Women for Healthy Rural Living

Mending Cafe
2027-07-13 08:00 - 17:00, 2027-06-08 08:00 - 17:00, 2027-05-11 08:00 - 17:00, 2027-04-13 08:00 - 17:00, 2027-03-09 08:00 - 17:00, 2027-02-09 08:00 - 17:00, 2027-01-12 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-12-08 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) and 2 more dates | Women for Healthy Rural Living
Have you always wanted to learn how to mend your clothes? Do you have a pile of clothes you love that need a little TLC before you can wear them again? Are you a seasoned mender looking to meet and connect with others? There is a place for you at WHRL’s Mending Cafe! Share your favorite technique for putting a patch on your jeans, sewing on a button, darning your knitwear, and more! Some repairs may benefit from the use of a sewing machine; we will always have at least one available.
We welcome all skill levels to this program. Although this will not be a class, there will be menders who can help you brainstorm ideas for your repairs. We will have some tools and materials available, but we recommend bringing your favorite sewing notions from home. We will have plenty of fabric scraps, embroidery floss, yarn, and iron for pressing. We will also have some of our favorite books on mending techniques available for in-class use and inspiration!
Please note that this program will take place monthly on the second Tuesday of each month on a drop-in basis.

Saturday Craft and Chat
2027-07-10 09:00 - 11:00, 2027-06-12 09:00 - 11:00, 2027-05-08 09:00 - 11:00, 2027-04-10 09:00 - 11:00, 2027-03-13 09:00 - 11:00, 2027-02-13 09:00 - 11:00, 2027-01-09 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-12-12 09:00 - 11:00 and 2 more dates | Women for Healthy Rural Living
Join us for a relaxing Saturday morning craft group, open to everyone and all skill levels! Whether you’re into knitting, crocheting, needlework, or paper crafts, bring your craft and come along to enjoy some creative time. It’s a fun, casual space to learn, share ideas, and make new friends. We meet on the second Saturday of each month from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Hope to see you there!
Reach out to Kelly if you have questions!

Nature’s Gifts, Ingersoll Point, Addison
2026-12-12 12:00 - 15:00 | Ingersoll Point, Addison
How can we use nature to improve mental and physical health? This outing will provide guided nature-connection activities you can use anytime to regain a sense of calm and deepen a connection to place as well as show examples of how we can build survival skills by learning from the year-round species that do it best. To top it off, we’ll learn about some nature-based crafts to inspire holiday gifts. In OWL outings, frequent stops are built into the program to discuss elements of the natural world that we learn about on the way. The pace is always determined by the needs and desires of the group with a primary goal of going slow to enhance our connection with nature and each other. Moderate hike.* Trail info available at https://www.mainetrailfinder.com/trails/trail/ingersoll-point-preserve. Bring warm winter layers, including waterproof, insulated boots. As a base layer, long johns (wool or synthetic) are recommended under bulky, warm mid-layers and water- and windproof outer layers, including mittens/gloves and a hat. Bring a comfortable backpack to carry extra layers and water in. Questions about how to prepare? Just ask! We have extra gear to share.
OWL Outings are led by Registered Maine Guides at Maine Outdoor School who all hold a minimum of a Wilderness First Aid certification. To learn more about MOS’s guides, visit https://www.maineoutdoorschool.org/staff.
*To determine the difficulty level of outings, we use Maine TrailFinder’s difficulty rating system. For more detailed information about these difficulty levels, including visual examples, explore the rating system here.
Gear LibraryWHRL and MOS have a gear collection for OWL outings. Please reach out directly to Lizzie at 413-717-7827 or by email at lizzie@whrl.org if you are interested in using any of the items below. Use is first-come, first-served.Need something that you don’t see on the list below? Reach out!
Available Gear

Trekking poles (6 sets)
Microspikes (4 sets, two small, two medium)
Snow Shoes
Warm layers: hats, mittens, jackets, snowpants, a few pairs of snow boots, rain ponchos, scarves, warm socks

Space is limited, and registration is required. Registration opens on November 9.

