CCC Wednesday Communique — April 16, 2025

Earth Day is April 22nd this year, a Tuesday, so many organizations are planning activities over the weekend and all next week, like Earth Day Puppet Play.  See One Time Events and the Event Calendars below for details.
(Photo courtesy of benjaminwilliamson.photoshelter.com)

Happy Wednesday!

New this week:

Spring Saturdays & Spring Break Activities

The Maine Seacoast Mission is hosting family-friendly activities during Saturdays this spring. Starting April 19 until May 17, from 10 am to 2 pm, they will be offering outdoor games and activities, a trail-based scavenger hunt, fairy house making, hiking, as well as indoor activities including STEM projects, crafts, and board games. Snacks and lunch will be provided (see flyer). Similar activities will be available during schools’ April vacation week, including challenge course elements, from Monday, April 21 to Friday, April 25, 10 am to 2 pm Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. All activities will happen at the EdGE Center, 7 Weald Bethel Lane in Cherryfield (see flyer).


May Biz Fit: Ode to Mom
May 2nd, 8 — 9 am: In entrepreneurship, the traits, skills, and knowledge we inherit from the significant women in our lives often shape who we are and how we succeed in business.  Join this session to discuss:
  • What characteristics, skills, knowledge have you inherited from the significant women in your life and how have they helped you succeed in business?
  • What characteristics do you cherish and have served you well as a business owner?
  • Which inherited traits do you avoid that make it challenging to take care of your business, employees, self ?
  • What important learned lessons do you carry to the work you do as a business owner?

Bring your coffee or tea and join us to listen, share, and learn from one another in curious conversation. Biz Fit is an informal, confidential, and supportive gathering where we exchange ideas and share insights!  Register here.


Maine Hospice Listening Session

Save the date of May 15th to share your concerns and ideas about palliative care with representatives from the Maine Hospice Council. This event will take place in Science 102 at the University of Maine, Machias, from 10:30 am to 1 pm.  Details and registration coming soon.


Drive-Thru Benefit Luncheon 

You are invited to our 5th annual Down East Teen Leadership Camp Drive-Thru Luncheon on Friday, May 16, from 11 am to 12:30 pm at Machias Memorial High School. This delicious luncheon is prepared by the Coastal Washington County Institute of Technology Culinary Arts students. Proceeds from lunch orders will help support the 25th year of Camp, which is this year!  Learn more.


Maine Street Business Building Free Tech Support

Sunrise County Economic Council provides free help with password and account recovery, email, syncing or backing up devices, setting up a new device, remote storage, internet access and more.   Download a flyer with the April–May 2025 schedule.


4th Annual Rhubarb Festival 

The Fourth Annual Rhubarb Festival is set to return to Kendall Farm in Perry on Saturday, June 7, from noon to 5 pm, with food, live music, demonstrations, and family-friendly fun in store — and a fresh batch of award-winning student artwork to promote it.  The festival’s annual rhubarb-themed art competition featured 12 entries from local students at Calais Middle High School (CMHS), Eastport Elementary School, and Shead High School. For the fourth year in a row, art teachers Bobbi Tardif (CMHS) and Sara Myrick (Eastport Schools) inspired their students to participate.  See press release for more info and download a flyer to share.


2025 Public Health Awards

Maine Public Health Association is pleased to announce this year’s Public Health Award winners! We hope you will join us on Thursday, June 12th from 4:30 pm to 7 pm at Maple Hill Farm in Hallowell to celebrate their contributions to public health.  Event tickets are $45, and include dinner/non-alcoholic beverages. There will be a cash bar. Registration is required. If this ticket price is prohibitive, please let us know. We are offering table sponsorships. For $500, organizations (or individuals) can reserve a table (seats 8). Table sponsors can also bring marketing materials to share at the event. If you’re interested in this opportunity, or others (see below), please email us.


Online Community Garden Map

University of Maine Cooperative Extension has launched an updated community garden map to help connect Mainers looking for an opportunity to plant, tend and harvest vegetables and flowers in a communal space. The Community Garden Map includes information about local community gardens that provide opportunities for individuals to have their own garden plots or volunteer in collective growing spaces. Research shows that participation in community gardens can promote a sense of belonging, expand social networks, and improve physical and mental health, among other benefits. To learn more about the Community Garden Map, or add a garden to the map, visit the program webpage or contact us at 207.356.1348 or extension.gardening@maine.edu.

Baby Brain Map

Ever wonder what’s happening inside a baby’s brain? Now you can see it for yourself — literally.  Say hello to the all-new Baby Brain Map! This trusted tool connects key stages of early brain development with tips to help caregivers make the most of everyday moments.  This isn’t just a biology lesson. It’s a tool that shows how every diaper change, cuddle or lullaby helps build a baby’s brain. It’s a no-brainer for anyone looking to support healthy development from the start.


FAM for Caregivers

Caregiver Action Network is launching the Families, Addiction & Mental Health Network (FAM), dedicated to supporting our community facing mental health or addiction challenges.  Amidst the nation’s compounding crises in mental health, addiction, and opioid overdose, FAM will provide specialized support and resources to help families navigate the profound and distinct challenges of caregiving and pain management. As a part of this effort, FAM is launching a pain education campaign to reduce the barriers to safe pain management and support families as they navigate options. Together with a diverse group of stakeholders, the pain education campaign will provide tailored resources, education, and advocacy materials to empower caregivers in making the most informed treatment decisions. Want to learn more and get involved? Check out Families, Addiction & Mental Health Network and the pain education campaign: www.fam-network.org.


Daughterhood, The Podcast

EPISODE #68: Denial in Caregiving with Amy Fuchs: Whether it’s denial from our care partners, our siblings, or even from ourselves, denial is an obstacle many caregivers face. Amy shares practical strategies and insights to empower, cope, and manage it all. Listen Now.

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