CCC Wednesday Communique — January 22, 2025

Six planets in our evening sky will be in visible alignment throughout January, with the brightest view here in the Northeast occurring tonight, January 22nd. Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, Venus, and Saturn will line up and be visible from  approximately 5:30 – 7 pm.  Venus and Jupiter will be the brightest planets to spot, making them ideal starting points. Venus will appear in the southwestern sky, setting early in the evening, while Jupiter will dominate the southeastern sky.  Look east for Mars’ distinct red hue near the Gemini constellation. Binoculars or a telescope will be necessary to see Uranus and Neptune. Uranus will appear near Jupiter, while Neptune will be closer to Venus and Saturn.

Happy Wednesday!

New this week:

Warm Your Heart Silent Auction

Coming soon! “Warm Your Heart” Online Silent Auction to support Healthy Acadia. Make a bid on a lovely item or experience for yourself or your Valentine, fend off cabin fever, and help build happiness, connection, and community alongside Healthy Acadia.  “Warm Your Heart” Online Silent Auction bidding will be open February 1-9. We look forward to notifying winners on February 10, just in time for Valentine’s Day!  Have an item or experience that you want to contribute? We would love to have a conversation! Please be in touch before January 19 by emailing development@healthyacadia.org or calling 207-667-7171 Ext 210. Thank you for bringing cheer to the longest months of winter, while supporting community health year-round!


Upcoming G.E.A.R. Parent Network workshops
  • February 1st from 9 am — 2 pm (Zoom only). Getting services for a child with behavioral health needs can be overwhelming. “Team Up for Your Child” is a step-by-step guide designed to help families navigate confusing service systems and work smarter with doctors, schools, agencies and insurers.  Download a flyer.
  • February 6th, 6 – 8 pm (Zoom & in-person) “Building Stronger Families Through Effective Communication” supports parents building communication skills that improve our ability to resolve conflicts and strengthen bonds.  As parents we can model these skills for our children. Download a flyer.
Wilderness First Aid

Cobscook Institute is holding a Wilderness First Aid course March 4th through 6th from 8 am — 2:30 pm.  This course is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts on overnight or short term wilderness adventures. Students will be able to recognize medical emergencies, and will become familiar with basic life saving skills, patient assessment, and basic field care for common injuries.  Learn more here.


Working as a Community to Improve Older Adult Health 

In collaboration with MHP Salud, this National Center for Equitable Care for Elders (NCECE) webinar series will focus on the role of state and local area agencies on aging (AAAs) in supporting older adults to safely age in their communities of choice. Both sessions will highlight the unique role of community health workers (CHWs) and explore how coordination between health centers and AAAs can increase access to care and improve service delivery for older migratory and seasonal agricultural workers (MSAWs).  After completing this session, participants will be able to:
  • Identify possible non-medical needs of older patients that can impact their independence
  • Describe the wide range of in-home and community-based services offered by AAAs
  • Utilize shared strategies for developing partnerships focused on the unique needs of older patients

March 18 & 25th, 2-3 pm.  Register here.


Jobs, Resources, and Family Fun

Employers, the MainStreet Business Building is thrilled to invite you to the Community Connections: Jobs, Resources, and Family Fun Fairs—exciting events where you can connect with local talent, showcase your organization, and engage with the community in a meaningful way!
  • Machias Fair
    Date: Tuesday, March 25, 2025 (Snow date: March 26)
    Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
    Location: Machias Memorial High School Gym
  • Calais Fair
    Date: Thursday, April 24, 2025
    Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
    Location: Washington County Community College Gym

Complete the Employer Registration Form by Friday, January 31st. Space is limited—secure your spot today!  For any questions, feel free to reach out to Dodie at demerson@sunrisecounty.org or 207-271-2132.


Aging in a Changing Climate

The Tri-State Learning Collaborative on Aging invites you to their Virtual Summit, April 9th from 9 am — 12:30 pm, and April 10th, 12:30 — 3:30 pm.  Aging in a Changing Climate: Putting Experience into Action is this year’s theme, focusing on tapping the experience and skills of older people to plan for severe weather events and build weather-resilient communities.  We’ll explore concepts of age-equity in relation to planning for climate changes and extreme weather events, and share ideas for building on the experience of older people to develop and deploy effective community-based solutions. Featuring Keynote speaker: Danielle Arigoni, author of Climate Resilience for an Aging Nation.   Details and registration coming soon.


Kindly Human

At Caregiver Action Network, we always look for ways to make your caregiving journey easier. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce a new partner—Kindly Human.  Kindly Human offers 24/7 access to support from real people who truly understand, along with resources to help you navigate life’s challenges.  Whether coping with a family illness, financial stress, or simply feeling overwhelmed, Kindly Human provides empathy, understanding, and practical pathways forward.  Here’s what you’ll find with Kindly Human: Mini-podcasts, peer listeners, tailored supports, access for your loved ones, and privacy guaranteed.  Getting started is simple! Activate your account by visiting kindlyhuman.io/CAN. Bookmark the link for easy access anytime.  Your Group ID is: CAN.


SAMHSA Releases Publications Supporting Recovery

SAMHSA has released publications designed to address unique recovery needs in rural communities; empower individuals navigating behavioral health services; and expand the adoption of recovery-oriented services and supports in state, local, and community behavioral health settings.
FY2023/FY2024 Office of Recovery (OR) Performance Report
Rural Recovery Innovations
Family Peer Support Services: Broadening the View
Promoting Wellness in the Workplace
Advancing Partnerships Across Harm Reduction and Recovery


DEHV Exec Assistant Position
There is something very special about volunteering to spend the precious last hours with someone as they prepare to depart this life. Down East Hospice Volunteers provides this opportunity and is currently seeking a part-time executive assistant to support its operation. This position is based in our Calais office. Compensation is negotiable, with vacation and holiday benefits offered which is exceptional for a part-time position. To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to: downeasthospice@yahoo.com.  View the job description.

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