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IT'S OFFICIAL - THE DESIGN HAS BEEN REVEALED!

2022 EDITION OF GOUGHAN’S FARM CORN MAZE CELEBRATES

50TH ANNIVERSARY OF AROOSTOOK COUNTY ACTION PROGRAM 

Gathering in Caribou for the official ribbon cutting ceremony for the 2022 Goughan’s Farm Corn Maze, themed to celebrate ACAP’s 50^th Anniversary, were children from ACAP’s Early Care and Education Program who unveiled the maze design and helped with the ribbon cutting.  Front row, left to right are: Ezekiel Smith, Madeline Clark, Genesis Lavoie, and Liam Jerkins. Members of the Goughan Family, ACAP Officials, Community Leaders, and Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce Officials participating included, left to right: Jason Parent, ACAP CEO; Sherry Locke, ACAP Director of Advancement; State Senator Trey Stewart, ACAP Board Member; Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Jamie Guerrette of Thompson Financial; Caribou City Manager Penny Thompson; Caribou City Councilor John Morrill; Trisha House, State Office Representative for U.S. Senator Susan Collins; ACAP Early Care and Education Professional Penny Horne, who envisioned the Aroostook Dream Ice Cream Flavor; Kristi Goughan of Goughan’s Farm; State Representative Sue Bernard; Katie Shannon of Goughan’s Farm; Karen Page, ACAP Northern Region Center Supervisor; Kelsey Clark, Kitchen Aide at ACAP’s Caribou Early Care and Education Center; Kim Smith, Early Care and Education Professional at ACAP’s Caribou Early Care and Education Center; Monica Jerkins, ACAP Board Member; Adia Michaud Judkins, Parent of ACAP Early Care and Education Student (holding daughter Lenora Judkins, an ACAP Early Care and Education Student); Elizabeth Singer of Cary Medical Center/Pines Health Services, CACC Board Member; Matix Michaud, brother of and ACAP Early Care and Education Student; Jennifer Olson of WAGM-TV, CACC Board Member; Jamie Chandler, ACAP Chief Operating Officer; Wanda Osgood, ACAP Director of Finance; and Kay Judkins, Grandparent of ACAP Early Care and Education Student.

Aroostook County Action Program’s 50th anniversary logo, and a handful of images that represent the work of the agency to “make life better” in northern Maine have been captured in a six acre corn maze created by the Goughan’s Farm Family of Caribou.

The unique design was unveiled Monday at a special ribbon cutting ceremony at the maze entrance co-hosted by the Goughan Family and Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce. The honor of revealing the design and cutting the ribbon went to children attending ACAP’s Early Care and Education Programs at nearby facilities.

“Our family is honored to partner with ACAP in helping celebrate their 50 years of making life better. Our corn maze designs have always been based on both entertainment and education. We are so pleased with this year’s design, as well as the games/challenges those who visit the maze will have the opportunity to enjoy. In our effort to provide entertainment for the entire family, this year’s maze will certainly help educate our community on the great impact ACAP has, and can have, in the lives of individuals and families across The County,” said Kelli Michaud, Kristi Goughan, and Katie Shannon – also known as the Farmer’s Daughters of Goughan’s Farm. Read More...

SEE VIDEO MONTAGE FROM THE CORN MAZE RIBBON CUTTING BELOW, INCLUDING AERIAL DRONE FOOTAGE WITH ACAP'S 200 EMPLOYEES FORMING THE LETTERS ACAP IN THE MAZE!

May 31,2022

July 13,2022

August 25,2022

COMMUNITY MEMBERS TOUR ACAP'S EARLY CARE AND EDUCATION CENTER IN THE HISTORIC GOULDVILLE SCHOOL BUILDING IN PRESQUE ISLE DURING OPEN HOUSE AS PART OF REGION'S ANNUAL CROWN OF MAINE BALLOON FESTIVAL

Community members from across the region, many with ties to the building – both retired educators and former students – took the opportunity to tour ACAP’s recently renovated Gouldville Early Care and Education Center in the historic Gouldville School Building in Presque Isle on Friday, August 26. The Open House event was hosted by ACAP as part of the Crown of Maine Balloon Festival. Attendees of the Open House were provided tours of the building, including spaces that have been ungraded through the pandemic. Newly refurbished and refinished hardwood floors, new bathrooms, a laundry room and new hallway flooring, as well as new paint throughout the building, greeted the attendees who were eager to share their stories about their time in the two story school, including their favorite memories.

