We will now be closed Monday and Tuesday and open Wednesday-Friday 9am to 3pm until May.
Information Center is open 24/7.
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March menu
Meals are served at 11:30 a.m. at the Senior Center, 125 Broadway, Bucksport. For reservations call 469-3632. $5 per meal. All ages welcome.
Download the menu (.pdf) here.
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Bucksport United Methodist Church
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Church services
The Franklin Street United Methodist and East Bucksport United Methodist Churches have combined to form Bucksport United Methodist Church.
The
Sunday service is at
10 am at 71 Franklin Street in the fellowship hall. (Wednesday evening service is there also, at
6:30p.m.)
Any questions or concern, feel free to contact the church office at 469-3622. Office hours are
Tuesday and Thursdays from
9:00-2:00p.m.
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Private Home Care, Inc., a personal care agency, serving Belfast and surrounding areas is now accepting new clients.
We provide non-medical in home care, 3 to 24 hours.
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Maine Tourism Association
The Bucksport Bay Area Chamber of Commerce is one of the 1500+ members at Maine Tourism. The Maine Tourism Association promotes us and all we offer to visitors and residents of Maine. Among the benefits:
BBACC can advertise in seven Maine Visitor Information Centers throughout the state via brochures and/or exhibits and videos and take part in the Official State Travel Planner, "Maine Invites You."
Our voice at the statehouse on important issues will be heard:
The MTA advocates protecting tourism funds and advancing public policy at the statehouse to improve tourism businesses and enhance our success.
We can take part in social media initiatives:
Social media is an important part of the MTA's strategy to share members' stories with visitors. They've created a social media plan that highlights events, member news, and general interest pieces on Maine.
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The Bucksport Bay Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce this year's Bucksport Bay Festival dates! Friday, July 21, Saturday, July 22, and Sunday, July 23, 2017.
#Thinksummer and join us
for #bayfest2017! For more info call 207.469.6818 or visit the festival website.
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Playing at the Alamo Theatre...
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Fri 3 Mar, 6:00 pm
Fri 3 Mar, 9:00 pm
Sat 4 Mar, 6:00 pm
Sat 4 Mar, 9:00 pm
Sun 5 Mar, 2:00 pm
Sun 5 Mar, 6:00 pm
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The Buck Memorial Library
on Main Street in Bucksport
offers a free story time each
Wednesday from 10:30AM
to 11AM.
Children of all ages are welcome.
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Free Small Business Advising for Bucksport Bay Area
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Thinking about starting a business? Or do you already own one? There's a helpful (free!) small business resource for the Bucksport Bay area ready to help you with everything from starting, to maintaining and growing your business. The business advising is confidential, offered at no charge and provided by the Maine Small Business Development Centers. Space for the consultations is graciously provided by Bangor Savings Bank.
Bangor Savings Bank
89 Main Street
Bucksport
By appointment only
Please contact
Betty Egner at 207.664.2990
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BEGINNER-FRIENDLY
Healing Hatha Yoga
Tuesdays 4-5pm
Beth Wright Cancer Resource Center, Ellsworth FREE
Wednesdays
3:30-4:30pm
Bucksport Regional Health Center ($12)
Thursdays 1-2pm
Beth Wright Cancer Resource Center Ellsworth FREE
Discounts for first- responders
All classes FREE to Beth Wright Center clients
All classes are for adults and teens. Anyone under 18 must have a signed waiver from their parent or guardian. Children under 13 are only permitted by special permission from the instructor. Mats and props are provided and no yoga experience is necessary.
More details online
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Free LEGO Club at the Stockton Springs Community library
The Stockton Springs Community Library (SSCL) is proud to offer free LEGO programs on the 3rd Thursday of every month from 4:00 - 5:00 PM through April 20th 2017.
Focus age group is 4 through 10 years old, however children of all ages are welcome to participate in the LEGO Fun! No registration is necessary.
The purpose is to become a creative, engaged, lifelong learner while having fun. The library provides the LEGO bricks and participants provide their imagination and creativity! LEGO creations will be displayed in the library until the following month's LEGO Club.
