Introduction

This page is by no means a set of "laws" to be enforced; it is a set of voluntary agreements which we all feel are important to the quality of life in our space. We ask all visitors attempt to follow these agreements. All changes are approved via a community consensus.

We attempt to be non-threatening and non-punitive in our application of our rules. Violations are not grounds for punishment, but for gentle reminders, and if necessary, further discussion and "working out". We try to remember that when agreements are not being followed it can create an aversive situation for the whole group, and thus we have all agreed to be open to reminders about our own behavior.

Core rules

1. Act in accordance with Maine Law.

2. Please be responsible for your own person, mess,  dishes and laundry to the best of your ability and ask if you need help. 

3. Respect our farm and Neighbors including and especially the School.  

4. Do not use scented products in our laundry. We provide unscented products. 

5. RVs: Do not discharge grey or black water on the property. 

6. Pool is locked for safety. Please see Grace or Terry for key and pool rules overview. 

7. Fires must stay in the fire-pit and be supervised. We alert everyone when there is a burn ban. 

8. We would prefer you leave your firearm at home. If you have one with you it must remain locked in your vehicle and out of sight. If you tell a child you have a gun here you will be asked to leave. 

9. We compost all food and compostable food-soiled paper. Food and food soiled compostable/paper products should never go in the trash. Ask if you are unsure. 

10. We consume and grow cannabis products on the property. Smoking of tobacco products is allowed outside and away from children. Cannabis products in vape or dab form may be used indoors with agreement from others who are sharing the space at the time. 

11. All substance/alcohol use must be within responsible limits  and in accordance with Maine Laws and away from the school yard. Everyone is responsible for their own substance use and what they choose to ingest. 

12. Everyone can do anything they want and can consent to but they may not be able to do it on this property. 

HOUSEHOLD LOGISTICS-rules, tips, guidelines 

Kitchen 

Dishwashing:  We try to save water by minimizing dishes used and also by primarily using our dishwasher.  We scrape but do not pre-wash dishes prior to loading into the dishwasher.  There is a dish tub next to the sink  that is turned upright to show “ clean” and hold dishes ready to go in the dishwasher when the dishwasher is running or has not yet been unloaded.  Dishes for the dishwasher should never be left in the sink unless they need more scraping/soaking then time allows. If you see dishwasher dishes in the sink please put them in the dishwasher or the bin.   

 Only a dish manager starts the dishwasher but everyone can help load the dishwasher. 

Please chip in with shared dish washing as you are able. 

Cleaning : A container marked “ Trash rags” is kept under the kitchen sink. Please use these to clean up messes. If those messes contain poop, oil or other gross or hard to wash substances feel free to throw them away at your own discretion. If the rag can be washed and reused please drop it down the laundry shoot. 

There are cleaning sprays and various specialty cleaners under the sink. 

Food storage and sharing:  Please try to keep food safety and sanitation in mind when using our small shared kitchen. Label and refrigerate all food. Do not leave food out or unlabeled. 

Food labeled W is for WWOOFers and other guests. Please label shared food with contents and date.  Other food should be labeled with initials and date  

Outside

Please pick up trash and out of place items you see on the ground as you are able. 

Outhouse/composting toilet: If you can pee outside discreetly please do so. 

Bathroom 

If it is brown, flush it down. If it is yellow, let it mellow.   If it is just gross or smelly, flush it down.   Also pee outside out of view of the school and off the path if you are able and comfortable.  

Cleaning:  A container marked “ Trash rags” is kept under the kitchen sink and another in the downstairs bathroom or workshop. Please use these to clean up messes. If those messes contain poop, oil or other gross or hard to wash substances feel free to throw them away at your own discretion. If the rag can be washed and reused please drop it down the laundry shoot.  

Bathroom cleaners are kept in both bathrooms. 

We all share one shower. That shower is also the only accessible bathroom. Please make sure no one who can not use the downstairs bathroom will need the bathroom before you shower or otherwise use it for an extended period of time. There is also a shower outside. Feel free to fill shower bags using the utility sink. 

Guests 

Short term guests, and volunteers may have daytime guests whenever they want. Just make sure everyone knows.  Long term guests ( over 30 days) may have overnight guests of no more then 2 nights, also let everyone know.  Please ask about other guests. 

Trash, Compost and related 

Compost: We compost all food and all compostable food soiled paper. Even meat, dairy, orange rinds, compostable products that are typically only composted in industrial facilities. 

Trash: Please minimize trash and ensure compostable and recyclable items are removed. Put your trash in the outside trash bin.  We take trash on Tuesdays or Saturdays and everyone helps round up trash 

Recycling: Please separate recycling into the recycling bin upstairs or in the basement.  

Smoking 

Filters don't degrade so don't throw them on the ground.

Loaner closet ( lovingly called the  WWOOFDROBE)

Please wash and return anything you borrow from the loaner closet.