Joe wants to spread the word about National Donate Life Month. Every day in April, people across the U.S. make a special effort to celebrate the tremendous generosity of those who have saved lives by becoming organ, tissue, marrow, and blood donors and to encourage more Americans to follow their fine example. Last year alone, organ donors made more than 28,000 transplants possible. Another one million people received cornea and other tissue transplants that helped them recover from trauma, bone damage, spinal injuries, burns, hearing impairment and vision loss. Unfortunately, thousands die every year waiting for a donor organ that never comes, but you have the power to change that. Find more information at organdonor.gov.

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

One of Joe's favorite elements of the rich, vibrant culture of Portland is the local theater scene, specifically The Portland Stage Company. Portland Stage is a team of professional theater artists, teachers and technicians who have been hand crafting quality theater in Maine since 1974 (the same year Joe opened the doors of his law practice). Beyond the productions that are at its core, Portland Stage supports a vast array of programs designed to educate, develop artists, and promote dialogue. If you're interested in Portland Stage and want to learn more, you should consider attending the 2nd Annual Signature Event, a unique evening of food, wine, and a look at what happens behind the scenes at Portland Stage. This year's event will be held on Monday, April 27th, at 6pm, and is sure to be a great time. Find more about Portland Stage here and more about the Signature Event here. Joe says "thank you" to this Portland institution, a treasure of our community, and hopes that all Portlanders consider attending a performance!

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

If there's one thing Joe loves, it's a playoff run, and our very own Maine Red Claws are poised to make one. Currently sitting in first place in the Eastern Conference standings, the Red Claws have just two games left. They'll be playing Fort Wayne twice this weekend, once on Saturday and once on Sunday, both times at the Portland Expo. Check out the Claws at their website. Joe will be rooting for the home team as usual, and hopes you will too!

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

As an attorney with decades of experience in the law, Joe puts great stock in the legal rights of Americans. He also knows that these rights can't be taken for granted, which is why he's a big supporter of the American Civil Liberties Union of Maine. The ACLU of Maine is the state's guardian of liberty, active in the courts, the legislature and the public sphere to defend the Constitution and the Bill of Rights for all Mainers. On Thursday, April 30, the ACLU will be hosting its 27th Annual Justice Louis Scolnik Award Dinner at the Harraseeket Inn in Freeport. Find more about this event here, and this vital organization here. Joe hopes the event is a success and thanks the ACLU for its tireless work on behalf of all American citizens.

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

In his work as a personal injury attorney, Joe has seen thousands of injured victims who come to him for help. While his clients are victims of accidents, Joe knows of another type of victim that doesn't always have the same legal recourse, which is why Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine (SARSSM) is such an important resource. SARSSM began advocating for victims of sexual assault more than 40 years ago. Today, numerous professionally trained male and female Crisis & Support Line advocates answer calls 24-hours a day, 365-days a year. Advocates respond to calls from victim/survivors, family members, friends, significant others, and professionals working with those impacted by sexual violence. Volunteer advocates provide information, referrals, advocacy, and support to individuals reporting incidents of sexual assault. SARSSM continues to emphasize education and community involvement to end sexual violence. On Sunday, April 12, 2015 from 1-4 PM at the Holiday Inn by the Bay for the 29th, SARSSM will be hosting the Annual Chocolate Lovers' Fling. This special gala event, featuring table service, multiple courses of chocolate tasting, and a silent auction is the largest annual fundraiser for Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine.

Talented local chocolatiers, from York and Cumberland counties, will showcase their creativity and serve their ultimate chocolate confections. Chocolatiers compete for awards, including the prized People's Choice award. All attendees will have the opportunity to participate in the judging process, and will receive expert guidance in chocolate appreciation. Attendees can also look forward to meeting the chocolatiers and placing bids in a silent auction featuring jewelry, art, getaways, and of course, chocolate.

Find more about the organization here, and about the event here. Joe hopes the event is a success but that you don't eat too much chocolate!

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

One thing about Portland that always makes Joe proud of his hometown is its strong "buy local" ethic. Ghandi once said that it's a sin to buy from your farthest neighbor at the neglect of your nearest neighbor. Joe's no Ghandi, but he couldn't agree more, which is why he's proud to promote The Portland Buy Local campaign, a partnership of local business-owners and citizens, whose mission is " to support locally owned, independent businesses in Portland, to maintain our unique community character, provide continuing opportunities for entrepreneurs, build community economic strength, and prevent the displacement of community-based businesses by national and global chains." Joe wanted to spread the word that tomorrow, Friday April 3rd, is the final day of Portland Buy Local's membership drive- if you want your business or organization in this year's Buy Local print directory, please contact them. You can find more about this organization at the official website.

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

Every day, many of our neighbors in the Greater Portland community are faced with tragedy.  It could be a car accident, an unexpected death of a loved one, or a traumatic event that shakes their world.  When events like those happen, the Trauma Intervention Program (TIP) volunteers are there. TIP is a program run by Maine Behavioral Healthcare (formerly known as the Community Counseling Center), which develops and provides quality, outcome-based services that enhance the emotional strength and well-being of Maine residents throughout their lives. Find more about the Maine Behavioral Healthcare on their website, and if you can, try to make it to the Heroes with Heart celebration on Wednesday, April 1st, 2015, 5:30 - 8:30 PM, at the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland, to celebrate the TIP volunteers, as well as first responders, police officers, firefighters, and hospital personnel, who go above and beyond in helping victims of traumatic events each and every day throughout the year. Reserve your spot or make an online donation here. Joe, who sees Mainers facing unbelievable hardships everyday, extends his heartfelt thanks and admiration to the heroes who help their fellow Portlanders everyday, and hopes the event is a great success.

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

Joe's mission as an attorney is to provide all Mainers with access to justice- above his desk hangs a sign with the words "Justice justice shalt thou pursue". Justice for all Mainers means equal rights for all Mainers, which is why Joe is proud to promote EqualityMaine's Annual Gala, which is today, March 28th, at the Holiday Inn by the Bay. EqualityMaine works to secure full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in Maine through political action, community organizing, education, and collaboration. Hosted by Blake and Eva from Coast 93.1, this year's annual gala will feature dinner, dancing, and a silent auction. Find more about this great organization at its official website. Joe hopes the event is a success and fully supports EqualityMaine's vision of the day when lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons and their families have full equality in the hearts and minds of Maine people and in all areas of the law.

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