Downeast gardens are finally starting to produce the amazing range of veggies we’re fortunate enough to grow. A rainy, cooler than average summer has delayed, but not prevented the harvest. Check out the goodies at your local farmers’ market. (Photo courtesy of Charley Martin-Berry)
Happy Wednesday!
New this week:
- understanding the difference between diversity, cultural awareness, & cultural competence, and barriers to working relationships with community members from diverse cultures;
- identifying where you are on the cultural awareness continuum, ways to improve working relationships, and ways to continue a cultural competency journey
Morning refreshments and lunch will be provided. All participants will receive a certificate for 4 contact hours. Please register here for this training by October 13th.
2023 7th Annual Walk for Recovery
Please join the Washington County Community Action Team to celebrate those in recovery, families in recovery, and recovery allies, as we continue to battle the substance use epidemic that so greatly impacts our communities. On Friday, September 15th, gather at the Machias Bay Area Chamber of Commerce at 6 pm where you can create your sign to display on the walk. The walk will head down Main Street and end at Bad Little Falls, where we will gather and listen to local speakers. Refreshments will be available at the Downeast Recovery Support Center following the walk, at 11 Free Street. Download a flyer to share.
Better Sleep, Better Health
Getting good sleep has been shown to improve overall health and sets the tone for your day. On Tuesday, September 19th, from 10 am to 11:30 am, learn how to adjust your sleep cycle making for a more restful night and a more productive day. The Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center in collaboration with the Dempsey Center brings you this virtual workshop led by Kalie Sullivan, LCSW, OSW-C, to help you discover what is disrupting your sleep and gain strategies to get a better night’s rest in this workshop. As with all Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center services, this telecast program will be provided at no cost. Please call ahead to the Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center if you would like to access this program from our location at 23 Commerce Park, Ellsworth. If you would like more information, please contact the Beth C. Wright Center by calling 207-664-0339 or email: info@bethwrightcancercenter.org. Register online.
Save the date of October 24th for Sunrise County Economic Council’s 2023 Annual Summit, Prosperity in the Long Term, 9 am to 2:30 pm, in person at Cobscook Institute. Keynote speaker is Stephanie Eglinton, Executive Director of the Maine Children’s Alliance. Registration coming soon.
We are here for you! As a totally parent run organization, we are here to support you through sharing our lived experience and knowledge with no shame, no blame, no judgement. You are not alone in your journey of hope and empowerment. G.E.A.R. Parent Network is “the place where Gaining Empowerment Allows Results.” Upcoming workshop descriptions and registrations are available here.
aquariums and eclipses
Registration is now open for two new University of Maine Cooperative Extension 4-H Science Fridays at the University of Maine at Machias O’Brien House, 116 O’Brien Avenue. Fish Prints and Aquariums will take place on Sept. 22 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Participants will create fish-themed art, and tour the aquariums and skeletal displays on the UMaine Machias campus. The event is geared toward youth ages 9-14. Eclipse Investigations will take place on Sept. 29 from 3:30-5 p.m. Youth will explore solar eclipses and investigate the sun, moon and Earth through hands-on activities, like creating solar system models. The event is geared toward youth ages 10-15. The events are free and limited to 10 participants each. Registration is required. For more information and to sign up, visit the program webpage. To request a reasonable accommodation, contact Gabrielle Brodek by phone at 207-255-3345 or by email at gabrielle.brodek@maine.edu.
UMaine Machias is hosting a Behavioral Health specific Career & Field Placement Fair, coordinated by Northern Light Acadia Hospital, on January 19th at Memorial Union on campus from 10 am-2 pm. Please let Jamilyn Murphy-Hughes know by Thursday, September 14th (that’s tomorrow!) if your agency is interested in participating and if you’d like to be on the planning committee (hoping for another 5-7 people to help plan this event).
The Maine Children’s Alliance is now accepting nominations for our annual Giraffe Awards. These awards call attention to the achievements of dedicated volunteers, professionals, and organizations who “stick out their necks” for children. Together we can say “thank you” to those individuals, organizations, and businesses who have gone above and beyond to invest their time and energy into the health and well-being of Maine children and families. The Giraffe Awards recognize winners in different categories, including business, individual, youth, and organization. The 2023 Giraffe Awards will be presented at the Champions for Children event on November 14th at Maple Hill Farm in Hallowell. Nominations must be received by October 3rd.
The Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center welcomes back the Prostate Cancer Support Group to our building at 23 Commerce Park, Ellsworth for in-person meetings facilitated by Cadie Saucier, DPT of Northern Light Maine Coast Rehabilitation Services every 4th Tuesday of each month, 1 -2:30 pm with an online option via Zoom. This monthly group meeting is for men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, survivors, and their spouse, partner or caregiver. Come find support through the process of healing and survival with others who have experienced similar challenges, with the guidance of a physical therapist who specializes in pelvic rehab and recovery. Be a part of community where you can share the struggles and successes you’ve had since being diagnosed with prostate cancer. We hope to provide a healing and open environment for all participants. Please let us know 24 hours in advance if you plan on attending this meeting. Call the Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center at 664-0339 or email: info@bethwrightcancercenter.org for more information or to sign-up and receive the Zoom link.
Women for Healthy Rural Living is growing! We are expanding our staff to meet the needs of our thriving organization and our vibrant community. We seek people with passion, energy, and a strong commitment to a healthy future. Join our team – we value excellence and work hard, and have fun along the way. Upcoming openings include 1) experience coordinator (full- or part-time), 2) Incredible Edible Milbridge coordinator (part-time), and 3) communications coordinator (part-time). More information and job descriptions here.