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CCC Wednesday Communique — July 3, 2019

Happy Wednesday!

This is the Community Caring Collaborative Weekly Communiqué where we share announcements about trainings, meetings and other events, including announcements from our collaborative partners.  Look for links to meeting minutes and agendas in the Meetings section, training registration forms and flyers in the Events section, and job postings and other items of interest in the Announcements section.  Subscribe here to get the Communiqué.  Make sure to add Community Caring Collaborative to your contacts at claurel@cccmaine.org.  Gmail users, check for the Communiqué under the Promotions tab. This mailing goes out every Wednesday, so if you have announcements, please send them to Christine by 5 pm Monday to be included.  Thanks!

Photo above: Happy Independence Day!

Announcements

July Fourth Holiday Schedule: There will be no CCC Council Meeting or Work Group & Poverty Busters meeting this week.  Enjoy the holiday!

She Can Do It Career Fair: The Aroostook County Action Program, together with the Dept. of Labor Machias Career Center, and the Women Apprenticeships and Non-Traditional Occupations Grant are holding a career fair on July 25th at the Seaworthy Event Center in Milbridge for women interested in learning about non-traditional occupations, which can offer steady employment with a good salary and benefits.  See flyer for details.  For more information visit facebook.com/acapworkforcedevelopment or facebook.com/washingtoncountycareercenters
or call 207-768-0541.

Hot Topics in Employment: Rudman Winchell has rescheduled their Lunch & Learn to September 9th, 11 am — 1:30 pm in the Assembly Room at Washington County Community College.  Topics covered will include: Drug Use in the Workplace, Sexual Harassment, Workplace Accommodation, and changes to Maine employment laws this year.  See flyer for details.  To reserve your seat, contact Dawn Spinney at dspinney@rudmanwinchell.com or 207-992-2302.

Downeast Maine Tiny House Project Unveiled:  Downeast Community Partners, in affiliation with Maine Seacoast Mission, Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School, and the C.F. Adams Foundation, held a press conference on Monday, June 10th to unveil the Downeast Maine Tiny House Project. The four entities have a long successful track record of working together to make family homes safe and warm in rural Downeast Maine. The Downeast Tiny House Project has the four groups building a brand new tiny house to be located in Cherryfield, Maine for a formerly homeless US military veteran with a disability. The veteran, who has asked to remain anonymous, is also helping with financing the Project.  Read more about this project  here.

Your announcement could go here: email the details to Christine by 5 pm Monday for inclusion in Wednesday’s Weekly Communiqué.  Photos and links are appreciated.

Updates  

This is where we post updates on programs, research, initiatives and pending legislation.

Maine Department of Health and Human Services to Open Office in Calais:
The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) will open an office in Calais, located at 330 North Street, reestablishing a permanent presence in eastern Washington County. The Department has signed a 20-year lease for the 3,500 square-foot building, which is expected to open in October. It will house approximately 10 staff from the Office for Family Independence, Office of Child and Family Services, Office of Aging and Disability Services, and the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Services provided will include processing of applications and renewals for public assistance programs.  Department employees who transferred to the Machias office following the closure of the former Calais office will be given the option to return to Calais. The Department plans to hire additional employees to staff the new office.  Anyone interested in public assistance benefits may visit My Maine Connection for information and to apply online. Information is additionally available by calling 855-797-4357.

One-Time Events  

Conservation Law Camp:
July 8-12, 2019
Attention 8th-10th graders!!  See this flyer about a Conservation Law Camp just for you on July 8-12, 2019 from 8:30 am-4 pm daily. Campers will meet each morning at Washington County Community College to prepare for the activities of the day and will travel to various expedition locations. Camp is $75 for the week. Scholarships may be available.  Register here.

Donna Beegle’s Poverty Institute:
July 9-10, 2019
The intensive two-day Beegle Poverty Immersion Institute is coming to the University of New England in Portland, Maine this summer. This institute is presented by Dr. Donna M. Beegle, an authentic poverty expert who has been inspiring and educating individuals, organizations, politicians, and entire communities for over 30 years with proven models that make a real difference. For more information visit Poverty Immersion Institute.

Donna Beegle’s Coaching Institute:
July 11-12, 2019
The intensive two-day Beegle Coaching Institute is coming to the University of New England in Portland, Maine this summer.  This institute is presented by Dr. Donna M. Beegle, an authentic poverty expert who has been inspiring and educating individuals, organizations, politicians, and entire communities for over 30 years with proven models that make a real difference. For more information visit Coaching Institute (registration not open yet, but check back soon).

