Just a reminder that the Hope Fund Committee is currently not accepting applications.  We will post an announcement when the fund has been replenished and we can resume this program.

University of Maine Cooperative Extension 4-H will offer its hands-on virtual summer learning series July 7–August 11. The series presents more than 20 workshops on a wide variety of topics to fit a broad range of interests. The series features engagement-building activities in the fields of arts and crafts, food and nutrition, STEM, marine science and aquaculture, animal science and agriculture, and more. Participants log on and learn from UMaine staff and volunteers with a variety of expertise. The workshops also provide opportunities to learn more about the 4-H program and to connect with other youth from across Maine. All materials needed to complete the hands-on activities will be mailed to participants at no cost.  Workshops are free with optional sliding scale fee and open to all youth ages 5–18. Registration is required. Find more information on the Extension 4-H Summer Learning Series webpage. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Sarah Sparks at 207-581-8206 or sarah.sparks@maine.edu.

First and Third Sundays, June through August, 10 am — 12 Noon:  Interested in volunteering in Cobscook Institute’s community garden?  This is a volunteer opportunity to get hands-on gardening skills and support your neighbors by stepping into the sunshine. Upkeep of a garden is a rewarding process that happens throughout the season, ensuring that all intentionally grown plants have the space and nutrients they need to thrive. Please register or call (207)733-2233.  All ages are welcome in the garden, although guardian supervision is needed for those younger than 18. Learn more here.

The G.E.A.R. Parent Network has a new Summer calendar of statewide workshops and events.  All events require registration at https://gearparentnetwork.org/events/ and are interactive so they are not recorded in order to safeguard the personal information shared by participants. In the event of potential cancellations, check our Facebook page or call us at 1-800-264-9224.

The Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center with Free Me from Lung Cancer has partnered to help with the many financial challenges facing the Native American population living in the State of Maine fighting the fight with Lung Cancer and other lung related diseases. Treatment and medication can be costly. Other issues, like the cost of transportation to and from treatment, lodging, meals, can also be difficult to arrange and feel overwhelming.  Beth Wright provides limited financial assistance for treatment-related transportation, lodging, and nutrition to Native Americans across Maine affected by Lung cancer, and other lung related diseases. We can also provide support for screenings, prevention, follow-up treatments, and well-checks. Give us a call and let’s start the conversation.  The first step to applying for financial assistance is calling 207-664-0339 and speaking with a Beth Wright Cancer Patient Navigator to complete a brief intake, or email us at info@bethwrightcancercenter.org with “freeme” in the subject line.

NextStep Domestic Violence Project has published this wish list for both their Ellsworth and Machias locations.  Learn more about NextStep here.

From Daughterhood, the Blog: Did you know 70% of the world’s food supply depends on a bunch of women dancing? What I learned about the way female bees work together has become the most important thing I’ll ever say about caregiving, connection, and Daughterhood. Let me tell you why we were never meant to do this alone….Read more.