Wilderness First Aid
2026-11-14 - 2026-11-15 | WHRL Thankful Room, 87 Main Street, Milbridge, Maine, 04658, United States
Accidents happen. People get hurt, sick, or lost. The temperature drops, the wind picks up, and it starts to rain. Would you know what to do? Prepare for the unexpected. Wilderness First Aid (WFA) builds a solid foundation in backcountry medical care. This 16-hour course teaches the essential skills needed to respond to emergencies in remote environments—where calling 911 isn’t an option. By learning a few basic skills, you can make the difference between a good and bad outcome – and maybe even save a life.
Wilderness First Aid is the perfect course for outdoor enthusiasts who want basic first-aid training for short trips with family, friends, or outdoor groups. Hands-on, practical, and fun—WFA isn’t just life-saving training, it’s an unforgettable experience. We are excited to have Nancy Zane, a Registered Maine Guide and owner of NorthStar Adventures, return to teach this course!
You’ll Learn How to Assess and Respond to a Wide Range of Scenarios, Including:

Patient Assessment & Scene Safety

Learn how to evaluate injuries, prioritize care, and stay safe while helping others.

Soft Tissue & Musculoskeletal Injuries

Includes fracture stabilization, wound care, sprains, strains, and burn management.

Environmental Emergencies

Manage heat and cold-related illnesses, lightning strikes, near-drowning, and more.

Medical Emergencies

Gain confidence responding to allergic reactions, shock, asthma, diabetic emergencies, and other common backcountry medical issues.

Survival Skills & Evacuation Strategies

Learn how to keep yourself and others safe while awaiting rescue or self-evacuating.

Whether you’re a weekend hiker or an outdoor guide, this course empowers you to think clearly, act confidently, and care for others when it matters most.
You will leave this course with a SOLO Wilderness First Aid certification, valid for two years. Wilderness First Responder recertification will be available to participants for an additional $15.00 per person. You must have a SOLO WFR to recertify with a WFA course. If you have a WFR from a company other than SOLO, you can only recertify with a WFR recertification course.
CPR certification will be available immediately after class for an additional $25 per person.
Open not just for women! All community members age 14+ are welcome to attend. All those under 18 must have a guardian present. For any questions, email Lizzie at lizzie@whrl.org or call 901-213-6667.

2026 Wilderness First Aid

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Is there anything else we should know? Any accommodations that will make this day work for you?Optional Certifications with North Star AdventuresWilderness First Responder Recertification (Optional)Wilderness First Responder recertification is available to participants for an additional $15.00. **You must have a SOLO WFR to recertify with a WFA course.** If you have a WFR from a company other than SOLO, you can only recertify with a WFR recertification course.

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Holiday Quilling
2026-11-07 14:00 - 16:30 | WHRL Thankful Room, 87 Main Street, Milbridge, Maine, 04658, United States
If you’ve ever wanted to try quilling—or build on skills you already have—now is the perfect time! Add a personal touch to your holidays by creating something beautiful through the art of quilling. Also known as paper filigree, quilling is a decorative art form dating back to the Renaissance that involves rolling, shaping, and gluing thin strips of paper to create intricate designs and patterns.
Join Holiday Quilling with Kelly on Saturday, November 7th, from 2 – 4:30 pm for a fun and creative workshop with a holiday focus. Participants can make a snowflake ornament, create a gift tag, or design a one-of-a-kind holiday card. Projects can be as simple or as detailed as you’d like, and starting with a smaller project offers an easy, approachable way to learn. All materials will be provided.
This workshop is open not only to women, but to everyone in the community—ages 14 and up (a guardian is required if the participant is under the age of 16). Registration is required.
You may recognize Kelly from here at WHRL, where she serves as our Communications Coordinator, managing social media and newsletter publications. Outside of work, Kelly enjoys spending time at home with her husband, hiking, and exploring various crafts—including quilling. She learned the art as a child from her grandmother and is excited to share this timeless craft with others.
Registration opens September 1st.

Bold Coast Bogs, Moss, and Lichen at Boot Head Preserve, Lubec
2026-11-07 12:00 - 14:00 | Boot Head Preserve, Lubec
This trail is the perfect place to learn about non-vascular plants (mosses), symbiotic organisms (lichens), and meet a carnivorous plant or two (in a bog)! This is a moderate* network of trails through the woods and along the rocky coast. In OWL outings, frequent stops are already built into the program to discuss elements of the natural world that we learn about on the way. The pace is always determined by the needs and desires of the group, with a primary goal of going slow to enhance our connection with nature and each other. Participants will need close-toed shoes comfortable for hiking in, like hiking boots or sneakers, a backpack to fit warm and waterproof layers in, water, and snacks. More information about the preserve here https://www.mainetrailfinder.com/trails/trail/boot-head-preserve
OWL Outings are led by Registered Maine Guides at Maine Outdoor School who all hold a minimum of a Wilderness First Aid certification. To learn more about MOS’s guides, visit https://www.maineoutdoorschool.org/staff.
*To determine the difficulty level of outings, we use Maine TrailFinder’s difficulty rating system. For more detailed information about these difficulty levels, including visual examples, explore the rating system here.
Gear LibraryWHRL and MOS have a gear collection for OWL outings. Please reach out directly to Lizzie at 413-717-7827 or by email at lizzie@whrl.org if you are interested in using any of the items below. Use is first-come, first-served.Need something that you don’t see on the list below? Reach out!
Available Gear

