Join the Tri-State Learning Collaborative on Aging at 2 pm tomorrow, December 4th, for this continued conversation as we come together to discuss food insecurity throughout our region. In our last talk, we had folks working and coming together to manage the stress of the recent risks and realities that arose from the SNAP Benefit Cuts during the government shutdown. We looked at ways in which we can think differently and move forward to be more prepared in the future. Even as benefits have now been sent out, and have been guaranteed through next year, this has prompted a larger conversation about food insecurity and reliance on federal funding.  Register here.

Speaking our Future into Being, the Wabanaki Voices Series talk originally scheduled for yesterday in Torrey Hall at UMM, has been postponed until January. Please look for a new announcement then!

1. Virtual Listening Session #1 – Dec. 11 at 10 am:  Join Zoom Meeting; ID: 83765491938; Passcode: 001109
2. Virtual Listening Session #2 – Dec. 11 at 1 pm: Join Zoom Meeting; ID: 8101212493; Passcode: 397690

In case you missed it, Sunrise County Economic Council has made available a video of the Keynote Address with Jason Parent: “Building a Three County Community Action Agency to Better Support the Economic Vitality of Our Region,” and “Plenary with Matt Dana II: “Responsive HR: Making Policies that Matter.”

The Emergency Overnight Warming Center, located in Healthy Acadia’s Inspire Community Recovery Center, 24 Church Street, Ellsworth, is open seasonally from 4 pm – 7 am every evening from late November to April 30. It is a safe, warm space for people in Hancock and Washington counties who are currently unhoused or unsafely housed. Guests are welcomed on a first-come, first-served basis, as space allows (maximum capacity is 25 guests). Thanks to the incredible support and generosity of local businesses and community members, a homemade meal, snacks, and beverages are available each evening to guests.  Learn more.

Centre Street Congregational Church is offering 1 or 2 bags of ready-to-eat-food for anyone who needs it, specifically if they do not qualify for the food pantry, or if they are out of the Machias Area Food Pantry catchment area. This is food that will not require a stove or pots and pans. It will be available on Thursdays from 9-1 and by chance on other days.

the Maine Housing Authority (MaineHousing) has a variety of resources available for Maine individuals and families:

• For those needing subsidized housing, MaineHousing maintains a list of available subsidized housing apartments by county. Those who need assistance can also call 800-452-4668.
• The Housing Choice Voucher program is available for tenants who are struggling to manage rental payments. The program provides rental assistance to income-eligible tenants by subsidizing a portion of their monthly rent and utilities and paying it directly to their landlords. Visit the program’s website for more information about eligibility or apply directly through the program portal.
• The Stability Through Engagement Program (STEP) is designed to provide short-term rental assistance for 6-12 months to help individuals and families achieve housing stability. STEP is currently offered in 10 counties and is administered directly through the shelters participating in the Emergency Shelter Homeless Assistance Program.
• The Housing Navigator Pilot Program is a one-year program funded through the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA2) Program. The navigators for this program will work with families experiencing or at risk of homelessness in obtaining housing and assist them in maintaining stable housing. For more information about the program and the partner agencies administering it, visit the program’s website.

Sunrise County Economic Council is seeking a facilities manager to start right away.  This is a full time, non-exempt position ($24 – $28 per hour) with competitive benefits, headquartered in Machias with travel to Calais and other Machias locations.  Learn more and apply here.

— By Brigette Williamson, Dietetic Intern, University of Maine Cooperative Extension & Kate Yerxa, MS, RD, Extension Professor, University of Maine Cooperative Extension: Moving into your first apartment is both exciting and scary. When it comes to planning what to cook, it can be intimidating if recipes require special utensils or tools. However, you don’t need a fancy kitchen setup to make delicious meals. Check out these seven stovetop meals from the University of Maine Cooperative Extension for your new apartment that are perfect for busy weeknights, relaxing weekends, and everything in between.  Continue reading.

• Maine’s Sweet Moments Gift Box a curated collection of treats created in collaboration with Cratefull Maine. Shipped right to their door, it’s filled with deliciousness from CEI clients who pour heart and craft into every bite, from buttery whoopie pies and velvety caramel sauce to seaside‑inspired gummi lobstahs.
• 2025 Holiday Gift Guide where every business featured is a CEI client. From baked goods and sparkly jewelry to fresh oysters, locally brewed beer, and unforgettable experiences, each gift is a chance to support Maine entrepreneurs and share the spirit of our state with those you love.

Daughterhood, the Blog, by Anne Tumlinson: When parents reject the help we know they need, caregiving becomes especially painful. This week’s post explores why the “try harder” mindset holds us back — and how letting go of the outcome can lead to more peace, compassion, and connection in the care journey.  Read now.