As the holiday season approaches, I find myself reflecting on my experiences with it during my past decade in Maine. The internal conflict of whether to fully embrace December festivities, especially Christmas, or maintain a certain distance as some in my immigrant community do, remains an ongoing theme. Despite this struggle, I’ve discovered aspects of […]
Forecaster opinion
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: The oldest state needs more senior living options
Maine is not an easy place to grow old, which is weird. After all, we continue to be the oldest state in the nation by population. You’d think it would be Florida or Nevada – but nope. It’s us. You’d think, therefore, that we would have a plethora of elder care options, ways to make the […]
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Posted inForecaster Opinion, The Forecaster
Brunswick Superintendent’s Notebook: Outreach class gets students engaged in their communities
“You make a living by what you get; you make a life by what you give,” is often attributed to Winston Churchill. However, a search of over 2.5 million words by and about Churchill in the Churchill Centre’s research database fails to show that he ever spoke or wrote those words. Nonetheless, it’s at the […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Budgets reflect values – how are we doing?
Thanksgiving behind us, we are now legitimately within the holiday season which, as it happens, is also budget season. At least for some of us. The thing about budgets is they are more than just dollars and cents. They are value statements. Those of us who have served in the nonprofit sector are steeped in […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Through My Lens: Appreciating both Somali and American ways of giving thanks
When asked about how immigrants celebrate Thanksgiving, I find myself reflecting on the rich tapestry of traditions within my own community. Many of my community members celebrate by cooking in their homes, but the menu diverges from the typical American fare of turkey, stuffing and apple pie. Instead, we indulge in a typical Somali meal […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Thankful to live in world with everyday heroes
There’s a meme that’s been making the rounds of the internet for a few years now: “Not all heroes wear capes.” How true that is. Granted, usually the meme is employed in service to something witty or ironic, like for a kid who figures out how to save their younger sibling from having to eat […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Forum: Guns are not the problem, but ban AR-15s
Right up front, a disclaimer: I’m a proud card-carrying member of the NRA. I own two guns. One is a .22 caliber Savage Arms rifle with a scope and a 10-round magazine. The other is a Ruger .380 semi-automatic handgun, which has a 6-round clip. And I hold a concealed-carry firearm permit from the state […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Shut the barn door on data breach
It’s the season for taking stock and being grateful, and I am so ready. I am all set for a seasonal reflection, family gatherings, decking halls and whatnot, but given the late breaking headlines, we have to make a small detour first – to cyber crime. Obviously, I would prefer to not have my identity […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion, The Forecaster
Portland Superintendent’s Notebook: Five-year goals in the works amid a busy month
While I want to jump right into an update on our strategic planning process, my head and heart are still processing the devastation of the shootings in Lewiston. I hope everyone in our community has had the opportunity to check in on their loved ones, hug their kids and take a breath. The Portland Public […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion, Northern Forecaster, The Forecaster
Forum: What makes Falmouth’s village center a village?
What’s in a word? When it describes the center of a community developed intentionally over 37 years, it matters a lot. When the word is “village,” height and style matter, too. Falmouth’s village as depicted on signage and its village center ordinances have such a history dating to at least the 1986 Route 1 Study. […]