Aging My Way Community Fair
July 25, 2019
Community members interested in learning tips, tools, gadgets, strategies and services available to help retain wellness and supports into our later years are invited to “Aging My Way Community Fair,” a free summer event sponsored by Washington County Thriving in Place. Join us for exhibits, demonstrations and guidance to start planning your path to thriving in place. July 25th from 9 am — 3 pm in the Reynolds gymnasium at the University of Maine Machias (download a flyer to share). If your organization would like a table, please fill out the registration form on the CCC’s website (link here).  Mini demonstrations behind your table are welcome.  Deadline to sign up for a table is July 5th. Contact Christine with any questions.

She Can Do It Career Fair:
July 25, 2019
The Aroostook County Action Program, together with the Dept. of Labor Machias Career Center, and the Women Apprenticeships and Non-Traditional Occupations Grant are holding a career fair on July 25th at the Seaworthy Event Center in Milbridge for women interested in learning about non-traditional occupations, which can offer steady employment with a good salary and benefits.  See flyer for details.  For more information visit facebook.com/acapworkforcedevelopment or facebook.com/washingtoncountycareercenters
or call 207-768-0541.

Conference for School Nurses & Medical Providers:
August 16, 2019
Save this date for Collaborating to Address the Complex Mental and Behavioral Health Needs of Maine Youth, a joint conference for school nurses and medical providers, 8:30 am — 3:30 pm at the Portland Campus of the University of Southern Maine.  See flyer for details. Sponsored by the Maine Association of School Nurses, American Academy of Pediatrics – Maine Chapter, and the Maine Department of Education.

Impairment Detection Training for Employers: 
August, 29, 2019
SafetyWorks! Maine Dept of Labor is holding a training on August 29th designed to help owners, managers, and supervisors recognize and respond appropriately to employee-impairment in the workplace in order to reduce worker accidents and injuries. Participants will be taught procedures to detect impairment regardless of the substance or cause. This class is designed to fulfill the federal DOT requirements for reasonable suspicion training of supervisors. In addition, participants will learn how to develop and implement policies that address impairment in the workplace and are in compliance with Maine’s Substance Use Testing Law. This free class runs 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. at the Machias CareerCenter, 53 Prescott Drive, Machias. Register here.

Hot Topics in Employment:
September 9, 2019
Rudman Winchell has rescheduled their Lunch & Learn to September 9th, 11 am — 1:30 pm in the Assembly Room at Washington County Community College.  Topics covered will include: Drug Use in the Workplace, Sexual Harassment, Workplace Accommodation, and changes to Maine employment laws this year.  See flyer for details.  To reserve your seat, contact Dawn Spinney at dspinney@rudmanwinchell.com or 207-992-2302.

6th Annual Wisdom Summit: 
September 24, 2019
The Maine Council on Aging will host the 6th annual Wisdom Summit, “Igniting Aging Activism,” at the Augusta Civic Center in Augusta, ME.  More details coming soon.

Age of Possibilities Summit:
October 21, 2019
The Tri-State Learning Collaborative on Aging will be hosting the upcoming regional convening, Age of Possibilities Summit: Exploring research, technology and learning in the longevity era, on October 21st, 8 am — 3:30 pm at Grappone Conference Center in Concord, NH. Each new era brings possibilities for change and growth; the emerging longevity era is no exception. We are living longer than ever before; the world around us offers unparalleled opportunity to test old assumptions, make new discoveries, and modify ecosystems to support our changing needs.Click here to read more about this Summit and to register for sponsor or exhibit opportunities.

Innovations in Dementia Care: 
October 28, 2019 (revised date)
Save this date for the Fourteenth Annual University of Maine Clinical Geriatrics Colloquium, 8 am-4 pm at the Wells Conference Center, University of Maine. Orono, ME. Anticipated topics include:

  • Population Health, Prevention, Genetics, Risk, & Resilience
  • Environments of Care
  • Screening & Diagnosis
  • Dementia & Driving
  • Caring for the Caregiver
  • What is High Quality Dementia Care?

Registration Information Coming Soon.  Details in this flyer.

Autism Fall Conference:
November 2, 2019
The Autism Society invites you to a free conference on November 2nd at Black Bear Inn, Orono.  This event is designed for participants to exchange ideas, resources and knowledge that will inspire hope and innovation for those who live and work with individuals with autism. This year’s keynote is “You Can’t Make Me: Proactive Strategies for Positive Behavioral Change,” delivered by James Ball, Ed.D., BCBA-D, author of the book, Early Intervention & Autism:  Real-Life Questions; Real-Life Answers. Details and registration info here.  Registration expected to fill up quickly.