March 16, 2017
April 20, 2017
No registration necessary! SSCL is located at 6 Station Street in Stockton Springs. For more information call
567-4147.
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April 4th
While an icy blast is moving through this weekend, we hope it will be winter's last gasp. We're looking forward to welcoming back our seasonal business owners, watching the robins return and the crocuses bloom, and marking the Wednesday on Main summer events on our calendar.
Among the other annual events we look forward to is our annual meeting and awards ceremony. This year's event will take place at the Alamo on 4/4--an easy date to remember!
Sponsoring the event is an excellent way to advertise yourself and your commitment to the Chamber to your fellow members. Many sponsorship levels are available. More on that below!
Also below, a reminder that our visitors' guide is in production. In order to be featured in this brochure, you must be a member in good standing. We also welcome a new member, advertise several jobs with member businesses and organizations, and tell you about some important tax-related scams to be on the lookout for.
Scroll down to read about Main Street Bucksport, Heart and Soul, Health Talk Tuesday--and more!
Have a beautiful week, stay warm...and send us your news!
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Winterport Business Association
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March Business Buzz is...
The Winterport Area Business Association
- They are a non profit organization designed to improve the business climate of the Winterport Area. If you have a business within Winterport, Frankfort, & Monroe please consider getting involved with your local business association.
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BBACC board
The Bucksport Bay Area Chamber of Commerce is looking for new Board Members!
Seats are opening in March...
Submit your name for consideration!
The Bucksport Bay Area Chamber of Commerce is guided by a volunteer Board of Directors consisting of 15 members, elected by the general membership at the Chamber's annual meeting each year. Each director serves an initial three-year term, and is eligible to serve second and third three-year terms. After serving nine years, directors must step down from the board and are ineligible to serve again for a minimum period of one year.
The candidate must be a member in good standing of the Chamber and attend monthly meetings every third Tuesday of the month at
5pm.
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Increase visibility for your business!
Production has started with the 2017 edition of our Visitor's Guide. Advertising opportunities begin now and include some new choices and same affordable rates!
If you're not a member yet, and would like to join, this is the perfect time for that! You still have time to join and get the member discount rates on your ad in our 2017 Visitor's Guide.
Download an application (.pdf) today and receive all the year-round benefits of Chamber membership including these discounted advertising rates for 2017!
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Sponsor our Annual Awards
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Annual Meeting & Awards
Our Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony
April 4th at The Alamo Theatre in Bucksport. Hors d'oeuvres and cash bar start at
6pm and then we head into the screen room at
7pm.
Come celebrate a year of Bucksport Bay Area Chamber accomplishments while highlighting those members that have had an exceptional influence on the Bucksport Bay Area community and economy. Board Members are celebrated for their commitment to the Chamber including announcing new Board Members and thanking out-going Board Members.
By sponsoring, your organization will reach local businesses and community leaders who recognize and appreciate companies that help support sound economic development initiatives that create a healthy business climate. Your recognition as a sponsor within the business community will insure you make those important connections necessary for the future growth and success of your business.
Please let us know what level sponsorship you would like to contribute.
You can email
[email protected]
or give us a call 207.469.6818 during office hours.
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Spring hours
We are back from vacation and excited to see you all.
Our operating hours until Spring will be:
Thursday & Friday 4-9 PM
Saturday 12-9 PM
Sunday 12-6 PM
Let's start off with Trivia Thursday!
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Heart and Soul
Please join us on Sunday, March 12 from 2pm to 4pm at the headquarters on Main Street in Bucksport! Come share your stories of why you feel the urge to dig in the earth when the days grow longer and the sun shines warmer and listen to others share their growing stories! What are your Hopes and Dreams for growing and eating local as Bucksport grows into its' future?
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Peace, fellow mammals
Welcome, new member, Peace, Fellow Mammals.
Naomi Graychase is a trained animal communicator who offers nonverbal animal communication over the phone or in person. It really is possible to ask animals what they want, how they feel, and why they do what they do.
