I sit at a diner munching salad and overhear a young boy in the next booth ask, “Dad, can I have some fries and do you see that rainbow flag over there?” “Yes, Donny, and yes.” “If I wanted to learn to sew, would that be OK?” “Sure, why?” “Well, when I played at Jimmy’s, […]
American Journal Opinion
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: Class of ’21 has rallied in the face of uncertainty
Oh, gracious! Here we are at graduation time again! This year … well, it’s a bit odd this year, isn’t it? Arguably, last year was even stranger. For most of the academic year, everything was tooling along as per normal, and then wham! Right before graduation and in the space of a few weeks, really, […]
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Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Through My Lens: Some low-income students could not make the grade during pandemic
Many low-income families are not celebrating graduation this year. Graduation photos are all over social media these past few weeks, with students seemingly looking happier and stronger as they emerge out of the pandemic. On Sunday, June 6, I had the opportunity to be the keynote speaker for my town’s high school graduation. Yarmouth High […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Forum: Urge your legislators to support recycling reform in Maine
It’s time to make recycling work for taxpayers, not corporations. Did you know that nearly 40% of our waste stream is made up of disposable packaging materials? These items are designed to be used for a short time and then discarded. Did you know that many Maine towns have had to shutter their recycling facilities […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Here’s Something: What constitutes an ideal candidate for local office?
While November elections often attract most voters’ attention, early June in many communities throughout Maine also offers electioneering opportunities. Community-minded men and women throw their proverbial hats in the political ring and hope their fellow town residents choose them to serve on the town council, school board, planning board or budget committees. As a reporter […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: LGBTQ allies need some etiquette for Pride celebrations
June is, among other things, National Pride Month. Given that the pandemic is loosening its grip and mandates are being lifted, especially for outdoor gatherings, this should be a really good Pride, too. Everyone is feeling celebratory, and Pride is packed full of music, dancing and rainbows. But wait. Pause. If you are a proud […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Life Unwound: My son showed me sexual orientation is not a choice
June: Pride Month. From the age of 2, my now-grown son would dress in my clothes, sneak into my makeup drawer and slather himself with colors and lipstick. He ran to avoid the soccer ball, once almost drowned in the ocean and hated sports. He preferred Broadway shows to hanging out with friends. I missed […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Through My Lens: Anti-vaxxers should spend week in camp with my mother
Earlier this month, I received my second and last dose of the Pfizer vaccine, and the first thing I thought of was how lucky I am. It only took 15 minutes, I was done and walked out to the parking lot to drive home. I called my mother to tell her how the process of […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: Financial safety net can be cast
Memorial Day is just around the corner. Created in the wake of the horrors of the Civil War as a time apart from the day-to-day routine to pause and honor the men and women who died in service, this day is important. However, falling as it does on the last Monday in May, in recent […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Forum: Support Mountain Division Trail legislation
Living next to it all my life, the Mountain Division Railway’s story is intertwined with my own. At age 3, I remember trying to greet the black steam engine rolling by before my parents yanked me back. In 1951, I rode the last passenger train to North Conway with my mother and sister – our […]