A cooling center is a facility that has been opened for short term operations due to a specific emergency or event. They are normally opened when hot temperatures may become dangerous, such as the current heat wave we are experiencing in Maine. Interestingly, many of the cooling centers are also … [Read more...] about Cooling Centers in Southern Maine
How to Celebrate Pollinator Week in Maine
Pollinator Week happens every year, and in 2024 it is June 17 through June 24. Maine is a great place to celebrate pollinators and learn the vital role pollinators play in the ecosystem, pollinating many plants that produce fruits, vegetables and nuts. Pollinator Week aims to raise awareness and … [Read more...] about How to Celebrate Pollinator Week in Maine
National Doughnut Day in Maine
The first Friday in June is always National Doughnut Day or Donut Day if you like to spell it that way. Either way, that means that Friday, June 7, 2024 is a day when you may be able to find free or cheap doughnuts/donuts in Maine. Where to go on National Donut Day in Maine When I'd included … [Read more...] about National Doughnut Day in Maine
List of Lakes in Southern Maine
When visiting my grandparents on Long Pond in Parsonfield, I quickly learned that lakes in Maine, including Southern Maine, were often referred to as ponds. What determines if a body is water is called a pond or a lake? Well, for starters, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection says … [Read more...] about List of Lakes in Southern Maine
Best Maine Lobster Shacks Near Portland
While Old Port offers some of the best lobster rolls in Portland, Maine, there are plenty of great rolls in other parts of the city and the surrounding communities. We moved beyond the Portland waterfront and checked out street carts, bona fide lobster shacks as well as sit down … [Read more...] about Best Maine Lobster Shacks Near Portland
Maine Blueberries
Whenever visiting my grandparents at their Maine home in the summer, we would often head out back to pick blueberries. No, they weren't blueberry farmers — actually, they were apple farmers. Instead, they had a patch of low bush blueberries growing naturally in their backyard. Even our dog Misty got … [Read more...] about Maine Blueberries
SUN Bucks for Maine Kids This Summer
One of the challenges for Maine families whose children qualify for free or reduced lunch at school is what to do when school lets out. With June around the corner and the last school day as well, there is a way that Maine families will be able to continue feeding their children without an … [Read more...] about SUN Bucks for Maine Kids This Summer
Surprising Places to Use SNAP EBT Benefits
Did you know that SNAP EBT benefits used to be called food stamps and that recipients can use those benefits to get healthy food in places other than supermarkets? Farmers markets are one of those unexpected places that take SNAP EBT — and many markets are opening for the spring season now. Here is … [Read more...] about Surprising Places to Use SNAP EBT Benefits
Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Program for Kids
While I grew up doing the summer reading program at my public library, these days you can experience the same kind of reading programs at booksellers, too. This includes at the new Barnes and Noble that just opened in South Portland earlier this month. The store is located in the former Bed, Bath … [Read more...] about Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Program for Kids
Southern Maine Community Gardens
We just got back from visiting friends in Providence, Rhode Island. They had a hard time believing that we had just got leaves on the trees in Southern Maine, let alone that we hadn't even planted our vegetable garden yet. However, with winter-like weather expanding into May, it isn't always easy or … [Read more...] about Southern Maine Community Gardens
Maine Grocery Stores that Accept EBT Online
For the longest time, SNAP EBT recipients--in Maine or elsewhere--didn't have the option to shop at grocery stores online. Thankfully, the USDA has a SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot program up and running now. This gives SNAP recipients the option to grocery shop online using SNAP EBT benefits. The … [Read more...] about Maine Grocery Stores that Accept EBT Online
How to Freeze Fresh Blueberries
Did you know that 99 percent of fresh blueberries picked in Maine are sold frozen? In fact, most are frozen within 24 hours of picking. That's why if you've ever gotten fresh Maine blueberries and didn't want to have them go to waste, you need to learn how to freeze them. Also, just because you … [Read more...] about How to Freeze Fresh Blueberries