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The Current
September 14, 2026
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Passing of Penquis Board Member | |
It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of William "Bill" Thompson, a dedicated member of the Penquis Board of Directors and a passionate advocate for our community.
Bill believed deeply in the power of service and the importance of creating opportunities for others. Through his leadership, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to helping people thrive, he helped strengthen Penquis and deepen our impact on individuals, families, and communities across our service area.
More than a board member, Bill was a trusted advisor, thoughtful leader, and friend whose steady presence and generous spirit touched many lives. His contributions will continue to be felt through the work we do and the people we serve.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Bill's family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. We are grateful for his years of service and the legacy of compassion and community he leaves behind.
To learn more about Bill's life and legacy, please read his obituary.
| Senator Susan Collins Visits Bright Beginnings | |
Penquis recently welcomed U.S. Senator Susan Collins for a tour of Bright Beginnings, our new Child Development Center in Bangor. During her visit, Senator Collins met with staff, toured classrooms, and learned more about how Head Start, Early Head Start, and child care programs support children and families.
The tour was led by Penquis President & CEO Kara Hay, and Child Development Director Mary Kay Hallett, who shared how Bright Beginnings is expanding access to high-quality early childhood education and care while helping meet the need for childcare in the region. Staff throughout the center had the opportunity to showcase the welcoming learning environments they have created and discuss the important role they play in helping children learn, grow, and thrive.
The Bright Beginnings team also helped make the visit memorable by welcoming the Senator with nutritious snacks prepared by staff, highlighting the care and hospitality that are part of the center's everyday culture. The visit provided an opportunity to recognize the dedication of the entire Child Development team and the impact their work has on children, families, employers, and the broader community.
We are grateful to Senator Collins for taking the time to learn more about this important work. A special thank you goes to Vivian Perreault, Lori Hartin, the kitchen team, and all Child Development staff who helped prepare for the visit and spoke with Senator Collins throughout the tour. Their passion for supporting children and families was evident in every interaction and helped make the visit a success.
| Penquis Featured in Affordable Housing News | |
Penquis is featured in the Summer 2026 edition of Affordable Housing News. The article, Building Lasting Stability, highlights our affordable housing initiatives and the work of Penquis staff to connect housing with the services and supports that help individuals and families build long-term stability.
Thank you to the staff whose dedication makes this work possible, as well as the residents, partners, and supporters who contribute to its success.
Read the full article (starting on page 83).
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Leading with her Heart:
Kara Hay Featured in UMaine Alumni Magazine
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Penquis President and CEO Kara Hay is featured in the latest issue of UMaine Alumni Magazine. In Leading with Her Heart, Kara reflects on her journey from University of Maine theater major to leader of one of Maine's largest community action agencies, sharing the experiences, challenges, and opportunities that shaped her commitment to serving Maine communities.
The article traces Kara's path through psychology, nonprofit work, and advocacy, offering a closer look at the values that continue to guide her leadership and her focus on creating lasting change for people across Maine.
We congratulate Kara on this well-deserved recognition and invite you to read the article here.
| Theresa's Place 1 Year Celebration | |
On Thursday, September 10th, 2026, a celebration was held at Theresa’s Place. Residents, along with staff from The Housing Foundation (THF), Community Health and Counseling Services (CHCS), and Penquis, gathered for food, games, and conversation, but most importantly to celebrate the community that has been built there.
Over the last year, the community of Theresa’s Place, like a newborn foal, has been working to find its footings, and find them it has! Residents have come together to rebuild their lives, and many have started by investing in the sense of community at the property. They work together to address problems, both on an individual and property level. They collaborate with CHCS and THF staff to host community celebrations like holidays, birthdays, and this One-Year Celebration.
One resident remarked, “Hats off to you, mad respect, and a thank-you that comes from my heart. I will never forget the place or the people where my life changed by giving me all the things I needed to become a better person.”
Many folks coming to live at Theresa’s Place are coming with nothing, but arriving to a community ready and willing to offer support and solutions. As Duska Hayman, Executive Director of The Housing Foundation said during a brief speech, “This is one of the reasons we all get up each day and come to work.”
