New2Maine.com

Though we’re still new here, as far as Amber and I can tell, Maine is one of the more eco-friendly states in the country. In addition to recycling just about everything imaginable, state subsidized CFLs, and bottle deposit programs aimed at getting consumers to turn plastic back in rather than throw it out, there is also a big push to buy local produce where possible. One of the things that we learned about at Eco Appetito was community supported agriculture. The foot is fresher, the carbon footprint is lower, and other Mainers make a living. What’s not to like?

The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardners Association publishes a directory (large PDF) of Community Supported Agriculture in Maine. From their site:

Over the last decade, we have witnessed the proliferation of farmers’ markets in this country. The number of markets nation wide increased more than 7 percent in 2006 alone and has more than doubled in the last 10 years.

Right here in Maine, a renewed commitment to eating local foods is evident through the annual increase in sales at the farmers’ markets across the state. It seems that the time is right for Mainers to take their commitment to local seasonal food to the next level with community supported agriculture (CSA).

With over 100 farms and 4000 shares and counting, Maine’s CSA community is just beginning to show its potential for transforming relationships with food and farms. There is no formula to a CSA. Each is unique as the community supporting it. The bottom line is that people make commitments to farms, and in return farmers make commitments to produce for their members the freshest, most flavorful, highest quality food possible.

Having recently had the pleasure of sampling local foodstuffs and shopping at great little neighborhood markets like Pat’s and Rosemont Market & Bakery, I think that we may look into joining one of these CSAs (though probably only a half-share for now, as it’s just the two of us). Some of the farms here in Cumberland County even offer the ability to work the farm in exchange for a share. I grew up on a farm, so it might be interesting to get outside and get my hands dirty again.

I know it’s been a while since I’ve posted anything. My parents and younger brother came up for Easter, so Amber and I spent much of the day Friday cleaning, and my family arrived that afternoon. I think it’s probably a little rude to spend a whole lot of time typing up a post while they’re here, so I’ll just wish all my our readers a Happy Easter (if you are a Christian; for those who are not, it’s a beautiful Sunday morning up here, hopefully you’re enjoying much the same). We’ll be attending Easter Mass at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church down in Cape Elizabeth and then heading into Old Port for brunch at MIMS. I can’t wait.

Bill Kapoun is a fraternity brother (though I’ve never met him, and he’s not part of my chapter) who recently suffered horrific burns in a apartment fire in Korea, where he was teaching English to children. The school where he was working did not provide any medical insurance for him and the bills for his treatment are astronomical. If you can spare something to help defray his costs, it may literally mean the difference between life and death for this young man.

Update: Sadly, Brother Kapoun succumbed to his injuries on March 9, 2008. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bill’s family.

For the past nine months or so, I’ve been blogging here using the entirely uninspired pseudonym He. And my wife has been referred to as She. Since the vast majority of the readership here are friends of ours anyway, I’ve concluded that this serves no real purpose, and that revealing our names (well, at least our first names) will do very little to damage our privacy and may help increase our readership a little. Thus, let me introduce us. My name is Jason. And my wife is named Amber. Hello, and welcome to our blog.

To celebrate the 400th anniversary of its original license to distill, Bushmills, Ireland, is conducting a nationwide search to find its “Twin City of Bushmills in America.” Portland is one of three finalists (in addition to Boston and Louisville, KY), and you can help. The winning city will receive a $40,000 grant - if we win, the Southern Maine Chapter of Share Our Strength and citywide responsible drinking programming are the winners.

Visit www.Bushmills400years.com to cast your vote for Portland! Oh, and everyone who votes can also enter a contest for a three-day trip for two to Ireland, so there’s something in it for you, too! I already voted for Portland, so what are you waiting for? Boston is currently in the lead, with 52% of the voting. Portland is in second, with 33%. Help the cause—go vote for Portland!