Laura Jane Sturgis and David Hilton staff the New Gloucester Democratic Committee’s “Rooting for Democracy” plant sale in 2019. The event is returning this year on June 5 after a hiatus in 2020. Contributed / Laura Jane Sturgis and David Hilton

Plant lovers invited to explore their roots

The 13th Rooting for Democracy plant sale, sponsored by the New Gloucester Democratic Committee, will be held from 9 a.m. to noon June 5 at Lil’ Mart, 1026 Lewiston Road, Route 100, New Gloucester. Plants of all varieties, including perennials, annuals, house plants, vegetables and herbs, will be offered at bargain prices.

A raffle to win a gift certificate to Thompson’s Orchard is being held in conjunction with the plant sale. The drawing will be held at noon the same day and the winner need not be present. For more information or to donate plants, contact Penny Hilton at 926-4004.

Anti-racism rally

New Gloucester United Against Racism is sponsoring its monthly rally on Tuesday, May 25, to commemorate the one-year anniversary of George Floyd’s death. The rally takes place in front of Coolidge Family Farm on Route 100 from 5-6 p.m.

Candidates withdraw from races

Kathleen Potter has announced she is withdrawing from the Charter Commission race due to a health issue. Deborah Lang said she is dropping out of the school board race due to personal reasons. Since these withdrawals occurred after the ballots went to press, their names still appear on the ballots.

Explore Pisgah Hill Preserve

From 5:30-7 p.m. on June 3, Royal River Conservation Trust’s Stewardship Director Chad Fierros will be joined by Bob Humphrey, RRCT board member, biologist and Maine Guide, on a 2-mile trek through Pisgah Hill Preserve. The public is welcome.

Fierros and Humphrey will share plans for a new bridge across the stream, potential acquisitions, improvement of the old quarry as an educational destination and RRCT’s renewed focus on stewardship and management planning. The group will be led off-trail to explore possible future trail connections, pending arrangements with private landowners.

The group will congregate at the preserve’s small parking lot, located on Dougherty Road near the New Gloucester/Pownal town line. Contact Adam Pereira at adam@rrct.org or 809-9103 for more information.

Pineland Farms garden series

Immerse yourself in the picturesque surroundings of The Garden at Pineland Farms during the Summer Garden Series, being offered twice a month, June through September.

Each session in this adult program is from 2:30-4 p.m. Visitors are invited to relax and stroll the meandering paths while exploring the bountiful flora. Experts will be present to answer gardening questions.

Tickets are $10 per person and pre-registration is required. Iced tea and light Pineland Farms refreshments will be served on all dates. A cash bar with beverages provided by The Black Tie Company will be available on select dates, including the first in the series on June 11.

The garden is located on Freeport Road, near the corner of Route 231. Organizers will be offering a rain date for most of the sessions. Check the full event schedule at shop.pinelandfarms.org/collections/all-classes-events. For more details, contact pr@pinelandfarms.org or 688-3384.

Sunrise coffee and doughnuts

Thompson’s Orchard is bringing back sunrise coffee and doughnuts fundraisers. Once a month, Thompson’s will provide the doughnuts, coffee and a scenic sunrise. Contributions are accepted for a benefit organization, to which all proceeds will be donated. Check Thompson’s Orchard Facebook page for updates.

Patti Mikkelsen can be contacted at mikks@maine.rr.com.