UMaine Calendar

ORBITS: An exhibition of Tom Jessen, Isabelle Maschal O’Donnell and Ian Trask
2025-02-11 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-02-10 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-02-07 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-02-06 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-02-05 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-02-04 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-02-03 09:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Lord Hall Gallery, Lord Hall, University of Maine, Orono, ME, 04469, United States
The University of Maine’s Lord Hall Gallery presents ORBITS, an exhibition featuring the work of three Maine-based artists who are invested in material re-use and sustainability: Tom Jessen, Isabelle Maschal O’Donnell, and Ian Trask from February 3 – March 14, 2025. A reception will be held on February 7, 2025 from 5-7pm. During the reception, six Maine-based poets will read ekphrastic poems which they wrote about the artwork in ORBITS. The reading will take place at 6pm. Participating poets include Matt Bernier, Monique Bouchard, Sylvia Godreaux, Annaliese Jakimides, Carl Little, and Leslie Moore. All events are free and the public is warmly welcomed.
The artists in ORBITS work with the excess waste that circulates around us every day including paper, textiles, and plastics. As these materials pass through their hands, they are transformed into artwork and given new life. The playful colors and forms used by Jessen, O’Donnel, and Trask function as a surprising counterpoint to the urgency of the issues they explore such as sustainability, waste, and consumerism. ORBITS brings awareness to material culture and our relationship to the things around us.
Jessen’s work begins with collection. He gathers cast away food packaging and cuts it into small strips, which are sorted by color. The paper strips are reconfigured into kaleidoscopic surfaces reminiscent of woven fabrics. O’Donnell gathers textile waste and manipulates it into quilt-like surfaces inspired by her surrounding in Maine. Her work stretches our notions of painting and the usefulness of materials. Trask bundles and wraps an assortment of materials bound for the landfill. The orbs he creates are suspended and clustered into new forms that belie their humble origins.
Questions can be directed to: diana.baumbach@maine.edu Additional information about the artists is available on their websites: tomjessen.com, isabelleodonnell.com, .iantrask.com and on Lord Hall Gallery’s Instagram, @umaine_lordhallgallery.

Talk - Retooling State Government in an Era of Loose Networks: An Invitation to Collaborate
2025-02-10 15:00 - 16:00 | Norman Smith Hall, University of Maine, Orono, ME, 04469, United States
The talk will be held virtually via Zoom and in-person at 107 Norman Smith Hall, UMaine, Orono.

Virtual attendance: Complete the registration form for Zoom connection information

Speaker: Samantha Horn, Director, Maine Office of Community Affairs

In 50 years, Maine has transitioned from a command and control model of regulation to a vast network of nimble organizations and individuals acting to address community needs, including the need for resilience in the face of the climate and housing crises. A key endeavor for state government and, in particular, the new Maine Office of Community Affairs (MOCA), is to develop systems to provide technical assistance and incentives in a way that creates a supportive framework rather than duplicating or suppressing the work of other organizations. An early step for the office is to understand and make visible the networks within which it is operating. Mapping those networks in a way that is useful on a practical level for managing the daily work of the office is an intriguing challenge. The Director of MOCA is seeking advice, and welcomes thoughts and models from communities involved in this work.
Governor Mills appointed Samantha Horn as Director of the Maine Office of Community Affairs in October 2024. Horn has three decades of experience in policy, planning and science, including consulting on public stakeholder engagement, policy work, and planning and siting for development projects. Prior to starting her consulting business, she was the director of science for The Nature Conservancy in Maine and worked in state natural resource agencies for nearly 20 years, including more than a decade in leadership roles at the Maine Land Use Planning Commission.
Horn has a Master’s Degree in the Human Dimensions of Fish and Wildlife Conservation from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, with a focus on conflict resolution in natural resources, and a Bachelor’s degree in biology and English literature from Washington University in St. Louis. Her interests include rural community capacity, renewable energy siting practice, and integrated policy development. Horn was formerly on the boards of directors of the Maine Association of Planners, GrowSmart Maine, and the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund.

