The Brennan & Rogers, PLLC Journal 
March 2020 Edition
Our one year Anniversary issue!
Daylight Savings Reminder!
Just a friendly reminder to move your clocks forward on
Sunday March 8, 2020!
The Newest Inductees to the “Sandwich Generation”
The term “sandwich generation” was coined to refer to baby boomers who were taking care of their parents while also having young children of their own; however, it is no longer baby boomers who hold this distinction. What steps can the new generation take to help alleviate the stress of the added responsibilities that Baby Boomers may not have?
Seniors- take the stress out of tax season with free tax prep!

Seniors and retirees should know that they may be able to use online tax preparation software free of charge. Most low- and middle-income Americans also qualify for free help but do not take advantage of it. And all seniors are eligible for free counseling assistance from the IRS.
If you are looking for some help locally, there are multiple clinics in our area sponsored by 
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide  running now to April 15, 2020. 
March Awareness
Brain Injury Awareness Month
From its humble beginnings of a gathering of a handful of people by the invitation of Drs. Martin and Marilyn Price Spivack , what began as the National Head Injury Foundation (NHIF) on September 23, 1980 in Massachusetts became in 1995 what is known today as the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) today. In that time span, the BIAA had a hand in advancements such as:
Former President George H.W. Bush declaring the 90's as the "Decade of the Brain" and signing the Americans with Disabilities Act , 
Senator Edward M. Kennedy introducing the Traumatic Brain Injury Act and being enacted in 1996 by Former President Bill Clinton, 
The Supreme Court decision of Olmstead v. L.C. & E.W recognizing that "services should be provided in the most integrated (rather than least restrictive) environment possible. This decision paves the way for great expansion of home and community-based services for all individuals with disabilities, including individuals with brain injury." in 1999. The list goes on from there through the present day with initiatives at the federal levels that create positive waves worldwide.

An acquired brain injury, either traumatic or non-traumatic, is devastating. Unlike muscles or bones, neurons do not repair themselves. This month also highlights the need for having estate planning documents, such as Advance Healthcare Directive and Powers of Attorney , in place.


National Nutrition Month
The A cademy of Nutrition and Dietetics began in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1917. The drive of these women, including Lenna F. Cooper and President Lulu C. Graves, was in "helping the government conserve food and improve the public's health and nutrition during World War I." Over a century later, the Academy encompasses "over 100,000 credentialed practitioners-registered dietitian nutritionists, dietetic technicians, registered, and other dietetics and nutrition professionals holding undergraduate and advanced degrees in nutrition and dietetics, and students." They aim to improve the nation's health by shaping the publics' food choices in research, education, and advocacy. In 1930, the term "dietician" was adopted and used at the White House Conference for Child Health and protection, In October of 1940, the official seal of the American Dietetic Association was adopted. The Handbook of Diet Therapy, what we would now compare it to the Nutrition Care Manual, was published and used as a college textbook and reference for hospital dietary departments in 1946. As they continued their work through the next thirty years, National Nutrition month was first celebrated in March of 1980. The board of directors met with the Obama Administration in 2010 to discuss Former First Lady Michelle Obama's goal of ending childhood obesity within the next generation. Celebrating their centennial celebration in 2017, they are not stopping at their vision of "A world where all people thrive through the transformative power of food and nutrition."

Local Happenings

A Matter of Balance Workshops

When: Beginning on Thursday, March 19 and ending May 14 from 10:15 am to 12:15 pm.

Southern Maine Agency on Aging, in collaboration with York Hospital, present a Matter of Balance Workshops here at the Graves Library in Kennebunk beginning on Thursday, March 19 and ending May 14 from 10:15 am to 12:15 pm. This eight week workshop is meant to help older adults identify balance and strength concerns, to empower seniors to promote active independence through awareness of risks, and to share resources related to fall prevention for them and their families. Pre-registration is required. Please contact the Southern Maine Agency on Aging at (207) 396-6578  or (800) 427-7411 to get your name on the list.


Maine Maple Sunday 2020

When: Statewide March 22, 2020

Maine Maple Sunday is always the fourth Sunday in March although some sugarhouses are offering events for both Saturday and Sunday. Most sugarhouses offer free maple syrup samples and demonstrations on how pure Maine maple syrup is made. Many farms offer games, activities, treats, sugarbush tours, music, and so much more. This truly is a quintessential event in Maine that everyone, young and old, can enjoy.


Welcome to Medicare Seminars

When: The last Wednesday of each month (this month it is March 25), from 2:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m., at the York Public Library Community Room, 15 Long Sands Road, York, Maine.

Southern Maine Agency on Aging, in collaboration with York Hospital, offer free seminars for community members who are eligible for Medicare or who have questions.
Welcome to Medicare Seminars offer participants valuable information presented in plain and understandable language. These seminars will cover all of the important basics you need to know as well as options that may be useful as you make your enrollment decisions. Pre-registration is required; please call SMAA at  (207) 396-6524 to sign up.
Important note regarding COVID-19 related to the importance of having Healthcare Directives and Powers of Attorney in place
How to protect yourself and others!
The most current information available suggests the most effective way to protect ourselves, at this time, is by simply washing your hands. Believe it or not, there is a correct way to do it. Our December Newsletter featured National Handwashing Awareness Week and explained the proper method of washing your hands along with other vital information. We didn't know at the time just how relevant this information would be. Read our December issue below and view our archives on our website. We also invite you to forward our December newsletter to help spread awareness about the importance of proper hand washing.
As fears spread about the coronavirus, possible quarantines and the possible impacts it could have on clients raise questions in my mind about the use of fundamental estate planning tools such as powers of attorney and advance health care directives. In some instances in the past, delaying the effective date of powers until incapacity made sense. In recent years, that has become the exception rather than the norm for a number of reasons. The norm today, by all accounts, is to have powers of attorney and health care powers take effect immediately. Ensuring that those powers and any health directives are up to date, makes more sense than ever when a community is faced with a health concern. Simple steps, like washing your hands, having basic supplies available and having routine legal documents in place are common sense things to do to be prepared. Many hospitals make health care powers freely available. You don't have to use an attorney but some people do as part of a complete plan. If you do nothing else, consider obtaining and executing a health care directive.
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279 York Street
P.O. Box 467
York, Maine 03909

207-361-4680

Monday - Friday: 9 am - 5 pm
Saturday: By appointment
Sunday: Closed

*Satellite office located in   Kennebunk, ME   is staffed for scheduled appointments made through 
the York office only *
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Brennan & Rogers, PLLC
279 York Street (PO Box 467) 
York, ME 03909 207-361-4680 
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