Community-Based Learning Commons^™

Community Science In Support Of Ecosystem-Based Management: A Case Study From The Damariscotta River Estuary, Maine, Usa, Sarah C. Risley, Kara E. Pellowe, Melissa L. Britsch, Meredith M. White, Heather M. Leslie

Maine Policy Review

Coastal marine ecosystems are dynamic social-ecological systems (SESs) that support diverse ecosystem services and human activities. The complexity of SESs means that ecosystem-based approaches are increasingly used to support coastal marine ecosystem stewardship. We report how a community science program in Maine, USA offers a model of organizational innovation to expand capacities for shellfish research and management. Since 2019, we have collaborated with local students, shellfish harvesters, and others in data collection, interpretation, and application, contributing to local shellfish management and ecosystem sustainability. We demonstrate how community-based social and ecological research can build adaptive capacities by centering local knowledge; generating …

Window Inserts And The People Adopting Them: Building Sustainable Communities In Maine, Daniel Sean Mistro

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Residents of Maine face a large monetary expense to heat their homes in the winter. In Maine it takes 540 gallons of heating oil each year to heat a typical home [1]. Interior window inserts may be a practical solution to improve comfort, save money, and consume less environmentally harmful fossil fuels during cold winter months. The window inserts discussed in this paper are custom measured to fit into a window and consist of a wooden frame that is wrapped in two layers of polyolefin film and weather stripped for a snug fit. Commercial inserts cost $20-$36/square foot, or approximately …

Grassroots Diplomacy And Vernacular Law: The Discourse Of Food Sovereignty In Maine, John Welton

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis studies the discourse of food sovereignty in Maine, a coalition of small-scale farmers, consumers, and citizens building an alternative food system based on a distributed form of production, processing, selling, purchasing, and consumption. This distribution occurs at the municipal level through the enactment of ordinances. Using critical-rhetorical field methods, I argue that the discourse of food sovereignty in Maine develops a ‘constitutive’ rhetoric that composes rural society through affective relationships. Advocates engage the industrial food system to both expose its systemic bias against small-scale farming and construct their own discourse of belonging. Based upon agrarian values such as …

Muse Youth Curriculum, University Of Maine Center On Aging

Maine Center on Aging Education and Training

Music Uniting Students and Elders is a program of the University of Maine Center on Aging and the Bangor Symphony Orchestra that uses music education to connect elders and students. The following curriculum is recommended for children 5 years of age and older or children in 1st – 5th grade. The purpose of the curriculum is to act as a catalyst for discussing aging, to dispel the myths of aging, to provide an opportunity to connect generations, and for youth to share with others their experiences, ancestry and family traditions. Furthermore, this curriculum allows for youth to connect with elders …

Ready For The Future: Maine Youth With Disabilities Developing Work Skills, Janet May

Poster Presentations

Paid work experience in high school is a strong predictor of positive adult employment outcomes for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Barriers To Aging And Thriving In Place In A Rural New England County, David Wihry, Lenard W. Kaye, Jennifer Crittenden

Maine Center on Aging Research and Evaluation

This project was developed in order to understand challenges to aging in place faced by a rural New England county as well as the systemic issues preventing coordination of services to support thriving in place. It utilized a needs assessment to inform the direction of health and human service providers in implementing services. The median age of respondents was 73. They all lived in their own home, and 55 percent lived along. Challenges identified through a needs assessment by hospital systems included a high poverty rate, low median income, fair to poor health, high mortality rate, high incidence of chronic …

Cohort Differences In Aging In Place Needs Among A Rural-Serving Area Agency On Aging Client Population, David C. Wihry, Lenard W. Kaye, Dyan Walsh, Jennifer Crittenden

Maine Center on Aging Research and Evaluation

This study was conducted as part of a foundation-funded initiative to better coordinate the system of care in a rural New England area for older adults and individuals with chronic conditions and disabilities. It utilized a needs assessment in order to identify challenges and needs of area community members. Respondents included 347 individuals from the community, ranging from 55 to 105 years old, with a mean of 73.4 years old. Among the respondents, 57.7 percent lived along, 55.7 percent identified as having a chronic condition or disability, 70.3 percent lived in their own home, and 87.9 percent were not receiving …

Maine Head Start And Early Head Start Needs Assessment Report 2015 Annual Update, Linda Labas, Jill Downs

Early Childhood Resources

The Maine Head Start and Early Head Start Needs Assessment Report 2015 Annual Update presents findings from a broad survey of directors and staff representing the 11 non-tribal Head Start grantees in Maine. This report serves as one source of information from which to assess partnerships and develop a strategic plan for the MHSSCO to enhance collaboration with other Maine early childhood system partners to support families and children in Maine.

