One of the highlights of my work week is organizing the weekly gathering of handicrafters that meets at the library on Friday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon. These talented individuals bring knitting, crocheting, tatting, sewing or whatever project they are currently working on or simply chat and share creative tips. When the pandemic closed […]
Courier Opinion
Posted inBiddeford-Saco-OOB Courier, Kennebunk Post, Southern Maine Weeklies
From Augusta – Celebrating Presidents Day, protecting our democracy
In February, we celebrate Presidents Day and honor two of the most well-known presidents in American history: George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Last month, while I was reflecting on the anniversary of the Jan. 6 riots in Washington, D.C., I turned to Washington and Lincoln. Although America is very divided in 2022, both Washington and […]
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Posted inBiddeford-Saco-OOB Courier, Southern Maine Weeklies
Look no further than Libby Library for entertainment, enrichment, and inspiration
The other day a patron was checking out his books, and he commented, “It’s quiet in here.” Quick on her feet, our library assistant responded, “Well, it is a library.” It was good for a laugh, and if laughter is the best medicine, those belly-guffaws are extra important, especially these days. While it may be […]
Posted inBiddeford-Saco-OOB Courier, Southern Maine Weeklies
Learn about mushrooms on Feb. 3
Wintergreen is a beautiful low growing, glossy green plant that grows along many hiking trails in southern Maine. My one amazing trail trick is to pull a few leaves, break them gently to release the wonderful aroma and thus, astound my friends with my knowledge of woodland plants. Alas, that is one of the few […]
Posted inBiddeford-Saco-OOB Courier, Southern Maine Weeklies
Capitalism is great! Except …
You would be hard-pressed to find an organization that is more bullish on our capitalist economic system than the Biddeford & Saco Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Providing incentives for people to do their best by following their passions and applying their work ethic and skills has resulted in progress, innovation and dramatically improved standards […]
Posted inBiddeford-Saco-OOB Courier, Southern Maine Weeklies
Ruralist Lament: The week that was
It’s winter here on the farm. Nothing to do but feed the stove, review seed catalogs, try to get over my Omicron infection and pan for news nuggets in the frigid, murky (main)stream of media. The week began in holiday-mode with the rote recognition of Martin Luther King Day. Dr. King, being safely dead was […]
Posted inBiddeford-Saco-OOB Courier, Scarborough Leader, Southern Maine Weeklies
Meeting the moment in the nation’s capital
When I think of 2021, the phrase “meeting the moment” comes to mind. It was uttered countless times this past year by my colleagues in Congress, by the press, and by constituents all over the nation. But what does that really mean? Let’s take stock. The year started with a horrifying assault on our democracy. After hours […]
Posted inBiddeford-Saco-OOB Courier, Southern Maine Weeklies
Winter: The season of detail
Here we are once again in the grip of winter, and at first glance, the natural world around us can seem pretty bleak and uninteresting. The landscape has been drained of color, its canvas wiped clean as though nature were unhappy with its first attempt and is pondering another approach, another viewpoint. And that’s exactly […]
Posted inBiddeford-Saco-OOB Courier, Scarborough Leader, Southern Maine Weeklies
Ask the Realtor
Question: What determines a legal bedroom in a home? Sophia J., Old Orchard Beach Answer: Sophia, great question and there is a lot of misinformation on that. The traditional definition was if the room had a closet and was not a pass-through to another room. Today, two main things determine a legal bedroom in a […]
Posted inBiddeford-Saco-OOB Courier, Southern Maine Weeklies
Helping Maine seniors stay in their homes
In Maine the housing affordability crisis is complex, particularly for our seniors. One part of the problem is that rising home values are raising property tax valuations, which become tougher and tougher burdens for our seniors — many of whom live on fixed, low incomes. In response to this, after many years of advocating to […]