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Main Street Bucksport board
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New board members
Main Street Bucksport is pleased to announce five new Board members. The mission of Main Street Bucksport is to promote a vibrant downtown Bucksport by supporting existing businesses, attracting new businesses, and supporting cultural arts events. The organization was founded in 2014 by a group of dedicated volunteers and obtained 501c3 status in 2016. Main Street Bucksport is a community partner for three major events happening in downtown Bucksport in 2017: The Bridge the Gap Road Race, The Bucksport Arts Festival, and the International Maritime Film Festival. The new members of the Board are:
Barbara "Babs" Aycock is a graduate of Bryn Mawr College and the Wharton School. Following brief but interesting stints in art museums, investment banking, personal financial planning and the Peace Corps, she joined the U.S. Department of State and was a career diplomat in Paris, Rome, Ankara, Baghdad, Mexico City, Belgrade and Bucharest, retiring to Bucksport in 2016. She is interested in art, antiques, reading, coaching and adventure travel - and looks forward to contributing to the community in Bucksport.
Robin McCarthy is a new homeowner in Bucksport. She grew up in Central Maine and has roots in Belfast (and by "roots," she means "parents," and she's working on convincing them to relocate to Bucksport!). With a background in creative and professional writing, Robin spends her weekdays working in nonprofit fundraising and communications. On weekends, she helps her partner, Elias Heyns, with their DIY home renovation on McDonald Street. She's delighted to make Bucksport her home and looks forward to participating in this unique community.
Derek Tudela was born and raised in Maine and graduated from Waterville High School and University of Maine at Augusta with a degree in Marketing and Entrepreneurship. Derek began his career as an insurance agent in 2006 and early in 2016, became an owner of a State Farm branch. Derek knew after his first visit to Bucksport that it was the Town he and family would call home. He says, "Everyone was genuinely caring and seemed to be a similar mindset, all wanting to make Bucksport great!" In addition to owning the business and parenting his 3 boys, Derek has volunteered at the summer and winter Olympics for the past 16 years.
Andy Lacher lives in downtown Bucksport and opened BookStacks 20 years ago, July 1997. Andy also serves on the Bucksport Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
Joyce Greco is the Managing Arts Director at Lighthouse Arts Center and is delighted to call Bucksport home. Joyce earned her BFA at the Columbus College of Art and Design majoring in Advertising Design and immediately began working as a corporate identity designer for emerging jewelers, upscale confectioners and the business consultant industry in Columbus Ohio, Long Island and Central Florida. She later earned her Masters of Liberal Studies at Rollins College Hamilton Holt School, and taught Humanities and Mythology for Valencia College. After operating a successful mural business for residential, and commercial customers in Central Florida for eighteen years, Joyce worked for Universal Studios as a Technical Specialist on the Scenic crew.
At the same time, Main Street Bucksport says goodbye to two Board members and wants to thank them for their hard work and dedication. Paula Kee will continue to concentrate her efforts on Wednesdays on Main, the award-winning weekly event series she founded in 2015 and Mark Eastman, a founder of Main Street Bucksport, will focus his efforts on his membership on the Town's Economic Development Committee and on the Board of the Bucksport Bay Area Chamber of Commerce. The Board of Main Street Bucksport is grateful to both Paula and Mark and looks forward to continuing to work with them to create a thriving downtown district.
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2017 schedule
The Wednesday on Main summer schedule is set! Mark your calendar for all of these Wednesday night events. Learn more at
www.bucksportwom.com.
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Drug interactions with supplements
Are your supplements interacting with your prescription medications? Join Rite Aid pharmacist Sylvester Osa-Iyare during BRHC's Health Talk Tuesday on March 21st at noon to learn more.
Bring your lunch and enjoy a healthy appetizer provided by the Health Center.
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Volunteer spotlight
Eric Pena volunteers as a Research Assistant in our Library, taking research requests by phone, e-mail, and in-person with their research requests. When it comes to tracking down an ancestor, figuring out which vessel your great-uncle captained, or the year your house was built, Eric can find the answers. His favorite subject of research is genealogy, and Eric holds a certificate in genealogy research from Boston University. He is a member of the Maine Historical Society and New England Historical Society. Eric, thanks to his degree in Organizational Behavior, enjoys organizing our research database, keeping track of progress on our research requests and gently advising us that we have turned over every stone and we can mark the request complete. Eric encourages everyone to check out our "treasure trove for any genealogist looking for information."
