2.02.05 Sullivan 10:00-11.30am (4 monthly sessions) “New Books, New Readers” is a monthly book discussion program for adults to be presented by Donna Fricke at the Adult Learning Center, US Route One, Sullivan. This series is designed for adults who are not confident or in the habit of reading. The four session program features books about Justice, Right and Wrong, What’s Fair and Getting Even are the topics of discussion, and you will receive nine new books to keep! FMI call 422-9100, Sumner Adult Ed.

2.02.05 Machias 9:00-11:00am Maine Parent Federation’s Washington County Family Support meeting will be held at the Machias Career Center, Machias. FMI, call Jackie Stanley at 1-877-963-2588.

2.03.05 Blue Hill noon-4:30pm Maine Asthma Forum “Where Every Breath Counts” at the Blue Hill Public Library, Howard Room, 5 Parker point Road. No charge – lunch, materials and a snack are included. Registration is required – FMI call Sue-ann Sanford, 622-7566 x232.

2.08.05 Ellsworth 9:30-10:30 “Potty Training for Babies!” presentation and discussion by Becca Smith and Wendylou Perkins, moms of toddlers, on “Elimination Communication”, also known as “Natural Infant Hygiene” at the Unitarian-Universalist Church of Ellsworth, 121 Bucksport Road. Natural Infant Hygiene is a gentle, compassionate and practical way to care for a baby’s elimination needs from early infancy. Rather than teaching a baby to eliminate into his/her diapers, mothers and fathers learn to listen and respond in the present moment to the baby’s needs and signals. FMI, call Cathy at 667-5304, ext. 225.

2.09.05 Topsham 9:00am-noon ”The Impact of Foster on Children Already in Your Home” will be presented by Child Welfare Training Institute at American Red Cross, 16 Community Way, Topsham. All CWTI programs are open to foster and adoptive parents, BCFS staff and staff of agencies contracted to work with children and families. FMI – Jeanine Brown, 1-866-354-0084 or email jeanine.brown@maine.gov

2.10.05 Augusta 8am-4pm Save the Date: “Home Visitation Conference” at the Augusta Civic Center, co-sponsored by the Maine Children’s Trust and the Dept. of Health & Human Services. Please register by 1/14/05 at www.mechildrenstrust.org or call Laura Woods-Vachon at 626-5028. $35 conference fee.

2.12.05 Bangor 9:00am-4:00pm “”Parenting and Temperament” will be presented by Child Welfare Training Institute at University College Center, 201 Texas Avenue, Bangor. All CWTI programs are open to foster and adoptive parents, BCFS staff and staff of agencies contracted to work with children and families. FMI – Jeanine Brown, 1-866-354-0084 or email jeanine.brown@maine.gov

2.16.05 Calais 6:00-8:00pm Maine Parent Federation’s Calais Family Support meeting will be held at the Unobsky School, Calais. FMI, call Jackie Stanley at 1-877-963-2588.

2.17.05 10-11am “Baby Talk” with Cathy Jacobs, PATT on WERU-FM, 89.9. (February = nurse midwives)

2.17.05 Bucksport 9:00-11:00am Maine Parent Federation’s Family Support meeting will be held at the Jewett Elementary School, Bucksport. FMI, call Jackie Stanley at 1-877-963-2588.

2.23.05 Ellsworth Maine Parent Federation’s Guardian Workshop with Phil Leonard of DHHS will be held at the Special Children’s Friends, 78 Union St., Ellsworth. FMI, call Jackie Stanley at 1-877-963-2588.

2.28.05 WERU 89.9fm 6:00-7:00pm “Teen Talk Show” sponsored by MDI Communities for Children & Youth.

Here are the MainelyKids.com recommendations for things to do when school is out February 21-25, 2005:

Children's Museum of Maine – Portland 142 Free Street, downtown Portland Recommended for babies to about second grade, especially good for preschoolers and kindergarteners (and their parents). Click here to see the calendar that lists all of the February events at the Children's Museum of Maine.

Arts in the Capital – Augusta Capital complex, Augusta Recommended for school-aged children and teens (and their parents).

