Housing, housing, housing! Everyone is talking about housing right now. It makes sense. Housing is a big need right now. “Need” is an interesting word to use as a place to start. What does a person “need” in a home? I think it probably varies by the person. There is “shelter,” and then there is […]
American Journal Opinion
Through My Lens: Traditions of the fleeting summer season connect us
Thank you, Maine, for another amazing summer. This summer, I joined a community of longtime Mainers, nestled in their cabins off the dirt roads of Shady Nook in Trenton. The driveways led to the peaceful Union River Bay, with a stunning view of Blue Hill where the sun set in golden hues behind the hill’s […]
Mainewhile: Where are you from? It’s a complicated question
“Where are you from?” Such an interesting question. On the one hand, I think it is absolutely fundamental to the human experience to ask this. It is rooted in the primal idea of “clan,” the big question of “friend or foe?” I think about all of the many cultures where when people meet, they greet […]
Election letters deadline
Letters to the Editor endorsing candidates in the Nov. 5 election must be limited to 150 words. The deadline for submission is noon Oct. 17. Email to: editor@theforecaster.net.
Letter: Ellie Sato has the experience to get to work in Augusta
This November, Gorham will elect a new state representative for District 109. I encourage you to join me in voting for Ellie Sato for state representative. Despite being several decades younger than her opponent, Ellie Sato is the more experienced candidate. Her experience working as a legislative aide in Augusta has uniquely prepared her for […]
Letter: Reelect Tim Nangle to improve nurse-to-patient ratios
Two years ago, Tim Nangle was elected as my state senator, representing parts of Westbrook, as well as Casco, Frye Island, Raymond and Windham. One of the reasons I’m supporting him for reelection is his work to improve nurse-to-patient ratios in Maine hospitals. As a former RN, I can attest to the legitimate impact of […]
Mainewhile: Life is a balance of loss, grief, joy and adjustments
Sept. 11 is a day of national mourning. This year marked the 23rd anniversary of the awful, sad, mind-boggling day when terrorists took so many lives. Moments in history like that, the big traumas, they leave a really big scar. You remember where you were. I was home, snuggled up with my not-quite-1-year-old baby. He […]
Forum: Tips for navigating big Medicare changes in 2025
The Inflation Reduction Act brings big changes to Medicare plans starting January 2025. Knowledge is key. Ninety percent of Medicare beneficiaries with prescription drug plans and Medicare Advantage plans will be affected. There is both good news and disruptive news. First, the good news: Starting in 2025, prescription medication costs will be capped at $2,000. […]
Mainewhile: How lucky Mainers are to host celebrities, two- and four-legged alike
Our state gets a lot of visitors. This is not news to anyone. After all, though we may think of ourselves as “the Pine Tree State,” our license plates proclaimed us “Vacationland” way back in 1936 – and it seems to have stuck. That’s fine. We are a gracious state, we roll out the pine […]
Through My Lens: It takes real courage to have an honest conversation about immigration
Sometimes, it takes real courage to have an honest conversation about immigration, even if that means sitting down with people who are suspicious, unsure or convinced that immigrants are brought in by Democrats to bolster their voter base. This conversation requires us to confront deep-rooted misconceptions and challenge the narratives that have been fed to […]