Happy Wednesday!
New this week:
Registration is now open for The Reflective Practitioner, a 3-hour virtual training on March 31st, 9 am to 12 Noon, presented by Elin MacKinnon, LCSW, Julie Redding, LCPC, and Abby Frutchey, LMSW, LADC, CCS. This training is designed for staff in helping and educational settings who work with children and families and would like to learn more about reflective practice. What is “reflective practice” you ask? Here’s a hint from philosopher and Learning Society theorist Donald Schön: “the ability to reflect on one’s actions so as to engage in a process of continuous learning.” Join the CCC on March 31st where we’ll explore what this means, whether it really works, and how to develop reflective practice skills when working with others or when working alone. We’ll provide you with some practical tips and tools to get you started. Register here.
The Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center’s LiveWell Program is a holistic approach to creating a personal wellness plan focusing on: emotional and spiritual wellness; physical activity; healthy diet; personal environment; and rejuvenation. Starting March 15, 2023, workshop leader Jen Harry will examine these five elements plus the body’s five key pathways to health described in the ground-breaking book: The Definitive Guide to Thriving After Cancer. Accessible steps offer the opportunity for people living with cancer to achieve better treatment outcomes, and to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. This free series is also open to those without a cancer diagnosis, who wish to reduce their cancer risk and lead a healthy lifestyle. This free program will run March 15, 22, 29, April 5 & 12 from 10:30 am to 12 noon. Each session will include an explanation of the topic for the week and a guest speaker to talk about specific strategies and resources, with a Q & A following. Meetings will be held in-person at the Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center, 23 Commerce Park, Ellsworth with an online option via Zoom. Those registered will receive the Zoom link. Please register early to receive a complimentary copy of The Definitive Guide to Thriving After Cancer by Alschuler and Gazella. For more information or to register call: 664-0339 or email info@bethwrightcancercenter.org or go to www.bethwrightcancercenter.org.
CEI is currently accepting applications for the 2023 Child Care Business Lab which will begin in March. The cohort-based program provides participants with the tools they need to open a successful child care service. Applications are open to anyone living in Maine and are due on March 4, 2023. The application and more information are available at Child Care Business Lab | CEI (ceimaine.org). Please share this information with anyone in your network who may be considering opening a child care business.
the National Alliance for Caregiving is spearheading a project to advance the mental well-being of family caregivers in the United States. NAC wants to hear from family caregivers on the joys, challenges and struggles they’ve faced on their caregiving journey in order to better understand their needs and the supports and interventions that can be introduced to assist them. If you’re a family caregiver or have cared for someone in the past, call 1-888-665-2190 to share your caregiving story and the feelings associated with it. If you would prefer to write out your response rather than leave an audio message, you may do so here. We want to know:
- What joys have you experienced as a caregiver?
- How are you feeling about being a caregiver?
- What are challenges you have faced as a caregiver?
- What are concerns you have about providing care?
The message you leave will inform policy and practice efforts to improve support for family caregivers like you! All messages left will be anonymous, with only the transcript being used to help us advocate for change. Learn more here.
The Washington County Extension Association seeks nominations for the 2023 Norman W. Duzen Volunteer Award, honoring a Washington County resident whose volunteerism has enhanced the lives of community members. Norman W. Duzen had a special place in his heart for the people of Washington County and donated many hours of his time to make their lives better. University of Maine Cooperative Extension Washington County staff and the WCEA Executive Committee established the Norman W. Duzen Community Service Award in his honor. The recipient will receive a wooden keepsake box, engraved with their name, at the WCEA annual meeting/open house event in May. The recipient’s name also will be added to a plaque at the Washington County UMaine Extension office. The deadline for nominations is Friday, March 31. Nominee form and more information are available on the award webpage or by contacting 800-287-1542 (in Maine), 207-255-3345; tara.a.wood@maine.edu.