Happy Wednesday!
New this week:
Wednesday, June 18th, 2-3 pm: Join the Tri-State Learning Collaborative on Aging for a virtual discussion on how the rapidly shifting federal landscape is impacting older adults, caregivers, and the organizations that support them, and how we can take collective action. The goal of this discussion series is to foster collaboration and the sharing of successful strategies to navigate this uncertainty and promote regional replication of effective approaches across Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. As with TSLCA’s Northern New England Connects series, this informal gathering is a space for leaders from across our region to share ideas, solve problems, and build relationships. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, collaboration, or simply a space to connect, these cross-border networking opportunities offer valuable insights and support. Register here.
Dignity in Aging webinar series
The Elder Abuse Institute of Maine is launching a four-part Dignity in Aging webinar series with funding support from the Simmons Foundation. The Dignity in Aging series will serve Maine-based practitioners working with older adults, including professionals in social services, healthcare, legal advocacy, and community organizations at no cost to individuals or organizations. This series helps practitioners shift to person-led approaches that foster dignity at every stage of aging. The goal is to equip Maine-based practitioners and organizations that serve or interact with older adults with the knowledge and tools to transition from conventional service models to person-led, dignity-centered approaches that honor older individuals’ voice and choice. This project is based on our work utilizing the RISE model, which integrates restorative and person-led practices to support older adults at risk of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Dates & registration coming soon.
Honey Beer for Hospice
Down East Hospice Volunteers is excited to share that Honey Beer for Hospice is now on tap at Lubec Brewing Company (41 Water Street, Lubec)! This special summer brew was generously donated and made with local honey from Arlene and Mark Wren’s bees 🐝—and the best part? 100% of the profits go directly to Down East Hospice Volunteers. The Lubec Brewing Company is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11am to 5pm. Let your friends know, bring a neighbor, and enjoy a visit to beautiful downtown Lubec while supporting a cause close to our hearts!
MCOA Wins Prestigious National Award
At the Age+Action Conference, the National Council on Aging (NCOA) awarded the Maine Council on Aging (MCOA) its 2025 Innovator Award. The award honors organizations that create innovative solutions to improve the health and economic security of older people. NCOA recognized MCOA for leading the nation’s first statewide movement to end ageism, working to build a robust essential care workforce, and partnering with Hannaford Supermarkets to improve systems that ensure older Mainers have access to food and social connection. The MCOA was specifically honored for their advocacy that resulted in 45,000 older Mainers having access to a benefit that will save them an average of $7,300 a year in Medicare costs.
- Age 60 or older
- A spouse of and in attendance with someone age 60 or older
- A caregiver to and in attendance with someone age 60 or older
- An adult with a disability
- A volunteer under age 60 who provides services during meal hours
Recent Employment Law Updates
- Scope of Coverage under Pregnant Workers Fairness Act
- Workplace Harassment Based on Gender Identity
- NLRB Limits Confidentiality During Workplace Investigations
Rudman Winchell is happy to update you as important employment law decisions are made. If you have questions about how these updates impact your policies or practices, please contact a member of our Employment Team.
From The University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s blog, Spoonful, article by Kate Yerxa, MS, RD, Extension Professor, University of Maine Cooperative Extension: Whether you grow your own fruits and vegetables or buy them at a local farm or grocery store, you don’t want your money to go to waste because they are stored improperly and rot (decompose) quickly. Understanding how to store and wash fresh fruits and vegetables properly is important for maintaining their quality and preventing foodborne illnesses. Fresh fruits and vegetables have different storage recommendations depending on the type of produce. How long they stay fresh depends on how you store them…. (Read more)