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CCC Wednesday Communique — July 24, 2019

Happy Wednesday!

This is the Community Caring Collaborative Weekly Communiqué where we share announcements about trainings, meetings and other events, including announcements from our collaborative partners.  Look for links to meeting minutes and agendas in the Meetings section, training registration forms and flyers in the Events section, and job postings and other items of interest in the Announcements section.  Subscribe here to get the Communiqué.  Make sure to add Community Caring Collaborative to your contacts at claurel@cccmaine.org.  Gmail users, check for the Communiqué under the Promotions tab. This mailing goes out every Wednesday, so if you have announcements, please send them to Christine by 5 pm Monday to be included.   Thanks!

Photo above: Harbor House Flamingo Festival parade in Southwest Harbor last weekend. Island Readers & Writers is a nonprofit organization based in Southwest Harbor that brings book-centered programs with children’s book authors and illustrators to 27 schools in Washington County (14 in WC) and the outer islands. For this annual summer parade and festival, our wonderful intern, Alicia, recreated the book jacket from Molly Idle’s beautiful, wordless picture book “Flora and the Flamingo.” We walked with Flora and her friend the flamingo through town.  Photo courtesy of Island Readers & Writers.

Announcements

Experience the Power of the Mastermind: In partnership with Rose St. Louis, member of the John Maxwell Coaching, Speaking, Teaching Team, WCCC is offering an opportunity to experience the power of the Mastermind
15 Invaluable Laws of Growth by John Maxwell in a new leadership series.  The first Mastermind group will afford you the opportunity to join forces and mastermind with a unique group of like-minded individuaIs who are focused on taking results in every area of their lives to a new level. WCCC is offering this 4-week leadership series at 2 different locations.  Learn more in this flyer.

EMDC Workforce Development Services: EMDC provides employment and training assistance to eligible individuals in EMDC’s five county service area. For assistance in Washington County call Amanda Smith at 255-3656 or email at asmith@emdc.org.  Additional information can be found at https://www.emdc.org/page/954/workforce

Caregivers Facebook Group:  The CCC is launching a private facebook group for caregivers in Washington County – professional caregivers like RNs and CNAs, and informal caregivers like family members providing care for a spouse, parent, specials needs child, sibling or the neighbor across the street.  Our goal is for this group to provide a platform for caregivers to talk to each other, ask questions, offer solutions based on experience with similar challenges, and point to helpful resources.  Use this link to join.

Temporary Census Jobs: The US Census is recruiting for a wide variety of temporary jobs including census takers, recruiting assistants, office staff, and supervisory staff to complete the 2020 Census.  Learn more in the Needs & Offers section of this newsletter.

Your announcement could go here: email the details to Christine by 5 pm Monday for inclusion in Wednesday’s Weekly Communiqué.  Photos and links are appreciated.

Updates  

This is where we post updates on programs, research, initiatives and pending legislation.

In Support of Family Caregivers: A Snapshot of Five States Report by Milbank Memorial Fund – Released June 2019 “Facing the reality of caregiving today, states are building family caregiving into their service delivery systems—both to support caregivers and extend care to the aging population.” Maine is among five states in the report that have advanced policies and programs in support of family caregivers.  Read the full text here. The Tri-State Learning Collaborative on Aging is spotlighted in this report.

One-Time Events  

Aging My Way Community Fair
July 25, 2019
Community members interested in learning tips, tools, gadgets, strategies and services available to help retain wellness and supports into our later years are invited to “Aging My Way Community Fair,” a free summer event sponsored by Washington County Thriving in Place. Join us for exhibits, demonstrations and guidance to start planning your path to thriving in place. July 25th from 9 am — 1 pm in the Reynolds gymnasium at the University of Maine Machias (download a flyer to share). If your organization would like a table, please fill out the registration form on the CCC’s website (link here).  Mini demonstrations behind your table are welcome.  Deadline to sign up for a table is July 17th. Contact Christinewith any questions.

She Can Do It Career Fair:
July 25, 2019
The Aroostook County Action Program, together with the Dept. of Labor Machias Career Center, and the Women Apprenticeships and Non-Traditional Occupations Grant are holding a career fair on July 25th at the Seaworthy Event Center in Milbridge for women interested in learning about non-traditional occupations, which can offer steady employment with a good salary and benefits.  See flyer for details.  For more information visit facebook.com/acapworkforcedevelopment or facebook.com/washingtoncountycareercenters
or call 207-768-0541.

HUBZone Certification:
August 6, 2019
2:00 PM
7 Ames Way, Machias
This Government Contracting Program was created to stimulate economic growth in certain geographic areas. Eligible small businesses can gain preferential treatment in the federal marketplace. Register here.

