nd. String Field Theory, a local acoustic group is here on July 27th. The Sandy River Ramblers will be featured on August 24th. Amy Gallatin will be in town on August 31st. Nite Boat featuring Light Jazz will perform on September 28th. Rounding out the season playing American Roots style music will be Evergreen on October 26th

Each band is asked to contribute a CD of their music for a door prize. We will be selling their CDS during the show. Other features of the evening will be a 50/50 raffle, a home-made pie auction, and refreshments at intermission.

A report on the Talent Night show was given by Tim Breen and Michelle Dyer-Fagan. Work is progressing on casting parts and creating skits. They are looking for anyone in the area to sign up to perform. All are welcome.

The Children’s Play is scheduled for Sept. 21 and the theme will be either Peter Rabbit or Mother Goose Rhymes.

A spring cleaning work date is scheduled at the Grange building on Sunday March 24th beginning at 10:00 AM. Building maintenance and minor repairs were discussed and Chester Bekier, Joe Kennedy, and Dave Pearson will inspect the building for any repairs needed.

Barbara Bekier is working on the menu for the first Grange supper to be on April 13. Pork loin, vegetables, and salad are on the menu. The supper committee is looking for musicians to provide background music during the meal. Another idea discussed is to have a short presentation or entertainment after the meal free of charge.

It was decided to keep both the Grange and the theatre organizations intact as separate organizations, continue using the Wayside Theatre name  and including the Grange emblem with it.

Grace Lommel presented a press release schedule to get out to the public the show and supper dates well ahead of the scheduled event. There will be extensive press releases going out to all Central Maine newspapers, The Daily ME Blog, and the local and state Granges.

The next meeting will be on April 11 at 6PM at the Grange.

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Farmers, Get Counted!

 Agriculture  No Responses »
Jan 192013
 

The following article is reprinted from Farming News January 2013 Piscataquis & Penobscot Counties, published by the UMaine  Coopperative Extension.

The USDA Census of Agriculture is conducted every five years by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) to make a complete count of all U.S. farms, ranches and those who operate them.

The Census tells the story of U.S. agriculture; that 3 million farmers in the United States, only one percent of our total population, provide feed, fuel, and fiber for the other 99 percent.  Your answers to the Census help shape farm programs and boost services for you, your community and your industry.

Census forms were mailed out in late December.  Responses are due by February 4, 2013.  Producers also have the option to complete their forms online.  If you did not receive a form please contact the Ag Census and they will mail one to you.

The Ag Census is your voice, your future and your responsibility.  For more information visit www.agcensus.usda.gov or call 1-888-424-7828.

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Tears in the Kitchen

 Agriculture, Family Health & Hearing  No Responses »
Dec 082012
 

Reprinted from The Piscataquis and Penobscot Gardening Newsletter, published by UMaine Extension.

Since I was a little girl, I was learning from my mother the basic cooking skills, and once in a while I noticed she was crying in the kitchen. I in my naïve little girl mind I always thought she was sad, but when I began to be part of the cooking team at home I realized that her eyes were full of tears due to the onions. Basically the cause of these tears is the amount of sulfur stored in the onion flesh; this is released as fumes when we cut them.

As gardeners, it is possible to manage the amount of sulfur in the onions by growing them in low sulphur soils or planting varieties with lower sulphur “uptake”. Some varieties like Walla Walla, Mt Whitney and Ailsa Craig are a good choice.

However, maybe you don’t know the reasons why Mother Nature made the onions this way. Actually the sulfur protects the onion plant from diseases and insects but it benefits us as consumers because our bodies need sulfur in hundreds of physiological processes.

On the other hand, onions are safe to eat in any quantity you are likely to consume because they are low in sodium, free from fats, cholesterol, contain a pretty good mix of vitamins and minerals and is a vital component in promoting overall health.

So on behalf of our health I think the tears in the kitchen after all are not too bad.

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Danville Grange Supports Backpack Program

 Community Service  No Responses »
Jun 252012
 

Maggie Soule, librarian at Park Avenue School and Kate Dargie, fund raiser for this program. On the right is Joyce MacDonald, community service chair of Danville Junction Grange.