Costa Rica Information Session
2025-02-10 12:00 - 13:30 | Bangor Room, Memorial Union, University of Maine, Orono, ME, 04469, United States
Join us for the CISAbroad Costa Rica Information Session on Monday, February 10th, from 12 PM – 1:30 PM in the Bangor Room at the Memorial Union!
Meet fellow students who’ve traveled the world and hear their amazing stories!
Chat with advisors to get all your questions answered!
Explore your options for studying in the vibrant and lush country of Costa Rica!
Lunch will be provided!
Don’t miss this chance to start your adventure — see you there!

Introduction to Beekeeping Course - Machias
2025-02-08 10:00 - 12:00 | University of Maine at Machias, 116 O'Brien Avenue, Machias, ME, 04654, United States
University of Maine Cooperative Extension is offering an eight-session introduction to beekeeping course from 10 a.m. – Noon every Saturday from Feb. 8 – March 29 in Room 102 of the University of Maine at Machias’ Science Building, 116 O’Brien Ave.
Led by master beekeeper Andrew Dewey, the course will cover a wide range of topics including basic bee biology, hive construction and location, seasonal management and honey production. On March 22, attendees will also hear a special two-hour presentation by state apiarist Jennifer Lund on honey bee pests and diseases. The course is designed to provide participants with valuable knowledge and practical skills to start their own beekeeping journey.
The course fee is $75 per person, or per couple if sharing materials. Participants will receive a copy of the book “Simple Smart Beekeeping,” by Kirsten S. and Michael J. Traynor.
For a tentative schedule and to register, visit the program webpage.
For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact 800.287.1542 (in Maine), 207.255.3345; Tara Wood at tara.a.wood@maine.edu.

Broadway’s Next Hit Musical
2025-02-07 19:00 - 21:00 | Collins Center for the Arts, 2 Flagstaff Road, Orono, ME, 04469, United States
“Improv, Stand-up Comedy & Live Music made up ON THE SPOT!”
Every song is new, every show is different. These masters of improvisational musical theater are clever, witty, and hilarious. With song titles provided by the audience, be amazed as each nominated musical is created on the spot! Which will win the coveted Phony Award? Be there to find out!
Did you know seating for this performance will be right on stage? That’s right, we’re transforming our space into an intimate cabaret, complete with family-style tables, for an unforgettable, up-close experience. With a delicious selection of sweet and savory treats included in the price of your ticket!

Chemistry of Life: The Invisible Inside
2025-02-07 19:00 - 20:00 | Versant Power Astronomy Center, 167 Rangeley Rd., Orono, ME, 04469, United States
Sometimes it’s the smallest things that matter the most. Join us on a journey into a seemingly invisible world – the world of molecules and nanoparticles. What does the cell structure of a leaf look like? What might the neural network in our brain be like and how do cells communicate with each other?
Modern scientific visualizations provide an insight into how biochemical processes take place in our bodies, how they connect us with all other living things on Earth, and what their cosmic origin is. Embark on an extraordinary journey into our “inner universe”. For ages 13 and up.
Watch the trailer here!

Tickets for planetarium programs are $7 for Adults, $6 for UMaine Students/Veterans/Senior Citizens, and $5 for children under 12. Click here to view our calendar.
Tickets may be purchased online, by phone at 207.581.1341, or at our ticket box office prior to the show.

ORBITS Reception and Poetry Reading
2025-02-07 17:00 - 19:00 | Lord Hall Gallery, Lord Hall, University of Maine, Orono, ME, 04469, United States
On Feb. 7 from 5-7pm, a reception will be held for the exhibition “ORBITS,” featuring the work of three Maine-based artists who are invested in material re-use and sustainability: Tom Jessen, Isabelle Maschal O’Donnell, and Ian Trask. During the reception, six Maine-based poets will read ekphrastic poems which they wrote about the artwork in ORBITS. The reading will take place at 6pm. Participating poets include Matt Bernier, Monique Bouchard, Sylvia Godreaux, Annaliese Jakimides, Carl Little, and Leslie Moore. All events are free and the public is warmly welcomed.
Questions can be directed to: diana.baumbach@maine.edu Additional information about the artists is available on their websites: tomjessen.com, isabelleodonnell.com, iantrask.com and on Lord Hall Gallery’s Instagram, @umaine_lordhallgallery

Humanities major/minor information session
2025-02-06 12:00 - 14:00 | Bangor Room, Memorial Union, University of Maine, Orono, ME, 04469, United States
Thinking about a major or a minor in the arts or humanities?
The McGillicuddy Humanities Center welcomes prospective arts and humanities students (or those who’ve already declared a major or minor!) to an informal informational and advising session on Thursday, Feb. 6 from noon to 2 p.m. in the Bangor Room of the Memorial Union. Pizza and soda will provided.
We’ll have representatives from various humanities disciplines on hand to chat with students and help them chart a path through major and minor programs in modern languages and classics, history, English, the School of Performing Arts, art, philosophy, women’s, gender and sexuality studies, etc.
For more details, email mhc@maine.edu.

