CCC Team members Julie Redding and Abby Frutchey giving out prizes and resource materials at the Narraguagus High School Job Fair.
Happy Wednesday!
New this week:
Stress Reduction for the Holidays
Take a break from the hectic holiday pace and learn how the practice of mindfulness, gratitude and simple relaxation techniques can reduce stress and put joy back in the holiday season. Jen Harry leads this workshop on November 17, from 10:30 am to 12 noon in person at the Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center, 23 Commerce Park, Ellsworth, Maine with an online option via Zoom. During this session we will learn and practice simple relaxation techniques, explore how the practice of mindfulness can change your experience, participate in a guided gratitude practice, and learn additional helpful tips to keep stress at bay and create new traditions for a more meaningful holiday. For more information or to receive the Zoom link, please contact the Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center by calling 207-664-0339 or email: info@bethwrightcancercenter.org. Register here.
Managing Stress During the Holidays
The Gear Parent Network invites you to Managing Stress During the Holidays, a virtual and in person training on November 13, 2023 from 6-8 pm, at RSU 25 Adult & Community Education, Bucksport High School 102 Broadway # 1. Shannan King, CFPS, Regional Parent Support Coordinator, is presenting this workshop. Learn more and register here.
A Wabanaki Perspective on Foodways
University of Maine Cooperative Extension is inviting the public to the virtual 2023 Horticulture Keynote on the Wabanaki perspective on foodways from noon-1:30 pm on Thursday, Nov. 16th. Join Anthony Sutton, Passamaquoddy from Sipayik and assistant professor of Native American studies and food systems at the University of Maine, for his presentation titled “History, Health Disparities, and Action: A Wabanaki Perspective on Foodways in So Called Maine.” Sutton will delve into the history that has shaped the motivations behind Wabanaki food sovereignty and share examples of how individuals are responding to and healing those systems in the present. Attendees will also gain access to valuable resources that provide more information about Wabanaki foodways and ways to connect these ideas within non-Indigenous contexts. The virtual event is free of charge, but registration is required. To attend the live program or receive the recording link, please register on the event webpage. For more information, media inquires or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Rebecca Long at rebecca.j.long@maine.edu or 207-743-6329, email extension.gardening@maine.edu or call 207-581-3188.
The Confidence Code Book Group
Join Women for Healthy Rural Living and WBC Business Advisor Ruth Feldman for a 3-part book group to discuss “The Confidence Code.” Sessions will take place at WHRL’s Office, 87 Main Street, Milbridge, on Wednesdays from 6 — 7:30 pm, November 29th, December 6th and December 13th. Following the success of Lean In and Why Women Should Rule the World, the authors of the bestselling Womenomics provide an informative and practical guide to understanding the importance of confidence—and learning how to achieve it—for women of all ages and at all stages of their career. Working women today are better educated and more well qualified than ever before. Yet men still predominate in the corporate world. We will use the Confidence Code book as the basis for our learning together, as well as some interactive and reflection questions in between conversations. Together we’ll explore our confidence level and learn how to be a bit braver than we ever thought. Learn More or Register.
Suicide in Older Adults:
What You Need to Know About Risk and Prevention
The National Center for Equitable Care for Elders is hosting a webinar on December 6th from 1 – 2 pm that will provide an overview of known suicide incidence, causes, assessment, and response in populations of community-dwelling older adults. Participants will gain insight on risk factors of suicide in older patients and review basic engagement approaches in cases of suicidal ideation. After completing this webinar, participants will be able to:
- Understand suicide as a response to physical, psychological and social issues faced by older adults
- Identify and leverage local and national resources to increase access to social and clinical support for older patients
- Explain the value of postvention preparation plans for both health center staff and a patient’s loved ones if a suicide occurs
Register here
Following a custom that began more than 100 years ago, when the Mission brought gifts to island residents and lighthouse keepers, the Mission distributes holiday gifts to children, families, elders, prisoners, and nursing home residents at Christmas time. Generous donors bring or send new items to the Mission throughout the year to be distributed throughout our communities, and the Elves’ Workshop gives families the chance to choose gifts for one another. Gifts are wrapped, as per Mission tradition, in white parchment paper tied with red string. The program is one way that the Mission aims to have each year end on a joyful and hopeful note for all we serve. Sign up for the Christmas Program. See our Christmas Wish List.
Winter Clothing Drive
Sunrise Opportunities Prevention Council has launched their annual winter clothing drive. New and gently used winter mittens, snow pants, jackets and hats can be dropped off at 232 Court Street — the round blue building — in the donation box outside. Contact Monica Olivares with questions at molivares@sun-rise.org, call/text 263-5270 or call 255-8273.
- Monday, November 27th, at 3:30 @ Woodland Jr./Sr. High School
- Monday, December 4th, at 3:30 in the 6th Grade Homeroom @ Cherryfield Elementary
For further information, please contact Carol Anthony, WCEA Interim Director, at ces.anthony22@gmail.com.
- Increase older people’s access to quality and culturally appropriate food and nutrition, particularly in rural areas of the region
- Promote healthy eating later in life, especially if cooking is a challenge
- Keep older people connected to others and to their communities, especially when they’re experiencing challenges with transportation, dementia, caregiving, or poverty
- Use technology to increase access to food, socialization, and services
- Address the root causes of food insecurity and social isolation
CHEF Project partners will learn how to replicate and sustain these practices in their communities through this programming. Learn More here.
Wayfinder Schools is thrilled to bring back The Great Escape Auction, in which participants have the opportunity to bid on great escape travel packages from November 24th to December 15th – just in time for the holidays! The auction takes place online, and features Maine great escape packages and experiences. Whether you’re looking for an outdoor Maine adventure, a romantic getaway, family excursion, or a friends’ night out, The Great Escape has something for you! Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIN for updates, and visit our events page. Happy bidding, and thank you for your support!
The Downeast Housing Collaborative has created a survey to learn directly from our community members’ experiences the housing landscape in our community, including barriers to stable, safe, and affordable housing. We do ask some questions around health, mental health, and finances that may feel personal. Please understand that you can opt out of these questions and all responses are confidential. Survey responses remain 100% anonymous, unless you wish to enter your name at the end of this survey for a chance to win a gift card ranging from $25 to $500. 60 gift cards will be available for drawing. If you do choose to enter your name, it will be used ONLY for the purpose of the gift card drawing. Your information will remain confidential and all information entered here will be combined with other people’s responses in an anonymous, de-identified way. If you would prefer to fill a survey out over the phone, you may schedule a time to do so by emailing ashley.rier@healthyacadia.org. Surveys are due Friday, November 17th, 2023. Take the survey.
In light of recent events in Lewiston, the Mills Administration has launched a webpage to serve as a clearinghouse of information of ways to support victims and families, organizations involved in the community and health care response, as well as anyone who might be struggling with mental health during this stressful time. Your involvement can help ensure that the help, kindness and generosity of Maine people gets to those who need it in the days and weeks to come.