Central Maine Learning Center

(Belgrade, Maine)

Latest News at Central Maine Learning Center

CMLC Applied Building Trades

November 2009, Central Maine Learning and Transition Center

This past summer was a busy time for us as we began to develop an area behind the greenhouse. The students and I started to clear a sloped area that was covered with Pines, Sumac, Ash and Birch trees. The clearing created many promising possibilities for both school use and for the house. The logs that were harvested have been stacked and we are looking at having them milled into dimensional lumber to be used for on campus projects that would not only enhance are campus but also provide the materials used at a savings.

We would like to build an enclose for future livestock using the pines, coffee tables from the ash and the other logs are being cut into firewood that will be used for special activities. We have also set aside a pine log to be used to try and build an Indian style dugout canoe using hot coals to burn it out, shape and smooth it up. Inside the shop we are finishing up flower boxes that we started on earlier that will be placed at the school and at the houses. The students continue to be engaged with the program as we give them many projects to keep them busy.

CMLC Fall Clean Up Gardening

November 2009, Central Maine Learning and Transition Center

The leaves are falling from the trees and autumn is more than halfway over. However, there is still much gardening to be done. The students here at CMLC have had the opportunity to enjoy harvesting and eating the last of the garden vegetables. We are now in the process of cleaning out the garden and preparing it for next year’s crops. We are also planning on where to plant tulips, daffodils, garlic, and other bulbs to enjoy next year. The students have already transplanted our poinsettia cuttings for our holiday sale in December (look in next month’s newsletter for the details on that!). I want to say THANK YOU to all the students who helped out.

Students Build Warming Hut at Belgrade Campus

January 2008

The new warming hut nears completion at the Central Maine Learning Center in Belgrade, Maine. Students participate in building the 24' x 16' warming hut located on the north side of the pond on the Belgrade campus.

The hut has a porch facing the pond, a field stone fireplace, loft, front and rear access and windows. The hut itself consists of post and beam design, using pegs rather than nails for all joints and connections. Nails will only be used for the siding, roofing and flooring. The siding will be v-match pine on a 45 degree angle; the roof will be cedar shakes nailed to the pine rafters. These details will provide a rustic setting for the traditional hut.

Students learn project management, teamwork, applied mathematics, and the importance of safety on the job site. Measuring for square footage, lengths, lay-out and placement of mortise and tenon cuts. Students become more comfortable with a tape measure and are practicing the application of a2 + b2=c2 for determining rafter lengths. Everyone is provided with safety glasses, gloves and training on proper tool use and respect. The students also participate in building the fireplace with footings of poured concrete; fieldstone will rise through the floor just in front of the loft. The hut provides warmth and light on the Maine cold winter days.

The warming hut offers a multi-functional place for recreation and relaxation for our students and Becket's residential programs. All of the project participants would like to thank the Becket administration and staff for making this dream a real life opportunity.

Please visit Becket's Latest News to read about more

adventures at our Becket programs.

To make a referral and schedule an interview, please contact:

Kim Landry, Executive Assistant / Admissions
P.O. Box 9
Norridgewock, ME 04957
Phone: (207) 634-2590 
Fax: (207) 634-2599

email: kimberly.landry@becket.org