Housing Development Program Manager Brittany Winnier-Ociepka
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Have you started thinking about your benefits for 2027 yet? Our Penquis benefit plans renew in December for a January 1st effective date. In early December, all benefit eligible employees will go through an online wizard in MyVista to choose their plans for 2027. NOW is the time to look at the insurance plans you currently carry --- are they working for you?
To see your current benefit plans, go to the HOME page of MyVista and click on My Current Benefits, then use the scroll option in the left-hand column. (Remember the costs listed are monthly costs.)
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Items to consider for 2027:
- Are you in the best medical plan for you and your family?
- Should you increase the amount you are contributing to your health savings bank account (HSA)?
- Do you need to add/drop dental or vision insurance?
- Do you need to elect a flexible spending account (FSA) for 2027?
Go here to view our current Summary of Benefits. Remember that plans and premiums may change for next year, but this will be a good place for you to start thinking about possibilities. For more detailed summaries on our current plans, go to the Benefits Information folder found here on PenquisPlace.
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Construction on the Milford Place Project has surpassed the 50% completion milestone! The insulation & duct-work rough-ins are finished, along with exterior envelope air sealing, and the 3rd floor air barrier is in place. The siding and trim of the exterior are 99% complete, and inside progress is being made on the following:
- Tub/Shower installation
- Sheetrock mudding and taping
- Elevator Car installation
Located on Milford Street Extension in Bangor, Milford Place will be home to 40 older Mainers once completed. Please enjoy these construction photos, courtesy of the project’s Architect, TAC Architectural Group Inc.
Housing Development Program Manager Brittany Winnier-Ociepka
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Your name: Deborah Candido Tucker
Where did you grow up: Fall River, Massachusetts
What is your title/role at Penquis?: Program Coordinator for Charlotte White Support Services
How long have you worked with Penquis?:
A week and a half
Why do you feel that the work of Penquis is important?: It’s important because we help people who need it, and that is a great thing.
What excites you about the work?: I enjoy helping people.
What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?: I like to play with my dog, spend time with him, spend time with my son, hike, and go to the movies. I enjoy going out with my friends dancing as well.
| The End is Near for Microsoft Publisher | |
Microsoft Publisher, the king of the church bake-sale flyer, is officially retiring in October 2026. If you're still using it for your layouts, you're on a collision course with a "file not found" error.
October 2026 is a hard deadline, not a suggestion.
When Microsoft announces the end of support for an app, it usually means the software enters a zombie state, where it still runs, but it slowly becomes a security risk. With Publisher, the situation is different.
On October 13, 2026, Microsoft is pulling the plug entirely for Microsoft 365 subscribers (us). In other words, the app will be removed entirely from the Microsoft 365 suite. According to Microsoft's official support documentation, subscribers will "no longer be able to open or edit Publisher files" using the app once that date hits.
You have two main paths for manually saving your files before the deadline:
For archiving: If you just need to preserve the design exactly as it looks today, export the file as a PDF. This freezes the layout, font, and images, and although it won't be easy to edit later, it will be viewable on any device forever.
For future editing: If you need to keep working on a project, your best bet is to save the file as a PDF, then open that PDF in Microsoft Word, which will try to reconstruct the document into editable text. It won't be pixel-perfect, but it beats starting from scratch.
As Taylor Swift said, “Don’t say I didn’t, say I didn’t warn yaaaa!”
IT Director Andrew Whitten
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❤️ Volunteers Needed at
Assisted Living Facilities!
Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community or know someone that would be a perfect fit? We are looking for volunteers who would enjoy spending time with residents at our Assisted Living Facilities in Millinocket, Bangor, and Camden.
Assisted Living provides support for seniors 55 and older, helping them maintain their independence while living in a safe and supportive environment. Our residents enjoy connecting with others, sharing stories, and having someone to visit and chat with.
🎶 Musically inclined? Even better! Our residents absolutely love live music, and we would love to connect with individuals or groups who enjoy sharing their musical talents.
Whether you have an hour to visit, enjoy good conversation, play an instrument, sing, or simply want to brighten someone's day, your time can make a meaningful difference.