Conference for School Nurses & Medical Providers:
August 16, 2019
Save this date for Collaborating to Address the Complex Mental and Behavioral Health Needs of Maine Youth, a joint conference for school nurses and medical providers, 8:30 am — 3:30 pm at the Portland Campus of the University of Southern Maine.  See flyer for details. Sponsored by the Maine Association of School Nurses, American Academy of Pediatrics – Maine Chapter, and the Maine Department of Education.

Impairment Detection Training for Employers: 
August, 29, 2019
SafetyWorks! Maine Dept of Labor is holding a training on August 29th designed to help owners, managers, and supervisors recognize and respond appropriately to employee-impairment in the workplace in order to reduce worker accidents and injuries. Participants will be taught procedures to detect impairment regardless of the substance or cause. This class is designed to fulfill the federal DOT requirements for reasonable suspicion training of supervisors. In addition, participants will learn how to develop and implement policies that address impairment in the workplace and are in compliance with Maine’s Substance Use Testing Law. This free class runs 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. at the Machias CareerCenter, 53 Prescott Drive, Machias. Register here.

Hot Topics in Employment:
September 9, 2019
Rudman Winchell has rescheduled their Lunch & Learn to September 9th, 11 am — 1:30 pm in the Assembly Room at Washington County Community College.  Topics covered will include: Drug Use in the Workplace, Sexual Harassment, Workplace Accommodation, and changes to Maine employment laws this year.  See flyer for details.  To reserve your seat, contact Dawn Spinney at dspinney@rudmanwinchell.com or 207-992-2302.

Intro to Federal Contracting:
September 10, 2019
10:00 AM
7 Ames Way, Machias
Learn the basics of government contracting with Maine PTAC Procurement Counselor Katie Bragg as she explains what it takes and how to go about selling to the Federal Government. Register here.

Swing for Success: 
September 14, 2019
On Saturday, September 14th, the Maine Association of Nurse Anesthetists, Rocky Knoll Golf Course, and Healthy Acadia will host the second annual, “Swing for Success,” Golf Tournament Fundraiser at Rocky Knoll Golf Course, 14 River Road, Orrington. All registration proceeds from this event will support Healthy Acadia’s Downeast Recovery Supports Fund which helps to bolster recovery infrastructure and provide access to resources needed by individuals and their families throughout their recovery journey.  Registration for “Swing for Success” is $125 per person, or $400 for a team of four if registering online ($450 at the event). Register online at www.meana.org. On-site registration begins at 9:00 am; tee time is at 10:00 am. A luncheon barbecue is included, along with snacks, great prizes and cash awards.

Senior Health & Resource Fair:
September 16, 2019
Eastport Health Care is sponsoring a Senior Health & Resource Fair on September 16th from 10 am — 3 pm at the Eastport Welcome Center, Port Authority Building, 141 Water Street.  Speakers, exhibits, demonstrations — see flyer for details.  Reserve your table now by emailing Elaine Abbott at eabbott@eastporthealth.org or calling 853-0189/853-6001.

Selling to the State of Maine:
September 17, 2019
10:00 AM
7 Ames Way, Machias
Are you interested in selling products or services to the State of Maine? Do you want to learn how to become a successful vendor? Join Maine PTAC Procurement Counselor Katie Bragg, for a workshop that will tell you what it takes to sell to the State of Maine. Register here.

6th Annual Wisdom Summit: 
September 24, 2019
The Maine Council on Aging will host the 6th annual Wisdom Summit, “Igniting Aging Activism,” at the Augusta Civic Center in Augusta, ME.  More details coming soon.

Age of Possibilities Summit:
October 21, 2019
The Tri-State Learning Collaborative on Aging will be hosting the upcoming regional convening, Age of Possibilities Summit: Exploring research, technology and learning in the longevity era, on October 21st, 8 am — 3:30 pm at Grappone Conference Center in Concord, NH. Each new era brings possibilities for change and growth; the emerging longevity era is no exception. We are living longer than ever before; the world around us offers unparalleled opportunity to test old assumptions, make new discoveries, and modify ecosystems to support our changing needs.Click here to read more about this Summit and to register for sponsor or exhibit opportunities.

Innovations in Dementia Care: 
October 28, 2019 (revised date)
Save this date for the Fourteenth Annual University of Maine Clinical Geriatrics Colloquium, 8 am-4 pm at the Wells Conference Center, University of Maine. Orono, ME. Anticipated topics include:

  • Population Health, Prevention, Genetics, Risk, & Resilience
  • Environments of Care
  • Screening & Diagnosis
  • Dementia & Driving
  • Caring for the Caregiver
  • What is High Quality Dementia Care?

