CCC Wednesday Communique — April 22, 2026

Earth Day is April 22nd this year.  Earth Day activities that we are aware of include these two events at Cobscook Institute.

Happy Wednesday!

New this week:

Recordings of “Navigating New Realities”

If you missed last week’s CCC training, Navigating New Realities: Substance Use Trends for Community Providers, presented by Abby Frutchey, LMSW, LADC, CCS, and guest panelists, or would like a refresher, we are in the process of editing the recording in different formats.  You can view a recording of the full video on YouTube (2 hours, 27 minutes) now, and when ready, view the training broken up into 3 shorter videos or download the mp3 file for audio only.  As editing is complete for each recording, we will update the access page.  In order to access these links, we are asking folks to complete a very short access form.


Maine Startup Challenge
The Maine Startup Challenge (MSC) is a statewide competition that helps students and entrepreneurs turn ideas into business plans while competing for cash prizes.  Cash prizes by Tier:
  • K-8: $1,000
  • High School: $1,500
  • College: $2,500
  • Open (Adults): $8,000

Apply by May 1st.


Help Shape the Future of Prof Development in CBYD
Dr. Virginia Dearani at Thomas College and the Peter Alfond Foundation are exploring whether a certificate or degree-bearing program in CBYD could be a useful, desirable, and viable option to pursue. This short survey helps determine if and how that might move forward — and your voice matters.  Things to know:
– Responses are de-identified; your name is optional and will not be shared with reviewers
– Please share widely with staff who care about career growth and professional development in this field
Take the survey here


Are you Interested in an Astronomy Class?

Cobscook Institute is gauging community interest in ASTRONOMY classes. Please take 2 minutes to complete our survey. Thank you.


2026 Public Health Award Winners

CCC is excited to announce that the Maine Public Health Association selected the Downeast Population Health Initiative to receive their award for Public Health Program of Excellence at this year’s MPHA award ceremony on June 4th at Maple Hill Farm.  Learn more about this initiative and CCC involvement here.  Other award winners this year include:

  • Presidents’ Award: Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (CEI)
  • Pamela M.B. Studwell Tobacco Policy Award: Kenneth I. Lewis
  • Phebe Conrey King Access to Healthcare Award: Dr. Jonathan Busko
  • Public Health Business Champion Award: Taj Indian Cuisine of South Portland
  • Public Health Journalism Award: Dylan Tusinski
  • Public Health Policy Champion Award: Rep. Anne Graham
  • Public Health Rising Star Award:
  • Jessica Schermer

Register to attend the award ceremony here.


Ground Water & Private Well Series

From the Downeast Public Health Council: Now that you have tested your well water and received the report, learn how to read the test results and what to do with unsatisfactory results.  Check your results for:

  1. Elements tested
  2. Levels above health guidelines
  3. Watch this video to understand your results

In the Downeast District, 16.8% of wells in Washington County and 21.7% of wells in Hancock County exceed state guidelines for Arsenic (>10 ug/L).  If the results report contamination with bacteria, chemicals or other elements:

  1. Immediately switch to bottled water
  2. You may need to disinfect or shock your well depending on the contaminant
  3. If contaminated by sand-salt pile visit DEP site
  4. Find the right water treatment solution for your home
  5. If you need assistance apply for Well Water Abatement Program.

Daughterhood, the Blog
3 Mantras Every Caregiver Needs, by founder Anne Tumlinson: Caring for aging parents can feel overwhelming fast. Books and advice help – but real life is the real teacher. You don’t have to know everything to do this well. Get support, do your best, and when it all feels like too much, lean on a few simple caregiving mantras to stay grounded and keep going…. Read Now.

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