One of the best things about managing the Time & Temperature sign is that Joe gets to learn about all types of happenings in his hometown, from fun film festivals to inspiring non-profits; today's message falls into the latter category. The Portland Wheelers is an organization consisting of a growing number of people in the Greater Portland area who want to give the gift of bicycling - or tricycling - to people who, until now, could only dream about "going for a ride." The Wheelers are about making it possible for those living with disability, debility, or dementia - old and young alike - to get outdoors, enjoy the wind in their face, and connect with the larger community. All the while smiling, laughing, and having a whole lotta fun. As a young man, Joe was an avid cyclist, and he's always been fond of organizations that care for the disabled, so he finds this organization especially inspiring. Joe hopes you check out this great group at its official website and perhaps consider donating your time or money to this wonderful organization.

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

Joe must be in a cinematic mood, because he's promoting his second film festival in as many weeks. After spreading the word about the Maine Jewish Film Festival last week, he's now promoting the Portland Children's Film Festival, a festival intended to connect Maine children and families to people within their own cultures and communities, as well as expand the worldviews of all attendees. The PCFF was conceived and organized by East End Community School parents and teachers who believe in the value of bringing community together to create and celebrate film. To find more about the event, go to the official website. Joe hopes you've still got some movie viewings left in you after the MJFF, and hopes that this great event for families continues to grow!

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

Ever since Joe's days as a DJ (see MJFF post for explanation), he's had a soft spot in his heart for student-run radio stations; fortunately, Portland is home to such a station. WMPG, 90.9/104.1, empowers University of Southern Maine students and community members to create diverse, innovative, high quality media, foster the exchange of ideas, and celebrate the many cultures of USM and surrounding communities for broadcast to the world. As we all know, it takes charitable donations from Portlanders like you to make such an operation possible. WMPG's Spring Begathon takes place from Thursday, March 19th through Wednesday March 25th. The WMPG volunteers and managers will be asking their listener-supporters for donations totaling $50,000 to meet the station's operations budget. For WMPG volunteers and listeners, the week of Begathon is a 7-day celebration of the unique opportunities that community radio offers. "Regular people, with and without previous media experience, come to WMPG to learn how to make radio that is important to them," explains WMPG Program Director Lisa Bunker. "We teach them the skills and responsibilities of how to do it, and then the music that is played and the topics that are discussed are completely up to them." Find more about WMPG at its official website. Joe hopes you chip in to WMPG and help support this important asset to the Portland community!

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

Like all Mainers who grind it out during the week, Joe loves weekends- he never met one he didn't like! If you're like Joe in this regard, you'll be excited to know that once a month you can start your weekend early with the Portland Museum of Art. On the third Thursday of every month, the PMA stays open late for night owls to come check out the exhibits, enjoy some food and drink in the sculpture garden, and meet other art-minded Mainers. To learn more about the PMA's schedule of events, click here. Joe hopes you weekenders take advantage of this great cultural treasure of Portland!

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

Joe has been active in Maine's Jewish community since long before he was DJ'ing bar mitzvahs in the greater Portland area in the 1950's (true story).  One of his favorite local traditions is the Maine Jewish Film Festival, which is taking place this week, March 14-21, 2015. MJFF curates a program of films that explore the Jewish experience through drama, comedy, documentary and short film formats. The festival has grown to be one of the best-attended, most well-respected, and highly-anticipated cultural events in the State. You can catch showings of great Jewish films at local theaters from Portland to Augusta and multiple places in between. For more information about the MJFF, visit the official website, and for the day-to-day schedule click here. Joe hopes this festival has another great year and continues to contribute to the rich cultural fabric of Maine!

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

As a descendant of immigrants himself, Joe is proud each year to sponsor and promote the CeleSoirée, a celebration of immigration through the arts, held by the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project (ILAP). ILAP is a non-profit organization that helps low-income immigrants improve their legal status and works for more just and humane laws and policies affecting immigrants. Find more about this great organization here. If you're a fan of immigration and a good party, come to the Ocean Gateway on Commercial Street on Friday, March 27, at 5:30PM. Joe wants to thank ILAP for all the great work they do, and hopes to see you there!

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

Joe finds few things more inspiring than brave children overcoming illness, which is why he's happy to promote the 10th annual Cares for Kids Radiothon, put on by 107.5 Frank FM and 99. 9 The Wolf.  Your favorite personalities from Frank FM and The Wolf will be broadcasting live from The Barbara Bush Children's Hospital Atrium on Thursday from 5 AM - 7 PM, Friday from 6 AM - 6 PM, and Saturday 8 AM - 3 PM. Since 2006, supporters of the Cares for Kids Radiothon have raised $1,212,199 for The Barbara Bush Children's Hospital, a proud member of Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. 100% of the funds raised during the Cares for Kids Radiothon will stay local and support the programs and services at The Barbara Bush Children's Hospital at Maine Medical Center. Special guests Kim Block and Courtney Kabot from WGME 13. Tune in to hear amazing stories of triumph and inspiration from Maine's only Children's Hospital. Joe hopes the event is a success and wishes all the best to the brave kids at BBCH!

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

A perennial favorite message of Joe's, "STRV RCKS" is once again flashing on the Time & Temp to promote Strive Rocks, an annual dance marathon at the Maine Mall that benefits Strive U, a comprehensive program providing post-secondary education and training to young adults with developmental disabilities in the realms of residential, employment, and community skills with the goal of enabling its graduates to live and work as full community members with maximum independence, productivity, and dignity. Strive U will host the marathon overnight at the mall running from 9pm Saturday, March 7th, to 9am on Sunday, March 8th. There will be bands, DJ's, tons of food, games, and excitement! Find more about the event and the organization here. The goal is to have 1000 people participate in the overnight marathon and to raise the most money of any Strive Rocks marathon yet. Joe hopes Strive U reaches these goals and continues to do the amazing work on behalf of young adults!

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