Registration Information Coming Soon.  Details in this flyer.

Autism Fall Conference:
November 2, 2019
The Autism Society invites you to a free conference on November 2nd at Black Bear Inn, Orono.  This event is designed for participants to exchange ideas, resources and knowledge that will inspire hope and innovation for those who live and work with individuals with autism. This year’s keynote is “You Can’t Make Me: Proactive Strategies for Positive Behavioral Change,” delivered by James Ball, Ed.D., BCBA-D, author of the book, Early Intervention & Autism:  Real-Life Questions; Real-Life Answers. Details and registration info here.  Registration expected to fill up quickly.

Serial Classes & Groups  

classes, play groups, support circles and other repeating events

Experience the Power of the Mastermind: In partnership with Rose St. Louis, member of the John Maxwell Coaching, Speaking, Teaching Team, WCCC is offering an opportunity to experience the power of the Mastermind
15 Invaluable Laws of Growth by John Maxwell in a new leadership series.  The first Mastermind group will afford you the opportunity to join forces and mastermind with a unique group of like-minded individuaIs who are focused on taking results in every area of their lives to a new level. WCCC is offering this 4-week leadership series at 2 different locations.  Learn more in this flyer.

Refuge Recovery: The Downeast Recovery Supports Center is now hosting weekly meetings of Refuge Recovery, a Buddhist-inspired approach to recovery from addiction. Meetings are on Tuesdays from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. No prior experience with Buddhism is required. Meetings are free and all who seek recovery are warmly welcomed. Learn more about Refuge Recovery at: www.refugerecovery.org.

Hepatitis C Support Group: Health Equity Alliance has begun a Hepatitis C support group at the Downeast Machias Recovery Center.  They also offer a syringe exchange and FREE HIV and HEPC testing.  Hours are Tuesday: 3-6 pm and  Friday: 10 am to 1 pm, closed to Walk-In Services on Mondays,  Wednesdays, and Thursdays. FMI: Arielle Metcalf at arielle@mainehealthequity.org, 207-255-5849.

WCCC Div of Workforce and Professional Development: WCCC is offering 6 exciting courses and events this summer (see flyer with general info or individual flyers for more detail):

For more information, call (207) 454-1000 or email nsawyer@wccc.me.edu.

Circle of Parents Playgroups:

Contact Mandie Pepperman with questions at is 263-5270.

Downeast MAT Expansion ECHO: Healthy Acadia in collaboration with Qualidigm (formerly Maine Quality Counts) invites you to join a local effort to respond to Maine’s opioid epidemic through education, skill-building, and networking for Downeast clinicians. The Downeast MAT Expansion ECHO program seeks to build local capacity to treat individuals who are struggling with OUDs across Hancock and Washington Counties by offering free education, skill building, and networking to clinicians and the practices they work in. Healthy Acadia, working closely with many key community partners, is offering a two-part Project ECHO program over the coming year. Sign up for one or both!

  •  Part 1: MAT Readiness Academy: June 12, July 10, August 14; 11:30 am – 1:00 pm.  Meetings will be held virtually using an online platform (Zoom)
  • Part 2: MAT Expansion: Second Wednesday of the month from September 2019 to May 2020; 11:30 am – 1:00 pm.  Meetings will be held virtually using Zoom.

Download a flyer for more information.  Project ECHO® (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) is an evidence-based educational model developed by researchers at the University of New Mexico.

Nurturing Program: The CAN Council invites parents to a multi-session educational program sharing tips and tricks to help navigate the difficult challenges of parenting.  Lots of opportunity for discussion and questions – free refreshments and childcare.  Text/call Mandie at 263-5270 to sign up.  See flyer for locations and dates.

Community of Practice Groups:
6-8 pm
Maine Roads to Quality invites Early Care & Education professionals to join one of 2 community of practice groups:

  • Calais Community of Practice meets on the second Tuesday of each month at WCCC – Riverview Hall, Room 115 (Multi Media Room
  • Machias Community of Practice meets on the 4th Monday of each month at UMM – Torrey Hall, Room 228

For more information or to register, please contact Theresa Fisk, District Early Childhood and Youth Coordinator –  207-956-2070 or email: theresa.fisk@maine.edu.

Standing Meetings & Calendars

Monthly and quarterly meetings, agency/initiative calendars at a glance and other meeting schedules. 

Downeast Recovery Support Center Calendars for July:

2019 MRBN: Save these dates for Maine Resilience Building Network meetings held at EduCare in Waterville:

  •  Sept 26, 2019
  •  October 31, 2019

Washington County Food Pantry Network: The network offers technical and infrastructure support and education to all of the county’s pantries as well as to provide an opportunity for pantries to share successes and struggles. Dessert, beverages and gas cards will be provided to all food pantry participants. Meeting dates (Thursdays) and locations for 2019 are as follows:

  • Oct 3,  1-4 pm; Location to be determined.

