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: Only 1 week left to register for Caregiver Basic Skills 2 – read more about this free training on October 16th in Machias here.

Announcements

Family Prosperity: The CCC is thrilled to announce that we have been selected to join the Aspen Family Prosperity Innovation Community (Family Prosperity), an initiative of Ascend at the Aspen Institute. This unique, national learning and action community brings together talented leaders and groundbreaking organizations committed to developing bold strategies and solutions that strengthen the health, well-being and economic stability of families with low incomes. As part of Family Prosperity, we will join this collaboration, leveraging our resources and expertise to realize positive impacts for working families in Washington County. Through research, policy, and practice, Family Prosperity is committed to finding ambitious and creative ways to move families toward satisfying opportunities. Our organization’s selection, along with nine prominent groups across the country, ensures that our community’s voice is included in the conversation to improve the lives of children and families for generations. Learn more here.

Arms Wide Open: The G.E.A.R. Parent Network invites you to their 8th Annual Summit on Collaborative and Proactive Solutions, Arms Wide Open, in Portland, Maine on November 2nd. This year’s Summit features a full-morning keynote presentation from Julie Causton, PhD, Professor in the Inclusive and Special Education Program in the Department of Teaching and Leadership at Syracuse University, along with breakout groups for parents, educators, and clinicians. The Summit will also feature a screening of excerpts from the soon-to-be-released documentary film from Lives in the Balance, The Kids We Lose. So whether you’re new to the CPS model or an old hand, you’ll find what you’re looking for. Registration and more information here.

Winter Kids: Join Healthy Acadia and WinterKids Program Director Marion Doyle for this free 2-hour workshop and explore ways to keep kids active throughout the winter months with engaging, kid-friendly outdoor activities. Participants will be provided with a binder for their center or school full of activities to keep kids moving, grooving, and learning through the winter months. See flyer for dates, times, locations and registration info.

Free Tobacco Cessation Classes: A Freshstart Tobacco Cessation group will meet on Mondays from 5:15 to 6:15 pm beginning November 5 and continuing through November 26, 2018 at Healthy Acadia’s office located at 121 Court Street, Machias. Classes will provide face-to-face group support sessions designed to help smokers plan a successful quit attempt by providing essential information, skills for coping with cravings, and group support. See press release for details and registration info.

The 25^th Annual Living with Grief, Conference Series: Down East Hospice Volunteers will be presenting the Hospice Foundation of America’s 25th Annual Living with Grief, Conference Series: “Transforming Loss, Finding Potential for Growth” on October 18, 2018 at Calais Regional Hospital’s Conference Room from 9:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. See flyer for details and registration info.

2 free G.E.A.R. Workshops: Misty Day, Regional Parent Support Coordinator for G.E.A.R. Parent Network, will facilitate two free workshops at MAS Community Health, 60 Main St., Machias from 10 am to 12 pm. See the One-Time Events section below for details and registration info.

Understanding Child Birth Order – November 9, 2018 (read more under One-Time Events below)
Family Activity: Creating a Cookie Jar Mix: December 7, 2018

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 (jpg, not gif or png).

Updates

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

One-Time Events

Safety Day at Eastport Health Care:
October 5, 2018
WIC, Maine Families and Eastport Health Care are teaming up for a day of family safety. Maine Families is holding a car seat safety check during WIC’s outreach clinic at Eastport Health Care. The seat check is from 10 am — 1 pm. Get a free raffle ticket for a brand new car seat for each car seat checked. See this flyer for more details.

Blaine House Conference on Service and Volunteerism:
October 9, 2018
Registration is now open for the 2018 Blaine House Conference from 8 am – 4:30 pm at UMaine, Orono. Time management expert and author Maryann Murphy will give the opening plenary address. Full registration fee is $90; Early Bird registration is $75 (ends Sept 29). More details and link to register here

Communicating to Policy Makers Workshop:
October 10, 2018
A key element to making early childhood education a top priority is how we communicate to policy makers and the public. The Maine Children’s Alliance invites you to better understand how to communicate and “frame” your message in support of early childhood. Lynn Davey from Davey Strategies will lead a workshop on Wednesday, October 10th from 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm at Educare. Lynn Davey, Ph.D., is a psychologist and advocacy communications expert who helps others to implement evidence-based communication and advocacy strategies that will improve support for public policy solutions. More details to come on Lynn’s presentation.

