Maine Equal Justice invites you to the 2022 Equal Justice Partners Circle (EJPC) Summer Sessions Friday July 8th and Saturday, July 23rd, 8:30 am — 3:30 pm.  Both events will take place in-person at the Viles Arboretum (153 Hospital Street, Augusta, Maine) with a remote option available.  The EJPC is a group of community members from across the state who care about and/or are impacted by economic justice issues facing Maine people. This diverse group, brought together by Maine Equal Justice, advocates for laws and policies that ensure all Maine families can obtain economic security, safe and affordable housing, healthcare, access to education, dental care, and more. You can nominate someone to be a member of the Equal Justice Partners’ Circle or Apply Yourself using this form. Please contact Allina Diaz (Community Organizer)  adiaz@mejp.org or 207-509-9748 with any questions.

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Employment attorneys at Rudman Winchell invite employers to a free, in-person, lunch and learn on June 10th at the Durgin Center in Brewer.  The topic for this event is PTO, earned paid vacation, and FMLA accommodation – what is an employer to do?  Registration required.

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The Washington County Extension Association will hold its annual meeting virtually starting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 28, and will feature the Norman W. Duzen Community Service Award. Recipients of this year’s award, presented annually to individuals who have contributed as a volunteer to the lives of Washington County citizens, are Richard and Elsie Larson of Machias. The award’s namesake, Norman Duzen, was a dedicated civic and religious leader for over fifty years and had a great love for the people of Down East Maine. Colleen Maker will receive the University of Maine Volunteer Pen Award for her contributions to the University of Maine Cooperative Extension 4-H and Master Gardener Volunteer programs. Lily Calderwood, UMaine Extension wild blueberry specialist and assistant professor of horticulture, will present ‘What’s New in Wild Blueberry Fields.’ The meeting is free and open to the public. Registration is required on the event webpage by June 17 to receive the meeting link and be eligible for the door prize drawing. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact 207-255-3345; 800-287-1542 (toll-free in Maine).

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The University of Maine, Machias is searching for someone to fill the role of Dean and Campus Director.  This position is responsible for overseeing and providing leadership in academic affairs and administrative and operational matters on the campus on behalf of the President and Provost.  See full job description and link to application.

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SaVida Health in Calais is searching for an individual who is in recovery from substance use disorder and who is willing to self-identify on this basis with OHH members.  Their life experiences and recovery allow them to provide recovery support in such a way that others can benefit from their experiences.  SaVida Health provides outpatient opiate and alcohol addiction treatment services. Their care model includes medical care, counseling, comprehensive toxicology testing, case management and medical management of psychiatric medications.  See press release for details on this peer recovery coach position.  Apply here.

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Flaherty Early Childhood & Education Center has openings for children 6 weeks to 5 years old in their center at the University of Maine, Machias.  They are accepting Head Start, Early Head Start and child care applications.  See flyer for details.

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Caregiver affirmations can be a lifesaver for those whose lives are dedicated to meeting the needs of those unable to meet them themselves—it’s an often thankless and unpaid (or sorely underpaid) job, and it’s a necessary one to keep many of our loved ones healthy, safe and living with dignity. Caregivers may experience compassion fatigue in addition to the stresses and tiredness that come with working in general, and maintaining a sense of balance and wellbeing isn’t always easy. Affirmations can help caregivers feel more centered, in control and at peace—but you have to choose your affirmations wisely. “Affirmations are the positive words of hope and encouragement we need to hear from the most important person in our lives, the person that so often acts as our critic—ourselves,” Christina Furnival, mental health therapist and author of Fear Not! How to Face Your Fear and Anxiety Head-On tells Parade. Read full article for list of 100 caregiver affirmations.  (From: Parade | Published: May 4, 2022)

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In light of recent public tragedies, Jennifer Smith, Regional Parent Support Coordinator for the G.E.A.R. Parent Network, would like to share a flyer that can assist parents with discussing these events with their youth.  Download flyer.