Happy Wednesday!
New this week:
- Simple communication approaches to create joy and connection.
- How to distinguish memory loss from cognitive decline—and why it matters.
- Proven techniques to reduce frustration and prevent challenging behaviors.
Behavioral Health Listening Sessions
- Behavioral Health Providers, February 7 | 1:00-2:30 pm, Virtual via Zoom, Register
- Aging Services Providers, February 14 | 1:00-2:30 pm, Virtual via Zoom, Register
- Lifelong Community Programs (lifelong or age-friendly communities, transportation), February 28 | 1:00-2:30 pm, Virtual via Zoom, Register
- First Responders, March 7 | 1:00-2:30 pm, Virtual via Zoom, Register
We want to identify what is working to support older people with mental health needs in Maine and elsewhere.
Friday Feb 7th 8-9 am: It’s Getting Hot In Here – Climate Change + Your Business. We can’t ignore the hot, the cold, the storms; how do you adjust within your business? How do you mitigate environmental impact caused by your business? How is your business impacted by the environment and climate? What are small steps you (can) take to grow your business in a healthy way? Bring your coffee or tea and join us to listen to, share with, and learn from one another in curious conversation. Biz Fit is an informal and supportive gathering where we exchange ideas and share insights. Register today.
PFMLA and Life Beyond It
Rudman Winchell invites employers to our next scheduled FREE Employment Power Hour on PFMLA and Life Beyond It, Thursday, February 27th, at 2 pm. Although PFMLA has dominated our discussions lately and we will discuss updates to the law, there are also other items to update and discuss. In light of the significant number of recent federal executive orders and other developments, our power hour will include a discussion of executive orders impacting employers, updates on DEI, and developments in immigration enforcement. We will also discuss recent EEOC publications and regulations, an AI update, new proposed State legislation, and other issues of interest. We hope this free, 1-hour seminar will leave you with practical knowledge to help navigate the ever-evolving landscape of employment law. Attend in person or remotely. RSVP here.
Eastern Maine ROOTS
Saturday, March 22nd, 8:30 am — 4 pm, UMM Reynold’s Center: The 2025 Eastern Maine ROOTS Conference brings together industry leaders in agriculture, food, forestry management, fisheries, and aquaculture. This year’s conference centers on value-based approaches to connecting with the land and natural resources, highlighting sustainable and community-driven strategies. Presenters and service providers from UMaine, local agencies, and non-profit organizations will share information with Eastern Maine farmers, fisherfolk, growers, woodland owners and interested community members. Learn more and register! Spaces available for Exhibitors and Conference Sponsors. Contact: Rachel White, rachel@maine.edu.
April 11th & 12, DoubleTree by Hilton, S. Portland: Registration is open for the 28th annual Adoptive and Foster Families of Maine Conference, “The Power of Meaningful Connections.” Keynote Speakers are Nicholas Tucker, youth camp owner & inspirational speaker, and Dr. Amelia Franck Meyer, Founder and CEO of the national nonprofit, Alia. Learn more and register here.
- CA$H Maine, a statewide collaboration involving 50 coalition partners that offers free tax preparation for those who qualify under a certain income limit and other factors. CA$H Maine offers in person and remote tax assistance as well as drop and go appointments where all you need to do is bring your documents to a tax site location and an IRS-certified tax preparer will prepare your taxes at a different time. To find a CA$H Maine option near you, use their search tool which can be found here.
- AARP also provides free tax preparation services. Available both in person and virtually, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Sites can be located through their Tax-Aide Site Locator. While this organization focuses on taxpayers who are over 50 and have low to moderate income, they will provide tax assistance to anyone. You do not need to be an AARP member to use this service.
- Additionally, both the Internal Revenue Service and Maine Revenue Services offer online e-filing options. In addition to its Free File program for those with lower incomes, the IRS added Maine to a list of 24 other states that will participate in its new Direct File program. Visit the IRS’s tax information page about both programs as well as Maine’s new Tax Portal for more information.
Free IRS Tax Filing
Starting January 27th, eligible Mainers can use IRS DIRECT FILE, a groundbreaking new service that allows taxpayers to file taxes online QUICKLY, EASILY, and FOR FREE. Visit directfile.irs.gov on your computer, tablet, or phone to check your eligibility. If you’re eligible, create an ID.me login account (check-out this step-by-step guide in case you need help) and use the simple interview-style tool to complete your federal taxes. Once you complete federal taxes, you’ll be taken to Maine’s free state filing system, where you can file to get a number of fully “refundable” state tax credits worth hundreds of dollars, like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Property Tax Fairness Credit (PTFC), Sales Tax Fairness Credit (STFC), and as of this year (thanks to legislation we worked together to pass!), the Child and Dependent Tax Credit. This is true even if you don’t owe taxes or have little to no “earned” income.
The Maine Legislature annually grants a scholarship to one student from each county who is currently pursuing or planning to pursue an education at a two- or four-year degree-granting Maine college or technical school. Administered through the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME), awards are given to Maine resident high school seniors or full- or part-time postsecondary students accepted to or enrolled in accredited Maine colleges for graduate or undergraduate degrees. The 2025-2026 application will become available on Feb. 1, 2025; and applications will be accepted until the May 1, 2025 deadline. Scholarship awards of $1,000 will be given to one student in each of Maine’s counties (16 total). Learn more here.