Spice Around the World [Rock Row]
2026-02-04 12:15 - 13:15, 2026-02-11 12:15 - 13:15 (America/New_York) | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
The use of spices when cooking can be intimidating and when taste sensation has been impacted by treatment, spices can be either helpful or more challenging to incorporate into dishes. So let’s explore spices together! In this workshop, we’ll discover new spices that can add interesting flavors to food while providing health-supporting nutrients. Each week, we’ll make a quick recipe featuring a different spice profile and, of course, sample and chat about food! Your taste buds will thank you!

Open to the public.

Led by Judy Donnelly and a team of volunteer assistants.

Spice Around the World [Dempsey Connects]
2026-02-11 12:15 - 13:15 | Dempsey Connects

Mediterranean Diet [Rock Row]
2026-02-13 10:00 - 11:30 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
The Mediterranean Diet is an evidence-based style of eating associated with reduced risk for heart disease. Join us for this educational cooking session featuring tasty, heart-healthy recipes to help you modify your diet without sacrificing flavor!

Led by Judy Donnelly, RDN, CSO, LD, Nutrition Program Manager.

Open to adult Dempsey Center clients.

Mediterranean Diet for Heart Health [Lewiston]
2026-02-17 14:00 - 15:00 | Dempsey Center – Lewiston (17 High Street), 17 High Street, Lewiston, ME, 04240, United States
The Mediterranean Diet is an evidence-based style of eating associated with reduced risk for heart disease. Join us for this educational session and learn how to modify your diet without sacrificing flavor!

Led by Judy Donnelly, RDN, CSO, LD, Nutrition Program Manager.

Open to adult Dempsey Center clients.

This program will take place at 17 High St.

Connect + Experience: Mocktails for Hydration
2026-02-18 15:00 - 16:30 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
Explore refreshing, beverages designed for those experiencing taste changes during or after treatment – or simply to add some zip to your hydration routine. Let’s get a little creative and learn practical strategies to make drinking fluids more enjoyable while supporting comfort and connection…and do some taste-testing along the way!

Open to the public/ Public sign up at https://www.dempseycenter.org/services/classes-workshops/public/ .

Led by Michelle Small & Judy Donnelly.

What to Eat During Cancer Treatment [Dempsey Connects]
2026-04-02 15:00 - 16:00 | Dempsey Connects
Cancer treatment can make nutrition a challenge! Dealing with side effects like nausea, reflux, and diarrhea can make even eating a simple meal difficult. In this class, we’ll review tips and strategies to address various side effects so that you can keep up with your nutrition throughout treatment.
Open to all Dempsey Center clients.
Led by Judy Donnelly.

Making the Move to a Plant Based Diet [Rock Row]
2026-04-09 15:00 - 16:30, 2026-04-16 15:00 - 16:30 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
Are you considering a move to a plant-based diet? Moving away from animal-based foods can result in nutrient deficiencies and discovering new sources of protein and other micronutrients is important. This two-part workshop will look at different types of vegetarian diets and the benefits they offer to those with a cancer diagnosis or those looking to improve their health. Follow along as we demonstrate the preparation of plant-based items to get you started!
Led by Judy Donnelly, RDN, LD.
Open to adult Dempsey Center clients.plant

Nutrition + Exercise for Bone Health [Dempsey Connects]
2026-04-20 14:00 - 16:30 | Dempsey Connects
Loss of bone density is common as people age and can be a result of nutrition deficiency, physical inactivity, or genetic factors. Certain types of cancer and their treatments may also contribute to weakened bones, also known as osteoporosis.
This workshop will review diet and exercise guidelines to support your musculoskeletal system as you go thorough treatment and beyond.
Led by Judy Donnelly, RDN, CSO, LD and Tish Caldwell, Movement & Fitness manager.
Open to adult Dempsey Center clients.

This workshop will have both an in-person and virtual audience. You are signing up to attend virtually.

Nutrition + Exercise for Bone Health [Rock Row]
2026-04-20 14:00 - 16:30 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
Loss of bone density is common as people age and can be a result of nutrition deficiency, physical inactivity, or genetic factors. Certain types of cancer and their treatments may also contribute to weakened bones, also known as osteoporosis.
This workshop will review diet and exercise guidelines to support your musculoskeletal system as you go thorough treatment and beyond.

Led by Judy Donnelly, RDN, CSO, LD and Tish Caldwell, Movement & Fitness manager.

Open to adult Dempsey Center clients.

This workshop will have both an in-person and virtual audience. You are signing up to attend in-person at Rock Row.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet [Dempsey Connects]
2026-05-08 10:00 - 11:30 | Dempsey Connects
Reducing the amount of inflammation in your body can help to lower risks of chronic disease including cancer, heart disease, and more. Together in this workshop, we will learn what an anti-inflammatory diet consists of, including foods that help reduce and foods that may promote inflammation. Enjoy a food demo with recipes that can easily be recreated at home.
Led by Judy Donnelly, RDN, CSO, LD.
Open to adult Dempsey Center clients.

This workshop will have both a virtual and in-person audience. You are signing up to attend virtually.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet [Rock Row]
2026-05-08 10:00 - 11:30 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
Reducing the amount of inflammation in your body can help to lower risks of chronic disease including cancer, heart disease, and more. Together in this workshop, we will learn what an anti-inflammatory diet consists of, including foods that help reduce and foods that may promote inflammation. Enjoy a food demo with recipes that can easily be recreated at home.
Led by Judy Donnelly, RDN, CSO, LD.
Open to all Dempsey Center clients.

