I discovered these in my garden this weekend — Spring is really coming, no joke!
Happy Wednesday!
New this week:
- Paint-a-gnome event on April 11th
- Outdoor exploration day on April 18th
- Mission trails service day on April 25th
These events are geared towards all ages, unless noted otherwise. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. These event will happen at the EdGE Center, 7 Weald Bethel Lane in Cherryfield. For questions please call (207) 546-4466 or email klogan@seacoastmission.org. Details on these events on the Mission’s FB page.
The Washington and Hancock County Prevention Council at Sunrise Opportunities is proud to join Maine Children’s Trust in sharing our 2026 theme: By Supporting Maine Families, We Keep Children Safe. This April, we are emphasizing that child safety is a collective responsibility. Our focus is on proactive prevention—ensuring that every parent and caregiver has a solid foundation of support long before a crisis occurs. We offer free community trainings, free parenting classes, free playgroups, community events and concrete supports to help families thrive. Contact acoffin@sun-rise.org or call/text (207) 263-5270 for more information. www.sopreventioncouncil.com.
University of Maine Cooperative Extension will offer an online workshop for entrepreneurs and farmers interested in starting a home-based, specialty food business in Maine from 9 am–noon on Wednesday, April 22. Recipe to Market is a multidisciplinary program intended to introduce participants to key topics an aspiring entrepreneur needs to consider before starting a food business. Topics include the specialty food industry, business basics, an overview of the product development process, licensing and regulations, and food safety. Products that may be discussed include canned shelf-stable products — like jams, jellies, preserves, baked goods, condiments, salsas, sauces or dessert sauces — fermented foods, dry mixes, candies and confections. During the half-day workshop, industry experts and successful food entrepreneurs will share experiences and provide valuable insights and tips for success. Instructors for the program include UMaine Extension professor emeritus Louis Bassano; professor emeritus of economics and Extension Jim McConnon; and Extension food science specialist, professor of food science and director of UMaine Food Testing Services Beth Calder. The fee for the workshop is $50; registration is required by April 20. The workshop will be recorded for registered participants and available for a limited time. For more information and to register visit the program webpage. To request a reasonable accommodation, contact Melissa Libby Babcock at melissa.libby1@maine.edu, 207-581-2788 or 800-287-0274 (Maine only) or Beth Calder at beth.calder@maine.edu or 207-581-2791.
Earth Day Events at Cobscook Institute
- Earth Day Celebration Roadside Cleanup, Saturday, April 25th, 1 – 2 pm
- Earth Day Celebration Trail Clearing, Sunday, April 26th, 12 – 2 pm
Heating Assistance Applications Still being Accepted
As heating oil prices rise sharply and households face the highest home energy costs of the season, Community Action in Aroostook, Washington and Hancock Counties (CAAWHC) is urging community members to apply for heating assistance now if they have not already done so. Despite warmer daytime temperatures, the heating season is not over in Northern and Downeast Maine. Many households are still relying on fuel oil to heat their homes, and recent price increases are putting added pressure on family budgets, especially for seniors on fixed incomes and families with young children. Hundreds of eligible households in the three counties have not yet applied for the 2025–2026 Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), even as fuel costs climb. Same‑week application appointments are currently available, allowing for faster certification and quicker relief. Approved benefits are applied directly as a credit with home energy providers, and any unused benefit will roll over to next heating season. Residents can apply by contacting CAAWHC to complete an application with an Intake Specialist at 207‑764‑3721, Ext. 1, or by completing an online application. Applications are being accepted through May 29, but waiting could mean higher out‑of‑pocket costs during the most expensive part of the heating season.
Maine’s Paid Family Medical Leave program starts next month!! Maine Children’s Alliance is hosting a webinar for employees and employers to learn more about Maine’s Paid Family Medical Leave Program before it goes live in May 2026. There will be a presentation from the Paid Family Medical Leave Team at the Maine Department of Labor. We will record this webinar and share the recording with registrants. See this flyer for additional details. When: Apr 27th, 5:30 pm. Register in advance for this meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with details on how to join the meeting.
3 Strategies to Overcome the Most Stressful Part of Daughterhood, by Founder Anne Tumlinson: If you’re caring for an aging parent, chances are therapy will become part of your world – whether after a fall, a hospitalization, or a gradual decline in strength or memory. Along the way, you’ll likely encounter physical, occupational, and speech therapists. In this first post in our new rehabilitation series, we break down the different types of therapy, what they’re designed to accomplish, and why they matter so much for your parent’s safety, independence, and your own peace of mind. Read more.