Inside Out Playground 93 Maine Street, downtown Waterville Recommended for children, from infants to eight years old (and their parents).

University of Maine Museum of Art, Norumbega Hall, Bangor Two exhibits, one recommended for junior and high school students, the other for children ages five and up (and their parents, of course).

Your local library Recommended for children and adults of all ages.

Maine Discovery Museum 74 Maine Street, Bangor Recommended for babies to about second grade, especially good for preschoolers and kindergarteners (and their parents).

You might also want to check out these online event calendars:

Maine Public Broadcasting Community Calendar

VisitMaine.com Events Calendar (Official web site of the Maine Office of Tourism)

MaineArts.com Arts & Cultural Events Calendar (Official web site of the Maine Arts Commission)

MaineLibraries.com Library Events Calendar

MaineTourism.com Events Calendar (Maine Tourism Association)

AroundMaine.com Events Calendar (Time Warner Cable of Maine)

MARCH 2005 PARENTING INFORMATION AWARENESS MONTH

· American Red Cross Month – visit www.redcross.org for more information

· Hemophilia Month – visit www.hemophilia.org for more information

· National Kidney Month – visit www.kidney.org for more information

· National Nutrition Month – visit www.eatright.org for more information

· National Poison Prevention Month – visit www.ppsinc.org or www.poisonprevention.org FMI.

· Women’s History Month – visit www.nwhp.org FMI. The 2004 theme, "Women Inspiring Hope and Possibility" celebrates the hope and sense of possibility that comes to our lives from the inspirational work of women.

· 3/01/05: Read Across America for more info: www.celebratingfamilies.org

· 3/24/05: Absolutely Incredible Kid Day– sponsored by the Camp Fire Boys and Girls, this is an annual call to action which encourages adults to write letters of love, appreciation and encouragement to their children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and even to children they don’t know. FMI, contact kidday@campfireusa.org.

3.01.05 Ellsworth 9:30am-3:00pm (2 sessions): “The Basics of Starting a Business” presented by Glenon Friedmann, Women Work & Community, 248 State Street, Suite 1, Ellsworth, ME. This FREE and confidential workshop will be offered in partnership with CEI’s Women’s Business Center. FMI or to register, call Glenon Friedmann at 667-1834 or 1-800-442-2092. www.womenworkandcommunity.org

**** Workshop continued March 8, 2005

3/02/05: Ellsworth 4:30-6:00pm: Ellsworth Area Communities for Children & Youth quarterly meeting to be held at the Downeast Family YMCA, 25 State Street, Ellsworth, ME. Roundtable discussion of how our community can help children and youth develop resiliency through increasing their assets. Call Candy at 667-5304, ext. 261 FMI.

Search Institute's 40 Developmental Assets are concrete, common sense, positive experiences and qualities essential to raising successful young people. These assets have the power during critical adolescent years to influence choices young people make and help them become caring, responsible adults.

The Developmental Asset framework is categorized into two groups of 20 assets. External assets are the positive experiences young people receive from the world around them. These 20 assets are about supporting and empowering young people, about setting boundaries and expectations, and about positive and constructive use of young people's time. External assets identify important roles that families, schools, congregations, neighborhoods, and youth organizations can play in promoting healthy development.

The twenty internal assets identify those characteristics and behaviors that reflect positive internal growth and development of young people. These assets are about positive values and identities, social competencies, and commitment to learning. The internal Developmental Assets will help these young people make thoughtful and positive choices and, in turn, be better prepared for situations in life that challenge their inner strength and confidence.

We invite you to thoroughly explore Search Institute: read about each of the 40 Developmental Assets, learn more about the research behind the assets, and discover all the resources and support services Search Institute provides to assist those who are ready to begin improving the lives of young people and their communities. www.search-institute.org/assets

3.09.05-3.10.05 Save the Date Framingham, MA “DADS Count - Everywhere” 6^th Annual New England Fathering Conference – a very special conference devoted to learning and sharing about four arenas in which Dads Count! Dads and the Family & Community; Dads and the Legal System; Dads and Education; Dads and Health. $150 fee, scholarships for Dads Available.

