And now for something completely ridiculous… Owl Kitty movie star! See Owl kitty starring in Titanic and become an Owl Kitty fan.
See? You’ve already forgotten all the reasons to be stressing. You’re welcome!
Happy Wednesday!
New this week:
Impacts of Poverty on Students & Families
Join the CCC from 9 — 11 am on April 13 & 15 for a 2-part Zoom event: Impacts of Poverty on Students & Families, presented by Julie Redding, CCC’s Clinical Director. This is the introduction to Poverty we host annually, updated with current stats & stories, covering the effects of cortisol and toxic stress on brain development; exploring the concepts of bias, scarcity and bandwidth; and looking at poverty data and discussing strategies that work, such as building executive function. CEUs and contact hour certificate will be provided ($5 fee for CEUs from UMM). Register here. Participants only need to register for Part 1. The Zoom link for Part 2 will be shared at the end of Part 1.
G.E.A.R. Network Virtual Support Group
Virtual Support Group Time occurs every Wednesday from 1-2:30 p.m. You are NOT Alone! Parenting and raising a child/youth is often challenging, however even more so with a child with an emotional or behavioral health concern. Join us in this safe place with no shame, blame or judgment from the comfort of your home on your tablet or smart phone and chat with other parents who share similar life experiences. If you are a parent wanting support, or a parent/caregiver of a child with behavioral, emotional, or developmental health needs, please consider joining to meet and compare notes with other parents who truly understand the journey you are on.
Note on change in support group registration process: We find we have lots of parents that register who do not attend weekly support groups so we find we must do the registration differently. If you have not attended a GEAR support group at all during this past quarter (Oct, Nov, Dec) I am asking you to re-register and have your name added to the list for January if you would like to continue to participate. In the future if you have attended during a quarter, your registration will be carried over automatically. If you have not attended in 3 months, you will need to re-register to participate. Also keep in mind that if there is no support group participation within 30 minutes of start time the virtual platform will be ended. To register for the support groups, please call our toll-free number 1 (800) 264-9224 or reach out to your Regional Parent Support Coordinator.
Note on change in support group registration process: We find we have lots of parents that register who do not attend weekly support groups so we find we must do the registration differently. If you have not attended a GEAR support group at all during this past quarter (Oct, Nov, Dec) I am asking you to re-register and have your name added to the list for January if you would like to continue to participate. In the future if you have attended during a quarter, your registration will be carried over automatically. If you have not attended in 3 months, you will need to re-register to participate. Also keep in mind that if there is no support group participation within 30 minutes of start time the virtual platform will be ended. To register for the support groups, please call our toll-free number 1 (800) 264-9224 or reach out to your Regional Parent Support Coordinator.
Seed Starting at Home
University of Maine Cooperative Extension will offer a webinar for home gardeners about starting seeds indoors from noon–1:15 p.m. on March 25. “Seed Starting at Home” features best practices for starting vegetable and flower seedlings indoors, such as proper timing, supplies for success and practical tips for managing light, temperature and moisture. Kate Garland, UMaine Extension horticultural professional, leads the workshop. Registration is required; a sliding scale fee is optional. Register on the event webpage to attend live or receive the recording link. This is the third in a five-part spring gardening webinar series offered through April for Maine gardeners. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Pamela Hargest, 207-781-6099; extension.gardening@maine.edu.
Weed Management in the Home Landscape and Garden
University of Maine Cooperative Extension will offer a free webinar about managing weeds in the home landscape from 6–7:30 p.m. March 30. “Weed Management in the Home Landscape and Garden” includes an overview of different types of weeds and how to identify them; weed control focused on cultural methods and mulching; and a discussion about herbicide use. Donna Coffin, a UMaine Extension professor, will lead the workshop. The webinar is free; registration is required. Register on the event webpage. The program has been approved for one pesticide recertification credit. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Sharon Paradis, 207-834-3905; sharon.paradis@maine.edu.
Preventing Wildlife Damage to Home Gardens
University of Maine Cooperative Extension will offer a webinar about wildlife damage prevention in home gardens from noon–1:15 p.m. April 1. “Preventing Wildlife Damage to Home Gardens” will discuss methods to help reduce losses in home gardens from raccoons, deer, rabbits and woodchucks. Adam Vashon, a USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service wildlife biologist, will lead the workshop. Registration is required; a sliding scale fee is optional. Register on the event webpage to attend live or receive the recording link. This is the fourth in a five-part spring gardening webinar series offered through April for Maine gardeners. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Pamela Hargest, 207-781-6099; extension.gardening@maine.edu.
