Campus Events and Media Releases

UMF Partners with Farmington Community to Present Day of Climate Awareness Events

FARMINGTON, ME (October 9, 2009)--University of Maine at Farmington, in
collaboration with Farmington citizens and non-profit groups, will host an
array of local events as part of an international day of climate awareness.
These events are free and open to the public and will focus on combating
climate change, reducing energy use, improving energy efficiency and
celebrating the natural riches of Maine. They will be held between 8 a.m.
and 7:30 p.m., on Saturday, October 24, at sites on the UMF campus and in
Farmington.

The international day of climate awareness is sponsored by 350.org and is a
campaign dedicated to uniting the world around solutions for climate
change. The organization's name refers to 350 parts per million of carbon
in the atmosphere, which climate researchers currently believe is a ceiling
for a healthy planet. Since carbon in the atmosphere has already reached
386 parts per million, organizers believe that turning back our carbon
emissions is urgent, and they are eager to promote energy conservation and
renewable energy.

350 Day Events:

350 Bell Ringing
8 a.m.; Old South First Congregational Church, Main St.
The bells will be rung 350 times to usher in the international day of
climate awareness.

Community Energy Challenge Workshop
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.; Old South First Congregational Church, Main St.
Well-known energy guru Dr. Charlie Wing will lead a workshop on key
concepts of the Energy Challenge--a program using simple home energy
assessments and weatherization to improve people's homes. For more
information:
http://conservationfair.wordpress.com/join-the-community-energy-challenge/.
Please sign up in advance with nteel@localnet.com.

Free Electronics and E-Waste Recycling and Disposal
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.; Aubuchon Hardware parking lot, routes 2 & 4
Bring TV's, computers, monitors, VCR's and other electronic devices listed
at www.ewastemaine.com for safe disposal. For more information, contact
magri@maine.edu.

Farmington Conservation Fair
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Community Center, Middle St.
Join us for a full day of energy exhibitors, workshops, speakers, and local
foods, to connect citizens with information on energy efficiency. Keynote
speakers from 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.: Dion Olmstead, weatherization and
sustainable home design; Iver Lofving, affordable renewable energy for the
home; Chris Knapp, low-impact living. Light breakfast refreshments
available thanks to local businesses. For more information or to sign up as
a free exhibitor, contact Jeremy Smith at 350conservationfair@gmail.com or
http://conservationfair.wordpress.com/tag/350.org/.

Talk on Bioefficiency by Will Bonsall
1 - 2:30 p.m.; UMF North Dining Hall
Bonsall is a leader in the conservation of crop genetic resources, director
of Scatterseed in Industry, a director of Seed Savers national organization
and author of "Yaro Tales." For more information:
350conservationfair@gmail.com, or
http://conservationfair.wordpress.com/tag/350.org/.

Tours of Sustainability and Nature at UMF
1 to 3 p.m.; UMF Education Center
Tours available: LEED-certified Education Center; ARAMARK Dining Services,
UMF Arboretum, local geology.

Halloween Mask Making for Children Using Recycled Materials
1 -3 p.m.; UMF Education Center lobby
Children 4-12 make Halloween masks under the direction of Alpha Phi
Omega-UMF service club.
For more information contact ruby.l.bond@maine.edu

Live Outdoor Video Shoot
4 p.m. sharp; UMF parking lot, High St.
Demonstration of Farmington's commitment to lowering carbon emissions.
Everyone welcome to this event that may be broadcast worldwide. Please wear
a green shirt or jacket. For more information contact huebner@maine.edu.

Pot Luck Supper
5-7 p.m.; Old South First Congregational Church, Main St.
Participants may drop off food contributions beginning at 2 p.m. and join
neighbors for supper from 5-7 p.m. Local foods are encouraged. For more
information contact epliddy@yahoo.com.

350 Day Concert: The Power of Music
7:30 p.m., UMF Nordica Auditorium
Great variety of local talent performing songs and readings that inform,
inspire and entertain, including Ruth Hill, Bill Berlinghoff, Seth Fogg, a
children's chorus, UMF student members of Clef Notes, and many more
performers. The winner of a song contest will perform. Donations accepted
to defray costs. For more information contact Sarah Sloane at
sloane@maine.edu and http://conservationfair.wordpress.com/ .

Sponsors for these events include: UMF Sustainable Campus Coalition; County
Energy Resource Team; United Way of the Tri-County Valley; Old South First
Congregational Church; Jeremy Smith and Farmington citizens; Koviashuvik
Local Living School; Alpha Phi Omega, UMF service club; UMF Everyone's
Resource Depot; UMF SEA-Change; Western Maine Peace Action Workshop and
WordPlay Theater.

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