CCC Wednesday Communique — May 6, 2026

 (Photo courtesy of Julie Redding)

Happy Wednesday!

New this week:

ALICE Summit

Save the date of June 11th at the Edward Hennessy Training Center in Machias for a half-day ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) Summit focused on understanding and addressing the challenges facing working families in Washington County. The day will include a presentation of the latest ALICE data, a panel discussion featuring local perspectives, and facilitated table conversations designed to share insights and identify opportunities. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of the barriers that families and businesses in our community face and a stronger connection to others working on creative and effective solutions.  Details and registration coming soon.


33rd Maine Geriatrics Conference

Tuesday, May 19th–Wednesday, May 20th, Harborside Hotel, The Bar Harbor Club.  The Maine Geriatrics Conference provides a venue for health practitioners, service providers, and others with interests in the field of aging to come together to share ideas, ask questions, and develop or support care strategies affecting older adults in all care settings. Who Should Attend: Nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians, physician assistants, nursing home administrators, certified nursing assistants, psychologists, social workers, mental health practitioners, occupational therapists, physical therapists, pharmacists, oral health providers, substance abuse counselors, and other aging enthusiasts.  Learn more here.


WC Housing Summit

May 21st, 9 am — 2:30 pm at the UMaine Machias Campus : Registration is open for Sunrise County Economic Council’s Washington County Housing Summit: Strategies to Solutions.  Panelists will include developers, lenders, social service providers, municipal leaders, and housing organizations who will highlight practical strategies, share successful models from across Maine, and strengthen collaboration among the partners working to ensure every resident has a safe, stable place to call home.


Maternal Mobile Health Unit

The Maternal Mobile Health Clinic initiative with the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will be traveling across the state this spring to help connect families with essential services, promote early childhood development, and support overall community well-being. Free resources will be available for pregnant and new parents. This outreach effort will provide mobile maternal health services in the following locations in Washington  County:

  • Milbridge – May 20th, 10 am – 3 pm (WHRL parking lot) – see flyer
  • Calais – May 22nd, 9 am – 12 pm (Library) – see flyer

Participating organizations include:

  • PHN
  • WIC
  • Maine Families
  • Community Action – AHW
  • Help Me Grow
  • Mainecare/SNAP
  • Mano en Mano

Bicycle Repair Workshop
Thursday, May 28th, Cobscook Institute: Join the Bicycle Coalition of Maine for 2-hour bicycle repair and maintenance class. Our instructors will cover the basics of what it takes to maintain your bike and have it run smoothly, as well as how to repair some of the most common issues you may encounter.  Whether you want to know how to repair a flat tire, adjust your shifting, or how to properly lube your chain, we have you covered. BCM will supply all the tools, stands, and some basic materials, you just need to bring your bike!  Register for this free event.

G.E.A.R. Parent Network – No Wait List

Right now, there is no wait list for 1:1 In-Home Family Peer Support through G.E.A.R. Parent Network. If you are a parent or caregiver supporting a child with emotional, behavioral, or mental health needs, you know how heavy that journey can feel at times. Families often need support now – in this moment, not weeks or months from now.  That’s why we want you to know:  Support is available immediately. Our Family Peer Support Specialists are Nationally Credentialed parents with lived experience. They understand in a way that only someone who has been there can.  If you are a parent who could benefit, or a professional supporting a family who could benefit from this no cost support, please reach out or share this resource. Call: 1-800-264-9224 or visit: www.gearparentnetwork.org.


SCEC is Hiring

Available positions at Sunrise County Economic Council are:

SCEC is a recovery friendly and equal opportunity employer.


EAAA is Hiring

We are seeking a full-time Care Coordination Specialist to support our Veterans Directed Care and Money Minders programs. This position includes regular home visits throughout Penobscot, Piscataquis, Washington, Hancock, Waldo, and Knox counties. Following orientation, the position can be fully remote based in one of EAAA’s primary service areas (Penobscot, Piscataquis, Washington, or Hancock county).  Learn more and apply.


Food Safety in the Age of Meal Kits and Online Groceries
Spoonful: Bite-Sized Food & Nutrition Information, University of Maine Cooperative Extension, by Dr. Gulsun Akdemir Evrendilek:  Meal kits and online grocery delivery services are changing how families cook and eat. These services save time, reduce trips to the grocery store, and make it easier to prepare healthy meals at home. But because food is shipped through the mail or delivered by couriers, it may spend hours in transit or on your doorstep.  Perishable items like meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, and dairy are at the highest risk for growing bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses if not kept cold. Fortunately, by using the steps below, you can enjoy the convenience of meal kits and online groceries and keep your family from getting sick… .  Read more.

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