May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it’s time to raise awareness in the immigrant community about the importance of mental health and end the stigma surrounding both mental illness and seeking professional help for it. As a Somali immigrant in Maine, I understand the challenges of navigating mental health in a new community. In […]
Forecaster opinion
Posted inForecaster Opinion, The Forecaster
Brunswick Superintendent’s Notebook: Schools taking kids, classrooms outside
Remember how much we enjoyed class field trips? Whether it was a trip to the Museum of Science or a day at the beach studying the tidal pools with our classmates, it was fun and exciting to spend time outside of the classroom. And we learned a few things as well. Here in the Brunswick […]
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Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Men of yore loved high heels – for themselves
In my ordinary, day-to-day life I tend to venture out into the world wearing sensible, comfortable, “up for an adventure” footwear. Jodhpur boots and tennis shoes are my go-to look. However, into each life some special occasions must fall. When the call for “Sunday best” goes out, I will step up and into some heels […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Forum: Patriotism not limited to one party, so stop throwing stones
I am writing in response to the Forum titled “Patriotism is not loyalty to one person” by Susan Chichetto, printed in these newspapers the week of April 23. Indeed. Perhaps one could also add “nor to one party.” That article is a classic example of projection, or placing your own negative traits or unwanted emotions […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: A reminder that Nazis are still the bad guys
I really want to talk about the recent neo-Nazi march and rally that happened in Portland. The thing is, I don’t get it. I don’t get how it is that we must once again say, out loud, that Nazis are the bad guys. If you don’t have the time to do the deep dive into […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Through My Lens: Signs of spring are a privilege to be valued and preserved
Spring is a time of beauty, renewal and reflection. As a resident of Maine, I am fortunate to witness the signs of spring all around me – the return of birds, the growth of plants and the trees bursting with new leaves. For many of us, this season is a much-needed respite from the cold […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Forum: Patriotism is not loyalty to one person
When we were children we used to play a guessing game with the first question being, “Person, place or thing?” We used to know the difference between those choices. Apparently we have gotten stupider with age; otherwise we would know that a person is not a place and a place is not usually a thing. […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Maine’s meteorite could hold secrets for scientists
Science is just so cool. Every day, all around us, the most astounding things are going on and being discovered. Despite the woes and worries of this modern age, we are also living in a time when technology has enabled us to bear witness to wonders undreamed of before, from atomic structures to the deaths […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion, The Forecaster
Portland Superintendents’ Notebook: Let’s work together to ensure a successful school budget
June 13 is when Portland residents will vote on a school budget for the 2023-24 school year. Each year, a public referendum concludes our collaborative budget process. “Collaborative” describes something that is accomplished by working together with others. That’s exactly how the Portland Public Schools develops a school budget every year. We began the FY24 […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion, Northern Forecaster, The Forecaster
RSU 5 Superintendent’s Notebook: A look into budget priorities for new year
The RSU 5 board of directors has worked diligently to develop a budget that is focused on the goals of the district and the needs of our students while remaining responsive to the needs of our taxpayers. The board of directors’ proposed operating budget for FY 24 is $39,080,569, which is an overall increase of […]