Eric and his wife Sandy, both native Pacific Northwesterners, retired to Stockton Springs in 2010. Eric spent 36 years as an engineer with Pacific Gas and Electric Company. The Penas' son and daughter, as well as three grandsons, still live on the West Coast.
When retirement became too boring in 2011, Eric began volunteering at Penobscot Marine Museum. We keep him busy on Wednesdays, and on other days of the week, he can be found volunteering at the Stockton Springs Library and Historical Society. Last summer, you may have seen Eric's friendly face in our Store and Admissions Center. In his spare time, Eric likes to do genealogy, travel, and cooking large dinners for the holidays or smoking a salmon, bacon or cheese. Soon he will be combining all those hobbies into a trip to Norway, from which his ancestors hailed.
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Job openings
Do you want to join our amazing team? Healthy Acadia, a community health coalition serving Maine's Hancock and Washington counties, seeks three Community Health Coordinators to join a dynamic team passionate about making it easier for all people to lead healthier lives.
Community Health Coordinators will foster collaborative partnerships, deliver health promotion education, and support policy changes to prevent obesity in schools and early childcare facilities and/or prevent tobacco use and promote treatment resources with schools, municipalities, worksites, healthcare, and other venues across Hancock and Washington counties. Individuals must be highly motivated, be facilitative leaders, and have excellent communication skills. The following positions are available:
- Hancock County - 1 full time (40 hr/wk) tobacco and obesity prevention coordinator
- Washington County - 1 full time (40 hr/wk) obesity prevention coordinator
- Washington County - 1 part time (20 hr/wk) tobacco prevention coordinator
Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree and a minimum of two years experience delivering community-based or public health programs or services. Familiarity with local communities is a plus, and regular travel through the county is required. View full job postings
here.
To apply: Email in a single document a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references to: Maria Donahue:
[email protected].
Application deadline is 5pm, 2/15/17.
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New Education Team Members
Executive Director Patty Hutchins is pleased to announce the addition of Jan Marie Miller and Keith Perkins to one-year positions on the Wilson Museum's Education Team. Education Team member Valerie Messana who joined the Team in 2016 will continue for another year.
Jan Marie Miller's broad range of life-experiences including living in Alaska and Slovenia, combined with her experience teaching domestically and internationally, promise fresh ideas and new enthusiasm for Museum programming. Jan Marie lives in Castine.
Keith Perkins also brings a wide range of life-experiences including fine art, graphic design and food services. His passionate curiosity in multiple subject areas as well as his computer and graphic skills will be a fine addition to the Ed. Team. Keith and his wife live in Bucksport.
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Are you feeling the Spring in the air? Like it or not, it's time to emerge from our Winter projects and move towards the energy of Summer.
We are working on HOBBA's 2017 version of "Your Adventure Begins at the Head of The Bay" community map. This rack map is distributed through the Belfast Area Chamber of Commerce, the Bucksport Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, both Maine Tourism booths in Calais and Kittery, local hotel/motels and local businesses. We will be distributing approximately 10-15 thousand of these maps.
Last year we focused on expanding our efforts by providing an integrated website to better serve our group and re-vamped our Facebook group page. Please check it out at
www.explorepenobscotbay.com
and like HOBBA on Facebook to promote your business and events.
$35 gets your business on the map and on the website or at no cost, your business name and information can be listed on our website.
It's an insane bargain!
If you are a returning business and want to be on our 2017 map/website, please forward a check for $35 payable to HOBBA to me at the address below or drop your check off at the Bangor Savings Searsport branch. Please include updates to your contact information if it's changed. Please have your payments in by March 15th so we can get the brochures printed early.
If you are new to our map and would like to be added, please fill out the attached form that will gather your information and forward the completed form and payment to me at the address below.
Thanks to everyone for your participation. We are excited for the continued outreach of our map project!
