Newsletter to the Community - JUNE 2026 | | We Love Summers in Maine! | | |
We’ve earned our summers here in Maine. People travel from all over to enjoy our beaches, lakes, lobster rolls, and small-town charm, but for those of us who live here year-round, summer feels like a reward for making it through everything Maine weather throws at us — snowstorms, freezing rain, flooding, wind, mud season, and the occasional power outage just to keep things interesting.
So, as we head into longer days, cookouts, campfires, and weekends at the beach, we thought we’d kick off our June issue with a little fun.
How many of these Maine Summer Trivia questions can you answer?
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1. What popular Maine summer treat was first created in Maine in the 1800s?
A. Blueberry Pie
B. Lobster Roll
C. Whoopie Pie
D. Italian Sandwich
2. What fruit is Maine famous for harvesting during the summer?
A. Apples
B. Cherries
C. Blueberries
D. Strawberries
3. What is the state insect of Maine, often buzzing around summer lakes and campsites?
A. Dragonfly
B. Honeybee
C. Mosquito
D. Black Fly
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4. Maine is known for having more of these than any other state:
A. Beaches
B. Lighthouses
C. State Parks
D. Campgrounds
5. True or False:
Maine ranks among the top states in the country for ice cream consumption per person.
6. BONUS! True or False:
The granite ledges visible in Clifford Park are older than the dinosaurs.
| | Building Healthier Communities Together | | |
Summer is a busy season in our communities, and Coastal Healthy Communities Coalition continues to work alongside local partners to support healthier, safer, and more connected communities across our region. From nutrition education and substance use prevention initiatives to ongoing conversations around safe and healthy housing, our work is rooted in collaboration and long-term community wellbeing.
Over the past several months, we have brought together local partners, housing stakeholders, health professionals, and community organizations to explore practical strategies that support healthier living environments for families. These conversations are helping identify opportunities to strengthen education, partnerships, and community-level solutions that promote health and safety for residents of all ages.
Summer also brings new opportunities for outreach, education, and community engagement. We are grateful to the many partners, residents, and organizations who continue to support this work and help create positive change throughout our communities. Thank you for being part of these efforts and for helping build healthier communities together.
| | Stay connected and learn more about upcoming initiatives, events, and resources by following us on social media! | |
| | Summer Play Starts with a Safe Home | | |
When many of us were kids, we spent summers riding bikes, digging in the dirt, and staying outside until dark without thinking much about hidden hazards around older homes. Today, parents hear so many warnings that it can feel overwhelming. But outdoor play, fresh air, and even getting dirty are still important parts of healthy childhood development. The key is knowing a few simple ways to keep kids safer while they play.
Older homes and apartments can sometimes have hidden hazards both inside and outside the home. Homes built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint around windows, porches, railings, fences, and siding. Peeling paint and dust can collect in soil and outdoor play areas. Families should also watch for loose railings, broken steps, mold or moisture problems, unsafe play surfaces, exposed wires, pests, or chemicals and cleaners that may be left within children’s reach. Simple steps like checking play areas, washing hands after outdoor play, wiping dusty surfaces, and removing shoes at the door can help reduce risks.
This summer, our organization is partnering with the City and community groups to raise awareness about healthy homes and practical ways families can reduce common housing hazards while still enjoying all the best parts of summer. Check out our website for more information.
| | | | | | | Healthy Summer Snacks for Busy Families | | |
Summer days are often filled with outdoor play, road trips, beach days, sports, and busy schedules — and healthy snacks can help keep kids energized and hydrated through it all. The good news is that nutritious snacks do not have to be expensive, time-consuming, or complicated. Fresh fruits like watermelon, berries, grapes, and oranges are easy summer favorites, while simple options like yogurt, cheese sticks, nuts, popcorn, whole grain crackers, and cut-up vegetables with dip can help keep both kids and adults fueled between meals.
Hot weather also makes hydration especially important. Water is always the best choice, but families can make it more fun by adding sliced fruit like lemon, strawberries, or cucumber. Frozen fruit, smoothies, and homemade popsicles made with fruit and yogurt can also be refreshing ways to stay cool while adding extra nutrition. Keeping a few healthy grab-and-go options ready can make summer outings easier and help reduce reliance on sugary drinks and processed snacks.
This summer, our organization encourages families to enjoy the season by making small, realistic choices that support healthy habits. Simple changes — like packing fruit for the park or swapping sugary snacks for healthier options a few times a week — can make a big difference over time while still leaving room for summer fun.
| | Free Food for Kids this Summer | | SUN Bucks is back this summer! Each eligible school-aged kid receives a one-time $120 EBT benefit to spend on groceries. Check your mail as most eligible kids will be automatically enrolled. | | | Free breakfast and lunch for kids this summer! Thanks to the USDA, free meals are available at designated sites for all children 18 and under—no registration or ID required. | | |
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Summer Celebrations & Teens
Many Parents Ask: Is Drinking at Home Safer for Teens?
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If you’re raising teenagers, especially during graduation season and summer parties, you’ve probably thought about it. Maybe you’ve even said it out loud: “I’d rather have my kids drink at my house where I can keep an eye on them.” It’s an understandable thought. Most parents are not trying to be irresponsible — they’re trying to keep their kids safe in a world that feels a lot different than when we were growing up.
The reality is that teens still need boundaries, even when they roll their eyes about them. Research shows that the longer kids delay drinking or using other substances, the lower their risk of developing substance use problems later in life. Teen brains are still developing, especially the parts connected to decision-making, impulse control, and mental health. What may seem like “just letting them have a few drinks at home” can sometimes send the message that underage drinking is expected or harmless.
| None of this means parents need to panic or become perfect. It means staying involved. Know where your kids are, check in during parties and sleepovers, talk honestly about alcohol and peer pressure, and don’t assume “everyone is doing it.” Teens may not always act like they’re listening, but they notice when adults pay attention and set expectations. This summer, as we celebrate graduations, cookouts, and time with family and friends, we can help create safer spaces for young people simply by staying connected and looking out for one another. | |
Thank You!
Wishing you and your family a safe, healthy, and happy summer from all of us at Coastal Healthy Communities Coalition. Thank you for supporting healthier communities across our region and for being part of the work to help families thrive.
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Answers to Maine Summer Trivia:
- C | 2. C | 3. B | 4. B | 5. True | 6. True
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Coastal Healthy Communities Coalition
207-602-3589
chcc@une.edu
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