Winter Kids:
October 10, 2018 – Machias
Join Healthy Acadia and WinterKids Program Director Marion Doyle at the Flaherty Center from 6 – 8 pm for this free 2-hour workshop and explore ways to keep kids active throughout the winter months with engaging, kid-friendly outdoor activities. Participants will be provided with a binder for their center or school full of activities to keep kids moving, grooving, and learning through the winter months. See flyer for registration info.

Innovative Living Environments for Older Adults:
October 12, 2018
Register now for the 13th Annual University of Maine Geriatrics Colloquium, 7:45 am to 4 pm at the Wells Conference Center, University of Maine, Orono. Information on topics covered, registration fees and links to register here.

Turkey-A-Thon:
October 12, 2018
Classic Hits 92.7/95.3FM and The Border 102.9FM, in partnership with Healthy Acadia and sponsored by Dunkin Donuts in Calais and Machias, and VL Tammaro of Calais will be hosting the 14th annual Washington County Turkey-A-Thon on Friday, October 12, 2018 from 7 am to 5 pm. Seven sites throughout Washington County will be accepting monetary donations that will be used to purchase gift certificates from local grocery stores for Washington County food pantries.

Learning to Play, Playing to Learn:
October 13, 2018
The registration for Learning to Play, Playing to Learn is open! Here’s the link to register online through Maine AEYC. If you’d prefer to register by mail with a check, download this brochure with registration information. The cost for the day is only $10, and includes light morning refreshments, lunch, an event t-shirt, and a chance at many various door prizes (including a grand prize of a tuition waiver for a 3-credit course at WCCC!). Questions? Contact Theresa Fisk at theresa.fisk@maine.edu or 956-2070. This training is for early childhood professionals and out-of-school time practitioners at WCCC from 9 am to 3 pm. Sponsored by WCCC, Maine Roads to Quality Professional Development Network, & MaineAEYC.

Iron Jawed Angels Movie & Discussion:
October 16, 2018
Based on historical events in the later 1910s, young suffragists Alice Paul and Lucy Burns crank up advocacy efforts to get women’s right to vote in the US. At times they clash with the older generation of suffragists, despite their shared goal. Ultimately women and men had to change the mind of enough legislators’ minds to make it happen. This involved a lot of work and national scandal. Spoiler: The 19th Amendment passes and is ratified in 1920. Iron Jawed Angels will be shown at 6 pm in Science 102. Associate Professor of History Kay Kimball will be present to respond to questions and facilitate discussion. There will be voter registration onsite before and after the movie. Sponsored by UMM Student Life, Psychology & Community Studies Program, & League of Women Voters of Maine.

Caregiver Basic Skills Training 2:
October 16, 2018
Registration is open for the 2^nd training in the CCC’s Caregiver Basic Skills series: Responding as a Caregiver, from 9 am to 12:30 pm in the large conference room at Sunrise County Economic Council, 7 Ames Way, Machias. Rosemary Nevala, RN and Pamela Grant, CNA, reprise their roles from the first training as presenters. This free training focuses on communication styles, dietary tips, caregiver stress and other topics family caregivers struggle with. Space is limited to 20 participants so please forward this flyer to staff, colleagues and family who may benefit from these skills. Registration deadline is October 9th or when the class is filled, whichever comes first. Register on the CCC’s website via the calendar of events or link on the home page. The Caregiver Basic Skills training series is part of the Washington County Thriving in Place Initiative, funded by the Maine Health Access Foundation.

Recovery Coach Academy:
October 16-19, 2018
One of two classes offered by Healthy Acadia this fall in Ellsworth. Become a CARR-certified Recovery Coach volunteer in your community! Register for either session here, For more info, click here or email Denise or Terri.

The Future of Healthcare Conversation:
October 18, 2018
AARP invites you to a free community conversation with panelists on the future of healthcare, 5:30 to 7 pm at the Kay Parker Building in Machias. Topics will include Medicare, prescription drugs, long-term care, healthcare reform and more. See flyer for list of panelists.