If you are interested in volunteering or would like more information, please reach out to:
Katlyn Engstrom
📞 207-270-0266
Come share your time, talents, and friendship with our residents! ❤️
Shared Living and Client Activities Program Coordinator Katlyn Engstrom
| | Bangor Humane Society's 33rd Annual Paws On Parade is on Saturday, October 3, 2026, on the Bangor Waterfront. Team Captain - Jim Libby Compliance and Quality Assurance Coordinator. | If you would like to join the Penquis Paws team, please register here. | | |
Basic Household and
Personal Hygiene Items Needed
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Our inventory is currently very low!
Please reach out to Lisa Adkins if you'd like to make a donation.
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Donation Guidelines
New Items:
ONLY new items accepted in the following categories:
• Household cleaning items
• Hygiene items
• Diapers and wipes
Gently Used Items:
Gently used items accepted in the following categories, provided they are clean, safe, and in working or usable condition:
• Blankets
• Hats, mittens, gloves, and scarves
• Warm winter coats – Can be taken to any of Gold Star Cleaners’ locations.
NOT currently accepting the following items:
• Clothing or footwear
• Furniture - including beds, mattresses, bedding, tables, and chairs
• Small or large appliances
• Electronics of any kind
• Wheelchairs or walkers
• Food
• Opened or used items
• Collectibles or knickknacks
Questions? Please reach out to Lisa Adkins.
On occasion, Penquis may limit the acceptance of any items based on space and need.
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The STARS Committee
Sprinkling Goodness
Staff Thanking Appreciating & Recognizing Staff
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Members of the STARS Committee delivered sweet treats to the
Old Town Child Development Center.
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Our Penquis “STARS” (Staff Thanking, Appreciating, and Recognizing Staff) Committee came up with the idea of having any Penquis staff be able to win a chance to have lunch with one of our three Chief Officers.
Our President and CEO Kara Hay couldn’t have been happier to have had a delicious lunch at the Atlantic Bakery in Rockland recently with Family Support Coach Trish Pendleton.
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The following staff were recently nominated to receive a STARS recognition:
Kaytlyn Engstrom
Brittany Winnier-Ociepka
April Alberts
Polly Witham
Adrienne Mathieu
Hollie Collins
Karen Rogerson
Narda Hanson
Dale Lee
You can read their nominations on the homepage of PenquisPlace. Not sure who they are? Check the Penquis Directory to see photos!
Congratulations!
| | Flu Vaccine Clinic Scheduled | |
For the 2026-2027 flu season, Penquis is holding a flu vaccine clinic through Bangor Health & Community Services for employees.
Penquis Office 262 Harlow Street, Bangor: Kenduskeag Room, Wednesday, October 7th, from 1:00-2:30 PM
Please click the link to sign up:
Penquis Flu Vaccine Clinic Wednesday, October 7th 1:00-2:30pm
Employees with the following insurance coverage should bring their insurance card with them. If you do not carry insurance, Penquis will cover the cost of the vaccination. All employees must present their Penquis ID.
- Aetna
- Anthem
- BCBS Mass
- Cigna
- Harvard Pilgrim
- Maine Comm Health Options
For employees working in or near our offices in Dover-Foxcroft, Lincoln and Rockland, we need at least fifteen interested employees to hold clinics in each of those areas. Please let Narda Hanson (nhanson@penquis.org) know if you are interested by Friday, September 18th. If we have enough interest, we’ll announce clinics in those areas at a later date.
Employees who can’t attend a clinic or who have other insurance coverage are encouraged to get a flu shot through their doctor’s office or pharmacy.
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A Lasting Legacy: How continuing a family tradition helped our family process grief
Did you know that gardening can help people process loss by lowering stress hormones, providing a calming routine, and offering a tangible way to honor a loved one?
Here is Why Gardening Helps (AI Overview):
- Physical grounding: Touching soil raises cytokine levels, which helps activate serotonin (the "feel-good" hormone) and reduces stress.
- Restoring control: Grief can make you feel powerless but deciding what to plant and caring for living things brings a sense of agency and purpose.
- Accepting life cycles: Tending plants connect you to nature's rhythms, showing that growth, decay, and rebirth are part of a continuous journey.
- Calming distraction: Simple, repetitive tasks like watering or weeding can quiet repetitive, painful thoughts and soothe the nervous system.