Sustainable Living Teen Volunteers, Catherine Elliot, Kristy Ouellette

University of Maine Office of Research Administration: Grant Reports

Maine 4-H Youth Development programs have produced nationally-recognized environmental education and healthy lifestyle curricula that are research-based and have reached thousands of participants. Our new statewide initiative in Sustainable Living Education for youth and adults provides an excellent context for the CYFAR Maine Sustainable Communities Project (MSCP), Sustainable Living Teen Volunteers (SLTV). The SLTV program will be conducted at two of our current 4-H Camp and Learning Centers in collaboration with local schools. After completing their training, teens will teach sustainable living concepts and practices to youth in middle schools and 4-H clubs. The SLTVs will learn valuable life skills …

Touchstone Suicide Prevention Project, Douglas P. Johnson

University of Maine Office of Research Administration: Grant Reports

• Continue to train a peer-based program to help create natural connections and interactions with at-risk students before the individual reaches a ‘crisis’ point.
• Use peer relationships to ‘normalize’ natural distress related to life experiences and the developmental challenges faced by college students.
• Facilitate connections to a wide array of student groups, organizations, clubs, and interest groups as a method o f increasing connection and engagement and decreasing isolation.
• Touchstone Social Network (TSN) students participate in a 6 week training program that covers suicide prevention, helping skills, bystander intervention, and referral resources. Touchstone Peers participate in ongoing weekly training meeting and …

A Subgroup Analysis Of Legal Needs Among Older Adults In Rural Communities, David C. Wihry, Jennifer A. Crittenden, Lenard W. Kaye, Jaye L. Martin

Maine Center on Aging Research and Evaluation

A legal needs assessment of older adults in Maine was conducted by surveying key populations of older adults who are often hard to reach through traditional outreach and service provision methods. The focus of this assessment was on basic demographics, use of LSE services, legal issues, preferred methods for receiving legal information, and the utility of various legal service options. Surveys were distributed via area agencies on aging, and concluded that the ley legal issues included financial scams, home repair problems, obtaining or retaining government benefits, debt collection, and accessing medical services. Sixty-seven percent of individuals aged 70 or older …

An Analysis Of Current And Projected Rural Older Adult Legal Services Needs, Lenard W. Kaye, Jennifer A. Crittenden, Melissa Adle, David C. Wihry, Jaye L. Martin

Maine Center on Aging Research and Evaluation

Maine is now the oldest state in the nation, and is one of the most rural states. A legal needs assessment of older adults in Maine was conducted by analyzing the findings from recent research conducted in six other states and service data from Maine Legal Services for the Elderly over a one-year time period. The six states analyzed were Kentucky, Michigan, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, and Utah. There were a total of over 7,300 older adults that responded to the legal needs surveys. The assessment concluded that the high-level service needs included the following: health insurance, government benefits, estate …

Education On Food, Fisheries And Agriculture, Molly Anderson

Maine Policy Review

This article describes the important role of education in helping the growing workforce in food-related industries, as well as the general population. The author notes that education in Maine about food, fisheries, and agri­culture is provided in a wide variety of venues: formal degrees at colleges and universities; Cooperative Extension; farm-to-school programs; the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA); and even educational farms. A sidebar by John Rebar discusses the work of University of Maine Cooperative Extension.

Aging And Safety: Tips And Resources For Older Adults - National Edition, Maine Partners For Elder Protection, University Of Maine Center On Aging

Maine Center on Aging Service and Consultation

This booklet was developed to provide information for older adults in order to assist in maintenance of safety and independence. It includes tips to be safe when shopping online, how to avoid telephone scams, how to avoid identity theft, and how to be safe at night and at home. Coming up with a safety plan is crucial, and can be accomplished through these tips and having phone numbers on hand to call in case one needs help.

Aging And Safety: Tips And Resources For Older Adults - Maine Edition, Maine Partners For Elder Protection, J. Crittenden, L. Ruffin

Maine Center on Aging Service and Consultation

This booklet was developed to provide information for older adults in order to assist in maintenance of safety and independence. It includes tips to be safe when shopping online, how to avoid telephone scams, how to avoid identity theft, and how to be safe at night and at home. Coming up with a safety plan is crucial, and can be accomplished through these tips and having phone numbers on hand to call in case one needs help.

Elder Abuse Screening Protocol For Physicians: Lessons Learned From The Maine Partners For Elder Protection Pilot Project, University Of Maine Center On Aging

Maine Center on Aging Research and Evaluation

This manual was designed to assist physicians, nurses, and medical office managers become aware on means to incorporate screening processes in regard to elder abuse. The United States Senate Special Committee on Aging has reported that as many as five million elderly persons are abuses each year in the United States. By implementing proper screening procedures, disclosure will be made easier, thus protecting patients from harm. The screening procedure involves evaluating for mistreatment among patients 60 years or older, at least once per year. The protocol has been tested in 16 healthcare facilities with a total of 2,082 patients being …

An Older Adult’S Rights, University Of Maine Center On Aging

Maine Center on Aging Service and Consultation

It is important to remember that older adults have rights just like every other individual. These include the right to medical care, to live free from abuse, to feel safe, to report abuse without fear of retaliation, to determine how your money is spent, to appropriate food and clothing, to be happy, among others. To make a report of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an incapacitated or dependent adult, call Adult Protective Services at 1-800-624-8404. For more information about elder abuse and resources in your community, contact your local Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-353-3371.

