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Welcome, October
There is something special about October. The air turns crisp, the leaves begin their colorful transformation, and our calendars seem to fill with a little bit of everything, from cozy fall traditions and community celebrations to Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Halloween, and the many special observances that make this month meaningful in different ways.
October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, encourage early detection, support those affected by breast cancer, and remember the importance of caring for ourselves and one another. It is a month that reminds us that behind every statistic is a person, a family, a friend, or a loved one. We invite our OEI community to wear pink, share awareness, offer encouragement, and take a moment to remind the people we care about to prioritize their health. Learn more about Breast Cancer Awareness Month through the
National Breast Cancer Foundation
And, of course, October would not be October without a little Halloween fun. Costumes, pumpkins, fall colors, sweet treats, and plenty of opportunities to get together and enjoy the season are all ahead.
As we settle into this beautiful season of change, we hope October brings our OEI community plenty of reasons to connect, celebrate, show kindness, and make a few wonderful memories along the way. Here’s to a month filled with colorful days, meaningful moments, and maybe just a little bit of Halloween magic.
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Join us!
Saturday, October 31st at the OEI Auburn office, 400 Center Street
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Also, we are still accepting trunkers or money donors until the 9th
🎃 Sign up or sponsor by October 9th. Email info@oeime.org
| Rising Stars Therapeutic Farm |
October at the Farm
There’s a certain kind of magic that settles over the farm in October. The air gets a little crisper, the days get a little shorter, and our therapeutic animals are always ready to welcome another familiar face.
As we head into a new month, take a peek at our October event calendar and see what’s coming up. There are plenty of opportunities to spend time with the animals, enjoy some time outdoors, connect with others, and simply experience the comfort and joy that our farm friends have to offer.
If you see something on the calendar that you’d like to join, be sure to RSVP to Emily at ewillett@oeime.org. You can also let her know in person the next time you see her at the farm.
We’d love to see you this October. Come spend a little time with the animals and see where the day takes you.
| We had such a fun “County Fair” day with our friends at JFM on Summer Street in Auburn on September 24th! They’ve visited the farm before and have become such a wonderful community partner. We always love a little farm fun, friendship, and plenty of wagging tails. Clearly, we wore out the pups this time around! | The Cupcakery Cafe & Bake Shop | October is here, and The Cupcakery is feeling cozy, spooky, and just a little bit bewitched. Crisp fall days call for warm drinks, sweet treats, and flavors that taste like the season itself. Pumpkin Spice, Chai, Caramel Apple, and Brown Butter Pecan are making their autumn appearance, while Halloween brings plenty of tricks, treats, and deliciously spooky surprises. Come in, grab something sweet, and let us put a little boo in your brew. | |
Have you tried our fries yet?
Because if you haven’t, this feels like a good time to introduce you to them.
Our fresh-cut regular and sweet potato fries are made to order, which means they’re hot, crispy, and ready to make your day just a little better.
Come hungry. Leave happy. And maybe order the fries.
Please note: Our fries are fried in PEANUT OIL. If you have a peanut allergy, please keep this in mind when ordering.
| Starfish Greenhouse & Farm Stand | There’s nothing quite like Maine in the fall. As the leaves begin their annual transformation, it’s the perfect time to get outside and take in the beautiful colors. Color typically arrives in northern Maine in late September, reaching the central and western mountains during the first week of October. Whether you’re taking a scenic drive, enjoying a favorite outdoor spot, or simply watching the landscape change around you, fall is a wonderful time to experience all that Maine has to offer. | |
Our Minion ready to join the fun in Searsport!
A big shout-out to the Searsport Events Committee for coming up with such a fun idea. We were happy to be part of the Minion scavenger hunt!
| Out & About in the Community | Enjoying the animals at the Harmony Free Fair | Taking a stroll down the story book trail on a beautiful early fall day! | Tabita Issac-Community Case Manager | |
This month, we are proud to recognize Jessica Arsenault, our COO, as Employee of the Month. Jess has been part of the OEI family for 10 years, beginning her journey leading our Employment Services programs. Today, as COO, it’s probably easier to list the things Jess doesn’t do than the things she does! She brings incredible energy, enthusiasm, humor, and heart to OEI every day. Whether she is solving a complex operational problem, visiting one of our programs, supporting staff, brainstorming a new idea, attending an event, or taking a pie to the face for a fundraiser, Jess is always all in.
What makes Jess so special is that no task is ever too big, too small, or too mundane for her full attention. She gives 150% to everything she takes on and combines a great business mind with an equally strong understanding of people. She is truly a “Jill of all trades” who can organize, problem-solve, motivate, create, lead, and still make everyone laugh along the way. Most of all, Jess genuinely loves what she does, and that enthusiasm is infectious. Her energy inspires others to get involved, think creatively, and do their best each day. After 10 years, Jess’s impact can be seen throughout OEI, and we are incredibly fortunate to have her on our team.
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September Kindness Recap: First Responder Appreciation
September was all about showing a little extra appreciation to the people who are there for our communities when we need them most. As part of our September Kindness Activity, we took time to recognize and thank our local first responders for the important work they do every day.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who took a moment to send a card, share a kind word, offer a thank-you, or simply let a first responder know that their service is seen and appreciated. Sometimes a small gesture can mean more than we realize.
To all of the firefighters, police officers, EMTs, dispatchers, and other first responders in our communities, thank you for showing up, helping others, and being there when it matters. We are grateful for you.
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