From left: Brynne Hanna, Taylor Corson, Jean Kerrigan, Cerina Leeman, and Annie Avantaggio,as Avantaggio presents a check to Kerrigan, who is a FARMS board member.
FARMS (Focus on Agriculture in Rural Maine Schools) was the beneficiary of Lincoln County SPARK for 2017. The SPARK group held a series of events beginning with the Summer 5K Run/Walk and River Cruise and a series of Healthy Holiday runs and walks during the winter, resulting in the first donation of $845. A grant of $1,000 was given to FARMS with the help of SPARK from the Maine Community Foundation – Mary McNally McFarland Fund. This donation subsidizes school classes and food pantry visits. The grand-finale fifth annual Snowball and Silent Auction added an additional $3,400.
“The FARMS board is grateful SPARK selected our organization as a worthwhile recipient,” said Jean Kerrigan, FARMS board member. “The hard work put forth on behalf of our mission reinforces both organizations and our community.”
SPARK is a social networking group in Lincoln County. Its mission is to connect people to each other and to the communities where they live, work, or play. The group strives to have a positive impact on the community through professional development, social events, and community initiative that will benefit current generations and those to come. Contact Lincoln County SPARK at facebook.com/lincolncountyspark.
FARMS’ mission is to provide education about good nutrition and the role of local farms in promoting healthy, sustainable communities; to promote and facilitate farm-to-institution purchasing and provide guidance and support to families that will increase the household consumption of locally grown produce; to offer hands-on experiences for people of all ages to develop expertise in cooking and gardening and a passion for healthier living; and to provide a place where local farmers, chefs, medical practitioners, and other community members can share their own knowledge and expertise. Contact FARMS at info@mefarms.org or 563-1161, or stop by 323 Main St., Damariscotta (above Rising Tide Community Market).
