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CCC Wednesday Communique — October 31, 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: Dr. Barbee’s Halloween candy buy back happens again this year at Milbridge Medical Center –  drop off your candy at Milbridge Medical Center on November 1, 2 and 5. Children will earn 1 ticket for every pound of candy they bring in and they will get 1 Lego toy if they bring in at least a pound. The tickets will be entered into a drawing to win a 790 piece Lego Classic Large Creative Brick! The winning ticket will be drawn on Tuesday, November 6.

Announcements

CCC Partner Survey: As the CCC finishes the final year of our 3-year strategic plan, we’re evaluating how well we accomplished our goals and commitments to you and to community members in Washington County.  Our intern, MSW student Nicole Cannizzaro, has compiled data for participation in CCC activities by collaborative partners over the past year.  Highlights of this look back reveal that:

  • A total of 61 organizations interacted with the CCC;
  • Partners showed up 139 times to monthly convenings of Work Group/Poverty Busters and CCC;
  • 27 partner organizations participated in program efforts like Thriving in Place, Family Futures Downeast, and Mentor/Neighbor design;
  • 24 partner organizations participated in the June 12th Family Discovery Day in Calais; and
  • 130 applications from partner organizations were submitted to the Hope and Dream Funds.

But numbers alone can’t paint a full picture of the CCC’s impact, so we’re asking you to complete a simple survey on the effectiveness of the CCC in its 4 major areas of commitment.  We are excited to read your responses and thankful for your time, your honesty, and your partnership!  Here is a link to the survey.  Thank you!

MRBN Membership Meeting: We look forward to welcoming you to the next MRBN meeting on Thursday, November 29th, from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm at Educare Central in Waterville (56 Drummond Ave). The day’s agenda and materials will be sent, along with a link to register in advance of the meeting.

Small Business Ownership Transition: a new partnership has formed that provides a program of education, training and technical assistance to help Washington County business owners make a plan for how to retire while preserving the legacy they’ve built and the jobs they’ve created.  Visit the Ownership Transition Initiative to learn about retirement and exiting from your small business.  To develop the most useful content for this program, we are asking all business owners to do a short, 5-minute survey to determine needs and help shape the trainings and services offered through the Initiative.

New Classes from the WC CAN Council: 
Circle of Parents: for parents with children who have special needs

Co-Parenting Classes:

  • Calais Congregational Church (21 Calais Ave, Calais), Tuesdays 3 — 4:30 pm 11/6 through 12/18
  • Sunrise Opportunities (232 Court Street), Wednesdays 3 — 4:30 pm 11/7 through 1/2

123 Magic – Jonesport Elementary, Friday November 2 & 9, 3 — 5 pm
Contact Mandie Pepperman with questions about any of these classes at 263-5270.

Supporting LGBTQ Youth Trainings – Cancelled:  Due to low registration, the November 1st & 2nd trainings sponsored by OUT Maine to support LGBTQ Youth have been cancelled.

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.

MaineCare Expansion Update from Kathy Kilrain del Rio of Maine Equal Justice:
Following the hearing that was held on Sept. 27th and 28th, our attorneys and the Commissioner’s counsel both filed briefs with the court. Justice Murphy has decided to hold oral arguments again on Nov. 7th. The Maine Attorney General’s Office filed a brief that supports our position that the operative date of the law is July 2nd. The brief also states that the courts do not need to consider the availability of funds to force the administration to implement the law passed by voters….It is important to note that CMS approved the State Plan Amendment (SPA) for Medicaid expansion for Virginia last week, and enrollment will begin there on Nov. 1st. Even with an administration that is hostile to the Affordable Care Act and increasing access to Medicaid, the process is working as it should: the SPA is a straightforward application for federal funds for which our state is eligible under the law….We’ll keep you up to date on the lawsuit as it moves forward.

One-Time Events 

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

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.

123 Magic:
November 2 & 9, 2018
WC CAN Council class at Jonesport Elementary, 3 — 5 pm. Contact Mandie Pepperman with questions at 263-5270.

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.

MRBN Membership Meeting:
November 29, 2018
8:30 am — 1:30 pm at Educare Central in Waterville (56 Drummond Ave). The day’s agenda and materials will be sent, along with a link to register in advance of the meeting.

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

New Classes from the WC CAN Council: 
Circle of Parents: for parents with children who have special needs

Co-Parenting Classes:

  • Calais Congregational Church (21 Calais Ave, Calais), Tuesdays 3 — 4:30 pm 11/6 through 12/18
  • Sunrise Opportunities (232 Court Street), Wednesdays 3 — 4:30 pm 11/7 through 1/2

Contact Mandie Pepperman with questions about any of these classes at 263-5270.

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.

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.  See Agenda for this meeting and RSVP to Christine to join.

Needs & Offers

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

Hope Fund Open:  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.

Favorite Resources

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