I ask Westbrook residents to vote yes to the revised school budget on July 16. Westbrook is losing teachers and support staff to other area districts because we are very uncompetitive on pay – as anyone who works in the school system can confirm. Everyone is feeling the bite of inflation; however, further cuts to […]
American Journal Opinion
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, Scarborough Leader, South Portland Sentry, The Forecaster
Through My Lens: Independence Day stories connect all of us
Maine’s newest communities bring with them a rich tradition of celebrating independence, rooted in emotional stories of local resistance against English, French and Italian colonizers back home. In Somalia, where independence was also commemorated this week, on July 1, survivors of the conflicts that drove out European colonizers share their experiences on radio broadcasts. While […]
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Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, Scarborough Leader, South Portland Sentry, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Celebrating the Fourth with Maine-made ice cream
Happy Fourth of July, everyone! This holiday is such an interesting one. It doesn’t follow the holiday norms. I mean, it’s not connected to a religious faith like Christmas, Rosh Hashanah or Eid. It isn’t tied to the seasons like a solstice or Thanksgiving. It is not connected with a national identity, like St. Patrick’s […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, Northern Forecaster, Portland Forecaster, Scarborough Leader, South Portland Sentry
Mainewhile: Rent-a-cat business may be answer to mouse problem
Built in the year 1818, my parents’ home is an utterly charming little post-and-beam Cape, set on the corner of two tiny roads in a rural Maine town. Surrounded by trees and meadow, it paints an idyllic picture and has welcomed, nurtured and cocooned the family for years now. Sit in it quietly, though, and […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, Scarborough Leader, South Portland Sentry, The Forecaster
Through My Lens: New Portland-Lewiston bus service a big relief for immigrants
The announcement of the new commuter bus service between Lewiston-Auburn and Portland starting in July is great news for Mainers, especially for the immigrant communities in the area. This new service from the state is a big step forward in improving transportation and promoting inclusivity in Maine. Transportation has always been a critical issue for […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, Scarborough Leader, South Portland Sentry, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: My mother’s deliberate life, and gender roles
I write to you all this week from my mother’s bedside. She’s in hospice care. These are our last few days together. I know. That’s a lot. I’m sorry I sprung that on you. As you might imagine, though, this is what I am thinking about right now, so this is the conversation. Well, sort […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Lakes Region Weekly, Northern Forecaster, Portland Forecaster, Scarborough Leader, South Portland Sentry, The Forecaster
Letter: Medicare should cover anti-obesity medication
Rural communities across Maine are grappling with growing disparities in accessing health care services. We are the nation’s oldest and most rural state, meaning issues related to health care impact Maine disproportionately. Having lived in both rural Maine and Cumberland County, I can attest to how these gaps are accelerating. Among the issues in closing […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, Scarborough Leader, South Portland Sentry, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: School’s out and I’ve got a summer syllabus
Lazy days and fishing holes, summer camp and cookouts. I grew up “knowing” this tradition dated back to the beginnings of our nation so kids could work the family farm. Alas, as with so many “truths” from my youth, that’s not quite it. In fact, our current school calendar is more of a hybrid compromise […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, Scarborough Leader, South Portland Sentry, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Curious minds just may find solution for ospreys
Dang it. If there is one thing I really hate, it is having a perfectly good rant ruined by facts. That is so profoundly annoying. I pass through Bath just about every day. For years and years I have loved watching the osprey that nest atop the power pole. Then, earlier this spring – the […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, Scarborough Leader, South Portland Sentry, The Forecaster
Through My Lens: Bittersweet memories of very real culture shock
You often hear the term “culture shock” when immigrants and native Mainers meet. It is one of my favorite topics, provoking bittersweet memories of my arrival in Maine and how I adapted. Merriam-Webster defines culture shock as “a sense of confusion and uncertainty sometimes with feelings of anxiety that may affect people exposed to an […]