CCC Wednesday Communique — July 31, 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!

Summer Fun in Maine!  Photo courtesy of Abby Frutchey

Announcements

Helping your Business Navigate Substance Use in the Work Place: Sunrise County Economic Council and the Community Caring Collaborative are coordinating a free, 3-hour  training for employers on this topic with two different options for dates and locations:

  • September 26th from 9 am – Noon at the Machias Savings Bank Training Center, 1 Colonial Way, Machias.
  • October 10th from 5 – 8 pm at the Downeast Recovery Support Center, 311 Main Street, Calais.

Details in this flyer.  Register for either location & date here.


ESL Volunteer Tutoring: Axiom Education & Training Center is holding a training on “How to be a volunteer English tutor” at their office at 6 Colonial Way, Machias, on August 19, 22, 26 & 29 from 5:30 – 8 pm.  You do NOT need to speak a foreign language in order to teach English as a Second Language and no teaching experience is required.   We can show you how to help foreign language speakers learn English using successful, proven techniques that do not require you to speak that foreign language!  See flyer for details.


Down East Hospice Volunteer Training: Down East Hospice Volunteers of Washington County is offering a 5-day hospice volunteer training at the Calais Regional Hospital this September.  The Training will run from 10 am – 3 pm on September 18, 20, 23, 25 & 27th (must attend all days).  A short pre-training interview is required – please respond soon.  A background check is mandatory when you complete your training. We need both men and women. You must have your own vehicle. GET YOUR APPLICATION NOW!  Call – 454-7521 ext. 126 or Director, Barbara Barnett – 726-5087 or e-mail downeasthospice@yahoo.com.


Innovations in Dementia Care: Registration is now open for the Fourteenth Annual University of Maine Clinical Geriatrics Colloquium, 8 am-4 pm at the Wells Conference Center, University of Maine. Orono, ME, on October 28th.  Details in the One-Time Events section of this newsletter.


New from the CAN Council:

  • Weekly infant toddler playgroup in Machias: Fridays from 10-11 at the Kay Parker Building. See flyer for details.
  • Weekly Social Hour for children 6-11 who are engaged with section 26/65 to come with their BHP’s for a craft/activity/game on Fridays from 3-4. BHP’s and their kiddos are welcome any Friday, but we do ask that they send an RSVP (263-5270) with the kiddo’s age at least 2 hours prior. This way we can make accommodations or modifications to our activities if needed. This will be held at WCCP (232 Court St, Machias). See flyer for details.

MRBN Survey: If you have not had a chance to complete the survey Maine Resilience Building Network Executive Director Kini-Ana Tinkham sent out recently, MRBN staff would appreciate your participation now. “This is our final ask. The strength of MRBN continues to be our Network. When MRBN receives a request for technical assistance or we want to connect programs working to build resilience across sectors, understanding your current programming is helpful. Please complete the survey below about your organization and resilience building programming. The survey is critical to connecting people and programs in addition to MRBN’s technical assistance offerings. Please take 5 minutes to complete the survey here.”


The Daughterhood Circle: read about this resource for family caregivers in the Favorite Resources section of this newsletter.


Axiom ETC is Hiring! Washington County Adult Education is seeking to fill a part-time Adult Education Director position and part-time Literacy/ELL Instructor position that are being combined into a full-time position if a suitable candidate is found.  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.


One-Time Events  

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.


Helping your Business Navigate Substance Use in the Work Place:
September 26, 2019 or
October 10, 2019
Sunrise County Economic Council and the Community Caring Collaborative are coordinating a free, 3-hour  training for employers on this topic with two different options for dates and locations:

  • September 26th from 9 am – Noon at the Machias Savings Bank Training Center, 1 Colonial Way, Machias.
  • October 10th from 5 – 8 pm at the Downeast Recovery Support Center, 311 Main Street, Calais.

Details in this flyer.  Register for either location & date here.


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
Register now 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?

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 AnswersDetails and registration info here.  Registration expected to fill up quickly.


Serial Classes & Groups  

classes, play groups, support circles and other repeating events

Down East Hospice Volunteer Training: Down East Hospice Volunteers of Washington County is offering a 5-day hospice volunteer training at the Calais Regional Hospital this September.  The training will run from 10 am – 3 pm on September 18, 20, 23, 25 & 27th (must attend all days).  A short pre-training interview is required – please respond soon.  A background check is mandatory when you complete your training. We need both men and women. You must have your own vehicle. GET YOUR APPLICATION NOW!  Call – 454-7521 ext. 126 or Director, Barbara Barnett – 726-5087 or e-mail downeasthospice@yahoo.com.


ESL Volunteer Tutoring: Axiom Education & Training Center is holding a training on “How to be a volunteer English tutor” at their office at 6 Colonial Way, Machias, on August 19, 22, 26 & 29 from 5:30 – 8 pm.  You do NOT need to speak a foreign language in order to teach English as a Second Language and no teaching experience is required.   We can show you how to help foreign language speakers learn English using successful, proven techniques that do not require you to speak that foreign language!  See flyer for details.


New from the CAN Council:

  • Weekly infant toddler playgroup in Machias: Fridays from 10-11 at the Kay Parker Building. See flyer for details.
  • Weekly Social Hour for children 6-11 who are engaged with section 26/65 to come with their BHP’s for a craft/activity/game on Fridays from 3-4. BHP’s and their kiddos are welcome any Friday, but we do ask that they send an RSVP (263-5270) with the kiddo’s age at least 2 hours prior. This way we can make accommodations or modifications to our activities if needed. This will be held at WCCP (232 Court St, Machias). See flyer for details.

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.


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.  Location: Harrington Family Health Center, 52 East Main Street, Harrington, every Thursday from 12:30 — 2 pm.  Text/call Mandie at 263-5270 to sign up.


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. 

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.   Special guest, Jace Farris from CHCS, will talk about the PATH Program.  Read an agenda for this meeting. Send your questions to Christine.


Needs & Offers 

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

Axiom ETC is Hiring! Washington County Adult Education is seeking to fill a part-time Adult Education Director position and part-time Literacy/ELL Instructor position that are being combined into a full-time position if a suitable candidate is found.  Candidate must have a bachelor’s degree and a wiliness to become state certified as an assistant adult education director. Professional Development costs will be provided. Assists the director in oversite of programs adult basic education, high school completion, college transitions, vocational, academic and career advising, and other programs deemed appropriate for communities. This is a county program, so travel is required at times. Mileage or a gas card is provided. The assistant director works director to support efforts to meet mission, vision and goals. The portion of the position as a literacy/ELL instructor will work with immigrant populations, college students and other adults who need to acquire the English language or increase their literacy skills. Professional development and training will be provided.
Please send a resume and cover letter to: jane.blackwood@aetc.us 


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. 

The Daughterhood Circle: Where Family Caregivers Come Together to Find Community (From: The Washington Post | July 18, 2019)

“A consumed caregiver can feel cut off from the outside world. Even the best of friends, if they’ve never been in this position themselves, can grow tired of lending their ears. In this circle, though, empathy reigns.

Together they travel through the intricacies of the health-care system and grapple with questions big and small. What do you say to the parent who needs to stop driving? When should you start talking about hospice? How do I convince dad to relinquish control of his finances? What’s up with my mom stomping her feet and refusing to go to dinner?”

Read more….


The mission of the CCC is to nurture and sustain collaboration that expands resources and results in greater hope, health and wellbeing for Washington County people.

Contact: Christine Laurel, Communication & Training Coordinator
Community Caring Collaborative

PO Box 224, East Machias, ME 04630
Phone: 207-249-3318
Fax: 207-835-4500

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