At a recent meeting of Danville Junction Grange, members collected $75 for the Park Avenue School BackPack Program. This program provides students suffering the effects of chronic hunger at the Auburn school with nutritious, easy-to-prepare food to eat during weekends and school vacations when these crucial school meals are unavailable. For $250 a year per student, Good Shepherd Food Bank is able to provide a variety of staple meal items, breakfast foods, and healthy snacks in discreet, resealable bags.

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Lecturers’ Newsletter Apr-Jun 2012

 Lecturer  No Responses »
Apr 132012
 
Sherry Harriman, Lecturer
280 Kennebunk Rd Sanford, ME 04073-5515
Phone: 490-1029 Fax: 490-0111
E-Mail: sherryhatgwidotnet  (sherryhatgwidotnet)  

March 31, Skit Writing and Story Writing entries are due to my home address. Entries will be judged during April or May and winners announced. Performances will be September 15 at Lecturers Conf. There will be NO Talent Contest in April. It will be in September 15 at the Maine Lect. Conference. All are welcome.

APRIL IS GRANGE MONTH!!! Order your Community Service Awards from National Grange! Get Certificates of Appreciation from me or state office.

North East Lecturers Conference (Information comes out in May and is sent to the Grange Secretary.) July 10 Registration Deadline. (Send form & conference fee to host state) (Send registration card & $10.00 fee to State Lect.)

July 20, 21, 22 Family Campout Weekend Silver Springs Campground in Saco. Note: This is a change of dates and week. Call campground for reservations.

July 30 – Aug 2 North East Lect. Conference— NH Hosting Note change of dates / week! (Rivier College, Nashua, NH App. $240.00 & $10.00 regis.)

POETRY CONTEST JULY 1 Deadline Date sent to Lect. home

AGE GROUPS: All Subordinate Members; And Juniors 5–9 , 10–14 (Age as of Jan 1)

CATEGORIES: 1. NATURE 2. LOVE 3. GRANGE 4. PATRIOTIC 5. OTHERS

Three (3) prizes will be awarded in each category to each age group. Awards will be given Sept. 15 at the Lecturers’ Conference.

RULES:

1. The poem(s) must be written by a Grange member.

2. There is no restriction on length of poem.

3. Entries are to be sent, e-mailed or faxed to the State Lecturer’s home address by July 1, 2012.

4. There is no limit on number of poems submitted, however, you can receive only one prize per category.

5. YOU MUST SELECT A CATEGORY FOR EACH OF YOUR ENTRIES.

6. Put your title, name and all the following information at the top of each poem:

TITLE OF POEM; CATEGORY; NAME / AUTHOR; ADDRESS; GRANGE NAME & NO.; PHONE. AGE OF JUNIOR (as of Jan 1 of current year)

******************************************************

This article was sent to me. I thought this would be an excellent idea for us to participate in our areas around the state. I am certain any of the food pantries would appreciate the help.

“Spread The Love: Peanut Butter & Jelly Drive” In these hard economic times, more Maine families are facing hunger than ever before. Today, 200,000 Mainers, including 1 in 4 children, struggle with hunger. Bangor Savings Bank is excited to launch its first-ever Peanut Butter and Jelly Drive. During the month of March, join Bangor Savings Bank in the fight against hunger by donating peanut butter and jelly. Stop in at your local Bangor Savings Bank branch and drop off a jar of peanut butter, jelly, or both. All donations will help families right in your community through your local food pantry.

Why peanut butter and jelly? Peanut butter is among one of the most expensive foods for food banks to purchase in large quantities. However, it is in high demand because it is rich with protein and also has monounsaturated and polyunsaturated oils, the “good fats.” And what’s peanut butter without jelly?

Christine Force, Good Shepherd Food-Bank’s Vice President of Fund Development and Strategic Initiatives says, “… thanks to this peanut butter & jelly drive, more families will have access to a protein-rich, non-perishable food, and it will make a big difference in their daily lives.” For more information or to find a branch nearest you, visit www.bangor.com.

Thank You, Bangor Savings Bank Community Matters More.”

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