3.13.05-3.18.05 Portland “Maine/New Hampshire Victim Assistance Academy” is a 40 hour intensive training, presented at the Eastland Park Hotel, Portland. $175.00 registration by February 20^th to USM Muskie School or online at http://muskie.usm.maine.edu/justiceresearch

3.17.05 10-11am “Baby Talk” with Cathy Jacobs, PATT on WERU-FM, 89.9.

3.17.05 Ellsworth 9:30am-2:30pm (10 Thursdays): “Career Exploration” presented by Glenon Friedmann, Women Work & Community. Thinking about making a career change? You will examine your personal and financial needs, values, interests, skills and discover options for creating your future. This FREE and confidential workshop will be held at the Ellsworth Center, 248 State Street, Suite 1, Ellsworth. FMI or to register, call Glenon Friedmann at 667-1834 or 1-800-442-2092. www.womenworkandcommunity.org

**** Workshop continued March 24 & 31, April 7, 14, 21 & 28, May 5, 12 & 19, 2005

3.25.05 Bangor 9:00am-4:00pm ”No Such Think as a Bad Kid! Key Principles and Techniques for Working with Troubled Children and Youth” will be presented by Child Welfare Training Institute at University College Center, 201 Texas Avenue, Bangor. All CWTI programs are open to foster and adoptive parents, BCFS staff and staff of agencies contracted to work with children and families. FMI – Jeanine Brown, 1-866-354-0084 or email jeanine.brown@maine.gov

3.28.05 Ellsworth 6:00-8:00pm “The 7 Habits of Effective People” by Dr. Mary Veit, personal life coach and consultant, through Ellsworth Adult Education. You may register online at http://w5.downeast.net/eae or call 667-499 FMI – NO FEE. This workshop will provide lots of ideas on how to identify principles and develop behaviors to become more effective and is based on the book of the same name by Stephen Covey. Additional questions may be answered by calling 276-5253.

3.28.05 WERU 89.9fm 6:00-7:00pm “Teen Talk Show” sponsored by MDI Communities for Children & Youth.

3.30.05 Sullivan 6:00-8:00pm Ronda Alley, Maine Parent Federation will present a workshop on “No Child Left Behind” at Sumner Memorial High School, Room 23, US Route One, Sullivan. The “NCLB Act from A-Z: What Parents Need to Know” offers a “primer” on the act and how it is changing education. We’ll work together to take the mystery out of the law, sift through the jargon, and learn what the regulations mean for schools and students here in Maine. From student testing to school choice, this workshop covers everything you ever wanted to know about NCLB. FMI call 422-9100, Sumner Adult Ed.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Maine are gearing up again for their annual Bowl for Kids Sake. Call 667-5304, email: bbbshc@downeasthealth.org or see their website: www.downeastmentor.org FMI.

April 2, 2005 Ellsworth Lanes 9:00am-4:00pm

April 3, 2005 Ellsworth Lanes 9:00am-4:00pm

April 10, 2005 Bangor Lanes 9:00am-1:00pm

April 10, 2005 Calais Lanes 10:00am-2:00pm

APRIL 2005 is PREVENT CHILD ABUSE

& SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS & AUTISM month

You CAN Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect. Since 1989, the blue ribbon has been a symbol for preventing child abuse and neglect. This blue ribbon reminds our community that everyone has a job to do to provide for the well-being of children. Providing support and education to parents helps prevent the family stress that can lead to maltreatment.

You can support prevention by organizing a Child Abuse Prevention Month observance in your community. Contact the Hancock County Children’s Council to receive a packet of materials to get you started at 667-5304, ext. 261 or email: children@downeasthealth.org

APRIL is:

National Child Abuse Prevention Month – Prevent Child Abuse America at www.preventchildabuse.org and National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect at www.calib.com/nccanch/prevmnth/index
National Sexual Assault Awareness Month - www.nsvrc.org national sexual violence resource center
National Humor Month – www.larrywilde.com
National Minority Health & Health Disparities Month – www.omhrc.gov
National Occupational Therapy Month – www.aota.org
National Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Family Planning Awareness Month – Pharmacist Planning Services at www.ppsinc.org and American Social Health Association at www.ashastd.org
National Youth Sports Safety Month – www.nyssf.org
Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month – www.preventblindness.org
April 2-3, 2005: Alcohol-Free Weekend – www.ncadd.org
April 4-10, 2004: National Public Health Week – www.apha.org
April 7, 2005: World Health Day – www.who.org
April 10-16, 2005: National Infant Immunization Week – www.cdc.gov/nip
April 17-23, 2005: National Library Week – www.ala.org
April 17-23, 2005: National Volunteer Week – www.PointsofLight.org
April 22, 2005: Earth Day – www.earthday.net
April 25, 2005-May 1, 2005: TV-Turnoff Week – www.tvturnoff.org

4/01-02/05: Save the Date: Adoptive and Foster Families of Maine Annual Conference. Dr. Steven Gray Ph.D. and Jodee Kulp will be presenting workshops. Ms. Kulp will be discussing issues of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Dr. Gray is a pediatric neuropsychologist who has worked extensively with youth in foster care.

4.09.05: Auburn: 14^th Annual Parenting Matters Conference, featuring Dr. Will Wilkoff as the keynote speaker. As an author, Dr. Wilkoff is best known for his books “Coping with a Picky Eater”, “Is My Child Overtired?” and “How to Say No To Your Toddler”. This year’s conference will be held at Central Maine Community College, Auburn. FMI, call advocates for Children at 783-3990.

4/18-23/05: Save the Date: Boston, MA. Fifteenth National Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect.

4.25.05 Ellsworth 6:00-8:00pm “Take Time for Your Life” by Dr. Mary Veit, personal life coach and consultant, through Ellsworth Adult Education. You may register online at http://w5.downeast.net/eae or call 667-499 FMI – NO FEE. This two hour workshop uses Cheryl Richardson’s book by the same name to look together at how you can improve your self-care, organize your schedule to reflect your priorities, identify things that drain you and things that energize you, and also consider ways to improve relationships, financial health and spirituality. Additional questions may be answered by calling 276-5253.

WEEKLY playgroups Many Groups are FREE of charge

Alternate Mondays 10:00am-noon: Bar Harbor Held at the YWCA, 36 Mount Desert Street, for babies and toddlers (under age 3) and parents. Call Parents Are Teachers, Too at 667-5304, ext. 233 (Stephanie) for more information. (Jan 3 & 24, Feb 7 & 28, Mar 14 & 28, April 11 & 25, May 9 & 23) *snow days: if school is cancelled, play group will be cancelled.

Alternate Mondays 10:00am-noon: Southwest Harbor Held at St. John’s Church, next to Pemetic School, for babies and toddlers (under age 3) and parents. Call Parents Are Teachers, Too at 667-5304, ext. 233 (Stephanie) for more information. (Jan 10 & 31, Feb 14, Mar 7 & 21, April 4 & 18, May 9 & 23) *snow days: if school is cancelled, play group will be cancelled.

Tuesdays 10am-noon: Ellsworth Held at the Unitarian-Universalist Church, 121 Bucksport Road, for babies and toddlers (under age 3) and parents. Call Parents Are Teachers, Too 667-5304 ext. 225 for info.

WEEKLY playgroups (continued)

Tuesdays 10am-11:30am: Deer Isle/Stonington Held in a portable classroom directly behind the Deer Isle-Stonington High School, for babies and toddlers (under age 3) and parents. Call Parents Are Teachers, Too at 667-5304, ext. 248 for info.

Wednesdays 10am-11:30am: Blue Hill Held at the Blue Hill Public Library, Parker Point Road, for babies and toddlers (under age 3) and parents. Call Parents Are Teachers, Too 667-5304, ext. 260 for information.

Wednesdays 9am-11am: Prospect Harbor Held at the Prospect Harbor Church, for children birth to five and their parents. Please call Brenda Clough 667-2430 for more information.

Thursdays 10am-11:30am: Bucksport Held at the Jewett School, for babies and toddlers (under age 3) and parents. Call Parents Are Teachers, Too at 667-5304, ext. 240 (Wesley Neff) for more information.