Head of the Bay Business Alliance (HOBBA), is an informal alliance of area individuals, organizations, and business owners. HOBBA is 100% volunteer based, working to promote businesses between the bridges from Belfast to Bucksport with the goal of attracting people to the area for longer periods by showing them all we have to offer.
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Service Technician wanted
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Full-time position
Island Pool & Spa is hiring a service technician for a full-time year-round position. Download the full job
description here (.pdf)
.
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Hancock County Food Drive Underway
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Begins March 1
The 2017 Hancock County Food Drive is fast under way. This month-long, countywide effort to collect food and funds kicked off
March 1st
, and will benefit various food pantries, community meal sites, and school food programs across Hancock County. In 2016, the food drive generated enough money and food items to provide nearly 12,500 meals for families and individuals in need.
Please contact Healthy Acadia's Emily (at 667-7171 or
[email protected]
) for more information about how your business or organization can support the 2017 Hancock County Food Drive.
"Financial donations are just as important, if not more so, than donations of food items," notes Emily Herwerden, Anti-Hunger & Opportunity Corps/Maine Hunger Initiative VISTA with Healthy Acadia. "Just $1 can provide 4 meals to families in need, since pantries can often buy food items at wholesale/reduced cost." To donate to the Hancock County Food Drive, text FeedMe2017 to 41444 or click
app.mobilecause.com/form/ppQMpw
.
Friends & Family Market, located at 390 State Street in Ellsworth, will host the kick off event for the Hancock County Food Drive on
Saturday, March 4
from
9am-1pm
. They will be offering special deals to shoppers who donate to the food drive during the event. Tune in to Star 97.7 FM during the event to learn more about the food drive, and about deals being offered by Friends & Family Market.
The Hancock County Food Drive is organized in partnership with Healthy Acadia, Maine Community Foundation and the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, and sponsored in large part by United Way of Eastern Maine, Star 97.7, and the Maine Coast Mall. Complete information about the Hancock County Food Drive can be found at
www.healthyacadia.org
, including ways to donate, a list of benefiting organizations, and official collection sites and sponsors.
What do food pantries need?
- Food pantries need nutritious, non-perishable foods such as:
- whole grain pasta
- whole grain rice
- healthy soups
- canned vegetables
- canned tuna and meats
- peanut butter
- low-sugar, whole grain cereal
- low-sugar canned fruit
Please be sure to check expiration dates on any items you plan to donate.
The Chamber is a drop-off location! Drop your donations off with us any time we're open.
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Robin's Nest opening for the season
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Positive Youth Development Focus of March 8 Workshop
The Maine Youth Action Network (MYAN) and Healthy Acadia are partnering to host a free workshop that offers adults who work with youth effective tools, resources and strategies for building successful youth-adult partnerships. "Creating Successful Youth/Adult Partnerships" will be held on
Wednesday, March 8, 2017 from 9:00am - 2:00pm
at the Machias Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, Train Station 1898, 2 Kilton Lane, Machias.
"Creating Successful Youth/Adult Partnerships" will explore the important role of adult advisors in supporting youth wellness, youth empowerment and positive social development. The workshop is designed for a broad range of youth professionals, including student advisors, youth workers, community builders, youth group volunteers, educators and administrators. Participants will learn strategies to recruit and engage youth, build sustainable youth groups, increase commitment and follow-through from students and adults, and employ best practices for promoting youth voice in school and community. Attendees will have the opportunity to share their experiences and to learn about Healthy Acadia and MYAN's work with area youth groups and continued commitment to engage and empower youth through Youth Policy Boards and Youth Taking Action groups.
There is no charge to attend the session and lunch will be provided. Pre-registration is required. Register online at
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MACHIASMYAN
. For more information, contact Tracey Carlson at
[email protected]
or 255-3741 x112.
The Maine Youth Action Network (MYAN) strategically collaborates, convenes, and partners with communities and organizations around Maine to build young people's leadership on issues of social justice, restorative practices, and public health; and to increase the capacity of adults, organizations, and systems to use positive youth development and social-emotional learning principles in their work with youth. Learn more at
www.myan.org
or find MYAN on Facebook.