ACAP GOES TO THE FARM FOR AGENCY DAY 2022

For the first time in three years, ACAP Team Members from across Aroostook County gathered in person for the Annual ACAP Agency Day event. Hosted by the Goughan Family at Goughan’s Farm in Caribou, ACAP staff enjoyed being the first to take the 2022 Corn Maze Challenge, appropriately themed for ACAP’s 50^th Anniversary, played mini golf and BINGO, enjoyed a great meal and farm-made ice cream, and generally enjoyed all the property had to offer. Words of welcome and appreciation to kick off the morning came from surprise special guest, U.S. Senator Angus King, ACAP Board Chairperson Trudy Gorneault, and ACAP CEO Jason Parent. It was a great day for staff, many new to the agency, to get to know one another and to recharge their batteries for the year ahead.

AROOSTOOK COMMUNITY MATTERS

YOUTH HOMELESS DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS TO HELP WITH THE THE COMMUNITY CLOSET

The outdoor Community Closet is located in front of the ACAP Customer Service Center at 771 Main Street in Presque Isle. It provides community members 24-hour 7 days-per week access to gently used clothing. Back to School and the approaching cooler weather increases the need for clothing in our community.  Volunteers are needed to help keep the clothing racks full and organized.

THIS WEEK'S ACAP TODAY LOOKS AT THE REGIONAL AND STATEWIDE EFFORTS TO HELP PROPERTY OWNERS AND LANDLORDS DEVELOP SMOKE-FREE POLICIES

This week on ACAP Today, CEO Jason Parent talks with local and statewide partners about Smoke-Free policies in multi-unit houses. Sarah Rines, Program Manager for Maine Health Center for Tobacco Independence; Leigh Smith, Aroostook County realtor and landlord; and Caragan Haney and Chastity Holland ACAP Community Educators join the discussion around how to implement Smoke-Free Policies and the importance of having them in place.

To view the episode, click on the link above.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU WERE EXPOSED TO COVID-19

Recommended actions based on current level

• Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines.
• Get tested if you have symptoms.
• Wear a mask if you have symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19.
• Wear a mask on public transportation.
• You may choose to wear a mask at any time as an additional precaution to protect yourself and others.

COVID-19 Vaccinations are now available for all ages over 6 months. If you need help scheduling an appointment, or want to know if a site near you is offering vaccinations without an appointment, call the Maine COVID-19 Community Vaccination Line at 1-888-445-4111 or visit https://www.maine.gov/covid19/vaccines/vaccination-sites.

Visit the Maine COVID-19 Response page for full listings of Testing Sites, Vaccination Sites and Treatment Sites.

BE PREPARED FOR WHEN YOUR FAMILY NEEDS TO TEST

Free COVID tests are available through Project Access COVID Tests (ACT). As of August 1, 2022, households in Maine that have already ordered two test kits through Project Act are eligible to reorder one additional free kit of five rapid tests. Order you test kits here: https://www.accesscovidtests.org/

Free test kits are available to order through COVIDtest.gov or call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489). Individuals are now able to order three rounds of COVID-19 Test kits for free.

The Maine Homeowner Assistance Fund is a free, federal relief program for homeowners financially impacted by COVID-19 who are behind on their mortgage, housing, property tax or utility payments and are at risk of foreclosure. The program, which can provide up to $25,000 per eligible household, is funded through the U.S. Department of Treasury and administered by the Maine Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection.

