(Photo courtesy of @mjschocken posted in Owls World)
Happy Wednesday!
New this week:
Safe Nurse Training
Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner Education is being offered this March on 3 dates, 2 locations, to provide comprehensive education and training in the care of patients who have suffered the trauma of sexual assault, in the collection of forensic evidence, and how to be a witness in court proceedings. This national training model utilizes an interdisciplinary, community-based approach for the dignified and compassionate care and treatment of adult, adolescent, and pediatric sexual assault patients. See flyer for details. If you have connections to hospitals, clinics, or practices that may have someone interested in doing this, please pass the information along. To have a safe, skilled professional makes all the difference to a survivor with injuries.
Our American Family
Community members are invited to join Washington County Community College and Healthy Acadia on Friday, March 1, 2024, for a free screening of the acclaimed documentary, OUR AMERICAN FAMILY, followed by a panel discussion with a member of the family portrayed in the film. The event will be held at St. Croix Lecture Hall, Washington County Community College, One College Drive, Calais, Maine. Click here to read more.
Maine’s April Solar Eclipse
The University of Maine Cooperative Extension 4-H program is offering a free online workshop for youth ages 9-18, focused on the upcoming solar eclipse in April. The workshop will be held Thursdays from 4-5 p.m. March 21-April 11. Maine is set to experience a full solar eclipse on April 8, providing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for residents of the state. The 4-H workshop will delve into the science behind solar eclipses, offering hands-on experiments to help participants understand the phenomenon better. The workshop will also explore how youth can contribute to NASA’s data collection efforts during the eclipse in Maine. Participation in the workshop is free; space is limited to 15 participants. Registration closes March 1. Registered participants will receive a link to access the workshop online and will also be provided with at-home materials. To register visit the program webpage. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Sarah Sparks, sarah.sparks@maine.edu, 207-.581-8206.
Free Virtual Nutrition Courses
University of Maine Cooperative Extension Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) will offer two different four-week virtual nutrition classes beginning March 6 for Washington and Hancock County residents who meet the program requirements.
- “Create Better Health” is intended for young adults ages 18-24 and adults with children in the home. Participants learn about healthy eating, meal planning, food budgeting, food safety and have a chance to make new recipes at home (see flyer).
- “Cooking Matters for Parents and Caregivers” is designed specifically for WIC and Head Start clients (see flyer).
Class size is limited and registration is required. Register here. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Vanessa Young at 207-255-3345 or vanessa.young@maine.edu.
Trauma Responsive Book Study
Join educators, researchers, and authors Cat Biddle, Lyn Mikel Brown, and Mark Tappan for a three-session online study of their book, Trauma-Responsive Schooling: Centering Student Voice and Healing. The book chronicles the findings from a multiyear research project in two elementary schools in rural Maine. Participants in this book study will engage with the text, authors, and each other to learn about concrete and actionable practices that educators can leverage to upend traditional classroom power dynamics by listening foremost to student voices, validating student experiences, and promoting student agency. This program is especially for formal and informal educators, parents and guardians, school administrators, and those seeking strategies to support students. Tuesdays, March 12, 19 & 26 from 6 – 7 pm Learn more and register here.
Help Change Lives One Home at a Time
Each summer from May to September, hundreds of volunteers make their way to Downeast Maine, and in just one week they make a lasting impact on the community members. These volunteers are part of Maine Seacoast Mission’s Housing Improvement program and every year, they repair dozens of homes. In 2023, 112 volunteers completed 35 projects on homes throughout the Mission’s service area. The Mission is now accepting volunteer groups for the 2024 season. Learn how you can help.
Norman W. Duzen community service award
The Washington County Extension Association seeks nominations for the 2024 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. 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 29. 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.