Tai Chi for Kidz of all Ages:
October 20-21, 2018
Healthy Acadia is sponsoring a 2-day “Tai Chi for Kidz” instructors/leaders training workshop with master trainer Linda Arksey at the Moore Community Center in Ellsworth. See this flyer for details, and check out this video of Linda’s work!

The 25^th Annual Living with Grief, Conference Series:
October 25, 2018
Down East Hospice Volunteers will be presenting the Hospice Foundation of America’s 25th Annual Living with Grief, Conference Series: “Transforming Loss, Finding Potential for Growth” at Calais Regional Hospital’s Conference Room from 9:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. See flyer for details and registration info.

Health Needs Assessment Community Forum:
October 30, 2018
The Downeast Public Health Council is hosting a community forum in Ellsworth to ask you to review and discuss the Hancock County Health Profile and together, identify what health issues you think are important for the health of your community. 8:30 – 11:00 am Moore Community Center, Ellsworth. Registrationy coming soon – download flyer.

Fraud Prevention Seminar:
October 30, 2018
The Washington County Thriving in Place Initiative is offering a free seminar with Q & A on the topic of Fraud Prevention from 12 to 3 pm at the Kay Parker Building in Machias. This will be a panel presentation with Joseph Connors, Financial Coach with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; Hilary Fernald, Downeast Senior Safety Net Attorney with Legal Services for the Elderly; and Jeanine Mallar-Heald, Financial Services Officer with Machias Savings Bank, focusing on ways we and our family members can be susceptible to financial & identity fraud, tips for how to avoid becoming a fraud victim, and how to recover stolen assets if necessary. Register here. Download flyer to share with staff, family and friends.

Supporting LGBTQ Youth Training:
November 1, 2018
This training is a 3-hour workshop for adults to build skills when working with LGTBQ+ Youth. These skills include reducing bullying and stigma, using correct terminology and pronouns as well as general skills of support questioning youth! Contact Hours available. Contact Gabe O’Brien with questions at gabe@healthyacadia.org or call (207) 255-3741.

Clinical LGBTQ Youth Training:
November 2, 2018
This training is a full day opportunity for clinicians to build their skills when working with LGTBQ+ Youth. This training also focuses on navigating how to engage the parents of youth and the ethical challenges associated with this. 7 Contact Hours available. Contact Gabe O’Brien with questions at gabe@healthyacadia.org or call (207) 255-3741.

Arms Wide Open:
November 2, 2018
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network invites you to their 8th Annual Summit on Collaborative and Proactive Solutions, Arms Wide Open, in Portland. This year’s Summit features a full-morning keynote presentation from Julie Causton, PhD, Professor in the Inclusive and Special Education Program in the Department of Teaching and Leadership at Syracuse University, along with breakout groups for parents, educators, and clinicians. The Summit will also feature a screening of excerpts from the soon-to-be-released documentary film from Lives in the Balance, The Kids We Lose. So whether you’re new to the CPS model or an old hand, you’ll find what you’re looking for. Registration and more information here.

Understanding Child Birth Order:
November 9, 2018
Free workshop presented by Misty Day, Regional Parent Support Coordinator for G.E.A.R. at MAS Community Health, 60 Main St., Machias from 10 am to 12 pm. Research shows that a person’s birth order has a direct link with his or her personality. Understanding birth order positions allows parents, guardians and teachers to guide and support children and strengthen positive attributes. To register, please contact Misty Day at 1.800.264.9224 or 485.4253; Email: mday@crisisandcounseling.org.

Winter Kids:
November 14, 2018 – Ellsworth
Join Healthy Acadia and WinterKids Program Director Marion Doyle at the Moore Community Center from 6 – 8 pm for this free 2-hour workshop and explore ways to keep kids active throughout the winter months with engaging, kid-friendly outdoor activities. Participants will be provided with a binder for their center or school full of activities to keep kids moving, grooving, and learning through the winter months. See flyer for registration info.

Winter Kids:
December 6, 2018 – Calais
Join Healthy Acadia and WinterKids Program Director Marion Doyle at Washington County Community College from 6 – 8 pm for this free 2-hour workshop and explore ways to keep kids active throughout the winter months with engaging, kid-friendly outdoor activities. Participants will be provided with a binder for their center or school full of activities to keep kids moving, grooving, and learning through the winter months. See flyerfor registration info.