UMaine AI Webinar: Revolutionizing Healthcare: The Power of AI in Transforming Patient Care
2025-02-06 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom Web Conferencing
Join us for this one-hour webinar as we hear from Ghada Konsowa, Simulation Education Center Director at Husson University, Bangor, Maine. Moderated by Dr. Julia Upton, Associate Professor of Mathematics, Husson University & Certified AI Expert and AI Developer. Live Q&A after presentation.

Making an Issue: A Zine Workshop at Fogler Library
2025-02-05 16:00 - 17:00 | Fogler Library Classroom 1, University of Maine, Orono, ME, 04469, United States
Learn about the history of zines in this hands-on workshop and create a zine to take home.
To register, please go to our Workshops Guide.

Intermediate Beekeeping Course - Falmouth
2025-02-04 18:00 - 19:30 | UMaine Cooperative Extension Cumberland County, 75 Clearwater Drive, Suite 104, Falmouth, ME, 04105, United States
When: Tuesdays, February 4 – March 4, 2025 (Snow Date March 11, 2025)
This five week intermediate beekeeping course is designed to help beekeepers with two or more years of experience to the next level of apiary management. This course focuses on sustainable beekeeping techniques and strategies that work with the bees natural instincts while still incorporating the beekeepers goals for success. The course will dive deeper into the following subjects: seasonal colony management, queens and queen rearing, swarm management, apiary development, colony and apiary health, harvest and production of items for sale.
Cost: Single registration = $160
Household registration for 2 (1 book) = $270
The Cumberland County Intermediate Beekeeping Course is designed to help beekeepers with two or more years of experience to the next level of apiary management. This course focuses on sustainable beekeeping techniques and strategies that work with the bees natural instincts while still incorporating the beekeepers goals for success. The course will dive deeper into the following subjects: seasonal colony management, queens and queen rearing, swarm management, apiary development, colony and apiary health, harvest and production of items for sale. Instructor: EAS Certified Master Beekeeper Erin Evans.
The $160 fee and $270 fee includes the cost of one textbook and a Queen Marking Tube and Cage for each participant.
Register here!

Generative AI Evaluate and Cite: Leave what's wrong, keep what's right!
2025-02-04 16:00 - 17:00 | Fogler Library Classroom 2
Learn to evaluate AI tools, and their output. We’ll help you to find the best generative AI tools for your task while avoiding hallucinations and plagiarism. Please come with questions, we are happy to help!
To register and for a Zoom link, please go to our Workshops Page.

Careers In Outdoor Rec and Leadership
2025-02-04 10:30 - 13:30 | Memorial Union, North Pod
Looking to land a fun, outdoor-focused summer job? Stop by the North Pod in the Memorial Union on Tuesday, Feb. 4th from 10:30am–1:30pm to chat with representatives from top outdoor recreation organizations. Whether you’re interested in guiding, summer camps, or outdoor leadership, you’ll find plenty of opportunities. No need to dress up or bring application materials, come as you are and start planning your next adventure!

Recipe to Market Program
2025-02-04 09:00 - 12:00
The University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s popular three-hour workshop, Recipe to Market, covers the basics to take a favorite recipe or idea and start a food business. This workshop will introduce participants to important topics, such as an overview of the specialty foods industry, business basics to consider, and an overview of the product development process, licensing and regulations, and food safety concerns. This workshop is intended for individuals, entrepreneurs, and/or farmers interested in starting a home-based, specialty food business.