Trekking poles (6 sets)
Microspikes (4 sets, two small, two medium)
Snow Shoes
Warm layers: hats, mittens, jackets, snowpants, a few pairs of snow boots, rain ponchos, scarves, warm socks

Space is limited, and registration is required. Registration opens on October 19.

Growing Good Garlic with Dan Cunningham of Folklore Farm
2026-10-31 13:00 - 15:00 | Incredible Edible Garden at the Red Barn Motel
Have you ever wanted to grow your own garlic? Here’s your chance! Join local farmer Dan Cunningham of Folklore Farm for this hands-on workshop. You’ll learn everything you ever wanted to know about growing garlic while getting your hands in the dirt and helping to plant a row in our community garden. Dan will teach you everything from planting to harvesting, curing, and storing your garlic.

Space is limited for this free program, and registration is required. Registration will open on September 1st.

Dan Cunningham has owned and operated Folklore Farm in Cherryfield, Maine, since March 2021. He has over 10 years of experience managing small organic farms throughout the Northeast. He loves farming in Downeast Maine.

Map and Compass: Practice Your Skills
2026-10-25 13:00 - 15:00 | Milbridge Commons Wellness Park
Map and Compass: Practice Your Skills is open to all who are 16 years of age or older.
Have you used a map and compass before, but are out of practice? Or maybe you’ve forgotten the basics altogether? Your phone or GPS won’t always work, but a map and compass will–if you’re confident in your skills! This program will go over map and compass basics for folks who are new to these tools and will serve as a review for those who are old pros. Orienteering with a map and compass is a skill that must be used or lost, so let’s use it and stay fresh! Registrants will receive a brief handout on the basics before the program to ensure everyone knows what to expect during the program.

Exploring Fungi on Catherine Hill
2026-10-17 13:00 - 15:00 | Catherine Hill
What’s spookier than a local ghost story? Not knowing your mushrooms! Learn the story of Catherine’s ghost on this breathtaking little mountain in the Blackwoods and learn some mushroom ID while you’re at it. In OWL outings, frequent stops are built into the program to discuss elements of the natural world that we learn about on the way. The pace is always determined by the needs and desires of the group with a primary goal of going slow to enhance our connection with nature and each other. Moderate hike.* Roots, rocks, and moderate elevation change. Trail info available at https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/maine/catherine-mountain–2
OWL Outings are led by Registered Maine Guides at Maine Outdoor School who all hold a minimum of a Wilderness First Aid certification. To learn more about MOS’s guides, visit https://www.maineoutdoorschool.org/staff.
*To determine the difficulty level of outings, we use Maine TrailFinder’s difficulty rating system. For more detailed information about these difficulty levels, including visual examples, explore the rating system here.
Gear LibraryWHRL and MOS have a gear collection for OWL outings. Please reach out directly to Lizzie at 413-717-7827 or by email at lizzie@whrl.org if you are interested in using any of the items below. Use is first-come, first-served.Need something that you don’t see on the list below? Reach out!
Available Gear

Trekking poles (6 sets)
Layers: rain ponchos

Space is limited, and registration is required. Registration opens on September 21.