Family Activity: Creating a Cookie Jar Mix:
December 7, 2018
Free family activity Facilitated by Misty Day, Regional Parent Support Coordinator for G.E.A.R. at MAS Community Health, 60 Main St., Machias from 10 am to 12 pm. Whip up a special gift from the kitchen to show family and friends you truly care! Join us for an Morning of fun and create a cookie jar mix to enjoy with family or use as a homemade gift for that special someone. Personalize your jar by adding your own creative touch. G.E.A.R. will provide the supplies and feel free to bring a Quart wide mouth canning jar or decorative items from home. To register, please contact Misty Day at 1.800.264.9224 or 485.4253; Email: mday@crisisandcounseling.org.

Serial Classes, Groups & Play Dates

CNA College Course: Washington County Community College is holding a Certified Nursing Assistant course from October 15th to January 22nd, at the conclusion of which students will sit for the state exam to become a registered C.N.A., and be placed on the State of Maine C.N.A. Registry. Call 207-454-1000 for an application. See flyer for details.

Assessment and Response to Intervention Course: Washington County Community College is offering an online Assessment and Response to Intervention course starting October 11th. Call 207-454-1000 for an application. See flyer for details.

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.

Calais Circle of Parents Playgroup:
The WC CAN Council with partner Maine Families is holding a playgroup on Tuesdays 11 am – 12 pm beginning in September at the Calais Recreation Center, 344 Main Street. “Get a chance to meet other parents while your kiddo gets some energy out.” Contact Mandie Pepperman with questions at is 263-5270.

CAN Council Fall/Winter Classes:
Washington County’s CAN Council is holding 3 new series of classes this fall/winter:

Just for Dads – Mondays from 5-7 pm in Machias, beginning September 10th
Active Parenting – Wednesdays from 3-4:30 pm in Machias, beginning Setpember 12th
Prenatal Program – Tuesdays from 5-7 pm in Calais, beginning September 12th.

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 (see flyers below):

Calais area – 6-8 pm on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at WCCC, room 301
Machias/Harrington/Milbridge area – 6-8 pm on the 3rd Monday each month at a Machias location tbd

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

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. Read notes from September. The October 3rd meeting at SCEC is from 1 — 3:00 pm with another 30 minutes for informal networking and discussion – see agenda. Contact Christine to join this meeting.

Needs & Offers

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

Community Education Assistant Needed: University of Maine Cooperative Extension invites applications for a full-time, fiscal-year, soft-money funded, federal Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) Community Education Assistant (CEA) CL1. This position will be based in the Washington County Cooperative Extension office in Machias, ME. This position will deliver direct nutrition education to low-income adults with children, and to low-income children in group settings in the Washington County community. Starting pay for this position is $12.69/hr. Visit here for a complete job description and to apply.

The Joe Andruzzi Foundation: provides assistance to patients of all ages throughout New England who have fallen on financial hardships as a result of a cancer diagnosis. During cancer treatment, bills and mortgage payments can start to pile up as you focus more on your health. We’re here to help alleviate that financial stress. Learn more about how to apply here.

Evening Positions Needed: Downeast Community Partners, early childhood partner with Family Futures Downeast, is currently seeking the following positions for their evening program:

Food Service Technician, Calais – 8 hours per week; Tuesday and Thursday 3-7 pm
Assistant Preschool Teacher, Machias – 10 hours per week; Tuesday and Thursday 4-9 pm
Preschool and Infant/Toddler float staff (additional to teaching staff) – Machias and Calais – 10 hours per week; Tuesday and Thursday 4-9 pm

Download this flyer for application information.

Foster Families Needed! Many people may have seen the 2000 pinwheels at UMM representing the 2000 children in Maine in foster care. Many more Foster parents are needed across the entire state, as explained in this article shared by Rose St. Louis of Community Health and Counseling Services. In Washington and Hancock Counties Contact Jennifer Johnson at 610-8016 to learn more about ways you can support Foster Care.

Favorite Resources

Send us your favorite links to share with other Communique readers.
UMaine Aging Research Emerging Area Update – September 2018, Volume 5, Issue 9: This newsletter contains links to articles & reports, webinars and events related to aging in Maine.

CCC Wednesday Communique — October 3, 2018