Aging And Safety: Tips And Resources, J. Crittenden, L. Ruffin, Maine Partners For Elder Protection

Maine Center on Aging Service and Consultation

The Maine Partners for Elder Protection Project provides support to older individuals in order to feel safe and independent in their lives. It provides an Elder Care Specialist to listen to concerns, provide information, and make suggestions and plans. It includes tips to be safe when shopping online, how to avoid telephone scams, how to avoid identity theft, and how to be safe at night and at home. Coming up with a safety plan is crucial, and can be accomplished through these tips and having phone numbers on hand to call in case one needs help.

A Grandmother Describes Her Adjustment To Parenting Her Grandchildren, University Of Maine Center On Aging

Maine Center on Aging Education and Training

This article is a grandmother’s story about parenting her grandchildren. She discusses the stresses of this role, the issues faced from the legal side, family issues, as well as their means of achieving help and support in this situation.

What Is Support To Relative Parents?, Sue Burgess, University Of Maine Center On Aging

Maine Center on Aging Education and Training

This article looks at a clinician’s perspective on how to best support relative caregivers. It discusses medications, family issues, programs with low-barrier services, and other resources for assistance. The components discussed in this article will hopefully allow for permanency and stability in the homes of kinship families.

Working With Kinship Families: Reflections Of A Clinician, Bonny Dodson, University Of Maine Center On Aging

Maine Center on Aging Education and Training

As families are face increasing pressures, kinship care is becoming a more common occurrence. Furthermore, as the foster care system becomes more taxed, informal kinship care is becoming more prevalent. This article looks at work with kinship families from a clinician’s perspective. Case examples and models are utilized to promote collaborative efforts in working with these families and allowing for the best care possible.

Kinship Websites, Bonny Dodson, University Of Maine Center On Aging

Maine Center on Aging Education and Training

This article includes a compilation of websites for both Maine and national resources for kinship care.

Polypharmacy In Older Adults, University Of Maine Center On Aging

Maine Center on Aging Research and Evaluation

Polypharmacy is the ingestion of four or more medications. This is a common occurrence in correspondence with the aging process, as 30 percent of older adults are taking eight or more medications, and 80 percent of older adults are taking an average of three prescription medications per day. Awareness of this topic is crucial to avoid drug misuse and to promote healthy living for as long as possible.

Potential Adverse Consequences Of Benzodiazepines In Older Adults, University Of Maine Center On Aging

Maine Center on Aging Research and Evaluation

There are many potential negative consequences that come with Benzodiazepine usage in older adults. These include neuropsychological effects (e.g., cognitive impairments and psychomotor impairments), physiological and psychological dependence, and withdrawal symptoms. It is important to become properly educated on the effects of these drugs and to communicate with a doctor.

Managing Multiple Medications, University Of Maine Center On Aging

Maine Center on Aging Research and Evaluation

As an older adult, you may find yourself with multiple prescriptions to take in one day. It is crucial to know the hazards of taking multiple drugs and carefully monitor them in order to maintain your health and independence. The risks of taking multiple medications includes increased risk of falls and hospitalizations. It is important to regularly discuss the details with your doctor, inform your pharmacist of any medications you are taking, ask about alternatives, and utilize reminders. By taking these steps, it will be easier to protect your health and independence for as long as possible.

Benzodiazepines And You, University Of Maine Center On Aging

Maine Center on Aging Research and Evaluation

Benzodiazepines are a group of commonly prescribed drugs utilized to manage anxiety, sleep problems, symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, or as a muscle relaxant. Older adults are a common population to be prescribed these drugs, and the prescriptions often come in inappropriate amounts. Long term use of Benzodiazepines increases the risk of negative side effects, such as addiction, misuse, memory loss, and falls. It is important to discuss these factors with your health care provider and to discuss possible alternatives.

Benzodiazepine Use And Misuse In Older Adults, University Of Maine Center On Aging

Maine Center on Aging Research and Evaluation

Benzodiazepines are utilized by an average of 25 percent of individuals over the age of 65. They are the most commonly misused medication by elders. It is important to know the risk factors of inappropriate usage of these drugs, and to openly discuss this with your doctor.

A New Look At Senior Education, Harry Sky

Maine Policy Review

Rabbi Harry Sky, founder of the senior college movement in Maine, provides his insights on the increasing desire by older adults for lifelong learning. He writes that older adults are seeking experiences to counteract the profound sense of loneliness and “disconnectedness” that often accompany retirement. Institutions such as Maine’s senior colleges provide one such kind of experience, though they are not the only answer. Rabbi Sky reflects that in this country, we have not afforded the honor to seniors seen in other parts of the world, and that we should take a page from other civilizations.

Maine Primary Partners In Caregiving, Eastern Agency On Aging, University Of Maine Center On Aging

Maine Center on Aging Research and Evaluation

The Maine Primary Partners in Caregiving project placed an emphasis on identification of caregivers and providing support to this group of individuals. Eighty percent of all elder caregiving occurs within the home setting, and this is often stressful due to constant challenges. The goals of this project involve demonstrating that rural primary health care practices are an effective point of early intervention, to show that caregivers will accept and utilize information, support and training, to demonstrate that the multiple risks of rural caregiving will be ameliorated by a combination of information, support, and training, by MPPC Caregiver Specialists, and to …