Today is “Take Your Poet to Work Day.” Poetry lovers all over the world carry their favorite wordsmiths to work — not literally, though that would be awesome. People take paper cutouts of poets around with them in their pockets, place them on their desks, or put them in their drawers. This gives them extra motivation to get through the day. Learn more here. So don’t be surprised to see John Keats, William Shakespeare, Henry W. Longfellow, Emily Dickinson, or Maya Angelou showing up on someone’s desk today!
Happy Wednesday!
New this week:
Sound Healing
Bathe in the healing sounds of crystal and Tibetan singing bowls, shells, bells, rattles and drums. With deep breathing, guided meditation, and sound vibrations, participants will be invited to rest and receive. Let your body gently relax and your mind empty, facilitating realignment, release, and healing. This gentle sound bath meditation is offered by Reiki practitioner and sound healing guide Eileen Mielenhausen on July 27, 3-4:30 pm. Free and open to those in cancer treatment and recovery, caregivers, and the general public. This session will be held outdoors at the Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center but will move inside in case of inclement weather. Pre-registration is required due to limited space. For more information about this event or to register, please call the Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center at 207-664-0339 or email info@bethwrightcancercenter.org.
Dementia Inclusiveness
Dementia inclusiveness communities are ones in which people living with dementia and their care partners are able to fully participate and enjoy their communities free from stigma and discrimination. Join the Tri-State Learning Collaborative on Aging on August 22nd, from 2-3:30 pm to hear how local communities are taking small steps for a big impact on creating inclusiveness for our neighbors and family members living with dementia. Register for this webinar here.
UMaine Extension teams up with local libraries
to offer food, fun and reading
University of Maine Cooperative Extension is teaming up with three Washington County libraries to offer Food, Fun and Reading classes for youth in grades k-2. Through the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), Extension and library staff will read a food-related story to participants, lead a hands-on snack making activity and share fun and easy ways to be healthy. Porter Memorial Library in Machias, Peabody Memorial Library in Jonesport, and Calais Free Library will host one-hour sessions throughout July and August between 11 am and 1 pm. Visit the Washington County Extension EFNEP web page for a detailed schedule. The classes are free; registration is not required. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact 207-255-3345; vanessa.young@maine.edu.
FFCC Parenting Classes
Families First Community Center is offering parenting classes by Kathleen Dunn, OTR/L Life Coach, the second Friday of every month, from 4 — 5 pm July 14th and August 11th, and from September on, from 6:15 — 7:15 pm. We want to invite anyone from the community who would like to join us. Classes are very “come as you are” and take place in a home-like atmosphere here at FFCC. Feel free to bring your dinner or some snacks. Your children are welcome to come but will need to be in with one of our volunteers so that Kathy can focus on class with the adults. 41 North Street, Ellsworth 04605. Please come to door #8!
Downeast Public Health Council Meetings
Our next meeting is Friday July 21, 2023 from 9am to 11am (every 2 months on the third Friday) a hybrid meeting at the Eagle Hill Institute (or via this Zoom link.) Note that the zoom link has changed since the meeting reminder sent out last Wednesday. Here is the Agenda. We will also have a post-meeting survey, and an RCC link that will be shared in the meeting chat. Contact Al May with questions.
FFCC Volunteers Needed
Families First Community Center in Ellsworth is seeking volunteers for the following positions:
- Driver: Drive the FFCC van in the morning for an hour, and in the afternoon for an hour. Times are flexible
- Child Care Provider: We are seeking someone to come in on the second Friday of the month (4-5 pm in August and 6:15-7:15 pm every month after) to provide child care during programming.
- Reading Rainbow: We are seeking an individual to come in once a week during the evenings OR on the weekend (time can be determined once we have a conversation) and provide reading and activity time with kiddos!
Please do not hesitate to reach out to us with any questions! You can call Mary at (207) 460-3711 or Shaina at (207) 271-1647. Feel free to email us at familiesfirstellsworth@gmail.com as well.
Downeast Public Health Council has a list of tips to help you protect and prevent mosquito proliferation in your yard. Many mosquito problems in your neighborhood are likely to come from water-filled containers that you, the resident, can help to eliminate. All mosquitoes require water in which to breed. Be sure to drain any standing water around your house. Tips include the following:
- Dispose of any tires. Tires can breed thousands of mosquitoes.
- Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers.
- Clear roof gutters of debris.
- Clean pet water dishes regularly.
- Check and empty children’s toys.
- Repair leaky outdoor faucets.
- Change the water in bird baths at least once a week.
- Canoes and other boats should be turned over.
- Avoid water collecting on pool covers.
- Empty water collected in tarps around the yard or on woodpiles.
- Plug tree holes.
- Even the smallest of containers that can collect water can breed hundreds to thousands of mosquitoes. They don’t need much water to lay their eggs. (bottles, barrels, buckets, overturned garbage can lids, etc.
- Dress: Wear light colored, loose fitting clothing. Studies have shown that some of the 174 mosquito species in the United States are more attracted to dark clothing and most can readily bite through tight-fitting clothing of loose weave. When practical, wear long sleeves and pants.
Sign up to receive DPHC’s e-newsletter for more tips like this.
Download the National Center for Equitable Care for Elders’ new fact sheet intended to give staff a starting point to better understand the roles of family caregivers and outline actionable steps to improve their well-being.