The Current - September 28, 2026 Edition Now Available!

The Current

September 28, 2026

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Pay Increase Effective October 5th

A new pay scale will take effect on Monday, October 5, 2026. This scale includes a 3.25% market adjustment that applies uniformly to all pay rates, unless otherwise specified. You will see this increase reflected in your paycheck on October 22, 2026. If you have any questions, please reach out to Human Resources.

The Board of Directors is committed to ensuring our wages and salaries remain competitive with the market. This adjustment helps us stay aligned with other employers in our service area.

HR Director Danielle Goodale

Manage Your Earned Time

Penquis Employee Advisory Council Minutes

Penquis 2027 Benefits

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.)

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.

New Facilities Manager

🍰 Save the Date: Rape Response Services Dessert Auction

Get ready for an evening of delicious desserts and a great cause! Rape Response Services will host its annual Dessert Auction on November 20, 2026, at 6:00 PM, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Bangor.

The Dessert Auction is a fun opportunity to gather with colleagues and community members, enjoy some incredible tasty treats, and support the work of Rape Response Services.

Mark your calendar now—more details are coming soon!

Saving Money in Today's Financial Environment:

Small Steps Can Make a Big Difference

Basic Household and

Personal Hygiene Items Needed!

Our inventory is currently very low!

Please reach out to Lisa Adkins if you'd like to make a donation.

(Click on the image below for more information.)

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.

(Click on the image below for more information.)

If you (or someone you know) are interested in this free table,

please reach out to Dale Lee. First come, first served.

The STARS Committee

Sprinkling Goodness

Staff Thanking Appreciating & Recognizing Staff

Members of the Stars Committee delivered sweet treats to the staff at

the Morton Avenue location.

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

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.

We Walked Across Canada!

162 employees signed up for our Walk Across Canada challenge. Inspired by Agency Day speaker Joe Roberts, our goal was to virtually walk from St. John’s to Vancouver. 116 employees made it the whole way and will receive one of the following prizes: a Penquis beach towel, a Penquis cooler bag, or an Irving gas card. Congratulations to everyone who took part in the challenge!

HR Manager & Wellness Committee Chair Kim Johnson