*This program does not cover herbal supplements, commercial processing (including dairy, meat, beverage, or juice manufacturing) or pet treats/foods.
Recipe to Market course instructors include:

Louis Bassano, Professor Emeritus of Cooperative Extension
Beth Calder, Extension Food Science Specialist, Professor of Food Science, and Director of the UMaine Food Testing Services
Jim McConnon, Professor Emeritus, School of Economics and Cooperative Extension, University of Maine

Minimum number of participants: 10*
Registration deadline is January 31, 2025.
Register here!
*We reserve the right to reschedule this program if the minimum number of participants has not been met.
Once registered, you will receive an email with a Zoom link a week before the class and an agenda and instructor handouts.
Please Note:
Registered participants will benefit from the flexibility of accessing the recording at a later date if they are unable to attend the in-person event. However, it’s important to note that the recording will be accessible for two weeks.
If you are a person with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in this program, please call Melissa Libby at 207.581.2788 or email melissa.libby1@maine.edu to discuss your needs. Receiving requests for accommodations at least 10 days before the program provides a reasonable amount of time to meet the request; however, all requests will be considered.

Talk - Energizing Equal Access: Partnering on Research for Resilience in Maine Communities and Wabanaki Tribes
2025-02-03 15:00 - 16:00 | ME
The talk will be held virtually via Zoom and in-person at 107 Norman Smith Hall, UMaine, Orono.

Virtual attendance: Complete the registration form for Zoom connection information

Speakers:

Sharon Klein, School of Economics, UMaine

Caroline Noblet, School of Economics, UMaine

The way people respond to a changing climate and the way they use energy in electricity, heating, and transportation are often dictated by historical patterns, events, and situations beyond their control. People who have been historically marginalized or disadvantaged often do not have access to the same energy-saving technologies or approaches to climate resilience as others. In this talk, Sharon, Caroline, and their team will describe ongoing partnerships with Wabanaki government staff and citizen committees; citizens and local government officials from rural Maine communities; and many other communities, people, and entities across Maine and beyond. These multiple partnerships have a common theme: supporting community- and Wabanaki-driven climate and energy resilience efforts through research-based opportunities to address energy and environmental equity and justice.

Sharon Klein and Caroline Noblet are both Associate Professors in the School of Economics at the University of Maine and Mitchell Center Faculty Fellows.

Sharon is an interdisciplinary energy researcher and educator who uses methods based in engineering, environmental science, economics and other social sciences to engage students, citizens, governmental and non-governmental entities in understanding energy issues and making more sustainable choices. She is currently leading projects that use community-based participatory research to understand barriers, opportunities, and decision drivers to sustainable energy (renewable energy & energy efficiency/conservation) adoption for individuals, communities, and local and tribal governments.

Caroline is a behavioral and experimental environmental economist with a particular focus on how people process and use information. She is currently working on projects that examine the role of risk perceptions, choice architecture, valuation of the environment and environmental motivation in natural resource decision making. Sharon and Caroline both enjoy the Maine outdoors, and spending time with their children and dogs.

Last day to drop classes for refund
2025-02-03 | ME
Click here to view the full 2024–25 Academic Year Calendar.

The Met: Live in HD – Aida
2025-02-01 13:00 - 15:00 | Collins Center for the Arts, 2 Flagstaff Road, Orono, ME, 04469, United States
Soprano Angel Blue makes her long-awaited Met role debut as the Ethiopian princess torn between love and country, one of opera’s defining roles. Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin takes the podium for Michael Mayer’s spectacular new staging, which brings audiences inside the towering pyramids and gilded tombs of ancient Egypt with intricate projections and dazzling animations.
What is The Met: Live in HD Series?
The Metropolitan Opera’s Peabody- and Emmy Award-winning series, The Met: Live in HD, lets fans immerse themselves in opera up to 10 times a year. Up to 12 cameras capture the onstage drama, as well as the fascinating backstage action, and transmit it from New York City to the Collins Center for the Arts and other venues across the globe.
Learn before you go!
Please join us for free informational sessions, held prior to each opera. You’re invited to attend to learn about the upcoming opera and meet up with other opera fans. Whether you have been to a zillion operas or have never been – these sessions are for you!
Tuesday, Jan. 28 at 4:15 pm at Dirigo Pines
Thursday, Jan. 30 at 5 pm at Orono Public Library

