On Jan. 4, while the new GOP Congress failed to even organize and elect a leader, Maine’s Legislature offered an inspiring reminder that the purpose of government is to serve the people. The Democratic-led 131st Legislature met the urgency of the moment by wasting no time in passing Gov. Janet Mills’ heating and energy relief […]
American Journal Opinion
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Through My Lens: Immigrant visits to small towns can be mutually beneficial
Visiting remote towns in Maine can be a wonderful way to discover new experiences. It is common for members of the immigrant communities to assume that the distant small towns – some as far as a six hour drive from their homes – will often be politically unwelcoming to them. While some of that may […]
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Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: How many times must power go out before we make changes?
Me here, checking in with all of you. How are you? Did you make it through the storm OK? Did your roof stay on and basement stay dry? Do you have power back yet? This storm made me aware of how lucky I am, and I am very aware that for those without a woodstove […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: Black cloud mindset good thing to lose for new year
Winter has officially arrived and I am uncomfortably aware that I have not been paying it as much attention as I usually do. Partly, I suppose, it is because it has been unseasonably warm – so that’s on you, winter. A lot of it, though, is because I’ve allowed myself to be so distracted by […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Life Unwound: Resolve to meditate even if you don’t want to
Christmas has passed, the portal of winter solstice behind us. Many of us ask, “now what?” Many of us make New Year’s resolutions. Many of my students and clients say, “In 2023, I will meditate. Never done it before but it’ll be good for me.” Or, “I tried it once and it didn’t work, but […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Through My Lens: May your Christmas be humble and bright
American Christmas is a whole new experience that requires some training for someone who is not used it. I have lived in the U.S. now through eight Christmases. I’ve learned a lot about the holiday celebration, including what Christmas music sounds like apart from other music, but I still struggle with knowing what a friend […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: Amtrak investing in future of rail? Bring it on
I am the daughter of “a train guy.” The decline of the rail in this country was one of his true, great sadnesses. I would never claim to be quite the fanatic Dad was, but I do love a good train. A lot of my favorite childhood memories, and almost all of my bucket list […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: Maybe cleaning up can help kids learn respect and more
Have you been watching the World Cup? I have. I have no idea who is actually going to win in terms of the tournament itself, but I do know who has already won everyone’s hearts: Japan. It started with a picture of the locker room that went viral. The usual post-game locker scene is a […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Life Unwound: Making sense of home for the holidays
Holiday ads on TV showcase beautifully decorated homes and at least a subtle message that it’s good to be “home for the holidays.” Yet “home” does not equal safety for all of us, for those raised in chaos or trauma. How do we make sense of “home,” whatever it meant or now means to us? […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, The Forecaster
Letter: Grateful for Westbrook couple’s tree donation
My congratulations and appreciation to Anne and Toby Nappi of Westbrook for their generous contribution of their magnificent fir tree, nurtured by them over these past 23 years and now gracing Portland’s Monument Square for the pleasure of us all. Thank you so much. Your Christmas will be merry. Loretta MacKinnon Yarmouth