August Meeting Features Food Writer Christine Burns Rudalevige

Christine Burns Rudalevige

On a beautiful day in August, a great turnout of members gathered at the HHP Gardens to hear Maine Sunday Telegram food writer Christine Burns Rudalevige talk about the local food movement in Maine. Christine, a resident of Brunswick, has been writing for 30 years, first starting out as a sportswriter in Massachusetts. Ten years ago she decided to attend culinary school to learn more about cooking so she could write professionally on the topic. For the past six years she’s written the column in the Maine Sunday Telegram entitled “Green Plate Special.” Her column

A shot of some of the members attending Christine’s talk

always features a recipe and tips on how to make the most out of stretching your food dollar for feeding a family. Some of the topics of her talk to our club had to do with the economics behind the sourcing of local food from farmers vs. the shipping in of food from other parts of the country. She noted that the pandemic has forced local farmers as well as local fisherman to try new ways to get their products in the hands of Maine consumers. After fielding questions from the audience, Christine sold copies of her latest cookbook and handed out copies of the magazine EDIBLE MAINE to each attendee. She is the managing editor of the quarterly publication.

We were delighted to also host GCFM President Barbara Longstaff and Medomak District Director Judy Stallworth at the meeting. This was one of the first times Barbara has been able to get to a club’s meeting during the pandemic and was thrilled to be asked to attend. Also after the meeting, members were able to buy donated bearded iris divisions donated by Ken and Annette Dunn. Proceeds from the sale went to the club. Also for sale were Harpswell Invasive Plant Partnership guides with color photos and descriptions of invasive plants found in Maine, our garden gloves, and some containers donated by member Cyndy Bush.