Joe wants to wish everyone in Portland and beyond a very happy holiday season. May yours be filled with warmth.

Photograph courtesy of Corey Templeton. See more of Corey's photography here.

Joe has always deeply admired the tireless work done by the folks at the Preble Street organization, and is proud to promote their Maine Hunger Initiative (click here for more info) on the Time/Temp. This week's message serves as a reminder to those of us who never have to worry about trying to fall asleep with an empty stomach that not everyone in our dear State enjoys such privileges. It's important that we remain aware of the hardships faced by our fellow Mainers, and do what we can to offer them a helping hand. In the sage words of Bruce Springsteen, "we take care of our own."

If you have a few spare hours, Preble Street always welcomes community volunteers, and if you have the means, a donation is always appreciated too.

Every holiday season, Joe is reminded of the importance of local merchants to the Maine economy. The Portland Buy Local campaign is 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 applauds the Buy Local campaign, and is happy to spread the positive message to Portland. Find more about the campaign here. Happy holidays, everyone!

Photograph courtesy of Corey Templeton. See more of Corey's photography here.

A time to be with family and reflect on all of the blessings in life, Thanksgiving has always been one of Joe's favorite holidays. Joe hopes that you were able to spend the holiday in the company of loved ones, and wishes you a happy and safe holiday season.

And for those to whom it applies, Happy Chanukah!

Photographs courtesy of Corey Templeton. See more of Corey's photography here.

For all the music lovers out there, the Dark Star Orchestra, a great rock band based on the Grateful Dead, will be playing a show in Portland on Thursday, December 6th, at the State Theatre. Joe highly suggests checking them out. Find more about the band on their website. Rock on, Portland.

Photograph courtesy of Corey Templeton. See more of Corey's photography here.

CTN is a nonprofit organization that operates the public access television station, Channel 2, for the City of Portland and a community television station, Channel 5, for the greater Portland area. The Mission of the Community Television Network is "to support, strengthen and enrich Community in Portland, Maine and to assist its citizens and institutions in realizing their greatest potential through public access to electronic communication media."

Photograph courtesy of Corey Templeton. See more of Corey's photography here.

As another Veteran's day comes and goes, Joe is thankful for the sacrifices made by those who wear an American uniform and defend our country, and saddened by the challenges they often face when they come home. They deserve to be treated like the courageous heroes that they are. Thanks to everyone who has served and who plans on doing so in the future. Happy Veteran's Day.

Joe was thrilled to see his father's beloved Boston Red Sox finish their historic season with yet another World Series trophy. While he's happy the Sox won and was glad to celebrate it on the Time and Temperature Building, Joe would still take a Seadog biscuit at Hadlock Field over a Fenway Frank any day of the week.

Photograph courtesy of Corey Templeton. See more of Corey's photography here.