Eating for Energy [Dempsey Connects]
2026-05-20 10:00 - 11:30 | Dempsey Connects
Fatigue is a common side effect of treatment and cancer diagnoses. Nutrition and eating certain foods are just one natural way to help combat this side effect before, during, and after treatment. Join us to learn nutrition strategies to improve energy levels, create some easy meals, and discover quick snack options.

Led by Judy Donnelly, RDN, LD.

Open to Dempsey Center clients.

Eating for Energy [Rock Row]
2026-05-20 10:00 - 11:30 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States

Spring Salads [Dempsey Connects]
2026-06-03 12:15 - 13:15, 2026-06-10 12:15 - 13:15, 2026-06-17 12:15 - 13:15, 2026-06-24 12:15 - 13:15 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
Spring showers bring May flowers and June greens. Think “outside of the salad box” and join us for the month of June as our guest chefs and oncology dietitian team up to mix it up. Each week, we’ll demonstrate a salad recipe, enjoy a tasting opportunity, and chat about the wide variety of salad ingredients that can support your good health during treatment and beyond.
Sign up for one week or the whole series!

Open to the public. Sign up here: https://www.dempseycenter.org/services/classes-workshops/public/.

Led by Judy Donnelly, RDN, CSO, LD, Nutrition Program Manager.

This workshop will have both a virtual and in-person audience. You are signing up to attend virtually.

Spring Salads [Rock Row]
2026-06-03 12:15 - 13:15, 2026-06-10 12:15 - 13:15, 2026-06-17 12:15 - 13:15, 2026-06-24 12:15 - 13:15 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
Spring showers bring May flowers and June greens. Think “outside of the salad box” and join us for the month of June as our guest chefs and oncology dietitian team up to mix it up. Each week, we’ll demonstrate a salad recipe, enjoy a tasting opportunity, and chat about the wide variety of salad ingredients that can support your good health during treatment and beyond.
Sign up for one week or the whole series!

Open to the public. Sign up here: https://www.dempseycenter.org/services/classes-workshops/public/.

Led by Judy Donnelly, RDN, CSO, LD, Nutrition Program Manager.

This workshop will have both a virtual and in-person audience. You are signing up to attend in-person at Rock Row.

The Next Chapter: Navigating Nutrition [Dempsey Connects]
2026-06-16 10:00 - 11:00 | Dempsey Connects
Do you have questions about navigating life post cancer treatment? Are you looking for ways to care for your physical and emotional well-being after treatment has ended? Do you want to connect with others who ‘get it’? The Next Chapter is a series of workshops designed to empower those who have completed treatment with knowledge, skills, and a safe space as they move through the next phase of their journey.
In this session, you will learn how to optimize your diet and eat well through survivorship.
Open to adult Dempsey Center clients post cancer treatment.
Led by Judy Donnelly, RDN, CSO, LD.

Cooking for Health + Healing [Rock Row]
2026-07-13 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-07-20 14:00 - 16:00 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
Improve your skills in the kitchen and discover the role of food as it relates to overall health during and after cancer treatment. In this 4-week series, you will learn how food can be used to support health, regain strength, reduce your risk of cancer and other chronic illnesses, while discovering new ways to add nutrients to your diet. Each week, clients will participate in preparing recipes with assistance from our nutritionist.

Featured weekly topics include:

The Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Eating for a Healthy Heart
Carbohydrates and Fiber
Adding Color to Your Plate

Led by Judy Donnelly, RDN, CSO, LD, Nutrition Program Manager.

Open to adult Dempsey Center clients post cancer treatment.
Participants are strongly urged to attend all sessions.

Please note that this class does require participation, which may include standing and moving about our demonstration kitchen.
Participants must bring their own containers to transport prepared food home.

Celebrate the Harvest [Lewiston]
2026-07-14 12:00 - 12:45, 2026-07-21 12:00 - 12:45 | Dempsey Center – Lewiston (17 High Street), 17 High Street, Lewiston, ME, 04240, United States
Want to spruce up your vegetable repertoire this summer? Our Dempsey Garden Volunteers harvest
fresh produce for the Center each week from mid-July until the last of the squash ripens in
September. If you are looking for new recipes or want to sample a vegetable you haven’t had before, drop in to Celebrate the Harvest! Join us
to try something new courtesy of our guest cook!

Sign up for one session or all!

Led by Judy Donnelly, RDN, LD, CSO, Nutrition Program Manager.

Open to all Dempsey Center clients.

Celebrate the Harvest [Rock Row]
2026-07-15 12:15 - 13:15, 2026-07-22 12:15 - 13:15 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
Want to spruce up your vegetable repertoire this summer? Our Dempsey Garden Volunteers harvest fresh produce for the Center each week from mid-July until the last of the squash ripens in September. If you are looking for new recipes or want to sample a vegetable you haven’t had before, drop in to Celebrate the Harvest! Join us to try something new courtesy of our guest cook!
Sign up for one week or every week!

Led by Judy Donnelly, RDN, CSO, LD, Nutrition Program Manager.

Open to adult Dempsey Center clients.