Healthy Acadia is a community health coalition building vibrant communities and making it easier for all people to lead healthy lives throughout Washington and Hancock counties. For more information about Healthy Acadia's initiatives, please visit
www.HealthyAcadia.org
or find Healthy Acadia on Facebook.
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FREE workshops offered
Healthy Acadia, in partnership with Blue Hill Memorial Hospital, will offer a free, six-week "Taking Action for Health" workshop series at Emerson Hall, 67 Court Street, Castine. Classes will meet weekly on Wednesdays from
10:00am to 12:30pm
beginning
March 22 and continuing through April 26, 2017
. "Taking Action for Health" is Healthy Acadia's Stanford Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, an evidence-based program to help those living with a chronic disease discover new tools for managing their chronic condition and maintain an active and fulfilling life.
"Taking Action for Health" is a free, interactive series that is open to anyone living with a chronic health condition, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, obesity, arthritis, migraines, asthma, eating disorders, depression and more. Caregivers are also welcome. Participants will learn appropriate use of medications; how to evaluate new treatment options; appropriate exercise for maintaining/improving strength, flexibility and endurance; nutrition information; how to communicate effectively with family, friends and health professionals; techniques to manage frustration, pain, fatigue and isolation; and decision making processes. Visit
http://patienteducation.stanford.edu/programs/cdsmp.html
to learn more about "Taking Action for Health."
The process in which "Taking Action for Health" is facilitated makes it effective, even for those living with multiple chronic conditions. Classes are highly interactive -
participants share their progress and successes and provide mutual support and encouragement. This helps increase participants' self-assurance in their ability to manage their health and maintain active, fulfilling lives. Workshop participants will each receive a copy of the companion book, Living a Healthy Life With Chronic Conditions, and an audio relaxation CD, "Relaxation for Mind and Body."
This "Taking Action for Health" workshop will be facilitated by Gordana Hassett, LCSW, CADC and Raeann Hodgson, RN of the Castine Community Health Center. Pre-registration is required. Contact Raeann Hodgson at 326-4348 or [email protected] to register for this workshop or for more information about "Taking Action for Health."
"Taking Action for Health" is supported by Grant Number
D04RH28404 from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an operating division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
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The Net Result: Our Evolving Fisheries
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Tee-shirt design contest
In 2017, Penobscot Marine Museum will explore Maine fisheries in
our new exhibit The Net Result: Our Evolving Fisheries. To fit with this focus we are asking Maine students to help us design a fisheries related t-shirt. A panel of area artists and art enthusiasts will choose one student's fish design to be incorporated into a t-shirt that will be sold in our Museum Store. The student whose design is chosen will receive a life-time membership, as well as free museum admission for their class. Please have entries to PMM by April 1.
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Myths and Facts from the IRS
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2017 IRS "Dirty Dozen" Tax Schemes
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IRS Resources
Phishing Schemes
:
Watch out for fake emails or websites looking to steal personal information.
Phone Scams a Serious Threat:
Aggressive & threatening phone calls by criminals impersonating IRS agents remain a major threat to taxpayers.
Identity Theft:
Tax-related Identity theft - with its related scams to steal personal and financial data from taxpayers or data held by tax professionals - remains a top item on the Dirty Dozen list.
Return Preparer Fraud; Choose Reputable Return Preparers:
There are some dishonest preparers who set up shop each filing season to perpetrate refund fraud, identity theft and other scams that hurt taxpayers.
Fake charities set up by scam artists to steal your money or personal information.
Be alert to unscrupulous tax return preparers touting inflated tax refunds
.
Taxpayers should watch for improper claims for business credits.
Avoid the temptation to falsely inflate deductions or expenses on tax returns.
This scam involves inflating or including income on a tax return that was never earned, either as wages or self-employment income, usually to maximize refundable credits.
Taxpayers should avoid unscrupulous promoters who encourage the use of phony tax shelters designed to avoid paying what is owed.
Promoters of frivolous schemes encourage taxpayers to make unreasonable and outlandish legal claims to avoid paying their taxes.
Avoid hiding money or assets in unreported offshore accounts remains.
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