Joe wants to take a moment to educate Portlanders on rare neurodevelopmental disorder that can result from a mutation of the USP7 gene. Those affected by this condition are often developmentally delayed, have white matter abnormalities, speech impairment and are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The USP7 Foundation is a nonprofit based right here in Portland whose mission is to cure USP7-related diseases. They do this by funding research and identifying more patients, with the vision of providing a future of possibilities for those who are diagnosed with a mutation of USP7. Joe applauds the folks at this organization for the noble work they do and urges you to learn more about them and their work here.

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

If you've seen one of the Joe Bornstein-themed Priuses driving around Maine, you already know that Joe likes to be eco-friendly whenever possible, which is why he's promoting the Greater Portland Sustainability Council's Green Fest. The Sustainability Council is a local organization whose mission is to help our region become a world-class model of environmental sustainability.  The Green Fest, to be held tomorrow, Saturday September 8th in Monument Square in Portland, will feature musical acts, dance performances, local foods, kids' activities, and more, all in the name of environmental stewardship. If there's one thing Joe likes more than a festival, it's a festival for a good cause, so he thinks you should check it out! Admission is free, so don't think twice!

Learn more about the Council here and more about this event here.

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

Like so many others, Joe believes too many Mainers have lost their lives to suicide. We regret the loss of each one. Joe wants to spread the word about one organization that's taking an active role in preventing these losses: The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Established in 1987, the AFSP is a voluntary health organization that gives those affected by suicide a nationwide community empowered by research, education and advocacy to take action against this leading cause of death. AFSP is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. AFSP creates a culture that’s smart about mental health by funding scientific research, educating the public about mental health and suicide prevention, advocating for public policies in mental health and suicide prevention, and supporting survivors of suicide loss and those affected by suicide.

This Saturday, September 8th, AFSP is hosting its Out of the Darkness Walk, which will raise awareness and funds that allow the AFSP to invest in new research, create educational programs, advocate for public policy, and support survivors of suicide loss. Joe offers his thanks to this wonderful organization for the amazing work they do, and urges you to learn more about them here and more about the Walk here.

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

Do any Portlanders remember this message from last year? If not, Joe is here to refresh your memory. CMT stands for Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease, a group of inherited disorders that affect the peripheral nerves, which are the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. CMT affects about 2.8 million people worldwide, of all races and ethnic groups. The Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association is an organization whose mission is to support the development of new drugs to treat CMT, to improve the quality of life for people with CMT, and, ultimately, to find a cure. On Sunday, September 16th, the CMT Association will be holding the 6th annual Peaks Island Walk for CMT at the Inn on Peaks! Joe is sure this will be an inspiring event and hopes you consider attending. Find more about the event here and more about the organization here.

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

If you're a Portlander and you're not familiar by now with STRIVE University, allow Joe to help. The STRIVE program of PSL Services is designed to address the many issues faced by tweens, teens, and young adults (ages 11-24) with developmental disabilities. STRIVE focuses largely on academic success, career readiness, and literary and social skills.

Today is one of STRIVE's unique fundraising events featuring Kevin, a UPS employee who has developed a great partnership with STRIVE. One of Kevin's great volunteer efforts each year is to stay up on a roof until he reaches a certain fundraising goal for STRIVE. This year, Kevin will be atop Patriot Subaru in Saco, ME. He WILL NOT come down until he reaches $35,000! Joe hopes you consider chipping in to help STRIVE reach their fundraising goal and to "help Kevin" come down from the roof!

Find more about STRIVE here and more about Kevin's effort here.

Like so many Mainers, Joe's life has been touched by our state's tragic drug epidemic. It's heartbreaking to even contemplate how many of our fellow Mainers have been lost to drug overdoses, but it's important to keep the issue in the light, which is why Joe is promoting International Overdose Awareness Day, which is committed to providing a platform to acknowledge the grief felt by families and friends who have lost a loved one to overdose. IOAD aims to raise awareness that the tragedy of overdose death is preventable.

While events are being held all over the world, several will take place right here in Portland, including at Deering Oaks and City Hall. These events will have naloxone trainings, lantern making, a memorial wall for posting pictures and names and brief opening and closing remarks, which will feature reading names of loved ones who have died recently. All are welcome.

Learn more about International Overdose Awareness Day, including the details of Portland's events, here.

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

Joe hates to think about his favorite season drawing to a close. He knows Mainers are looking for fun ways to squeeze every last drop out of summer, and that's why he's recommending the Laudholm Nature Crafts Festival. Held in Wells every September, this prestigious, juried event brings many of New England's finest artisans to exhibit their wares for thousands of browsers. This year's event, taking place on Saturday September 8th and Sunday the 9th, will feature 120 master artisans, thousands of one-of-a-kind gift items, an incomparable seaside setting, and more than $8,000 in raffle prizes. Learn more about this special festival here.

Joe hopes the festival is a great success, as it always is, and wishes all Mainers a happy end-of-Summer!

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

Anyone who knows Joe knows that drunk and distracted driving is an issue near and dear to his heart. For 45 years as a personal injury attorney he's seen countless Mainers whose lives have been ruined or even ended by drunk driving. That's why he started the Arrive Alive Creative Contest, and it's why today he's supporting the Mothers Against Drunk Driving 5k Walk/Run. MADD is an organization whose mission is “to aid the victims of crimes performed by individuals driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, to aid the families of such victims and to increase public awareness of the problem of drinking and drugged driving."

Walk Like MADD is this organization's signature fundraising event to help raise both awareness and funds to eliminate drunk driving. Last year, tens of thousands of people in over 90 cities across the nation participated, and together, they raised raised over 3 million dollars to provide MADD's programs and services at no cost. With every step taken and each dollar raised, walkers are supporting MADD’s lifesaving mission to keep our families and communities safe.

Joe offers his heartfelt thanks to the mothers of MADD and urges you to learn more by visiting their website.

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