CCC Wednesday Communique — February 25, 2026

February in Maine

Happy Wednesday!

New this week:

Great Escape — Just 4 Days Left to Bid
Just 4 Days Left to Bid on Wayfinder School’s Great Escape Auction!  This year’s auction includes more than two dozen great Maine escape packages including: Escape to the Pemaquid Peninsula, Escape to the Lake, Escape Downeast, Oyster Lovers’ Escape, Escape to the Theater, Sports Lovers’ Escape,  Escape for the Family and more! You can check out all the escape packages here. All proceeds benefit Maine youth, including Washington County students, who are seeking a second chance at high school graduation. Thank you for bidding in support of Maine teens and their families!

Forestry Workshop for Small Woodlot Owners

The Maine Forest Service is hosting a free forestry workshop for small woodlot owners in Washington County on February 27th at 1 pm at the Hillgrove Community Center (42 S. Main St., Whitneyville). This class-style workshop is designed to help landowners better understand the opportunities available for managing their woodlots and improving long-term forest health and productivity. Participants will also have the opportunity to connect directly with forestry professionals and conservation experts.


Rug Braiding

Saturday, March 7th, 10 am – 3 pm at Cobscook Institute: The art of braided rugs is a traditional craft that has been passed down over the generations.  In this class, the instructor’s goal is for the students to create an oval braided rug from traditional wool or upcycled fabrics.  Learn more.


WSHD Presents

Sunday, March 8th, 4-6 pm at Cobscook Institute: WSHD Presents an evening of music in support of Mano en Mano feature Minor Characters & WSDH DJ Gunther Valentin spinning some tunes before and after.  See flyer for details.


Intro to Pruning Landscape Trees & Flowering Shrubs

University of Maine Cooperative Extension will offer a tree pruning workshop on Friday, March 13, from 9 am–noon at the Hancock County Extension Office, 63 Boggy Brook Road, Ellsworth.  “Introduction to Pruning Landscape Trees and Flowering Shrubs” is designed for backyard gardeners and professionals in related fields. Attendees will learn the essentials of pruning woody plants in an indoor setting and practice pruning techniques on flowering shrubs and small landscape trees. Outdoor hands-on instruction will be included, weather permitting. Participants can bring their own hand pruners, pruning saw (7” – 13” blade), loppers, safety glasses and gloves. Space is limited to 12 participants.  The cost for the workshop is $30. Registration is required on the event webpage. A snow date is scheduled for Thursday, March 20.  For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Sue Baez at sue.baez@maine.edu or 207-667-8212.


Join NatureQuest 2026
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) invites you to NatureQuest 2026, a seasonal outdoor challenge designed to connect participants with Maine’s stunning landscapes. Whether you’re an experienced adventurer or trying something new, NatureQuest offers curated outdoor activities across Maine’s coast, mountains, and forests.  Participants can:
  • Explore diverse terrains and Maine’s wildlife
  • Learn new outdoor skills and practice sustainable recreation
  • Connect with a community of fellow outdoor enthusiasts
  • Enter seasonal raffles to win MDIFW-branded gear
Check in each season to track your progress, share favorite moments with #MaineNatureQuest, and be featured on mefishwildlife.com.  Commit to NatureQuest 2026.

DEI Summer Camp Sign Up
Downeast Institute folks are excited to start the sign-ups for our 2026 summer camps. We are adding many new sessions and have changed the groupings. See the schedule and register.  Download a flyer to share.

New Accepting Referrals – FFD

Family Futures Downeast is currently accepting referrals from community providers.  If you’re working with parents who have a desire to pursue education, career goals, and could benefit from additional support, we’re here to help.  Partner with us to connect families to resources, encouragement, and opportunities that build long-term stability.  Reach out today to submit a referral or learn more.


Weatherization & Home Repair

Washington and Hancock County residents: Call to confirm your place on our weatherization and home repair waitlist at 207-764-3721 ext. 223.  If you’ve been on a home weatherization and repair waitlist and still need assistance, Community Action in Aroostook, Washington & Hancock Counties would love to hear from you. Please give our team a quick call at (207) 764‑3721 ext. 223 so we can make sure you’re still on the list. Your call helps us keep things moving and get services to those who need them most!


Cancer Caregiving Resources

According to the National Cancer Institute, more than 2 million Americans were diagnosed with cancer in 2025. Behind every one of those diagnoses is a story—a patient facing uncertainty and a caregiver stepping up with love, strength, and countless questions. If you’re caring for a loved one with cancer, you’re managing medical appointments, treatment decisions, emotional ups and downs, and the everyday moments that matter most.  The Help for Cancer Caregivers resource hub offers practical guidance, compassionate support, and tools designed to help you care for your loved one—and yourself—through every stage of the cancer journey.  Explore Help for Cancer Caregivers.


Daughterhood the Podcast

The Grieving Body with Mary-Frances O’Connor, PhD: Today we discuss the physical nature of grief, the physiological response of your body and how grief affects every system, We talk about our immune system, brain fog, ways to cope with grief, how to rebuild after loss and so much more.  Listen Now.

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