Happy Wednesday!
New this week:
The Maine Permanent Commission on the Status of Women is undergoing staffing changes and has cancelled the two listening sessions CCC was helping to coordinate, a virtual session on October 7th and an in-person session at UMM on November 16th. We hope these will be rescheduled, once the new staff has settled into their roles, and will be sure to announce the new dates and times in this Newsletter.
Auction for Health & Hope
Healthy Acadia is holding an Auction for Health & Hope, highlighting the arts and experiences across our region, as part of their 25th anniversary celebrations. All proceeds support Healthy Acadia’s community programs and resources. Bidding opened Monday and closes at 5 pm on Saturday. View the items here. The auction will culminate on September 19th at our 25th Year Anniversary Celebration at TunkJoy Bakery in Steuben, where we’ll announce the winners live! We would love to see you there. If you haven’t RSVP’d yet, please click here.
Walk for Recovery
This Friday, Sept 18th, 6 pm, Machias Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Lawn: Community members in the Machias area are invited to come together for the 2026 Annual Walk for Recovery on Friday, Sept. 18, to celebrate people in recovery, honor families and recovery allies, and show support for individuals and communities impacted by substance use. Hosted by the Washington County Community Action Team, the walk takes place every September as part of National Recovery Awareness Month. Learn more here.
Take Control of Pain: a Veteran & Caregiver Perspective
Monday, Sept 28th, 1 pm, webinar: For Pain Awareness Month, Caregiver Action Network and our Families, Addiction & Mental Health Network are bringing together veteran, caregiver, and policy experts to talk through non-opioid pain treatment options, shared decision-making with health care providers, the role caregivers play in coordinating care, and the barriers families hit when trying to access newer pain treatments. Webinar guests include: Dr. Kyleanne Hunter, CEO of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America and a Marine Corps veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan; Jonathan Pruden, Senior Advisor at the Elizabeth Dole Foundation; Derek Blumke, veteran and policy advocate; and Meghan Wagner, Physical Health & Wellness Director at Wounded Warrior Project. Register here.
Caregiver Self-Care
October 1st, 5:30-7 pm, WHRL Thankful Room, 87 Main Street, Milbridge: Women for Healthy Rural Living is hosting a FREE presentation by Kathy Baillargeon, Executive Director of Hospice Volunteers of Hancock County and Arielle Richardson, Executive Director of Down East Hospice Volunteers designed for current caregivers on tips for good self-care, finding time for yourself, and potential resources. The presentation will also include an open discussion segment where caregivers can share their experiences, challenges, and solutions. Only 12 seats available. Learn more and register here.
Child Care Start-Up Support
October 7th– Child Care Business Lab: Explore
October 14th– How to Turn Your Home into a Family Child Care
October 22nd– Finding a Facility Location
October 28th– Designing Your Space
November 4th– Navigating a Partnership
November 12th– Getting Ready Financially
November 18th– Making it Official
December 2nd– How to Fund Your Child Care
December 9th– How to Prepare for a Loan Application
Interested in working with the Child Care Business Lab to build your business? Click here to complete our Registration Form. Download a flyer to share.
Sunrise Prevention Council is starting up a playgroup for parents with children ages 0-5 on the 2nd floor of the Beckett Center Building, Wednesdays from 10-11 am, beginning October 7th. Download a flyer to share.
Friday, October 9th, 7 am – 5 pm: Volunteers are gearing up for a record breaking year. Students and teachers are brainstorming to see how they take the coveted Taters and Gravy award away from Calais Middle/High School, the defending champs for raising the most money for the Turkey-A-Thon. Our locations in Calais, Columbia, Lubec, Eastport, Milbridge, Baileyville and Machias are getting ready for our biggest year ever! See flyer for details.
DV Awareness March & Vigil
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the annual DVAM march and vigil will be held on October 9th at 5:30 pm with poster-making held an hour before (4:30pm) at the University of Maine at Machias Reynolds Center Conference Room. Download a flyer to share.
SNAP Benefits Funding Cuts & State Response
Wednesday, Oct 15th, 10 – 1130 am online: The Tri-State Learning Collaborative on Aging invites older adults to a space for conversation and problem solving regarding the new changes to SNAP benefits. Older adults are already one of the populations most under-enrolled in SNAP, and as states face pressure to cut costs and restrict enrollment, that gap is likely to grow. How are states navigating these unprecedented funding changes? What are the implications for older adults and the communities we serve? Join us to share information, compare strategies, and think together about what comes next. Register to join this conversation.
Certified Nursing Assistant Training
Washington County Adult & Community Education is offering CNA Training, 130 hours, beginning October 19th. Mondays & Wednesdays classroom hours, 5 – 8 pm via Zoom, Clinicals/Labs at Machias Veterans Home on Fridays, 7 am – 1 pm. Download a flyer for details.
ITNAmerica’s 19th Annual Meeting
Wednesday Nov 11th at 6:30 pm to Friday, Nov 13th at 5 pm, Portland, ME: Join ITNAmerica’s 19th Annual Meeting, a free event bringing together volunteer transportation providers and community mobility leaders across the country. Connect with peers, explore innovative ideas, and hear the latest news and best practices from the field. This year’s theme is Volunteer Transportation and Access to Healthcare. Register here.
NextStep is Recruiting a Shelter Advocate
Next Step is hiring for our new Shelter Advocate position in Washington County and we’re asking for everyone’s help in getting the word out. Please share this job announcement with people in your personal and professional networks who you think may be interested or may be a good fit for the position. Even if someone isn’t looking for themselves, they may know the right person. The application deadline is October 9th.
Beneficiary Advisory Council Seeking New Members
The Beneficiary Advisory Council (BAC) is a dedicated group of individuals with lived experience who help shape access to quality healthcare, policies, and MaineCare services across the state. They meet alternate months and offer a stipend that doesn’t count against benefits. Learn more about the role of BAC members and how to apply.
Daughterhood, the Blog