When we lost our Mum, Judith A. Glidden, from stage 4 lung cancer in late 2024, my sisters, Rhonda, Julie, and I wanted to do something to provide a meaningful way to honor her memory; something that reflected the person that she was and the things that brought her joy.
She had always had a beautiful garden and shared the vegetables she grew with friends and neighbors. She really loved being outdoors with her dog Missy tending to the garden, not only the vegetable garden, but her gorgeous flower gardens around her small lot in Corinna.
So, the following Spring, we decided to plant a vegetable garden and open a little free veggie stand on our Mum’s property. The stand is more than just a place to share the surplus of vegetables from the garden, for us it has become a way of keeping Mum’s generous spirit alive. By continuing to share the harvest from her garden spot each year, we feel like we are carrying forward the values of giving back, sharing what you have, and finding joy in the simple things, just like she did, and it has been very rewarding and therapeutic to me personally.
Facilities Manager Sheree Brown
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We have all experienced food cravings, and often those cravings have to do with texture, like something creamy or crunchy. Food textures play a big role in whether we like or dislike certain foods. For example, while you may not like mushy canned peas, you may be surprised to realize that you like fresh or barely cooked peas. Luckily, eating healthy includes foods of all sorts of textures and flavors. Here are some suggestions on satisfying your cravings with nutritious snacks of a variety of textures:
Creamy
Instead of this: While ice cream may come to mind first, there are a variety of other smooth snacks that can be just as satisfying.
Try munching on this:
- Fresh avocado spread on whole grain bread OR ½ avocado eaten plain with a spoon.
- Warm 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter in the microwave for 10 seconds and drizzle over ½ cup low-fat, no added sugar frozen yogurt.
- Puree some berries and swirl them into a cup of low-fat yogurt with no sugar added.
Crunchy
Instead of this: Pretzels and chips have a crunchy texture that you may crave, but they can come with a lot of extra sodium that you don’t need.
Try munching on this:
- ¾ cup whole grain cereal, no added sugar
- Crunchy unsalted nuts
- Whole grain crisp breads
- Plain popcorn; to add some flavor, experiment with various spices such as cinnamon or your favorite spice or herb.
Liquid
Instead of this: Sweet tea or soda may sound refreshing, but it can take a while to work off all those empty calories. A medium-sized fancy mocha coffee drink with whipped cream can be 400 calories, and that’s before adding sugar or honey.
Try sipping on this:
- Plain iced tea made with a squeeze of lemon. You can sweeten it with berries or a noncaloric sweetener.
- Add fruit slices to a glass and fill with sparkling water or club soda.
- Instead of the fancy mocha drink, choose a small latte made with nonfat milk and topped with cinnamon, which is about a quarter of the calories.
Squishy
Instead of this: Jelly-like candies or even kids’ “fruit” snacks might sound like squishy fun in your mouth, but other options pack more nutrition.
Try munching on this:
- Fresh grapes are sweet and juicy; freeze them for a few minutes for a fun texture.
- Make tapioca pudding with squishy tapioca pearls; follow the directions on the box. Use only half the amount of sugar or a noncaloric sweetener and fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk.
- Cherry tomatoes and room-temperature string cheese are squishy, stringy fun.
Crispy
Instead of this: Fresh, hot French fries may have the crispy texture that you may crave, but they can come with a lot of extra sodium, saturated fat and calories that you don’t need.
Try munching on this:
- Choose small red or white potatoes and cut them in half, toss with a little olive oil, sprinkle with your favorite herbs and roast in the oven or cook in an air fryer.
- Eat a crisp apple, such as a Braeburn, Honey Crisp, Fuji or Gala.
- Enjoy some fresh, vegetable sticks such as carrots, celery, or peppers.
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WE WANT YOUR PHOTOS
What are you doing for fun?
What new hobbies have you started?
What adventures have you been on?
Please share your photos and a short description
with Lisa Adkins (ladkins@penquis.org).
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Home Ownership Counselor and Educator Team Lead Heather Massow participated in The Biggest Little Golf Tournament 2026 with UCU and Special Olympics. Their team dressed up as the Village People. | Administrative Services Manager Lisa Adkins spent some time in a sunflower field and loved every minute of its peace and beauty. | | |
We hope you enjoyed this edition and that
you'll stay current with us!
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