Thursday, February 26, 2026
SMCC Brunswick Campus, 19 Sewall St. Brunswick
Academic Building, Hannaford Lecture Hall
Register by 5 PM February 20, 2026
ICP & Pesticide Credits available ~ 5 MELNA Certification Credits
You may download the schedule below as a PDF: MELNA EDUCATION WORKSHOP February 26, 2026
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SCHEDULE:
8:00 – 9:00am – SIGN IN; Coffee and Refreshments
9:00 – 9:45am: Lucy Rakocy, Piscataqua Landscaping & Tree Service
“Employee Retention and Engagement”
Goals and strategies to connect with your employees!
9:50 – 10:35am: Kara Fortier & Gabe Marchese, Cross Insurance Employee Benefits
“Employee Benefits”
Navigate the world of group benefits, such as health, dental, vision, life, disability, and more! Renewals,
enrollments, service inquiries, and any other day-to-day needs that may arise.
10:40 – 10:55am: Phil Saraceno, Federated Insurance
“Drive Safe”
Coverage of what safe driving really entails and the practices to have in place for safe driving.
11:00 – 11:40am: Phil Saraceno, Federated Insurance
“Insurance 101”
What does an insurance company look at when they are pricing your program? What is important to the business
owner for policies, programs and procedures. Tailoring your insurance plans to compliment your business.
11:40am 12:10pm – Lunch (Provided) Please let us know if there are food restrictions
12:15 – 1:15pm: Julia Vacchiano, Board of Pesticides Control Registrar & Water Quality Specialist
“How it works: Pesticide Registration in Maine”
Come learn about registration and labeling of pesticides. ** 1 Credit
1:20-2:20pm: Renee Redding, Logan’s Landscaping, CMHA Instructor
“Advanced Paver Installation “Doing it right for the best ROI.”
This class dives deeper into base techniques and efficient practices. *** 1 Credit
2:25 – 3:30pm: Renee Redding, Logan’s Landscaping, CMHA Instructor
“Efficiency in Small Spaces: Residential Hardscape Inlays and Borders”
This class focuses on workflow efficiency in tight spaces. As well as accent border techniques, drainage, and
staging. *** 1 Credit
** APPROVED FOR 1 PESTICIDE CREDIT
*** EACH HARDSCAPING TALK IS WORTH 1 ICP CEU THROUGH CMGA & 1 GENERAL CONTRACTOR CEU!
Community Service Project:
Each year requests are submitted to our organization to request our expertise in landscaping a particular locale. It is our difficult task to choose a project deserving of our attention. Once chosen, a landscape is designed, plants and materials are donated by our membership in a coordinated effort, and we descend upon the site for the installation. It is an amazing to see a site transformed so quickly by many experienced hands. Equipment and materials quickly move about, completing the project many times in a matter of hours. The camaraderie amongst the workers is a true draw on the day for many. If you haven’t had the experience, we encourage you to become involved – you will be in awe of what we can do!
If you have any questions or ideas, please contact
Don Sproul, Executive Director
Maine Landscape and Nursery Association
PO Box 292
Augusta, ME 04332-0292
Email: exdir@melna.org
Phone: (207) 623-6430
