Happy Wednesday!
New this week:
The Wright Cancer Conversation
Beth C Wright Center is continuing its Lunch and Learn series, beginning with Northern Light Maine Coast Hospital Cancer Care & Surgical Team this Friday, March 28th, from 12 Noon — 12:45 pm on the topic of Colorectal Cancer. This is a hybrid event. You can attend in person at the Baileyville Center, 163 Main Street or attend via Zoom (register for Zoom link). To register please email info@bethwrightcancercenter.org or call 207-664-0339 or by clicking this link.
The University of Maine Machias invites you to 230 Torrey Hall at 1 pm this Friday, March 28th, for a discussion with Mi’kmaq documentarian Jared Lank about his short film Bay of Herons, shown at the Sundance Film Festival 2024. Jared Lank will speak about the power of narrative sovereignty, the artistic process and his experience as an Indigenous filmmaker. Zoom option also available (join Zoom) See flyer for details.
Understanding SUD and Stigma Effects
The G.E.A.R. Parent Network invites you to a special webinar on Sunday, March 30th, from 10 am — 1 pm: Understanding Substance Use Disorder and Stigma Effects, presented by Heather Williams, Certified Family Peer Specialist, Regional Parent Support Coordinator. See flyer for details.
How Peer Support Transforms Caregiving
The Caregiver Action Network invites caregivers to a webinar on March 31st at 1 pm: Finding Strength in Community: How Peer Support Transforms Caregiving. Caring for a loved one can feel isolating, but you don’t have to do it alone. Peer support is one of the most powerful tools for caregivers, offering connection, encouragement, and real solutions. Register for this free webinar now.
Empowering Caregivers with Financial Strategies
April 8th, 1 pm: In honor of Financial Literacy Awareness Month, this webinar will provide practical financial information and resources for families navigating a life-altering diagnosis. We’ll explore strategies for financial planning, budgeting for caregiving and medical expenses, and understanding insurance and legal considerations. Hear from leaders who partner together through the Magnolia Purpose in Planning program, a valuable resource connecting financial, legal, and advanced care planning support for caregivers. This session will also offer guidance on how to start important conversations with loved ones about finances and caregiving responsibilities, empowering participants to secure their financial future and strengthen family bonds during challenging times. This webinar is a must-attend for anyone who wants to build a stronger financial foundation while caring for a loved one with a serious diagnosis. Register here.
Perennial Gardening Webinar
University of Maine Cooperative Extension will offer a webinar for home gardeners on selecting resilient perennials from 6 – 7:15 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9th. Herbaceous perennials support wildlife and pollinators while adding beauty to home gardens. As long-term investments, perennials can also be affected by fluctuations in temperature, rainfall and snowfall. Stephanie Burnett, professor of horticulture in the School of Food and Agriculture at the University of Maine, will discuss what to consider when selecting perennials and make recommendations for resilient Maine gardens. This webinar is the final in the 4-part series, Gardening for the Future. Registration is required; sliding scale fee options are available. Register on the event webpage to attend live or receive the recording link. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Rebecca Gray at 207-356-1348 or extension.gardening@maine.edu.
Down East Hospice Volunteer Training
Attend our 5-day hospice volunteer training April 10, 11, 14, 15 & 16 at Down East Community Hospital (must attend all days) from 10 am — 3 pm. Down East Hospice Volunteers needs people like you. You can put a smile on someone’s face by being a visitor for a couple of hours once or twice a week, listening to their life stories, sitting quietly while they rest, watching their favorite TV programs, playing cards or maybe run an errand. Volunteers do not do hands on medical care and we do not handle medications. Make someone smile — become a hospice volunteer for someone in your community. Download a flyer to register and set up your pre-training appointment.
Walk For Life Fundraiser
The annual Beth C Wright Walk for Life is Saturday, May 17th, from 9 am — 2 pm at the Addison Town Hall & Tuscan Lodge, 334 Water Street, Addison. Funds raised are used to help run the various programs Beth C Wright Cancer Center offers to cancer patients and their loved ones. The staff at Cherryfield Elementary raised more than $500 for the Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center Walk for Life last year! They are looking forward to a little friendly competition this year and are challenging staff and students from other local schools to form teams as well. The top team fundraiser will earn an ice cream party for their school. (Thank you, Four Corners Shop ‘n Save!). See flyer for details. Register to walk by May 9th to reserve your “25th Anniversary” T-shirt, featuring an original design by a Maine artist. For questions or additional information about this event, please contact Angela Fochesato at 207-664-0339 or 207-263-6230, or by email angela@bethwrightcancercenter.org or visit our event page.
Eastern Area Agency on Aging invites you to their Healthy Aging Expo on May 22nd at the Anah Shriners Building, 1404 Broadway, Bangor. Over 800 attendees with 70+ vendors or sponsors will be participating. Learn more here. If you’d like a resource table, register here. If your organization would like to sponsor the expo, register here. Contact Christopher Hill with your vendor or sponsorship questions.
Did you know that PALS (Patient AirLift Services) SkyHope is a nonprofit that arranges free flights for medical patients requiring medical diagnosis, treatment or follow-up who cannot afford or are unable to fly commercially? Volunteer pilots donate their time and aircraft to transport patients, flying into small airports like those in Washington County. In 2024, SkyHope facilitated 27 flights out of Eastport. Washington County residents seeking assistance can contact Brook Leighton at 516-640-7200 or brook.leighton@palservices.org. Visit the PALS SkyHope website to learn more about this nonprofit.
3 Strategies to Overcome the Most Stressful Part of Daughterhood: Few things in life are more stressful than feeling entirely responsible for a situation that’s completely out of your control…. (Read blog post).