Maine

Maine AgrAbility program staff worked the Maine Agricultural Trades Show in Augusta, ME, January 16-19. Staff conducted grip strength testing for attendees, as well as opportunities to test hand-eye coordination and balance. Over 300 attendees visited the booth and spoke with staff.

Program coordinator, Bella Russo, spoke on the "Health and Wellness" panel with other service providers about challenges specific to the farming, logging, and fishing industries in Maine. The panel was hosted by ME Dept of Agricultural, Conservation, and Forestry.

ME FishAbility participated in the biannual NACE/MAS conference in Portland, ME. This conference brings together aquaculturalists all over New England for education, resources, and support for the industry. Staff members Toni Small and Bella Russo hosted a movement session with the goal of sharing how to do large structural movements safely. Toni participated in a Workforce Safety panel hosted by Maine Aquaculture Association, as well as hosted "Tough Work, Smart Moves". This session focused on caring for working bodies and industrial athletes in coastal aquaculture. Maine Fishermen's Association, Labor Movement, and ME Fishability were part of this panel.

Submitted by Bella Russo