Serial Classes & Groups  

classes, play groups, support circles and other repeating events

Refuge Recovery: The Downeast Recovery Supports Center is now hosting weekly meetings of Refuge Recovery, a Buddhist-inspired approach to recovery from addiction. Meetings are on Tuesdays from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. No prior experience with Buddhism is required. Meetings are free and all who seek recovery are warmly welcomed. Learn more about Refuge Recovery at: www.refugerecovery.org.

CRMA Classes Starting: Axiom Education & Training Center is holding Certified Residential Medication Aide classes on June 24, 25, 26, 27, July 1, 2, 3 from 3 – 8:30 pm at the Washington County Adult Ed Office, 6 Colonial Way, Machias.  Brenda Duggan is the course instructor.  Fees for this course tbd, but scholarships are available from Sunrise County Economic Council.  Contact Jen at 255-0983 about scholarships.  Contact Sharon or Cassidy at 255-4917 to register for this course.

Hepatitis C Support Group: Health Equity Alliance has begun a Hepatitis C support group at the Downeast Machias Recovery Center.  They also offer a syringe exchange and FREE HIV and HEPC testing.  Hours are Tuesday: 3-6 pm and  Friday: 10 am to 1 pm, closed to Walk-In Services on Mondays,  Wednesdays, and Thursdays. FMI: Arielle Metcalf at arielle@mainehealthequity.org, 207-255-5849.

WCCC Div of Workforce and Professional Development: WCCC is offering 6 exciting courses and events this summer (see flyer with general info or individual flyers for more detail):

For more information, call (207) 454-1000 or email nsawyer@wccc.me.edu.

Circle of Parents Playgroup — new groups meeting!

Contact Mandie Pepperman with questions at is 263-5270.

Downeast MAT Expansion ECHO: Healthy Acadia in collaboration with Qualidigm (formerly Maine Quality Counts) invites you to join a local effort to respond to Maine’s opioid epidemic through education, skill-building, and networking for Downeast clinicians. The Downeast MAT Expansion ECHO program seeks to build local capacity to treat individuals who are struggling with OUDs across Hancock and Washington Counties by offering free education, skill building, and networking to clinicians and the practices they work in. Healthy Acadia, working closely with many key community partners, is offering a two-part Project ECHO program over the coming year. Sign up for one or both!

  •  Part 1: MAT Readiness Academy: June 12, July 10, August 14; 11:30 am – 1:00 pm.  Meetings will be held virtually using an online platform (Zoom)
  • Part 2: MAT Expansion: Second Wednesday of the month from September 2019 to May 2020; 11:30 am – 1:00 pm.  Meetings will be held virtually using Zoom.

Download a flyer for more information.  Project ECHO® (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) is an evidence-based educational model developed by researchers at the University of New Mexico.

Nurturing Program: The CAN Council invites parents to a multi-session educational program sharing tips and tricks to help navigate the difficult challenges of parenting.  Lots of opportunity for discussion and questions – free refreshments and childcare.  Text/call Mandie at 263-5270 to sign up.  See flyer for locations and dates.

Community of Practice Groups:
6-8 pm
Maine Roads to Quality invites Early Care & Education professionals to join one of 2 community of practice groups:

  • Calais Community of Practice meets on the second Tuesday of each month at WCCC – Riverview Hall, Room 115 (Multi Media Room
  • Machias Community of Practice meets on the 4th Monday of each month at UMM – Torrey Hall, Room 228

For more information or to register, please contact Theresa Fisk, District Early Childhood and Youth Coordinator –  207-956-2070 or email: theresa.fisk@maine.edu.

Standing Meetings & Calendars

Monthly and quarterly meetings, agency/initiative calendars at a glance and other meeting schedules. 

Community Development Listening Forums on Housing: MaineHousing and the Department of Community and Economic Development are hosting several Community Development Listening Forums to assist them in preparing the 5 year consolidated plan required by HUD, and to gather input on a State of Housing Assessment for Maine; dates and details here.

Downeast Recovery Support Center Calendar: download the Machias center’s calendar of events for the month of June here.

2019 MRBN: Save these dates for Maine Resilience Building Network meetings held at EduCare in Waterville:

  •  Sept 26, 2019
  •  October 31, 2019

Washington County Food Pantry Network: The network offers technical and infrastructure support and education to all of the county’s pantries as well as to provide an opportunity for pantries to share successes and struggles. Dessert, beverages and gas cards will be provided to all food pantry participants. Meeting dates (Thursdays) and locations for 2019 are as follows:

  • Oct 3,  1-4 pm; Location to be determined.