Thursdays 10-11am: Ellsworth Held at the Downeast Family YMCA, State Street, Ellsworth. Please call 667-3086 for more information.

Fridays 10:30am-noon: Ellsworth Held at Special Children’s Friends, 78 Union Street, for toddlers and parents (brothers & sisters are welcome). Please call 667-2430 for more information.

Fridays 10am -11am: Northeast Harbor Mom/Toddler yoga group at the Neighborhood House, FREE with donations to the Neighborhood House for use of space is appreciated. Call 288-5505 for info.

Alternate Fridays 9:30-11:30am: Franklin/Hancock/Sullivan Held at the Hancock Community Center, US Route One, Hancock, for babies, toddlers (under age 3) and parents. Call Parents Are Teachers, Too at 667-5304, ext. 231 for more information. (January 7 & 21, February 4 & 18, March 4 & 8, 2005)

WEEKLY FAMILY SUPPORT OPPORTUNIES

Mount Desert Island: Divorce Survivors Group TBA – Coping with the loss of relationship, dealing with the stress of divorce, $46 fee. FMI or to register, call 288-8604, MDI Behavioral Health Center

Mount Desert Island: Coping Skills Group TBA – Dealing with strong emotions, recognizing emotional triggers, exploring options for coping, $46 fee. FMI or to register, call 288-8604, MDI Behavioral Health Center

Monday through Friday 9am-4pm Statewide Parent Talk-line 1-800-249-5506 Mainely Parents

Monday through Friday 9am-4pm Statewide GEAR 1-800-264-9224

Monday through Friday 9am-4pm Hancock & Washington Counties Maine Parent Federation, 1-877-963-2588, or www.mpf.org, or www.linkmaine.org

Monday through Friday 10:30-11:30am: Ellsworth Open Door Recovery, 8 Old Mill Road, Ellsworth. FREE drop-in support for individuals concerned about substance abuse issues – contact Alicia at 667-3210 FMI.

Monday through Friday 9am-4pm Statewide Kinship Care – Family Connections assists grandparents, aunts and uncles who are stepping in to care for relatives’ children. Family Connections is co-sponsored by Adoptive & Foster Families of Maine and FACT (Families and Children Together) and has several support groups throughout the state. FMI call 941-2347 or 1-800-833-9786.

Mondays 2:00-3:30pm Bar Harbor Mood Disorder Support Group for adults coping with depression and bi-polar disorders. This group is facilitated by trained staff at the Behavioral Health Center, Hancock Street, Bar Harbor. $46 fee. FMI or to register, call 288-8604.

Mondays 6:30pm: Ellsworth NAMI Support group for families with children, spouses, and/or siblings with major mental illness, held weekly in the St. Joseph’s Church Rectory basement. Call Susan Noddin at 422-2011 or Kimberley Pietz at 565-3822 for information and registration.

Mondays 7:00pm: Ellsworth Casey Family Services Parent Support Group for families with adopted children. Unitarian-Universalist Church, Bucksport Rd., Ellsworth. Childcare is available and no cost to attend. To arrange for an interview, please call Susan Knowlton at 1-866-662-2739 or Emily Shepard at 973-2491.

Tuesdays 6:00-8:00pm: Ellsworth Survivors’ Support Group for women survivors of sexual assault / incest, offered by Downeast Sexual Assault Services. Call 667-5304 or 1-800-492-5550 FMI.

Tuesday evenings: Ellsworth Family Education and Support meeting for families concerned about substance abuse issues – contact Alicia at 667-3210 for more info and to register. Pre-registration is required.

Tuesdays & Thursdays 9am-4pm: Ellsworth Parent Support / Education with Penquis Family Mediation. Call 973-3586 or 1-888-497-3500 for appointment or drop-in by chance. Hancock County Children’s Council Library in the Downeast Health Services Office, 52 Christian Ridge Road, Ellsworth, ME 04605

Wednesdays 3pm-4:30pm: Bar Harbor “Acorns and Oaks” parent-toddler playgroup at the Acadia Waldorf School, 55 Kebo Drive, Bar Harbor. Call 288-9980 to learn more.

