Longfellow Days 2010

LONGFELLOW & THE LANDSCAPE: EARTH, SEA & SKY

The works of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow are filled with vivid evocations of the natural world, from the forest creatures of Hiawatha and the farming communities of Evangeline to the furious wind and waves depicted in The Wreck of the Hesperus. Join us in Brunswick this February as we honor the distinguished author with cultural programs that celebrate our environment and explore sustainability strategies and solutions.                                                                                       

Thursday, February 4, 6:30 PM ▪ GARDENS GALORE

Immerse yourself in lush landscapes and bountiful bouquets as you hear from some of Maine’s best gardeners.  First, come for tasty treats at the Café, to view exquisite watercolors by Evelyn Dunphy and a film about the artist at 5:30.  $10 in advance or $12 at the door, benefitting the Maine Street plantings of the Village Improvement Association.  Reservations recommended. Frontier Café, Gallery & Cinema, Ft. Andross, Brunswick.

Saturday, Feb 6, 2-6 PM ▪ OUTDOOR WINTER FUN & AROUND THE OLD CAMP FIRE

Bring family and friends to Crystal Spring Farm for Outdoor Winter Fun and Singing Around the Campfire, a collaboration with the Brunswick Topsham Land Trust.  Outdoor fun starts at 2pm with sledding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing on land trust trails.  Guided cross-country ski begins at 2:30pm.  At 4pm enjoy hot chocolate, snacks and toast marshmallows by a campfire. Sing camp songs led by Jean Shaw, Rob Jarratt and friends.  And as evening comes, gaze at the stars. Learn about the winter night sky with volunteers from the Southern Maine Astronomers.  They will bring a telescope; bring your own or bring binoculars for the evening.  Everyone is welcome. Parking is quite limited; please carpool if possible. Free. Crystal Spring Farm, 277 Pleasant Hill Rd., Brunswick

Sunday, February 7, 1:00 PM ▪ POETS IN THE COMMUNITY #1

Longfellow is just one of many poets who have graced the Brunswick area through the years, and the tradition continues today.  Over three Sunday afternoons, Herb Coursen curates a three-part series of readings by local writers.  Today the works of Alice Persons, Anne Oleson, and Coursen are featured.  Refreshments courtesy of Bohemian Coffee House. Fireplace Room, Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick

Wednesday, February 10, 6:00 PM ▪ VERY NOURISHING: A LOCAVORE DINNER

Savor a dinner buffet from the renowned dining services at Bowdoin College, drawn from local suppliers of produce, cheese, and beef.  The multi-course meal will be followed by a lively presentation outlining the College’s many sustainability achievements.  $20 per person. Reservations required by February 2nd.  Please call 207-729-4439. Maine Lounge, Moulton Union, Bowdoin College, Brunswick

Thursday, February 11, 7:00 PM ▪ SEED STARTING

It’s not too early.  Join host Fred Horch and master gardener volunteer Brett Thompson to learn secrets for starting a bountiful garden from seeds.  Supplies and organic seeds will be available for purchase.  Seating is limited, so reservations recommended.  207-729-4050. Free. F.W. Horch Sustainable Goods, 56 Maine Street, Brunswick

Saturday, February 13, 11 AM-1 PM ▪ CERTIFIED ORGANIC FUN

While you’re shopping, come sit and listen at our narrative stage, where an oral historian will interview local farmers, bakers, cheese makers, and others about their work and their products. Ft. Andross (enter through West Tower at left of mill building near flea market), Brunswick

Sunday, February 14, 1:00 PM ▪ POETS IN THE COMMUNITY #2

Readings by poets Kevin Sweeney, Joan Nicholson, and Darcy Shargo.  Refreshments served. Fireplace Room, Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick

Wednesday, February 17, 12:15 PM ▪ A SENSE OF PLACE

Whether you are a native-born Mainer or “from away,” you recognize qualities that make Maine life special.  Local author Jane Brox will discuss writers whose distinct sense of place informs their subject and style. Part of Midcoast Senior College’s Winter Wisdom program. Morrell Room, Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick

Thursday, February 18, 6:30 PM ▪ ECO-PechaKucha

Scores of Maine environmental organizations and businesses sustainably manage natural resources and model green practices. Nancy Randolph emcees ten 6-minute presenters, including Cold Water Vodka, Shelter Institute, and Maine Coast Heritage Trust.  This program of information and inspiration benefits the Androscoggin Brunswick-Topsham Riverwalk.  $10 in advance or $12 at the door. Reservations recommended:  207-725-5222. Frontier Café, Gallery & Cinema, Ft. Andross, Brunswick

Saturday, February 20, 7:00 PM ▪ ENVIRONMENTAL SONGS AND STORIES

The world around us inspires music, poetry and prose.  Tonight, readings by prize-winning high school readers and storyteller Pat Gardiner, ballads performed by Kat Logan and Jim Loney, and original songs for singing along with Grace Lewis McLaren.  Refreshments at intermission.  $10 adults, $5 students. The Theater Project, 14 School St., Brunswick.

Sunday, February 21, Noon - 4:00 PM ▪ VISIT LONGFELLOW’S HOUSE

His Brunswick home, that is.  The Pejepscot Historical Society provides free tours on the hour, adding some Civil War history to our literary mix. Joshua Chamberlain Museum, Maine and Potter Streets, Brunswick

Sunday, February 21, 1:00 PM ▪ POETS IN THE COMMUNITY #3

Poets Marta Finch, Ted Bookey, and David Adams complete our three-part series of readings. Refreshments. Fireplace Room, Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick

Thursday, February 25, 6:30 PM ▪ BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE MUSEUM

Join Kevin Salatino, new Director of the Bowdoin College Museum of Art, for a walkthrough of nature-oriented exhibitions, including Grounded: Two Centuries of American Landscape, then chat with some contemporary landscape painters. Co-sponsored by the Five Rivers Arts Alliance. Bowdoin College Museum of Art, Brunswick.

Sunday, February 28, 11:00 AM ▪ HONORING HWL

A day after Longfellow’s 202nd birthday, the Merrymeeting Singers and members of the Bowdoin College Chorale help bring Longfellow Days 2010 to a close in the church that showcases a Bible contributed by the poet. Unitarian Universalist Church, 15 Pleasant St., Brunswick.

Longfellow Days is a program of the Brunswick Downtown Association & Bowdoin College ▪ with support from the Nathaniel Davis Fund, the Senter Fund, and the Association of Bowdoin Friends ▪