Having raised three children with his wife, Joe is keenly aware of the many challenges facing young parents, including the financial toll of raising a family. For new parents, there are countless expenses that add up; one of the most consistent is the need for diapers. This week is Diaper Need Awareness Week, a signature initiative of The National Diaper Bank Network. A local organization near and dear to Joe's heart, Portland's Jewish Family Services, became the first National Diaper Bank Network participant in Maine; through the purchasing power of the network, JFS is now able to access diapers and wipes for significantly less than retail price. With the support of many donors and a generous grant from the Fruhman Family Foundation, this year JFS will distribute over 50,000 diapers. Joe applauds the charitable work being done by JFS and hopes that all Portlanders are aware how this wonderful organization is helping our neighbors every single day.

Learn more about Jewish Family Services here.

                    Photography by Corey Templeton. See more of Corey's photos here and here.

Joe is honored to again play a small role in Hospice of Southern Maine's Twilight in the Park, an event meant to help us remember loved ones who have passed. At this touching event, to be held on Saturday, September 22nd, over 1,000 luminaria each represent someone who has brought love and light into our lives. Joe is thankful that organizations like Hospice exist to provide comfort to those suffering from life-threatening disease, and he hopes that this meaningful and important event is a success. Find out more about Hospice of Southern Maine here, and about Twilight in the Park here.

                Photography by Corey Templeton. See more of Corey's photos here and here.

One of the best views of the iconic Time & Temperature sign is from Congress Square Park, which will be the scene of a great show tonight when Raging Brass plays. Raging Brass is a 7-piece band collectively creating Afro-Caribbean music. They are a brass-roots dance band following the musical migration from West Africa to Cuba, Jamaica, and Brazil with the spirit of New Orleans.

Raging Brass will play tonight in Congress Square from 6-8pm, courtesy of Friends of Congress Square Park, a community non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, enhancement and use of Congress Square Park, a central part of the Portland park system. Joe loves the festive atmosphere at these events and is sure tonight will be no exception!

Learn more about FCSP here and Raging Brass here.

                         Photography by Corey Templeton. See more of Corey's photos here and here.

Today Joe is once again promoting Waking Windows, a music and comedy festival taking place this weekend, September 21st and 22nd, in Portland. Waking Windows started as a small, 12 day long festival at The Monkey House in Winooski VT in 2011 and has grown into a multi venue, multi city series of events promoting music, comedy, art, food and drink. This year, Waking Windows is back for a fourth year! They've got more bands, writers, artists, DJs, comedians, thinkers, and performers of all stripes. Two nights. 18 venues. Over a hundred different sets and events. Joe thinks you should check it out.

Find more about Waking Windows Portland here.

                        Photography by Corey Templeton. See more of Corey's photos here and here.

Joe is again spreading the word about The Epilepsy Foundation of New England and its annual fundraiser, The 2018 Freeport Walk for Epilepsy. The EFNE  provides help for today and hope for tomorrow for tens of thousands of people living with epilepsy. On September 22, 2018, EFNE invites you to join them for day of inspiration, hope, and fun in Freeport, as people walk to show support for people affected by epilepsy in our community.

EFNE’s Freeport walk brings together our epilepsy community to share in a day filled with purpose, while fostering connections. Children’s activities bring lots of smiles to our youngest walkers and include face painting, and music to sing and dance to. The Freeport epilepsy walk is a great way to enjoy the fall weather in New England, have fun with friends and family, enjoy lunch and show your support for people living with epilepsy.

Find more about the Freeport Walk here, and more about EFNE here.

                        Photography by Corey Templeton. See more of Corey's photos here and here.

Joe is always honored to help spread the important message of the Alzheimer's Association, whose mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Saturday, September 22nd, is this organization's annual Walk to End Alzheimer's. Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's is the world's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's care, support and research. This inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to reclaim the future for millions! Find more about the event here.

Joe says Walk On, Portland!

Photography by Corey Templeton. See more of Corey's photos here and here.

Joe is always inspired by the work done by medical professionals on behalf of their patients, and that's especially true when the patients are children. That's why he's promoting this weekend's 33rd Annual Maine Children's Cancer Program Walk, an event that will take place simultaneously in four locations across Maine on Saturday, September 15th. The purpose of the MCCP WALK is to raise both awareness and funds for the Maine Children's Cancer Program, Maine's comprehensive treatment center for children fighting cancer and blood disorders. Please register today to participate in this year's MCCP WALK, and help support the Maine Children's Cancer Program in its effort to keep cancer from getting in the way of kids being kids! Find more about the MCCP event here, and Joe says good luck to all the walkers!

                      Photography by Corey Templeton. See more of Corey's photos here and here.

With this cryptic message Joe is once again promoting South Portland's very own Lyric Music Theater, whose current production is The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, directed by Jamie Lupien Swenson. Founded in 1952, Lyric Music Theater is community theater at its finest. The purpose and mission of this wonderful organization is is to foster and develop interest in the theater in the Greater Portland Area, particularly as applied to music and drama, and to provide a medium for the expression of such interest. The Spelling Bee production will be running from September 14th to 30th- Joe hopes you get a chance to check it out!

Learn more about the Lyric Music Theater here.

                      Photography by Corey Templeton. See more of Corey's photos here and here.