Earth Day rocks at Unity College

UNITY (April 12): Unity College is planning a number of events and activities to celebrate Earth Day:

Several are listed below:

A documentary film about a disaster relief trip to tornado-ravaged Tennessee that was produced by Unity College Associate Professor John Zavodny will premier at 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 14, in the Student Activities Center. The premier is free and open to the public.

“This film tells the story of the Humani-Ram-Itarians, a group of Unity College students that participate in disaster relief efforts,” said Zavodny. “The group was formed shortly after Hurricane Katrina and twice visited New Orleans to aid in hurricane relief efforts.”

The group takes its name from the college mascot, a Ram, and throws in community spirit, hard work and good cheer.

Zavodny plans to submit the documentary to the Maine International Film Festival for consideration. Unity College recently entered into a partnership with the Maine International Film Festival and will sponsor a day of environmental films at the Waterville site and Unity Centre for the Performing Arts.

Also Monday, April 14, the second annual Unity College Sportsman’s Conference and Wild Game and Local Foods dinner will be held 4–10 p.m. at the Unity Centre for the Performing Arts on Depot Street.

The event was organized and sponsored by members of the Unity College Archery Club and Conservation Law Enforcement Club, with special assistance from Associate Director for Admissions Joe Saltalamachia and John Sullivan, director of the UCPA.

The schedule includes:

• 4-5 p.m. Art Show and Appetizer
The art show will consist of bronze sculptures and fully mounted animals. Artists from across Maine will display work.

• 5-7 p.m. Organic Wild Game Dinner
The dinner includes organic wild game meat served with locally grown vegetables, along with rice and pasta in exotic dishes. A full menu is online at unity.edu/NewsEvents/News/Conference08.aspx.

Proceeds benefit Catch-a-Dream Foundation, which helps seriously ill children enjoy fishing, and go toward the purchase of an all-terrain wheelchair to help a disabled individual enjoy outdoor activities.

Anyone who is interested in participating in the Recycled Derby on Saturday, April 19, but unsure how to build a vehicle, is encouraged to participate in a recycled derby vehicle-building workshop, at 5 p.m. April 13 and 15, in the Maintenance Department. Registration is free; participants must bring all materials required to build the vehicle. Attendees will receive input and assistance from Unity College students to construct vehicles for the derby.

The Recycled Derby is free and open to the public. The entry must be human-powered, have a steering and braking system, and be made of recycled materials. Participants will race down Murdock Drive in the center of the Unity College campus, at 90 Quaker Hill Road.

The race will organize outside the Student Activities Center. Teams must register no later than 11:30 a.m. the day of the event. For more information, and to register before the race day, e-mail cjenkins05@unity.edu. Registration is free.

Another human-powered race — the 26th annual Unity College Spring 5K Road Race, also will be held April 19. The course of one of the state's fastest 5Ks starts at the Unity College gymnasium and winds its way through the village.

Typically, 75-100 runners and walkers participate in the event, co-sponsored by the Central Maine Striders running club. Registration starts at 8 a.m. in the Activities Building. Walkers begin at 9:15 a.m., and the race will start at 9:30 a.m. Registration fee is $10. Prizes for various age groups will be awarded. Contact Gary Zane for more information at 948-3131, ext. 241, or e-mail gzane@unity.edu.

A full day of activities under the title Recycle Fest will also take place April 19. The public is invited to attend.

From 8 a.m. until 12 p.m., a demonstration of composting, recycling and sustainable-fuel car show featuring grease-powered cars, hybrids and electric cars will be held outside Koons Hall. Members of the public with sustainable fuel cars are invited to participate.

At noon, a slate of free concerts featuring Maine musicians will begin at the outdoor Amphitheatre.

The Unity College music club plays 12-2 p.m. The Nectaroons, a bluegrass classic rock band, will rock 2-4 p.m. JP and The Other Two, an acoustic rock band from Bangor, will play 4-6 p.m. and Gristlestick, from Farmington, will perform 6-8 p.m.

The day of activities is a testament to the initiative of two college students, Chris McGrath and Justin Blouin. “We wanted to organize a day that would bring not only the Unity College community together, but welcome the greater Unity community to our campus for a day of education and fun,” said McGrath.

In addition, through May 10, the Leonard R. Craig Gallery at Unity College will present a selection of student work from the 2007-2008 academic year, which will encompass drawing, ceramics, painting and photography.

Gallery hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 1-5 p.m. Saturdays.