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CCC Wednesday Communique — October 24, 2018

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: The Washington County Thriving in Place Initiative invites you to a free seminar with Q & A on the topic of Fraud Prevention on October 30th from 12 to 3 pm at the Kay Parker Building in Machias. This will be a panel presentation focusing on ways we and our family members can be susceptible to financial & identity fraud with tips for how to avoid becoming a fraud victim. 

Announcements

Welcome Abby!  The CCC is very pleased to announce the addition of Abby Frutchey, LADC, CCS, to the CCC team as Substance Use Response Coordinator. Abby joins the CCC with over a decade of experience working in the substance use field in Washington County. In this newly created role she will focus on the development of a recovery and employment program, community training, and technical assistance around needs related to substance use disorders. The CCC is delighted that Abby has joined our small staff. She brings with her skills and values that will support a wide variety of CCC initiatives related to substance use challenges in Washington County. Please reach out to Abby with any questions or requests for information at afrutchey@cccmaine.org.

Convergence 2018: The Downeast Convservation Network invites you to share two new tools developed by DCN and partners – “The Value of Conserved Lands in Downeast Maine” economic study and the Biodiversity Resiliency Mapping Program — on Friday, November 2, from 9 am to 3 pm at the Schoodic Institute, Moore Auditorium, Winter Harbor, ME.  Presenters, panelists, and attendees will range from local municipal officials, conservation staff, academics and others. Check out the full agenda and register here.  MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS ATTEND FREE! STUDENTS ATTEND AT A REDUCED RATE!  Questions?  Email here.

Machias Job Fair:  The Machias Career Center is hosting a job fair on Wednesday, November 14th from 11 am – 2 pm at 53 Prescott Drive. No cost for all. For more information, contact is Dodie at 255-1933 or atrica.s.emerson@Maine.gov.

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.

CCC Work Group at Career Center:  Next week on November 7th, the CCC’s Work Group & Poverty Busters will meet in the large conference room at the Machias Career Center (53 Prescott Drive, behind the DHHS building) for our monthly 1st Wednesday, 1 pm meeting, instead of our usual location at SCEC.  We’ll be back at SCEC in December.  Let Christine know if you plan to attend.

One-Time Events 

Shine A Light: 
October 25, 2018
Join Next Step Domestic Violence Project for their SHINE A LIGHT Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6:15 pm at Knowlton Park in Ellsworth.  After the ceremony, you are invited to the Moore Center for Next Step’s 25th Anniversary Celebration and Annual Meeting.  This event will also include refreshments as well as a panel of past executive directors, survivors, and law enforcement talking about how advocacy has changed over the last 25 years. See flyer for information on how to donate to Shine A light.

The 25th 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.

Convergence 2018:
November 2, 2018
The Downeast Convservation Network invites you to share two new tools developed by DCN and partners – “The Value of Conserved Lands in Downeast Maine” economic study and the Biodiversity Resiliency Mapping Program — from 9 am to 3 pm at the Schoodic Institute, Moore Auditorium, Winter Harbor, ME.  Presenters, panelists, and attendees will range from local municipal officials, conservation staff, academics and others. Check out the full agenda and register here.  MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS ATTEND FREE! STUDENTS ATTEND AT A REDUCED RATE!  Questions?  Email here

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.

Autism Fall Conference:
November 3, 2018
The Autism Society of Maine is pleased to announce its 2nd Annual Autism Fall Conference in Orono at the Black Bear Inn & Conference Center from 8 – 4:15. The conference is offered FREE to all interested individuals, parents, caregivers, family members, educators, service providers and support organizations. Vendors and information tables will be available! There is still time to participate as a Sponsor or to have an information table. Click Here for sign-up form!  KEYNOTE SPEAKER – Nancy Tarshis, MA, MS, CCC-SLP.  As a Social Thinking Trainer and Speaker for Michelle Garcia-Winner’s Social Thinking Methodologies, Nancy helps people with social emotional learning challenges improve how they interpret and respond to social information to better connect with others. See more information about presenters and the topics they will be discussing.  Register here.

Work and Benefits Navigator Training:
November 9, 2018 – Portland
DHHS is holding a Work and Benefits Navigator Training for anyone who supports people with disabilities.  The cost is $25 (free to DHHS employees).  Training will be provided by Community Work Incentives Coordinators from Maine Medical Center’s Department of Vocational Services. More information and registration info 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.

Machias Job Fair:
November 14, 2018
The Machias Career Center is hosting a job fair from 11 am – 2 pm at 53 Prescott Drive. No cost for all. For more information, contact is Dodie at 255-1933 or atrica.s.emerson@Maine.gov.

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.

Work and Benefits Navigator Training:
December 7, 2018 – Bangor
DHHS is holding a Work and Benefits Navigator Training for anyone who supports people with disabilities.  The cost is $25 (free to DHHS employees).  Training will be provided by Community Work Incentives Coordinators from Maine Medical Center’s Department of Vocational Services. More information and registration info here.

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

Chronic Pain Self-Management Program: Healthy Acadia is offering a free 6-week workshop on “Taking Action on Pain” to help people gain new tools to manage chronic pain and maintain an active and fulfilling life.  The program will run on Thursdays from November 1 – December 13, 5:15 pm to 7:45 pm at the Down East Community Hospital conference room – light refreshments provided.  See flyer for details and registration information.

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 – download this flyer to send to friends and colleages.

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 September 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):

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.  Notes from the October 3rd meeting coming soon. The next meeting is November 7th at the Machias Career Center (53 Prescott Drive, behind the DHHS building), large conference room, from 1 — 3:00 pm with another 30 minutes for informal networking and discussion.  Contact Christine to join this meeting.

Needs & Offers

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

Hope Fund Open:  We are excited to open the fund for another year!  The revised application form is a fillable pdf that can also be printed and filled out on paper with families.  Here’s a link to the Hope Fund page of the CCC’s website where providers can access the new application form.  We are also excited to be in the process of evaluating the effectiveness of the program in terms of moving families forward. If you are a provider who has submitted Hope Fund applications for families, you may be contacted by Carry Buterbaugh, the Hope Fund

FFD Job Posting: Sunrise County Economic Council is seeking a full time Enrollment & Eligibility Assistant for the Family Futures Downeast Program.  See the job ad here.

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.

Favorite Resources

Send us your favorite links to share with other Communique readers.