Questions? Contact Regina Grabrovac at our Machias Healthy Acadia office by phone at 255 3741 or by email at regina@healthyacadia.org

Calais Area Breast Cancer Support Group: meets on the 4th Friday of each month at 3 PM at the Calais United Methodist Church, 849 Main St. (downstairs parlor), in Calais.  This free “gathering” is a comforting and safe environment to find encouragement and hope.  Open to all that have a breast cancer diagnosis.  FMI call Marianne at 454-0501. Download a flyer for more information.

Caregivers Support Group:  Join other family/informal caregivers monthly for a supportive meeting at the Maine Veterans Home in Machias, facilitated by Lisa King, LCPC, on the first Friday of the month from 2-4 pm. Contact Lisa King for more information.

Work Group & Poverty Busters: Join this meeting of direct service providers to share resources and network with other providers in your area. The next meeting is August 7th in the large conference room at SCEC, 7 Ames Way, Machias, from 1 — 3 pm.   Send your questions to Christine.

Needs & Offers 

Send us your agency/community needs or offers, such as job recruiting or housing needs.

CCC Dream Fund: We are currently not taking applications as we work to replenish funds for this program supporting children and families as they reach for their dreams.  Established in 2016 to honor the life work of Marjorie Withers, the Dream Fund is an initiative of the CCC allowing children and young adults to pursue their interest in something that gives them joy and may be beyond the financial capacity of their family. About 125 Dream Fund awards have been given to families and children since the fund opened three years ago.

Temporary Census Jobs: The US Census is recruiting for a wide variety of temporary jobs including census takers, recruiting assistants, office staff, and supervisory staff to complete the 2020 Census.  To be eligible, you must be at least 18 years old, have a social security number, and be a US citizen. Find details and a link to the application process in the WCCOG News Feed here.

EMDC Workforce Development Services: EMDC provides employment and training assistance to eligible individuals in EMDC’s five county service area. For assistance in Washington County call Amanda Smith at 255-3656 or email at asmith@emdc.org.  Additional information can be found at https://www.emdc.org/page/954/workforce

Photos of Summer Fun Needed: Mainers are fortunate to be living in a place people love to visit in the summer. The Wednesday Communique would like to share photos of family summer fun during the rest of July and August.  Send your favorite summer photos to claurel@cccmaine.org.

Healthy Acadia is Hiring!  We currently have several opportunities for experienced professionals to join a dynamic team passionate about making it easier for all people to lead healthier lives. Click on the links below for full position descriptions and application instructions:

AOS 96 Summer Meals: AOS 96 is again sponsoring a summer meals program for our local area.  This year we have expanded this service to four area locations to hopefully better meet the needs of our area.  Rose M Gaffney Elementary (Machias), Jonesboro Elementary (Jonesboro), Fort Obrien School (Machiasport) and Elm Street School (East Machias) will each be serving breakfast and lunch, with specific serving dates and times indicated on this flyer.  All meals will be offered free of charge to any child aged 18 and under.  There are no application or registration requirements- just come to a site during the specified times and eat.  Menus will be available on site, and children/families are welcome to enjoy meals on every serving day or to pick which days they would like to attend.  Any adult accompanying a participating child may also request a meal at no charge.

Free Ear Acupuncture/Acupressure: Acupuncture & acupressure on ear points will be offered free at the Friends’ meeting house in Whiting during the summer, beginning June 6th.  This clinic will primarily treat symptoms of pain and stress as well as dependencies and cravings.  Learn more about the clinic, treatments, and what to expect at this link.

Free Financial Coaching: Thanks to support from Downeast Community Partners, Joseph Connors has been able to continue offering free coaching on any financial matter to individuals and families in Washington County, following the termination of this program at the end of March by the Consumer Protection Bureau.  To make an appointment with Joe, call him at 207-598-5657 or email  joe.connors@downeastcommunitypartners.org.

Favorite Resources  

Send us your favorite links to share with other Communique readers. 

Discussion: Caregiving and Low Vision
BrightFocus, an organization that funds scientific research worldwide to defeat Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration, and glaucoma, hosted a discussion on caregiving of individuals with these diseases. Guest speakers included C. Grace Whiting, President and CEO of NAC, and Joanne Dillon, a caregiver of a family member with AMD (Age-related Macular Degeneration). The discussion focused on the challenges that caregivers face, the resources and tools they need to overcome these challenges, and the actions that advocates can take to support caregivers on a state and federal level.  Listen to the Discussion here, and click here to access other resources