The journey of an asylum seeker is one filled with peril and risk, spanning continents, difficulties and, often, traumatic events. From the turmoil of their countries of origin to the looming threats of persecution, violence and detention, these people embark on a perilous quest to find safety in our towns and cities. Despite the complexities […]
Forecaster opinion
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Maine By Foot is one of best ways to enjoy it
It is beautiful out there right now. The rains are easing up a bit, the sun is out, but not too hot. It doesn’t get much better than this, folks. I hope you and yours are able to get out there and enjoy this weather before summer is nothing but a memory. At the start […]
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Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Fair season good time to support, celebrate farmers
I have a lot of favorite times of the year, I know, but this right here, the stretch we are just sliding into? This is probably my “most favorite” favorite. That’s right, it is agriculture fair time. I don’t want to give the wrong impression: I don’t actually make a circuit of them all (though, […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Forum: Pine Tree Power? Are we losing our minds?
There is a current effort to replace Central Maine Power, or rather Avangrid and Enmax, as our provider of electricity in Maine. As many know, or don’t know, CMP manages the delivery of the electricity by maintaining the power lines, utility poles and the transfer stations. They do not produce electricity. Avangrid and Enmax provide […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Through My Lens: New Mainers, get outside, enjoy state to fight neo-Nazi message
This summer has become a summer of resistance for me. I’m exercising that resistance by camping in Trenton and hiking at Acadia National Park. For Black individuals and immigrants in the state, the march of neo-Nazis in Portland in April continues to cause distress and concern. The Nationalist Social Club march, demanding protection for the […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Bob Barker’s signoff still stands: spay or neuter your pets
When I was a kid, staying home sick from school meant getting tucked in on the couch with ginger ale, saltine crackers and game shows on the TV. I wasn’t allowed a lot of TV, so it seemed extra special, sort of a cosmic equalizer for the horrors of the flu. These memories are deep. […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Consumer-owned utility would be powerful improvement
This week’s column almost didn’t make it in because the power went out. Again. Power outages are an inconvenience for me. They are life-threatening for others. The irony of it going out literally moments after I had opened my Central Maine Power bill to find an astronomical leap in cost was not lost on me. […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Yes, it’s possible to end homelessness with some creativity
In theater improv, there is a grand tradition of the “Yes/And” practice. That is, if one actor suggests something or asks a question to another, the other actor may not say “no.” They must instead run with “yes, and…” using whatever unforeseen, unplanned, tricky or even ridiculous notion tossed out there to build upon for […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Through My Lens: To enjoy local beauty without cars, we need more sidewalks
We need to address the lack of sidewalks in the Yarmouth, Falmouth and Cumberland areas. As an enthusiastic runner and cyclist, I have come to cherish the beauty of our communities, but I am deeply concerned about the safety risks I and others face when navigating certain routes. Specifically, I often find myself doing long […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion, The Forecaster
Portland Superintendent’s Notebook: Listening and learning to get to know Portland Public Schools
I am honored to join the Portland Public Schools community as the new superintendent. As I transition into the district, I look forward to listening and learning from all members of our community. Throughout the selection process, I had the opportunity to engage with students, families, staff and community members. While everyone answered the “What […]