Maineiac Connector

01/12/2025

looking for ways to control and cut your electric costs? take a look at this free booklet:

01/08/2025

From the MEANG Safety Office:

Dear Outdoor Enthusiasts,

As we dive into the winter season, many of us are eager to get out and enjoy our favorite recreational activities on the ice. Whether you're an avid ice fisherman, a passionate hockey player, or a casual skater, it's essential to prioritize your safety and the safety of those around you.
As we all know, winter can be a beautiful but unforgiving season. Ice and cold water can be deadly, and it's crucial to be aware of the risks and take steps to mitigate them.

Risk Management and Analysis
Before heading out onto the ice, take a moment to assess the risks. Consider the following factors:
• Ice thickness: Make sure the ice is thick enough to support your weight and the weight of any equipment or vehicles you plan to use.
• Weather conditions: Check the forecast and be aware of any changing weather conditions that could affect the ice.
• Water conditions: Be aware of any underwater hazards, such as rocks or weeds, that could affect the stability of the ice.
• Personal factors: Consider your own physical limitations and any health conditions that could affect your ability to participate in winter activities.

Ice Safety Tips
Here are some essential ice safety tips to keep in mind:
• Always check the ice thickness before heading out. A minimum of 4 inches of clear ice is recommended for walking or skating. Please see the infographic from maine.gov below.
• Wear a life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD) when on the ice, especially when engaging in activities like ice fishing or skating.
• Stay away from cracks or weak points in the ice.
• Bring a buddy or let someone know your itinerary and expected return time.
• Keep a cell phone or other communication device with you in case of an emergency.



Mishap Prevention
To prevent mishaps on the ice, follow these guidelines:
• Be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye out for potential hazards, such as open water or thin ice.
• Use proper equipment, such as ice picks or crampons, to help prevent slips and falls.
• Take regular breaks to warm up and rest.

Additional Resources

• https://www.maine.gov/ifw/programs-resources/outdoor-safety/ice-safety-tips.html #:~:text=Always%20have%20a%20pair%20of,cover%20your%20face%20and%20neck..html
• https://www.maine.gov/ifw/fishing-boating/fishing/fishing-report.html

Stay Safe and Have Fun!

The most up-to-date fishing news and suggestions from Maine's fisheries biologists.

01/08/2025

01/06/2025

Some good guidance from the MEARNG Cyber office:

A Simple Guide to Understanding and Securing Your Smart Devices🏠🔒

What Are Smart Devices? 🤔 Smart devices are everyday items that connect to the internet and make your home "smarter." Think of them as your home's helpful robots!
Common Smart Devices We Use 🏠
• Smart Speakers (Alexa, Google Home) 🔊
• Security Cameras 📹
• Smart TVs 📺
• Smart Thermostats 🌡️
• Video Doorbells 🚪
• Smart Lights 💡
• Smart Locks 🔐
Why They Need Protection 🛡️
• They're connected to your home network
• They can see and hear what happens in your home
• They store your personal information
• Bad guys can use them to access other devices
Protect Your Smart Devices 🔒
1. Basic Security (Do These First!) • Change default passwords • Use strong, unique passwords • Update regularly • Turn off features you don't use
2. Network Safety 📶 • Set up a separate Wi-Fi for smart devices • Use a strong Wi-Fi password • Keep your router updated • Don't share your smart device network
3. Privacy Protection 🕵️ • Check who has access • Review privacy settings • Turn off cameras when not in use • Delete old recordings • Mute microphones when not needed
Watch Out For These! 🚨
• Devices turning on by themselves
• Strange sounds or lights
• Unknown users in your device apps
• Unexpected recordings
• Slow internet speeds
If Something's Wrong 🆘
1. Unplug the device
2. Reset to factory settings
3. Change all passwords
4. Update the device
5. Call device support
Quick Tips ✨
• Think before you connect
• If not using it, turn it off
• Regular updates are your friend
• Check your devices monthly
Safety Checklist ✅ ✓ Changed default passwords ✓ Updated firmware ✓ Checked privacy settings ✓ Reviewed access permissions ✓ Secured Wi-Fi network
Stay Smart, Stay Secure! 🏠✨
Remember: A smart home should be a safe home! 🏠🛡️

