Healthy Oxford Hills

10/08/2026

🌱🍎 October is Maine Farm & Sea to School Month! 🥕🌊

This month, we’re celebrating the importance of connecting children and young learners with local food, agriculture, gardening, and hands-on learning experiences.

Farm & Sea to School helps kids understand where their food comes from while giving them opportunities to grow, taste, explore, and learn about the incredible farms, fisheries, and food systems right here in Maine. 💚

In 2025, the Maine Farm & Sea to School Network advocated to establish Maine Farm & Sea to School Month, and October is now officially recognized across the state. We celebrate alongside partners throughout the country during National Farm to School Month!

🌻 October is a great time to:
• Try a new gardening or farm-to-school activity
• Explore local foods with children
• Visit or connect with a local farm
• Start a garden or growing project
• Celebrate the Farm & Sea to School work already happening in your community
• Build new partnerships with local farmers, educators, and community organizations

Whether you’re a parent, educator, farmer, community member, or simply someone who loves local food, there are so many ways to get involved!

Let’s celebrate the people and places that help bring Maine’s food system into the lives of our children. 🌱🥕🍎

Happy Maine Farm & Sea to School Month! 💚

10/08/2026

🍂📱 Raising kids in the digital age isn't easy... and you're not alone.

From social media and screen time to online safety and warning signs, today's parents are navigating challenges that didn't exist just a generation ago. Join us for an engaging evening of learning, discussion, and practical strategies to help your family thrive online and offline.

🎤 Hear from local MaineHealth pediatrician Dr. Makenzie Zidek as she shares insights on brain development, social media literacy, online safety, and the American Academy of Pediatrics' 5 C's of Media Use.

💬 Plus, stay for a guided parent discussion where families can ask questions, share experiences, and learn from one another as we navigate the digital world together.

📅 Thursday, October 29
⏰ 6:00-7:30 PM
📍 Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School Auditorium

✅ FREE pizza dinner
✅ FREE childcare with Halloween-themed crafts & games
✅ FREE educational resources to take home

Whether your child is just starting to use technology or you're already navigating social media, this event is for you. Bring your questions, bring a friend, and join the conversation!

10/07/2026

Youth are speaking. Are we listening?

After a great first session, we're excited to gather again for our second Dirigo Youth Mental Health Conversation. Together, we'll continue hearing youth perspectives, and explore what caring adults and young people can do together to strengthen support in the Dirigo High School community.

Creating meaningful change starts with conversations like these, and every voice at the table matters.

📍 Dirigo High School Library
📅 October 20
⏰ 6:00-7:30 PM

All are welcome, whether you've attended before or are joining us for the first time. We hope you'll be part of the conversation!

10/05/2026

Looking for another way to get outside with the family. The Western Foothills Land Trust has a story up at Shepard's Farm Preserve in Norway.

10/02/2026

Looking for toddler and family friendly community events, then subscribe to our Bumps & Babies monthly newsletter - https://mailchi.mp/mainehealth.org/bumps-babies-monthly-july2026-6434532

09/29/2026

Young people experiencing mental health or substance use challenges don’t have to face them alone.

Supportive families, trusted adults, schools and communities can play an important role in helping young people feel connected, supported and hopeful. Creating safe spaces for open conversations and connecting youth and families with the right resources can make a meaningful difference.

This National Recovery Month, learn more about how you can support young people and families at FindSupport.gov.

09/24/2026

Su***de prevention is a year-round commitment. 💛

The work of showing up for the people in our lives isn’t just for one month, it’s for all twelve.

Stronger Together:
Connect. Support. Listen.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in a crisis, help is available.
Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org

09/23/2026

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to recovery.

People recover in different ways, and every pathway that supports health, healing and well-being deserves dignity and respect. Mental well-being, nutrition, sleep, physical activity, supportive relationships and other healthy practices can all help build resilience and support long-term recovery.

If you or someone you know is looking for support, visit FindSupport.gov or find treatment options at FindTreatment.gov.

09/22/2026

🚗👶 Is your little one’s car seat installed correctly?

Join for a FREE Car Seat Inspection! 💙

Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will be available to:
✔️ Check your car seat installation
✔️ Make sure your child is properly buckled
✔️ Answer your car seat safety questions
✔️ Help you feel more confident on the road

Whether you’re a new parent, have a new car seat, or just want a second set of eyes—come get your seat checked!

It's National Child Passenger Safety Week!

This week is the perfect time to make sure your child's car seat is installed correctly and fits properly. Even small adjustments can make a big difference in keeping your child safe on the road.

Join MaineHealth Stephens Hospital for our FREE Car Seat Safety Event:

📍 Norway Fire Department (19 Danforth Street, Norway)
📅 This Thursday, September 24
🕚 11 a.m.–2 p.m.

Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will inspect your child's car seat, answer your questions, and help ensure it's installed correctly.

No appointment is necessary, and the event is free and open to the community.