Toggle font size

CCC Wednesday Communique — December 17, 2025

The winter solstice, the astronomical start of winter, is this weekend. For those north of the equator, the solstice on Sunday, Dec. 21, marks the shortest day and longest night of the year.  Energetically, the Solstice opens with the Sun stepping into Capricorn, bringing a wave of discipline, ambition, and deep-rooted grounding. Capricorn’s energy encourages long-term vision, practical planning, and the strength to restructure what no longer serves your path. This year, the Solstice aligns with an intense interplay between Pluto in Aquarius and Saturn in Pisces. Their combined presence opens a portal for emotional clarity, social transformation, and personal responsibility. The days leading up to the Solstice may feel reflective or even heavy, but the moment the Sun shifts, a sense of renewal arrives. It becomes easier to see the future with sharper clarity.  (Read more about what 2026 will bring energetically at Zodiac Helps)

Happy Wednesday!

New this week:

Porter Memorial Library

End of season book sale until this Saturday, December 20th, 10 am — 4 pm except on Saturday, 10 am — 1 pm.   Call 207-255-3933 or email librarian@porter.lib.me.us for more information.

Family Craft Day

December 21st, 1 – 3 pm at the Machias Arts Center, 277 Main Street, Machias.  Open to all ages — free (donations welcome) gingerbread man decorating, hot chocolate and cookies!

Celebrating the Journey — HOPE Conference 2026

May 13th at the Augusta Civic Center: The HOPE Conference is a Statewide Recovery/Wellness Conference for persons in recovery from substance use and mental health challenges and Service Providers. It was created to help participants gain a greater understanding of what recovery wellness looks like from the many paths and different perspectives on the journey of life. Online registration coming this Spring….

Prevention Council Survey

Sunrise Opportunities Prevention Council is conducting a community survey, and your voice matters.  Your feedback helps us better understand local needs and improve the programs and support we offer to families throughout Washington and Hancock Counties.  Please take a few minutes to complete our survey.

Winter Weather Preparedness

Severe winter weather conditions are typically portrayed by low temperatures, strong winds and large quantities of snow.  Every winter, Maine is susceptible to extreme weather conditions, including heavy snowfall, ice storms, freezing rain combined with high winds. The seasons for snowfall usually begins in late October or November to April and sometimes extends into May.  The Downeast Public Health Council has shared guidance to preparing for winter weather in their December newsletter, recommending people check out the Maine Emergency Management Agency Winter Preparation website.

A Win for Caregivers

The CY 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule marks progress in recognizing family caregivers as essential partners in care. Thanks to sustained advocacy from the National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC), the Caregiver Nation Coalition, and the Cancer Caregiving Collaborative, CMS has taken important steps that strengthen access to caregiver support and advance whole-person care.  Key advocacy wins in the final rule include:
  • Permanent telehealth approval for Caregiver Training Services (CTS), expanding access in rural and underserved communities.
  • Improved access to behavioral health integration services, reducing barriers to mental health support for families.
  • Signals from CMS on future payment pathways that could support evidence-based caregiver programs.
While these are significant steps, advocacy continues for clearer billing guidance, stronger reimbursement, and fuller inclusion of family caregivers in future CMS policy.  Read full summary.
Leukemia Caregiver Guide
If you’re caring for a loved one with leukemia while trying to work full-time, you know how overwhelming it can be.
  •  Urgent hospital visits that conflict with meetings
  • Complex medication schedules to track
  • Financial stress from missed work
  • Guilt about not being “enough” at work or at home
You’re not alone. And you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself.  The Caregiver Action Network’s Leukemia Caregiver Guide: Support for Working Family Caregivers offers:
  • Workplace strategies (Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), flexible schedules, remote work options)
  • Treatment management tips
  • Culturally relevant support for Hispanic and Latinx families
  • Mental health resources and burnout prevention
  • Real stories from caregivers who’ve been there
This is your reminder: Self-care isn’t selfish. Support exists. And you deserve both.  Explore the Guide today!

Read entire Newsletter