Send a message to learn more

01/06/2025

Upcoming Togus VA Claims Clinics
To schedule an appointment at one of the Claims Clinics near you:. Call 207-621-6938; or. Go to: VERA - Home (site.com) ; or. Scan the QR code. January 2, 2025– Rumford VA Clinic, Rumford, ME, Time: 10:00am to 2:00pm. January 7, 2025– Lewiston VA Clinic, Lewiston, ME, Time: 9:30am to 2:30pm. January 9, 2025– Bangor VA Clinic, Bangor, ME, Time: 10:00am to 2:30pm. January 10, 2025- Caribou Vet Center, Caribou, ME, Time: 8:00am to 11:30am. January 14, 2025- Portland VA Clinic, Portland, ME, Time: 10:00am to 2:00pm. January 16, 2025- Bangor Vet Center, 615 Oldin Rd. Ste. 3, Bangor, ME, Time: 10:00am to 2:00pm. January 23, 2025– Sanford Vet Center, 628 Main St., Springvale, ME., Time: 10:00am to 2:00pm. January 24, 2025– Mid-Coast Veterans Council (MCVC), Brunswick, ME, Time: 9:30am to 2:30pm. January 28, 2025- Portland VA Clinic, Portland, ME, Time: 10:00am to 2:00pm
Togus in Your Neighborhood
4

Send a message to learn more

01/02/2025

The Maine Dept. of Labor will be holding hiring events in Portland, Lewiston and Brunswisk in January. Click here for a full list of monthly hiring events* [

Discover new job opportunities with local employers through no-cost CareerCenter job fairs. Each month most of our centers host dozens of companies looking to hire qualified candidates. We can help you be prepared when you attend through our resume writing and interview workshops, career consultatio...

01/02/2025

The Maine Dept. Of Labr hosts vurtual workshops everymonth to help job seekers. Click here for a full list of monthly interactive workshops* [ https://www.mainecareercenter.com/employment/workshops.shtml ]

The following is a list of workshops scheduled throughout the state. Click on the headline for each workshop for further information. If attending a workshop to fulfill employment search criteria, please save proof of workshop attendance.

12/19/2024

The MEANG Military & Family Readiness Office will be closed starting at 2:30 12/19/24. We will reopen on 12/30/24.

Send a message to learn more

12/18/2024

In the past week I've recieved 4 of these scam texts. Please protect yourself. I checked one of the phone numbers and it was from the Phillipines.

What should you do if you receive a smishing message?
If you believe you have received a deceptive message from a sender disguised as the USPS, report the message via email to [email protected]. Take the following steps to file a report:

Without clicking the link, copy the body of the message and paste into a new email.
Attach a screenshot of the text message, showing the sender's phone number and date the message was sent.
Include your first and last name in the email.
Include any other relevant details. For example, if you clicked the link and provided personal or financial information or lost money, share these details.
Forward the text message to 7726 (SPAM).
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service will contact you, if further information is needed.

If you receive a smishing message that is not related to the USPS, forward the message to 7726 and file a report with the Federal Trade Commission or the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.

©AFP Contributor , AFP via Getty Images
December 15, 2024: Runners dressed as Santa Claus take part in the "Santa Run" Christmas race in Mexico City.
Other types of mail fraud to be aware of during the holidays
Brushing is another type of fraud scammers may use during the holiday season.

Brushing is when a person receives a package containing items not ordered or requested by the recipient. While the package may be addressed to the recipient, the package often doesn't include a return address. The intention of brushing is to give the idea that the recipient is a verified buyer who has written positive reviews online. Hence, the scammer is writing fake reviews in your name. Fake reviews help boost product sales.

Send Bulk SMS Messages - The Best Mass Texting App
textrequest.com
Send Bulk SMS Messages - The Best Mass Texting App
Ad
While brushing may appear like a victimless crime, the reality is that the recipient's personal information may have been stolen. And a fake review may encourage others to purchase items that aren't worthy of a glowing rating.

If you think you may be a victim of brushing, there are several steps you can take. If you have not opened the package, write "RETURN TO SENDER" on the box and the USPS will take care of it at no charge. You can also throw away the package or if you like what's inside, you can keep it. It's legal to keep unsolicited merchandise.

But perhaps most importantly, change your account passwords, closely monitor accounts for unexpected activity and notify authorities.

Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Follow her on X and Instagram . Story idea? Email her at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: USPS warns about package tracking 'smishing' text messages: Here's what to know

Send a message to learn more

12/17/2024

Tomorrow, Dec. 18, 2024 is the last day to pick up gifts from the Holiday Gift Giveaway tables at the 101st ARW Military & Family Readiness Offce. We still have lots of stuff for you to chose from.

Send a message to learn more

12/11/2024

From the Wing Safety Office:
There’s no “One size fits all” when it comes to managing the risk that comes with a Maine Winter. We all deal with different commutes and different living situations that call for different strategies on managing the risk that’s unique to YOU. Here’s a few items/tips to consider when using my imagination on what you may encounter soon:

Generator Safety
- Use in well-ventilated area(not indoors)
- Keep generator dry the best you can
- Disconnect power into home; use interlock to prevent power line back feed
- Turn generator off and let it cool before refueling

Power Line Safety
- No line is safe to touch—evah(Mainer translation to English is ‘ever’)
- Don’t mess with debris or trees within proximity of downed power lines
- Call your applicable power company(Versant/CMP/etc.) to handle downed wires—wait for workers to arrive

Chainsaw Safety
- Wear hard hat, safety glasses, hearing pro, heavy gloves, chaps, and boots to cover your ankles
- Maintain good footing when operating
- Avoid cutting with tip of saw to avoid “kickback”
- Use that chain brake to stop the chain when you aren’t cutting
- Be aware of people around you

BLUF: Accept no unnecessary risk

Send a message to learn more

12/10/2024

From the Wing Emergency Management Office:
Storm call updates for Wednesday and Thursday:

• State Officials are encouraging citizens from staying away from rivers. I know it is cold out and people have wrapped up a lot of the outdoor recreational activities, but flooding is a hazard.
• High winds, secure your working areas and around your house. Be careful of weak tree limbs around your residence and vehicles.
• Power outages expected but mostly coastal areas. Stock up on supplies and medicine, gas up those generators, and make sure your vehicles have fuel.
• Good chance of a lot of rain in several parts of Maine, depending on where it pools – we need to be mindful of frozen roads after the rain clears.

Message from Southern Maine Weather Service:

Action Recommended
Make preparations per the instructions
Issued By
Portland - ME, US, National Weather Service
Affected Area
Portions of south central and southwest Maine and central and southern New Hampshire
Description..HIGH WIND WATCH IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH LATE WEDNESDAY NIGHT...
WHAT...South winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph possible.
WHERE...Portions of south central and southwest Maine and central and southern New Hampshire.
WHEN...From Wednesday afternoon through late Wednesday night.
IMPACTS...Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are possible. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates. Fasten loose objects and holiday decorations or shelter objects in a safe location prior to the onset of winds.

Send a message to learn more

12/09/2024

The annual holiday gift giveaway is till going on. We have lots of items available. Stop by the Military & Family Readiness Office in Bldg 505 to pcik some gifts up. This will run through Dec 18.

Send a message to learn more

12/09/2024

https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&cid=quorum_king-iq&crop=15748.11078079.6991665.8250485&report_id=&redirect=https%3a%2f%2flnks.gd%2fl%2feyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA4MTIuNDQ0NTE3MDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5kb2wuZ292L2FnZW5jaWVzL3ZldHM_dXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPXZldHNfMjAyMTA4MTJfcmVuZzFfbmV3cyZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.7hwZDII59MxRGp9X3cU9VWHMcinFAGrws0K83tP-n3Q%2fs%2f631009052%2fbr%2f110785871968-l&redir_log=144885543862407

.social-icons { margin: 5px; width:46px; height:46px; } , Second chances and new beginnings for two veteransBy Sarah Bierman September 16, 2024How patience and perseverance pay off with USERRABy Kenan Torrans September 9, 2024The Weight of ResponsibilityBy Brandon Webb May 2, 2024American Job Center...

12/09/2024

https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&cid=quorum_king-iq&crop=15748.11078079.6991665.8250485&report_id=&redirect=https%3a%2f%2fnohomelessveterans.org%2finitiative%2f&redir_log=946008444405300

Veteran homelessness is a solvable problem.The solution is housing. The No Homeless Veterans initiative connects Veterans to financial, medical, and employment support services, then matches them with available housing units provided by landlord partners. By providing both Veterans and their landlor...