Backyard Maple Sugaring Workshop
2025-02-01 09:00 - 14:30 | UMaine Cooperative Extension York County, 45 Kennebunk Road, Alfred, ME, 04002, United States
Join experienced sugarmakers for demonstrations and discussion on all aspects of making maple syrup, the sweetest gift of nature, in your own backyard!
In the morning, learn about identifying and tapping trees, collecting and boiling sap, and more. After a short break, join us at a local maple farm to look at their tubing systems and learn how you can set up this efficient sap collection method.
This program is sponsored and co-taught by the Southern Maine Maple Sugarmakers Association.
Morning Session: 9:00-11:30 a.m.
York County Extension Office, 45 Kennebunk Road, Alfred, ME 04002 (Directions)
Afternoon Session: 12:30-2:30 p.m.
Sugarhouse Tour and Discussion: 207 Tappers, 125 Dennett Road, Arundel, ME 04046 (Directions)
Registration is required: Register Here
Registration includes a copy of Rink Mann’s “Backyard Sugarin’: A Complete How-To Guide.”
For more information or a reasonable accommodation, please contact Jason Lilley, Assistant Extension Professor and Sustainable Agriculture and Maple Industry Educator, University of Maine Cooperative Extension, at 207.781.6099 or 1.800.287.1471 or jason.lilley@maine.edu.

Application for graduation filing deadline (May)
2025-02-01 | ME

God, Science, and Our Search for Meaning
2025-01-31 19:00 - 20:00 | Versant Power Astronomy Center, 167 Rangeley Rd., Orono, ME, 04469, United States
Since the dawn of humanity, we have looked up to the skies in search of meaning. Even today, the mysteries of the cosmos inspire many of our most profound questions: Who are we? Why are we here? How did all of this come to be? God, Science, and Our Search for Meaning explores our oldest questions, offers exciting new possibilities, and unveils the startling interplay between science and religion as they both strive to illuminate our deepest mysteries.
Written and narrated by international bestselling author Dan Brown
Watch the trailer here!

Tickets for planetarium programs are $7 for Adults, $6 for UMaine Students/Veterans/Senior Citizens, and $5 for children under 12. Click here to view our calendar.
Tickets may be purchased online, by phone at 207.581.1341, or at our ticket box office prior to the show.

Set Your Intentions: A Vision Board Workshop
2025-01-31 11:00 - 15:00 | Student Wellness Resource Center, Room 145, 145 Memorial Union, Orono, ME, 04469, United States
Stop by the Student Wellness Resource Center to collage a mood board for the new semester!

Yamato Drummers – Hito no Chikara: The Power of Human Strength
2025-01-29 19:00 - 21:00 | Collins Center for the Arts, 2 Flagstaff Road, Orono, ME, 04469, United States
This renowned Taiko ensemble returns to the Collins Center for a dazzling night of traditional music from Japan. The sound of 40 different drums combined with intricate ensemble movement and spectacular costumes guarantee an unforgettable experience.
Join us at 6 p.m. for a pre-performance discussion with a member of Yamato!

ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Certification Class and Exam
2025-01-28 09:00 - 17:00 | UMaine Cooperative Extension Cumberland County, 75 Clearwater Drive, Suite 104, Falmouth, ME, 04105, United States
University of Maine Cooperative Extension can help you achieve your ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Certification. This nationally-recognized certification is for anyone working in the food industry, including non-profit organizations. UMaine Extension offers an 8-hour ServSafe® training using the latest ServSafe® Manager Book, 7th Edition Revised, and exam proctoring.
Date: Tuesday, January 28, 2025 (Inclement Weather Date: January 29th)
Time: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Location: UMaine Extension Cumberland County, 75 Clearwater Dr., Falmouth, ME
Cost: $150 for course and exam, registration deadline Jan. 14, 2025

IMRC Center Tour
2025-01-28 09:00 - 10:00 | Innovative Media Research and Commercialization Center (IMRC), Stewart Hall, University of Maine, Orono, ME, 04469, United States
Join IMRC Center staff for a general tour of the facility’s event space, classrooms, common areas, audiovisual studios, and maker labs. The tour is anticipated to last approximately 45 minutes. Offered on the 4th Tuesday of each month.
Guests of any background, including UMaine students, faculty, and staff, community group representatives, business representatives, and members of the public may join a tour. Groups larger than 20, or individuals and small groups for whom the scheduled times are not convenient, please contact the IMRC Center to schedule an individualized visit. Register for a tour.
