Our speaker last Thursday was Paul Linet, founder and president at 3i Housing of Maine. 3i HoME is a Maine based nonprofit working to address the need for more accessible, affordable, and supportive housing so adults with physical limitations can live independently.  The 3i Home project hopes to provide ideas and support for those needing physical assistance in their homes.

Paul and his pediatrician wife faced this very challenge when in her young adulthood his wife was diagnosed with a neurological disease usually requiring care in a nursing facility. Adamant to provide for his wife at home they began an inspirational journey to adapt home care to the needs of a person with significant physical disability. His wife passed in 2016, but Paul remains committed to extending what they learned to help others find suitable care at home within the community. 

His current project addresses independence, innovation, and integration providing for affordable adapted housing. His current project of a multilevel apartment projected to break ground in 2026 is in Scarborough. He also is working on a caring community design which could accommodate multiple cottages on adjoining property allowing for care and independence in more rural areas. Affordability is a primary focus hoping to address low income as well as low middle income persons. However, this design evolves, the goal remains to live “SAFE AT HOME!”

Our holiday energy was evident tonight as we gathered to hear announcements, and welcome guests (Paul Linet, Doug Lockwood, and Conxa’s husband, Jordi del Rio).

This week we are having our Rotary Christmas Party and invite all to dress for the occasion in Christmas finery or Christmas PJ’s, or Ugly sweaters, whatever defines your Christmas finery. Please bring an appetizer or a desert to share.  Bring a wrapped Yankee Swap gift of $15 worth to share in the fun. And invite friends, family, we'll welcome anyone who would like to join in this fun to attend, but they will need a Yankee Swap gift too. The Barn is still open, a good place for that kind of shopping. 

There will be no meetings for the following two Thursdays. We will meet in the first week of January.