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CCC Wednesday Communique — November 7, 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: November is National Family Caregivers Month.  Check out the family caregiver toolbox free online at the Caregiver Action Network for helpful videos, checklists, tips, suggested technology and other resources.

Announcements

Understanding Child Birth Order:  A message from Misty Day, Regional Parent Support Coordinator for G.E.A.R., about this free training at MAS in Machias on November 9th: “I’m sending out a quick reminder about our workshop in Machias. So far I only have people registered to attend via goto meeting. If nobody registered to attend in person by Thursday afternoon I will be changing this workshop to a webinar only. Sorry for the inconvenience.”  If you would like to register to attend in person, please contact Misty at 1.800.264.9224, 485.4253 or mday@crisisandcounseling.org before Thursday afternoon.

2 TSLCA Webinars: the Tri-State Learning Collaborative on Aging invites you to 2 free webinars focusing on engaging businesses in our work.

  • Dementia Friendly Communities: Engaging Businesses – November 13th, 12-1:30 pm, featuring national experts discussing dementia friendly communities and the role businesses can play.  Register here.
  • Ideas & Experience Exchange: Wisdom Inquiry – November 27th, 12-1 pm, offering the opportunity to share our challenges and successes with engaging businesses in our age-friendly work.  Register here.

Circle of Hope: Eastport Healthcare in Machias (53 Freemont Street) invites you to join this special community circle on Thursday, November 29th, at 6 pm. The Circle Of Hope gatherings provide a safe venue for attentive responsive solution focused listening for the community, parents, and affected others of loved one’s impacted by substance use disorder.  Download and share this flyer.

DCN is searching for a part-time network Coordinator!  See details under Needs & Offers below.

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.

Maine Blueprint for Action on Healthy Aging: released last week by the Maine Council on Aging, the recommendations in the Blueprint reflect theknowledge and wisdom of more than 350 professionals, public officials, community leaders and researchers who gathered at the 2018 Maine Wisdom Summit to build a plan for healthy aging. The Blueprint offers bold recommendations like a legislatively created Cabinet on Aging to promote interdepartmental collaboration on aging policy and program implementation, staffed by a newly created Office on Aging.  It calls for the creation of workgroups focused on integrated care, long term care reform and aligned municipal supports.  It also highlights needed research and key areas for policy development.  The MCOA hopes the Blueprint will inspire the successful candidate for Governor to work collaboratively with the new legislature to take these kinds of bold actions.  Members of the MCOA, our partners and our funders stand ready to help the next Governor and the new legislature implement all of the recommendations in this report.

The framework for the Blueprint for Action on Healthy Aging comes from Charting the Pathway Forward: Redesigning and Realigning Supports and Services for Older Mainers, a report commissioned by the Maine Health Access Foundation.

One-Time Events 

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.

Dementia Friendly Communities: Engaging Businesses: 
November 13, 2018
the Tri-State Learning Collaborative on Aging invites you to a free webinar featuring national experts discussing dementia friendly communities and the role businesses can play, from 12 – 1:30 pm.  Register here.

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.

Ideas & Experience Exchange: Wisdom Inquiry: 
November 27, 2018
the Tri-State Learning Collaborative on Aging invites you to a free webinar offering the opportunity to share our challenges and successes with engaging businesses in our age-friendly work, 12 – 1 pm.  Register here.

Circle of Hope:
November 29, 2018
Eastport Healthcare in Machias (53 Freemont Street) invites you to join this special community circle at 6 pm. The Circle Of Hope gatherings provide a safe venue for attentive responsive solution focused listening for the community, parents, and affected others of loved one’s impacted by substance use disorder.  Download and share this flyer.

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 on 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.

Needs & Offers

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

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.
  • 392 people attended CCC Trainings.

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!

DCN is searching for a part-time network Coordinator! The Downeast Conservation Network is a regional network partnership of conservation, research, and educational organizations working in Hancock and Washington Counties. Our mission is to connect conservation, research, education, and communities in Downeast Maine.  The DCN coordinator position is part-time, self-employed, hired by annual contract. Application deadline is November 12, 2018.  Submit a cover letter, resume, and list of 3 references to: Marla O’Byrne, coordinator@downeastconservationnetwork.org. Learn more about DCN here.

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.

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