Today is Ash Wednesday — perhaps not the “happiest” Wednesday in the Christian calendar — but a significant holy day marking the first day of Lent, a 40-day period of “preparing” for Easter Sunday, the celebration of the resurrection.  During this season of preparation, Christians may practice certain restrictions and disciplines, such as fasting from specific foods and beverages or incorporating more bible study and prayer into their routine.  On Ash Wednesday, many churches hold special services where parishioners can receive the dispensation of ashes on their foreheads, usually in the sign of the cross. The ashes are made from leftover palms from the previous year’s Palm Sunday celebration.

So don’t be surprised if you see a grayish, black smudge on the foreheads of your co-workers, clients or community members today.  They may have attended an Ash Wednesday service and wear this symbol reminding them that “from dust you came and to dust you will return.”

Cancelled Author Reception for Cathie Pelletier

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Save the date of March 14th from 10 am to 1 pm for a spring hiring event at the Machias CareerCenter (near Hannaford Shopping Center).  More details to come.

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From Ruth Feldman, Program Director of CEI Women’s Business Center: What challenge are you stuck on? Don’t know what to do first? At a dead end? Let’s use this confidential and supportive space to harness the knowledge, experience and hack tips among us to wisely prepare for business this spring. Bring ideas, get ideas. Register Today! Bring your coffee/tea/smoothie and questions and join us on Zoom from 8 — 9 am on Friday, March 3rd.

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The University of Maine Cooperative Extension wants to build the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) team and hire a Community Education Assistant located in Washington County on the UMaine Machias campus. This position is full-time with excellent benefits, the job requires providing nutrition education in the community and/or remotely, and skills in forming and maintaining community partnerships. Must have a high school diploma or GED, one year of community outreach or education experience, proficiency with computers, willingness to learn how to deliver nutrition education, and travel is required.  More information about the Washington County EFNEP CEA position and how to apply here.

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“After my father had a debilitating stroke when he was 64, my mom, sister and I found ourselves scrambling to adapt my parents’ home to his new needs. We removed any obstructions in the main walking paths and added an adaptive seating device to reduce the fall potential when he’d get up and down from his perch in front of the TV. It could have been worse, though.” Read full article.  (From: Washington Post | Published: February 6, 2023)