Eligibility

You may be eligible for assistance if:

• You own and occupy a 1 to 4-unit dwelling in Maine.
• You experienced a COVID-19 related financial hardship after January 21, 2020 (a financial hardship is a material reduction of income or material increase in expenses).
• ·Your household is below certain income limits. These limits vary by household size and location. Click here to view Income Limits.

Requirements

• Homeowner must have experienced a financial hardship after January 21, 2020.
• Total annual household income must be equal to or less than 100 percent of area median income or 100 percent of the U.S. median income, whichever is greater.
• Property must be occupied as the primary residence.
• Property must be located in the state of Maine.
• Eligible structures include: single-family homes, townhouses, condos, 2- to 4-unit home where owner occupies at least one unit, and manufactured or mobile homes.
• Homeowner agrees to provide all necessary documentation to meet program guidelines established by the Maine HAF.

For more information or to apply visit: https://maine.gov/HomeAssist.  For households needing assistance with completing the on-line application, Aroostook County Action Program (207-764-3721) is prepared to answer questions and assist with the process

Aroostook County Action Program Inc. (ACAP) is searching for respondents that have the ability and expertise to complete the project proposed in this request within the stated time frame and an agreed upon budget. 

Intention of this Request for Qualifications ACAP is seeking an experienced designer/manufacturer of a customizable mobile service unit that will meet the needs described in this document within the allotted timeframe. The estimated timeframe for this project is October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023. Firms submitting their qualifications are required to provide a typical cost range for similar projects, given the anticipated vehicle build based upon the information provided. Read More...

The ACAP WIC Farmer’s Markets are located at the 771 Main St. ACAP Office in Presque Isle. The Farmer's Markets are open to the general public as well as being available for WIC families who participate in the Farmers Market Nutrition Program. If you are a WIC participant and have questions about eFMNP or you want to learn more about enrolling in WIC, call 207-768-3026 or visit maine.gov/wic.

UPCOMING ACAP WIC FARMER'S MARKET DATES:

Thursday, September 8

Wednesday, September 14

MAINE'S WORKFORCE COLLABORATIVE IS AVAILABLE FOR THOSE

SEEKING EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

Head Start programs promote the school readiness of infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children to income eligible families. Services are provided in licensed centers. Head Start programs also engage parents or other key family members in positive relationships, with a focus on family well-being. Parents participate in leadership roles, including having a say in program operations. Head Start programs support children‘s growth in a positive learning environment through a variety of services, which include: early learning and development, health and physical development and family well-being. Programs are available at no cost to children ages birth to 5 from low-income families. Programs may provide transportation to the centers so enrolled children can participate regularly. Families and children experiencing homelessness, and children in the foster care system are also eligible. Additionally, Head Start services are available to children with disabilities and other special needs.

ACAP Head Start programs currently have limited openings in the communities of:

• Fort Kent
• Van Buren
• Presque Isle - Gouldville
• Dyer Brook

WELCOME TO THE ACAP TEAM!

THE AGENCY WELCOMES THE FOLLOWING NEW ADDITIONS TO OUR STAFF...

Robin Belanger

Teacher Aide

Sylvie St.Onge

Receptionist

Melissa Runshe

Program Associate

Blake Winslow

Program Associate

Helen Berry

Ed Tech

Chelsea Lewis

Ed Tech

Shontell Wilson

Program Associate

JOIN THE ACAP TEAM

ACAP has a dedicated team who work to help keep people warm, safe, and dry in their homes with a variety of programs that offer education or assistance in areas of heating and energy efficiency,  home purchase, repair, and assistance for people facing foreclosure or eviction. We assist job seekers with going back to school or developing skills and help people overcome common barriers that might stand in their way in areas such as transportation and childcare. ACAP is helping to build a stronger, healthier community by collaborating with local and statewide organizations to offer prevention services that focus on nutrition, oral health, substance use, tobacco, obesity and youth engagement.

Join the ACAP team and help to make life better in Aroostook County!

THROWBACK SNAPSHOT OF THE WEEK...

2018 Aroostook Youth Prevention Day

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