Fridays 3:00-4:30pm Bar Harbor Relapse Prevention Group for folks who have been diagnosed as having co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders. Issues and topics addressed include: identifying triggers; recognizing the progression of relapse; identifying high risk situations; building a positive support system; problem solving; stages of change for motivation, etc. This group is facilitated by trained staff at the Behavioral Health Center, Hancock Street, Bar Harbor. To participate, please call 288-8604.

BI-WEEKLY– FAMILY SUPPORT OPPORTUNITIES

Alternate Mondays 10-11:30am: Ellsworth “Signing and Playing with Your Baby” – an informal playgroup for babies, toddlers and their parents. Presented by Parents Are Teachers Too, lead by Holly Kerns, PATT parent. You will meet with other parents who want to learn how to communicate with their babies and young children through sign language. Learn how sign language can help babies and parents communicate, even before the child can speak. Call Holly at 422-8902 or Cathy Jacobs at PATT, 1-800-492-5550 FMI & dates.

Mondays (2^nd & 4^th) 7pm-8:30pm: Bucksport Parent Support for parents of children with emotional / behavioral special needs. In the event of a holiday, the meeting will be held the following Monday. Meetings are held at the Superintendent’s Office, Elm Street, Bucksport. Call Iris Cohen, 469-3499, for info.

MONTHLY Workshops for Parents who are Divorcing, Separating or Living Apart

Saturdays (2^nd): Belfast 8:30am-12:30pm: “Waldo County Kids First” provides a positive way for parents to learn how parents can cooperate to make things easier for their children. Pre-registration is required $45.00/session. Call 338-2200 ext. 109 for info and registration form. Waldo County Kids First, 5 Stephenson Lane, Belfast, ME 04915

Saturdays (2^nd): Bangor “For Kids’ Sake” provides a positive way for parents to learn how parents can cooperate to make things easier for their children. Pre-registration is required $45.00/session. Call 942-9329 for info and registration form. For Kids Sake, PO Box 6252, Bangor, ME 04402-6252

Saturdays (3^rd): Bangor or Ellsworth “For Kids’ Sake” provides a positive way for parents to learn how parents can cooperate to make things easier for their children. Pre-registration is required $45.00/session. Call 942-9329 for info and registration form. For Kids Sake, PO Box 6252, Bangor, ME 04402-6252

MONTHLY– Family Support Opportunities

Tuesdays

(2^nd Tuesday of month) 5-7pm: Bar Harbor Child Safety Seat Fitting Station at the Bar Harbor Police Department, Firefly Lane. For more information, call Rick @ 288-3391.

(3^rd Tuesday of month) 9am-1pm: Ellsworth Child Safety Seat Fitting Station at Town Auto Sales, High Street, Ellsworth (go to the large green building in the back). Call Patti @ 288-3391 for more info.

Wednesdays

(2^nd Wednesday of month) 9:30-11:00am: Ellsworth Foster and Adoption Informational Meetings held at the Department of Human Services, 17 Eastward Lane, Ellsworth. Call 667-1600 to learn more about the business of becoming / being a foster parent.

(2^nd Wednesday of month) 6:00pm: Bar Harbor “Working Mama’s Breastfeeding Support Meeting”, Crooked Road, Bar Harbor, 288-5505 FMI.

(3^rd Wednesday of month) 6:30pm: Ellsworth Brain Injury Support Group held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Beechland Road, Ellsworth, ME. For more information, contact Dodie Sullivan at 667-8680 or email: dodie@midmaine.com.

(4^th Wednesday of month) 1:30pm: Ellsworth Downeast La Leche League, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Parish Hall, Ellsworth, 667-7245 FMI.

(4th Wednesday of month) 1:30-2:30pm: Ellsworth Downeast La Leche League meetings at St. Joseph’s. Contact Carlene Parsons at 667-7245 or Pam Gagnon at 288-5505 for more information.

