CCC Wednesday Communique — March 1, 2023

Today is Share a Smile Day, a delightful holiday that “encourages us to be a little bit more joyful. Created in 1997, this day has inspired people to share a smile with everyone they encounter.”  Read more about Share a Smile Day here.

Happy Wednesday!

New this week:

An Update on Washington County’s Economy
Sunrise County Economic Council invites you to “An Update on Washington County’s Economy” presented by Executive Director, Charles Rudelitch, March 22nd from 3 – 4 pm on Zoom.  This webinar will provide an updated overview of our county’s demographic trends, major industries, and employment with an expanded focus on living wages, housing, and infrastructure.  Register here.


From Age Friendly to Longevity Ready
The Maine Council on Aging invites you to a webinar, From Age Friendly to Longevity Ready: Evolving Maine Communities to Work for Everyone, 1:30 — 3 pm on March 9th. Keynote speaker is Dr. Alexandre Kalache, a medical epidemiologist specializing in the study of aging. Panel participants include:

  • Vanessa Farr, Director of Planning, Principal Group
  • Elizabeth Gattine, Senior Policy Analyst & Cabinet on Aging Coordinator, Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future
  • Don Harden, Power in Aging Project Manager, Maine Council on Aging
  • Erik Jorgensen, Senior Director of Government Relations, MaineHousing
  • Karen Campbell, Lifelong Communities Fellow, Program Coordinator, University of Maine Center on Aging
MCES Info Session for Community Stakeholders
Save the date of Monday, March 6th from 3 – 4 pm or Tuesday, March 7th from 10 – 11 am for a community stakeholder information session on the Maine Coordinated Entry System (MCES).  This is an easy to use, standardized system for providing housing resources and programs funded by the Maine Continuum of Care (MCoC). MCES provides a participant-centered approach with a standardized assessment to identify housing needs and preferences for individuals experiencing homelessness. Contact Jace Farris for more information. Download a flyer to share.


G.E.A.R. monthly EVENING support group

The G.E.A.R. (Gaining Empowerment Allows Results) Parent Network is hosting a new monthly virtual, evening support group  on the 4th Tuesday of each month from 7:30 — 8:30 pm.  This group started yesterday, February 28th.  Learn more here.


Seed Swap & Scionwood Exchange

Healthy Acadia invites you to a grafting tutorial and seed swap at Cobscook Institute on Saturday, March 18th, from 2 – 4 pm.  Bring seeds and scions to share.  No registration required.  See flyer for details.


Dress in Blue Day

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month and the Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center is raising awareness through Dress in Blue Day,  Friday, March 3rd.  By wearing blue, you help bring awareness to this disease and support and honor all who are impacted by colorectal cancer.  In 2023, an estimated 153,020 people will be diagnosed with this highly preventable disease. They will join more than 1.4 million colorectal cancer patients and survivors living today. We go BLUE for them, their families, and their community.  You can help raise awareness of this disease by dressing in blue on March 3rd, taking a selfie, and posting it on your favorite social media page with the hashtag Dress In Blue Day and tag us, Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center, so we can see you!


Cobscook Experiential School

Cobscook Experiential Programs is accepting applications for the 2023-2024 school year. We invite all interested students to experience a school day with us!  This year prospective students have two options – Wednesday, April 5th or Wednesday, May 3rd. Rising ninth graders and any current high school students seeking a change are invited to Explore Cobscook Day. Participants will meet current students and teachers; learn about courses, projects, and trips planned for the coming school year; tour the campus and facilities; and get a taste of academic offerings through mini-classes. A pizza lunch will be provided, and transportation help is available. Register here to join us!


Spring Hiring Event Update
Save the date of March 14th from 10 am to 1 pm for a spring job fair at the Machias CareerCenter (near Hannaford Shopping Center).  See the long list of employers attending and other details on their Facebook page.


MCF Open Positions

The Maine Community Foundation is seeking to fill 4 full-time positions:

  • Vice President, Donor Engagement
  • Senior Director, Marketing and Communications
  • Donor Engagement Officer
  • Finance and Investment Administrator

These positions are hybrid, with two based out of Ellsworth and two based out of either Ellsworth or Portland.  Learn more here.


Using Egg Substitutes in Baking and Cooking

With egg prices getting so high, Food Systems Professional Kate McCarty provides advice on how to cook with egg substitutes in the University of Maine Cooperative Extension blog, Spoonful, including a handy chart comparing 3 substitutes with eggs.  “So where to begin when looking to use egg substitutes in baking? There are many plant-based (as well as shelf-stable) alternatives to eggs, some better than others when it comes to the flavor, texture, and look of your final baked goods. We tested several different egg substitutions in a yellow cake recipe that called for two eggs to see how the alternatives hold up….”  Read more.

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