The MaineLinks Newsletter

The MaineLinks Weeks of October 10 and October 17, 2022

What to Know!

As the leaves turn bright color and fall from the trees and the nights get cooler in October, everyone no matter how stubborn, has to face the facts of heating their dwelling.  Heating and energy costs have skyrocketed making conservation of resources more crucial to limiting the overall burden on your wallet. There are some ways to conserve heat and save around the house that may seem minimal but can add up over the winter.

• Insulation- keeping the heat in whether attic, walls or floors
• Use the Sun-Open the curtains on sunny days and close them at night to maximize efficiency.
• Buy an energy efficient space heater for larger rooms
• Reverse your ceiling fans
• Seal up your doors and windows
• Replace the filters on your heating units
• Use your oven to cook more
• Shut the doors to rooms not in use

There are many more tools and tips, incentives, rebates, and resources available to conserve energy during the winter months.

October is:  

• National Cyber Security Month - “See Yourself in Cyber” — demonstrates that while cybersecurity may seem like a complex subject, ultimately, it’s really all about people .
• Domestic Violence awareness Month - National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233 or TTY 1−800−787−3224.

Veterans Corner:

The 8th Annual Maine Hire-A-Vet Campaign for 2022 is underway. To help support this endeavor this section has been added to the newsletter. Events during the campaign are OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!

• Educational Programming – The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA) – 10/4
• Educational Programming – Veteran Interviewing Skills –  10/11
• Virtual Hiring Event – 10/13
• Educational Programming – Supporting Military and Veteran Caregivers –  10/18

The Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services and U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs will be co-hosting the third annual Mobile Homeless Veterans’ Stand Down in October.  The events help with clothing, benefits, food, haircuts, and employment opportunities.

• 10/ 5 –  Reny’s parking lot;  175 High St., Ellsworth
• 10/12 – Togus Medical Center;  1 VA Center, Augusta
• 10/19 – Hannaford;  295 Forest Ave, Portland
• 10/26 – Sanford Vet Center; 628 Main St, Springvale

Notable Quote:

“Be Passionate and Move Forward With Gusto Every Single Hour of Every Single Day Until You Reach Your Goal” –   Ava Duvernay

Heating Costs

• Cordwood - $300.00 - Cord
• Wood pellets - $312 - Ton
• Natural Gas - $1.383 to $2.397 - Therm
• Electricity: Heat Pump Water Heater - $0.21 to $0.224 - kWh
• Electricity: Air Source Heat Pump - $0.21 to $0.224 - kWh
• Heating Oil - $4.68 - Gallon
• Propane -  $3.26 - Gallon
• kerosene - $5.31 - Gallon
• Electricity: Baseboard - $0.21 to $0.224 - kWh

For more information on heating prices, visit https://www.maine.gov/energy/heating-fuel-prices

Training Talk!

USDOL announced $80 million funding opportunity through its Nursing Expansion Grant Program to support nursing training programs designed to expand the pipeline of nursing professionals.  Administered by the department’s Employment and Training Administration, these H-1B Skills Training Grants emphasize training in underserved communities and improve healthcare workforce diversity by improving job quality, skills training, and employment support services.  These grants align with the department’s Good Jobs Initiative.

Hiring Events: (Click on the “Hiring Events” link for full list)

• 10/12-  Greater Portland Caring for ME
• 10/13-  Virtual Hiring Event:  Maine Hire-A-Vet Campaign
• 10/13-  Bangor Fall Career Fair
• 10/18-  Hinkley KVCC Career and Transfer Event
• 10/19-  Lewiston CareerCenter Fall Event

Workshops: (click on the “Workshops” link for more)

• Pre-register online for these virtual opportunities:
• 10/11 -Got your 6 – Understanding Local DOL Resources – For Vets
• 10/13-Searching for Work: 55+ With or Without Health & Physical Restrictions
• 10/14 -Laid Off? Learn about Programs to get you back to work!
• 10/19- USDA Forest Service-Tips for Job Seekers
• 10/20 – Federal Workshop - Navigating USAJOBS Webinar

And MORE!

Ventures Maine New interactive classes and workshops are available online. Individual appointments are available by video conference or phone. To reach a local staff person search the locations page. 

Daytime and evening online workshops and classes continue to be added to the schedule.  The NVME FALL Class Schedule includes one-hour sessions and multi-week classes, all provided free of charge to participants, such as: Job Search Strategies, Tax Readiness for the Self-Employed, and Budgeting Basics.

 Did you miss the last newsletter? Ensure you subscribe for more updates from the Maine Department of Labor.

Maine Department of Labor and Maine CareerCenters provide equal opportunity in employment and programs. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request.