(4th Wednesday of month) 6pm: Ellsworth Maine Parent Federation monthly regional support meeting at Special Children’s Friends, 78 Union Street, Ellsworth. FMI, contact Jackie Stanley, 1-877-963-2588.

Thursdays

(3rd Thursday) 10-11am “Baby Talk” with Cathy Jacobs, Parents Are Teacher Too on WERU-FM, 89.9.

Saturdays

(first Saturday of month) 10am-noon: Ellsworth DAD’s Group at Downeast Health Services, 52 Christian Ridge Rd., Ellsworth. FMI, please call Cathy at Parents Are Teachers, Too at 667-5304 or 1-800-492-5550.

F R E E Support Groups and Resources available on-line:

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) Online Support Groups offers you the opportunity to give and receive support without leaving your home. They offer online groups for people with depression or bipolar disorder, and separate groups for friends / family members. Online support group meetings meet weekly and follow the general format of face-to-face support groups. www.dbsalliance.org/info/onlinesupport.html Online Support Groups take place at the following times: General Support Groups for Depression and Bipolar Disorder, Mondays 10:30am (Central Time); and Dual Diagnosis Support Groups, Thursdays 7:00pm (Central Time).

Teen Central located at www.teencentral.net connects you to other teens from around the country and throughout the world, and to a wealth of problem-solving resources just for you. Being a teen isn’t easy. Each day you face choices related to school, parents, dating, and fitting in. Growing up can often be complicated by drugs, violence in schools, relationships, divorce, abuse, and personal loneliness. TeenCentral.Net is a unique website developed by KidsPeace. To learn more about KidsPeace, visit www.kidspeace.org.

NEW Ongoing Opportunities:

www.downeastmicro.org is the webpage for the Down East Micro-Enterprise Network. The Workshop series for Hancock and Washington counties are listed with descriptions. All workshops are FREE of charge. You will also find helpful links to the Virtual Resource Library from UM Cooperative Extension, the Washington County Business conference and expo. 30 weekly workshops are listed for Hancock County; 31 weekly workshops are scheduled for Washington County as of 1.25.05.

Continuing Education for the Human Services & Nonprofit Community – many one-day workshops are scheduled in the areas of: Nurturing Children and Teenagers; Supporting Mental Health; Grantsmanship and Development; Complementary Therapies and Working with Others. Visit www.usm.maine.edu/cce FMI.

Child Welfare Training Institute Correspondence Course Offerings include the following topics for Foster Parents, Adoptive Parents and Other (specify):

Common Sense Parenting of Toddlers and Preschoolers

Choices and Consequences: What to Do When a Teenager Uses Alcohol / Drugs

Teaching Social Skills to Youth Healthy Teens

Conquering Childhood Asthma Autism and the New Law

Grounded for Life?! The Teenage Brain

Learning Disabilities and Self-Esteem Dangerous Kids

Contact Cindy Languet-Stinson, CWTI, 295 Water Street, Augusta, Maine, 04330, or call 1-866-354-0084 ext. 5225, or email Cindy.Languet-Stinson@maine.gov FMI and to register.

The Maine Prevention Calendar www.mainepreventioncalendar.org represents the coordinated efforts of Maine prevention and health promotion programs. The calendar is organized by date and by topic and contains an easy-to-use-summary to allow a quick search.

F R E E Continuing Education, Courses & Resources available on-line:

http://pathwayscourses.samhsa.gov/courses.htm CSAP’s Prevention Pathways: Online Courses

“The ABCs of Bullying – Addressing, Blocking and Curbing School Aggression” – this course, for professionals, examines the causes and effects of bullying, prevention techniques and programs, screening, treatment options, and legal/ethical issues surrounding bullying. The information is relevant to educators, health and mental health practitioners, parents, and anyone else who works with children.

“It Won’t Happen to Me: Alcohol Abuse & Violence Against Women” (for those who are concerned about the issue) This web-based course is for anyone concerned about substance abuse-related violence directed at women. It is for people interested in preventing and stopping violence against women.

Ellsworth Adult Education FMI, call 667-6499 or visit their website at http://w5.downeast.net/eae.

