I chaired the Cumberland Affordable Housing Task Force. We delivered our report to the council on Jan. 23, 2023. The task force consisted of 10 Cumberland residents who volunteered to undertake this task. Starting in July 2022, we worked very hard on this complex issue delivering a unanimous report reflecting members’ mutual respect, collaboration, problem […]
Forecaster opinion
Posted inCoastal Journal, The Forecaster
Brunswick Superintendent’s Notebook: Here’s a preview of what’s driving new school budget
We may have just entered 2024, but at the Brunswick School Department, we are already working on the FY 2025 school budget. And while there will be an opportunity for the community to share their thoughts with the school board at a public forum and workshop Feb. 28, I wanted to give you a preview […]
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Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Kick off Black History Month with Ashley Bryan’s truths and joy
There’s no way one month alone, even if it was a regular-length month like June, or even a full 31 days like August, could do justice to the historical contributions made by people of color. Therefore, we should definitely ease up on our expectations for poor little “shortest month of the year” February in its […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Through My Lens: Skating my way into a deeper connection with Maine
Engaging in winter sports is about more than just the activities – it’s about the connections, the community, the friends and the conversations. I’ve come to realize that finding enjoyable outdoor activities can truly transform the long and sometimes isolating season into something fun. Skiing at Sugarloaf in past years brought me joy, but there’s […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: The fight to save the Frank J. Wood Bridge? Please stop
Wow, we really took a thumping in this last round of storms. I’ve been transfixed by the images of Reid State Park and Popham Beach. These places I know well have been transformed into unrecognizable landscapes. We are facing a lot of damage, a lot of cleanup and a lot of questions. As bad as […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Thank MLK Jr. for workers’ rights advocacy, too
Martin Luther King Jr. day is one of the most important holidays on our collective calendar. This year, I was unprepared. This year, instead of rereading his works and reflecting on the call to action, I reread the dosage information on the backs of various cold medications and reflected on home remedies. Because I have […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Through My Lens: Conservatives too quick to pin labels on immigrants
Criticizing Donald Trump’s actions and words, advocating for justice and equality, and standing against white supremacy in our communities does not imply the endorsement of a specific political party. In today’s polarized landscape, labels are attached to everything. Immigrants advocating for their communities are often unfairly branded as “liberals,” “Democrats” or part of “The Left.” […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion, The Forecaster
Portland Superintendent’s Notebook: Strategic planning headway and inspirational student work
The start of the new year and the upcoming budget make this a good time to give you an update on where we are in the process of developing our strategic plan. This five-year plan will help ensure that we continue to offer the quality education all Portland students deserve. We’ve been actively engaged in […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion, The Forecaster
RSU 5 Superintendent’s Notebook: Fulfilling district’s goals a key focus of second half of year
As we change the calendar from December to January, we have an opportunity to reflect on the previous year. Although we have much to celebrate, during the first few months of the school year we were faced with challenges that had a profound impact on our children and families. A swastika, a symbol of hate […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Nothing prevents Maine from falling into abyss, except for us
I fell in love with Maine, deeply and profoundly in love with Maine, the moment I moved here in the summer of ’89, just shy of my 18th birthday. Yes, I admit, my head was filled with visions of hand-knit sweaters around a campfire, of “living the good life” in full Nearing fashion. But then […]