When possible, Joe likes to use the Time & Temperature sign to promote causes related to children and families. That's why the sign is currently flashing for the Children's Tumor Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by neurofibromatosis (NF), the term for three distinct disorders: NF1, NF2 and schwannomatosis. CTF's mission is to advance peer-reviewed research to develop treatments and cures for NF; support persons with NF and their families by making thorough and accurate information readily available; assist in developing clinical centers and best practices to improve access to quality healthcare for those who live with NF; and expand public awareness of NF to improve diagnoses, increase understanding of the challenges that NF presents, and encourage support for NF research. May is NF Awareness Month, so Joe wanted to spread the word about this great organization, which you can find more about here. He applaud's CTF's goal of one day eradicating NF and, in the meantime, doing what we can for those affected by it.

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

One of Joe's favorite things about Portland is the city's rich and textured history, and that goes for all of Maine, which is why the Maine Historical Society is such a fascinating organization. A growing museum, incomparable library and statewide educational resource, MHS is located in the heart of Portland's downtown cultural district. Founded in 1822, the Maine Historical Society is the third oldest state historical society in the United States. MHS's biggest event of the year is on the horizon! Taking place Saturday, May 21 from 10am-4pm, the Magical History Tour is a self-guided exploration of historical places in Portland that are not usually open to the public, with access granted to a dozen little-known gems downtown and beyond that many have never seen, and maybe didn't even know exist. Equipped with a map, and at their own pace, participants are greeted by docents at each site ready to share the history of the location and answer questions. The mystery sites will be revealed at Mr. Longfellow's Cocktail Party on Friday, May 20 at the U.S. Custom House. Located adjacent to Portland's waterfront, this historically rich and mysterious building is usually closed to the public, but not for MHS guests. Find more about this special event and wonderful local organization here. Joe hopes the event is a great success!

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

As a father of three once-young children, Joe often likes to spread awareness about services that are geared towards local youth. One of the more inspiring local non-profits doing such work is the Kids First Center. Kid's First's mission is to minimize the emotional and sometimes physical trauma children experience during the separation and divorce of their parents. Kids First's children's support groups provide a safe place for kids to explore their feelings and learn coping mechanisms with kids who are in a situation similar to their own. On Thursday, May 19th, Kids First is hosting its Kids First Gala, a fundraising event at the Westin Portland Harborview in Portland. Fun activities include a raffle, auction, live music and dancing, and more, all for a great cause. Find more about this great event here, and more about the organization at its website. Joe hopes the event is a success, and offers his thanks again to this great organization.

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

In his 40+ years as a personal injury attorney, Joe has helped countless Mainers who have been struck by disaster. But before Joe can help them, oftentimes an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) crew has already saved them from catastrophe. These brave men and women have helped so many Mainers over the years, and that's why Joe is spreading the word about the 2016 Maine EMS Awards and Memorial, to be held tomorrow, May 17, at the State Capitol in Augusta.  Maine EMS is a bureau within the Department of Public Safety. The Maine EMS system includes; the Board of EMS, the Maine EMS staff, six regional EMS offices, and the Medical Direction and Practice Board. Tomorrow, brave EMS staff will be honored for their brave work on behalf of injured Mainers. Joe salutes them and thanks them for their work.

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

Every 38 minutes, the Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wish of a child diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition in the United States and its territories; every five days, it is the wish of a Maine child. Make-A-Wish's mission is to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Joe has always been touched by this amazing organization, and he hopes that the Walks for Wishes event, Thursday May 19th, is a great success. Please find more about this event here, and please try to lend a hand to this organization in any way you can.

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

Joe believes that the ability to write is an essential skill for the 21st century. Effectively communicating is so important in so many walks of life, and that's why Joe is a supporter of The Telling Room, a nonprofit writing center in Portland dedicated to the idea that children and young adults are natural storytellers. This organization's fun, innovative programs enlist the support of local writers, artists, teachers, and community groups. At its downtown writing center it offers free afterschool workshops and writing help, and host field trips for school groups from all over Maine.

On Thursday, May 12, The Telling Room is hosting its Big Night 2016 Fundraiser, a celebration of student writing and official anthology release! This annual event features a reading from our writing contest winner, the announcement of its founders prize winner, student multimedia, live music, lobby activities, and more. Join them as they celebrate another incredible year of programming!

Find more about the event here, and this wonderful local organization here.

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

Have you ever wanted to make a difference in your community but felt like you needed help? Joe knows how much being part of a group can empower an individual, and that's why he's proud to promote the Southern Maine chapter of 100 Women Who Care. 100 Women Who Care Southern Maine is a group of local women who are interested in supporting our communities by contributing to Southern Maine charities together as a group to increase the impact. The organization's mission is to reach out and help the community by finding 100 or more women (the count is currently over 150!) to each contribute $50 four times a year in order to give $20,000+ annually to local charities. All charities and organizations up for consideration must be in the Southern Maine area. The idea is to keep it local and have an impact that can be seen in our communities!

100 Women's next meeting is this Tuesday, May 10th, at the Woodfords Club, 179 Woodfords St, Portland, ME from 6:30 - 7:30 pm. Registration begins at 5:45, with time for networking, appetizers and a glass of wine before the meeting. Come find out what a great group of generous and thoughtful women can do when they put their minds to it!

Find out more about this local organization here, and please consider joining the movement!

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

If there's one thing Joe likes better than lunch, it's lunch for a good cause. Just such a lunch will be held this Wednesday, May 18, the date of this year's Leadership Luncheon, put on by the Maine Women's Fund. The mission of the Maine Women's Fund is to transform the lives of Maine women and girls through strategic grantmaking, community engagement and support to nonprofit organizations dedicated to social change. The Fund's vision is a just and caring society in which Maine women and girls thrive so communities prosper. Since 1989, the Fund has granted almost $1.7 million to organizations across the state. Find more about this great organization here, and more about the Leadership Luncheon here. Joe wishes the Fund continued success, and hopes the event goes well!

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