Spring 2022 Agricultural Leadership Ambassador Program
University of Maine Cooperative Extension 4-H is offering a six-week session in its agricultural leadership program for Maine teens on Tuesdays, March 15–April 19, 3:30–5 p.m. The Spring 2022 Agricultural Leadership Ambassador Program will provide Maine youth ages 14–18 online and in-person opportunities to explore career pathways, post-secondary options, current issues in food systems, crop sciences, aquaculture and more. Current 4-H membership is not required. The program is free; registration is required. Register on the program webpage. Current CDC and University of Maine health guidelines will be followed for all in-person events. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Alisha Targonski, 207-622-7546; extension.4hagleadership@maine.edu.
Traveling Rainbow Facilitator Application
The Rainbow Alliance and Healthy Acadia are seeking a youth facilitator to support our work with teens, including the Downeast Rainbow Discord Server and the Traveling Rainbow Project. See full job description and online application.
Experienced Nutrition Educator
Healthy Acadia seeks an experienced Nutrition Educator to join a dynamic team passionate about making it easier for all people to lead healthier lives. Reporting to the Food Programs Director, the Maine SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educator position promotes nutrition-based education to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligible people. We are currently hiring a full-time educator to serve northern and eastern Washington County. See full job description and application instructions.
Peer-Run Recovery Center Peer Support Specialist
AMHC is actively recruiting for a full-time Peer Support Specialist based in the Peer-Run Recovery Center in Machias. The Peer Support Specialist is responsible for providing peer support services by the standards established for this position by the agency. See full job description and application instructions.
Part-time Math and Science Instructor
Washington County Adult & Community Education is looking for a part-time Math and Science instructor to assist adult learners. The instructor position will provide classes and tutoring at locations in Washington County. This position is a countywide position with some travel. Mileage is provided at the State rate. State certification is required or ability to be certified. If a high school certificate in math and science is not held, Adult Education Instructors can also be certified with a minimum of 22 hours in a content area. Training in the necessary digital literacy skills will be given if the candidate needs. Please send a cover letter and resume to jane.blackwood@aetc.us.
Full-Time English Instructor
Full-time English Instructor to assist adult learners in Reading and Writing Skills. The instructor position will provide classes, workshops and tutoring at locations in Washington County. This position is a countywide position with some travel. Mileage is provided at the State rate. State certification is required or ability to be certified. If a high school certificate in English is not held, Adult Education Instructors can also be certified with a minimum of 22 hours in a content area. Training in the necessary digital literacy skills will be given if the candidate needs. Please send a cover letter and resume to jane.blackwood@aetc.us.
DCP Hiring RN
Downeast Community Partners is hiring for the full-time position of Registered Nurse. If you have…a strong desire to help families, the ability to meet them where they are at, and the knowledge to assist with medical needs,…this may be the job for you! See job description with application instructions.
Passages Teacher for Washington County
Wayfinder Schools seeks a teacher for the Passages program in Washington County. The Passages Teacher engages enrolled students in the Passages curriculum of 24 core skills and completion of the final Passage project; meets with students weekly and maintains contact with students via home visits, electronic communication and by phone; dedicated to a strengths-based learning approach, committed to educational equity and ensuring just outcomes for marginalized students, educates through a social justice lens utilizing individualized learning plans developed in collaboration with the student to meet their learning needs; Read full job description. Send cover letter and resume to info@wayfinderschools.org to apply.
MCF Highlighting Washington County
The Maine Community Foundation celebrated its 35th Anniversary in 2021. Part of that celebration included making a short video highlighting MCF’s work with several non-profits in Washington County. That video can be found on the right side of this page that gives information about MCF and the Washington County Committee. “We are trying to increase awareness in our county,” said Chris Rudd, Chair of the Committee. Enjoy this video with beautiful drone footage of downeast Maine.
Hannaford Community Bag Recipients
The Prevention Council is thrilled to announce that we have been selected as the Community Bag recipient for the month of April from Hannaford! We were originally selected as the designee for the month of December but due to low inventory of bags our month was moved. Beginning April 1st, the Prevention Council will receive a $1 donation from each purchase of the $2.50 reusable Community Bag at the Hannaford store located at 149 Dublin Street, Machias ME. We are excited for this recognition! All money generated from this program will go directly towards our Community Baby Shower to be held this Spring. This community event is open to the public and helps expectant parents prepare for their little bundle of joy!! Reusable bags can be purchased in the store or online at Hannaford-To-Go. Thank you for your ongoing support!
No Wednesday Communique Next Week!
Our newsletter editor, along with some of our other CCC staff, will be engaged in professional development & wellness activities next week so there will be no Wednesday Communique. The next issue will be emailed on March 30th.