Mt. Desert Island Adult Education: FMI, call 288-4703

H.O.M.E. Adult Basic Education: FMI, call 469-7961 or 469-2026

Sumner Adult Education: FMI, call 422-9100 or visit their website at www.sumneradulted.net.

Hancock County Higher Education Center, Call 1-800-696-2540 or visit http://www.maine.edu/ellsworth.

University of Maine System on-site, online and ITV course listings. FMI, call 1-877-868-7000 or visit their website at www.learn.maine.edu. University of Maine at Augusta. FMI, call 1-877-UMA-1234 or visit their website at www.uma.maine.edu. University of Southern Maine on-site, online and ITV course listings. FMI, call 1-800-787-0468 or visit their website at www.usm.maine.edu/cce.

Girls Online E-Mentoring Program for science and engineering that focuses on girls in middle school and high school. You can access information on this site at www.uic.edu/orgs/gem-set/index.htm.

www.maineparents.net provides an online Maine Parents kit of resources for parents and community partners to help reduce underage alcohol us and keep teens safe.

www.mainelykids.com – subscribe to free online bi-monthly magazine for Maine Families.

On-line Training for Foster Parents: www.adoptionlearningpartners.org offers 4 courses free of charge, although there is a $25 fee to users who require a Certificate of Completion for training purposes. The www.fosterclub.com/grownups Foster Club Training Library offers on-line training for free. Registered users will be able to keep track of CEUs earned and will receive a downloadable certificate for each course that is completed, and may print a transcript of all courses taken. There are 11 courses, ranging from 1-3 credit hours. www.fosterparents.com offers 55 on-line courses, ranging from 1-5 credit hours. Course fees range from $4 to $6, payable by credit or debit card through a secured server.

Maine Parent Federation now offers two online trainings: “Taking the Mystery Out of Serving on Boards and Committees” and “The No Child Left Behind Act from A to Z: What Parents Need to Know”. To access the trainings, go to www.linkmaine.org.

“The Center for Parent Education” located at www.umext.maine.edu/parentcenter, is designed for parents, for all adults who care for or work with children, and for parenting educators.

www.ksu.edu/wwparent/courses/fireworks/index.htm: “FireWorks” Anger Management in Adult-Child Relationships is an online non-credit course that examines anger management with a special emphasis on adult-child relationships.

www.ksu.edu/wwparent/courses/rd/index.htm: “Responsive Discipline: Effective Tools for Parents” is an informal personal study course that provides tools for guiding and nurturing children from early childhood through adolescence.

Check out the following websites for information on child development and parenting topics!

www.downeasthealth.org * www.mainefamilies.org * www.parentingresources.ncjrs.org

Hancock County Children’s Council, 1-800-492-5550 ext. 261, email: children@downeasthealth.org

F R E E SELF-STUDY OPPORTUNITIES at the HANCOCK COUNTY CHILDREN’S COUNCIL FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER

Parenting Wisely is a highly interactive, multimedia program which includes 9 case studies. Each case opens with a video of a common family problem. The problem is followed by three possible responses, both positive and negative. Parents choose a response, see a video of how their choice would work, and get feedback on the pluses and minuses of their choice. After choosing the best response, parents answer questions about the ideas and skills presented in the case. Parents usually spend 2-3 hours working through the 9 cases. To schedule a self-study session, contact the Hancock County Children’s Council at 667-5304 ext. 261.

Directions for Dads, an interactive CD ROM from the National Fatherhood Initiative is designed for dads to become the “best father that you can be”. Directions for Dads will provide helpful advice and exercises for dealing with the most important issues facing fathers today. Sessions include “Where Are You Now?”; “Good Man Good Father”, “Developing Healthy Relationships” and “Raising Healthy, Compassionate, Responsible Children”. The program takes from one-two hours to complete, and may be stopped and resumed at any point for your convenience. Resources from the National Fatherhood Initiative are available for additional support and reference. To borrow this CD ROM, please contact the Hancock County Children’s Council at 667-5304, ext. 261 or email: children@downeasthealth.org.

During April, please join our Pennies for Prevention campaign to

Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect in Hancock County.