Another interesting cosmic event occurred yesterday: Earth was in perfect alignment with 3I-Atlas and the Sun. Happy Wednesday!
New this week:
Finishing cancer treatment is a huge milestone, but it can also bring new questions and challenges. You don’t have to face this next chapter alone. The Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center is proud to collaborate with the Dempsey Center to offer this 4-week support series designed to help you connect with others, care for your body and mind, and explore tools for living well after cancer. Mondays, Oct 20 – Nov 10, 12:30 – 1:30 pm, In-person at the Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center or virtually through Dempsey Zoom Connects. Each week will focus on a different piece of survivorship, such as “feeling well through movement and complementary care.” Register today or call the Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center at 207-664-0339 for assistance.
Cobscook Institute is hosting Tai Chi for Health with Samantha Williams, presented by Healthy Acadia, an 8-week arthritis and fall prevention class using slow movements and breathing. Classes being October 21st from 9:30 — 10:30 am. Registration is required. Download a flyer to share.
With the conference just 1 week away, the Maine Public Health Association is execited to have added Dr. Puthiery VA, Director, Maine CDC to the roster. Dr.Va will discuss federal health policy changes, how Maine is responding, and share ways attendees can help. The deadline to register is tomorrow, October 23rd so don’t delay. Learn more and register now.
The Autumn Meeting of the Washington County Food Pantry Network is THIS THURSDAY — 12:30-2 pm on October 23rd. We are so excited to welcome you to Downeast Restorative Harvest, Healthy Acadia’s community-corrections farm, growing food for the Washington County Jail as well as local food pantries and supper programs. Some logistics for in-person, food pantry reps — APPLE and POTATO distribution! We have crates of apples (~30 lbs each), gleaned this Monday from Johnston’s Family Orchard, as well as a donation from “The Potato Man”, Matthew R. Alley, of 1,000 lbs of potatoes! Food Pantry representatives, please come with space in your vehicle if you would like to transport some of this produce back to your organization. If you are not able to attend in person but would like to receive some apples or potatoes, please email Lucy and Jasmine to coordinate logistics.
Join Cobscook Institute in celebrating our wonderful volunteers of 2025! This event will start off our November community dinner in the dining hall. There will be words of gratitude from staff and tokens of appreciation for volunteers. Stay and enjoy good food, good company, and fun activities like board games, fiber circle, and folk music, 5 pm on November 3rd. Download a flyer to share.
Good news for educators everywhere- the registration deadline for the 2025 Dear Teacher Conference, November 6th-7th at the Cross Insurance Center, has been extended to October 26th! If you haven’t secured your spot yet, this is your opportunity to join educators, authors and thought leaders for an unforgettable experience filled with insights, networking and inspiration! Learn more here.
RSU 24 is offering a a first time home buyer course on Saturday, November 8th, 8:30 am – 5 pm at SLC, Room 2 (Sullivan Learning Center, Sullivan Town Hall Building, 1888 US Highway 1, Sullivan). Cost $60. This course is valuable to anyone considering a home purchase and is required for any down payment assistance and other lending programs for first-time home buyers (like The Joy Fund). The course will help you make good choices about becoming a homeowner and selecting a home that meets your needs and matches your financial resources. Receive step-by-step instruction from application to closing, as well as determining how much home you can afford; budgeting for homeownership expenses; how credit affects home buying; resources for down payment assistance; mortgage financing options; real estate contracts, and home inspections. Instructor: Heather Massow. Register here.
Interested in enrichment courses and activities, like “Instant Piano for Hopelessly Busy People,” “Community Cribbage,” or “Bread Making?” Download RSU 24’s Fall Catalog of practical and fascinating activities and courses.
Join Cobscook Institute for child-directed free play every Tuesday afternoon from 1 – 3 pm. Prepare for outdoor play with “loose parts.” Children will have access to an inventory of loose parts: milk crates, cardboard boxes, retired electronics and so much more! Children are invited to create their own narratives and utilize items how they see fit, without an overarching agenda. The result is an engaging experience that builds confidence, strengthens critical thinking skills and fosters a child’s innate ability to play. Bring your own snack and water bottle. This group will meet primarily outside – please dress accordingly. Download a flyer to share.
Dream of Opening a Child Care Business?
Recognizing that caring for a loved one who is a wounded warrior can be overwhelming, the Veterans Administration has created the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) to help relieve the burden. Through the program, primary caregivers may be eligible for a monthly stipend, health insurance coverage, counseling, and respite care. The program aims to keep veterans at home and make caregiving sustainable and dignified, “ensuring those who have already given so much to their country are not left to struggle alone.” Learn more here.
The Maine Department of Energy Resources (DOER), the recently formed successor agency to the Governor’s Energy Office, released its updated winter 2025-2026 Heating Guide earlier this month. The updated guide includes practical home heating and weatherization tips for Maine residents who use all types of heating systems. It also links to several online resources, including the latest energy prices and information about how to access emergency heating assistance if needed. The guide also summarizes energy efficiency and home heating programs available through MaineHousing, Efficiency Maine, Community Action Agencies and other partners. Track heating fuel prices, review electricity rates, and more. To view the full winter heating guide, visit DOER’s winter heating resources webpage.