Questions? Contact Regina Grabrovac at our Machias Healthy Acadia office by phone at 255 3741 or by email at regina@healthyacadia.org

Calais Area Breast Cancer Support Group: meets on the 4th Friday of each month at 3 PM at the Calais United Methodist Church, 849 Main St. (downstairs parlor), in Calais.  This free “gathering” is a comforting and safe environment to find encouragement and hope.  Open to all that have a breast cancer diagnosis.  FMI call Marianne at 454-0501. Download a flyer for more information.

Caregivers Support Group:  Join other family/informal caregivers monthly for a supportive meeting at the Maine Veterans Home in Machias, facilitated by Lisa King, LCPC, on the first Friday of the month from 2-4 pm. Contact Lisa King for more information.

Work Group & Poverty Busters: Join this meeting of direct service providers to share resources and network with other providers in your area. Read notes from the June meeting. There will be no meeting in July. The next meeting is August 7th in the large conference room at SCEC, 7 Ames Way, Machias, from 1 — 3 pm.   Send your questions to Christine.

Needs & Offers 

Send us your agency/community needs or offers, such as job recruiting or housing needs.

AOS 96 Summer Meals: AOS 96 is again sponsoring a summer meals program for our local area.  This year we have expanded this service to four area locations to hopefully better meet the needs of our area.  Rose M Gaffney Elementary (Machias), Jonesboro Elementary (Jonesboro), Fort Obrien School (Machiasport) and Elm Street School (East Machias) will each be serving breakfast and lunch, with specific serving dates and times indicated on this flyer.  All meals will be offered free of charge to any child aged 18 and under.  There are no application or registration requirements- just come to a site during the specified times and eat.  Menus will be available on site, and children/families are welcome to enjoy meals on every serving day or to pick which days they would like to attend.  Any adult accompanying a participating child may also request a meal at no charge.

FFD “Baby Shower” Registry:  The Calais Family Room for Family Futures Downeast is in need of items for children ages 0-3.  FFD Coach Jessie McPhail has created a wish list Baby Shower Registry-style on Amazon.  Find the registry here (listed under Jessie and Marsha Sloan).  If you have some of the items on the registry that are “gently used” and would like to donate them directly, contact Marsha at 255-0983 or msloan@sunrisecounty.org, or drop them off at SCEC.

TechHire Maine: TechHire Maine is a program for Maine residents 17-29 years of age who are interested in pursing careers in Information Technology within the state of Maine.  Participants have the option of choosing between 3 tracks toward employment depending upon their skill and education level. Details available in this brochure. Connect with IT Career Advisors Ryan Grindleor Mercedes Nelson for more information on TechHire in WC.  To get started, fill out this questionnaire.

Free Ear Acupuncture/Acupressure: Acupuncture & acupressure on ear points will be offered free at the Friends’ meeting house in Whiting during the summer, beginning June 6th.  This clinic will primarily treat symptoms of pain and stress as well as dependencies and cravings.  Learn more about the clinic, treatments, and what to expect at this link.

Eastport Health Care is Hiring! Eastport Health Care, Inc., located on the ocean in beautiful Downeast Maine, is a federally qualified health center (FQHC), that provides dental, medical, and behavioral health services. EHC is looking for a full-time General Dentist to provide oral health education and care to patients, ages 6 months and up. Your expertise will be embedded into an integrated care clinic that follows patient-centered medical home guidelines and principles. Must be a graduate from an accredited dental school. Possess the ability to relate to people of all socioeconomic levels. To apply, send an e-mail with a cover letter detailing your qualifications, a resume with three professional references, and salary requirements to Roxanne Woodworth, HR Coordinator-Administrative Assistant (rwoodworth@eastporthealth.org). Resumes will be considered until the position is filled. For more information, please view our website at https://www.eastporthealth.org/jobs/.

Free Financial Coaching: Thanks to support from Downeast Community Partners, Joseph Connors has been able to continue offering free coaching on any financial matter to individuals and families in Washington County, following the termination of this program at the end of March by the Consumer Protection Bureau.  To make an appointment with Joe, call him at 207-598-5657 or email  joe.connors@downeastcommunitypartners.org.

Favorite Resources  

Send us your favorite links to share with other Communique readers.

New SAMHSA Publication: SAMHSA and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have released a new joint informational bulletin, Guidance to States and School Systems on Addressing Mental Health and Substance Use Issues in Schools. This guidance includes examples of approaches for mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) related treatment services in schools, and describes some of the Medicaid state plan benefits and other Medicaid authorities that states may use to cover mental health and SUD related treatment services. Additionally, the guidance summarizes best practice models to facilitate implementation of quality, evidence-based comprehensive mental health and SUD related services for students.  Download the Guidance here.