Tell Me Everything
2026-10-13 | WHRL Thankful Room, 87 Main Street, Milbridge, Maine, 04658, United States
Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth StroutLeader: Alison BeedyEvenings: Wednesdays, 6-7:30 – (10/14, 10/21, 10/28)Afternoons: Tuesdays, 3:00-4:30 – (10/13, 10/20, 10/27)
It’s autumn in Maine, and the town lawyer Bob Burgess has become enmeshed in an unfolding murder investigation, defending a lonely, isolated man accused of killing his mother. He has also fallen into a deep and abiding friendship with the acclaimed writer, Lucy Barton, who lives nearby in a house next to the sea. Together, Lucy and Bob talk about their lives, their hopes and regrets, and what might have been.
Lucy, meanwhile, befriends one of Crosby’s longest inhabitants, Olive Kitteridge, now living in a retirement community on the edge of town. They spend afternoons together in Olive’s apartment, telling each other stories. Stories about people they have known – “unrecorded lives,” Olive calls them – reanimating them, and, in the process, imbuing their lives with meaning.
Brimming with empathy and pathos, Tell Me Everything is Elizabeth Strout operating at the height of her powers, illuminating the ways in which our relationships keep us afloat. As Lucy says, “Love comes in so many different forms, but it is always love.”
Registration opens September 1st.

Book Groups are open to anyone age 18 or older for whom “woman” is a meaningful identifier or lived experience.
Our book discussion group meets for three sessions. Please register only if you can commit to attending all sessions.

Let it Rot: Making Your Own Compost
2026-10-10 13:00 - 15:00
Grow healthier plants in your garden while reducing waste and supporting soil health. In this workshop, you will learn how to turn your food and garden waste into rich, fertile soil through the art and science of composting. There will be a hands-on, step-by-step demonstration of how to build a compost pile. This will be followed by a discussion of how to manage your pile for optimal results and troubleshoot common problems, such as odor or slow decomposition.
This program is family-friendly and free; space is limited, and registration is required.
Registration opens September 1st.

Brian Dyer Stewart has been gardening organically since the mid-70s. Composting has long been a favorite activity. He lives in Harrington with his gardening and life-mate Pam.

Estate Planning 101 with Rebecca Sargent
2026-10-08 17:30 - 19:00 | WHRL Thankful Room, 87 Main Street, Milbridge, Maine, 04658, United States
This program is a two-part series occurring on October 8th and 15th.
What is estate planning, and why is it important? It’s not about expecting the worst, but about putting thoughtful plans in place so your wishes are respected. Estate planning covers both “where will my assets go when I’m gone” and “who will help me if I am incapacitated.” Join Rebecca Sargent of Jones, Kuriloff & Sargent, LLC, for a two-night presentation covering the basic legal documents every adult should have in place. Some documents or tasks are things you can do yourself; others should be done formally. We will talk about common scenarios: blended families, land-rich and cash-poor, the effect of how you title accounts or real estate, and loved ones with special needs.

More about the facilitator:
Prior to establishing her own law practice in estate planning, probate, trust administration, corporate matters, and real estate, Rebecca Sargent was Senior Vice President & Senior Trust Officer at Union Trust Company (now Camden National Bank) from 1994 to 2008. Before that, she practiced law at Loughlin & Wade in Portsmouth, NH. She merged her business with the practices of Jeffrey Jones and Roberta Kuriloff in 2013, thus forming Jones, Kuriloff & Sargent, LLC.
Rebecca believes in giving back to her community, so she regularly volunteers her time and was named the Ellsworth Chamber’s Citizen of the Year in 2024. Recent non-profit involvement includes: Member EBDC Board (Ellsworth Business Development Corporation); Member Frenchman Bay Conservancy Board; Member HCTC Study Committee; Trustee, Lawyer’s Fund for Client Protection; Northern Light Maine Coast Memorial Hospital Capital Campaign Committee; Member Steering Committee, Ellsworth Rotary Auction; Member, Downeast Family YMCA Board; Member, Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce Board. In addition, Rebecca has been an instructor in various estate planning and investment topics for local organizations.
An Ellsworth native, Rebecca’s passions include travel and golf.

Estate Planning 101 with Rebecca Sargent

NameThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.Estate Planning 101 with Rebecca Sargent10 seats available.

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Photo ReleaseI hereby give permission for images and/or videos of myself taken during this program to be used by Women for Healthy Rural Living in any and all of its publications, including web-based publications, without payment or other consideration.

I understand and agree that all photos will become the property of WHRL and will not be returned. WHRL can edit, alter, copy, exhibit, publish, or distribute these photos for any lawful purpose. In addition, I waive any right to inspect or approve the finished product wherein my likeness appears. Additionally, I waive any right to royalties or other compensation arising or related to the use of the photo.

I hereby hold harmless, release, and forever discharge WHRL from all claims, demands, and causes of action which I, my heirs, representatives, executors, administrators, or any other persons acting on my behalf or on behalf of my estate have or may have by reason of this authorization. I agree
