Banned Books Week, the American Library Association’s annual celebration of the right to read, has come to a close. What a party it was! A book party is always a good idea: stirring up imaginations, starting conversations, providing inspiration. Shining a spotlight on attempts at censorship – that’s just extra fabulous. Recently, despite calling ourselves […]
Forecaster opinion
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Life Unwound: Maybe accepting ‘good enough’ is a superpower
We did it, my friend Sarah and I. She started it. I never would have. Too embarrassed. Not good enough. I should be better than I am, more advanced after all these years of studying French. On our walk on Portland’s wide-open panoramic Eastern Prom, big enough for all the mistakes we would make, spacious […]
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Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: One man’s ascent to a generosity of spirit
Back in college, one of the first items of clothing to become a mainstay of my new Acadia hiking life was my beloved gray henley-style snap Patagonia fleece. Granted, it didn’t start out as mine. It belonged to a friend. But after several “borrowings,” it eventually took up residence in my closet full time. I […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion
Portland Superintendent’s Notebook: Supporting the United Way helps students grow
Portland frequently makes national lists as one of the best places to live and work, but that’s not always true for everyone in our community. Opportunity gaps lead to some students struggling to succeed in school, hardworking families can’t afford housing and other basic necessities, and many of our fellow citizens suffer from preventable health […]
Posted inThe Forecaster
Letter: Kuhn’s work for library shows her leadership abilities
I met Amy Kuhn more than 10 years ago, when we served together on the Falmouth Memorial Library’s Board of Trustees. I’ve known her to be an unwavering supporter of the library in every possible way. I watched her step up while on the board every time she saw a need. Most importantly, Amy served […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Through My Lens: All in Maine, including immigrants, should take in fall splendor
In a few weeks the cooler temperatures of fall will start rolling in and I am itching for outdoor firepits and chilly nights, sipping hot chocolate and eating s’mores. Such an American thing, you say? In fact, during the rare rainy seasons in Somalia, we celebrated the start of rain by breaking out jackets and […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: Loan forgiveness benefits many more than just students
My parents are both children of the Great Depression. All through my childhood I heard stories about what that time of hardship was like. I heard about how hard it was to find food, about my grandmother buying cuts of meat for the family that she used to consider cat food, about my grandfather working […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion
Brunswick Superintendent’s Notebook: A busy summer equals a productive fall
When this time of year rolls around, I always think I smell freshly sharpened pencils at every turn. Like me, both students and their families are mentally gearing up for the new school year, but the fact is, preparations have been underway since June. Yes, it was a busy summer at the Brunswick School District. […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion
RSU 5 Superintendent’s Notebook: A new school year brings new beginnings
As a young child, I greeted each September with delight when I saw packages of pencils, notebook paper and other school supplies grace the shelves of the locally owned department store in my hometown. I patiently (or not so patiently!) counted down the days until my mother would take me by the hand to buy […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: Maine needs to increase ranks of firefighters
A few hours after typing this, I will park myself on a metal folding chair and settle in to watch my eldest son graduate from firefighting academy. I’m pretty proud of him. I fully own that there is some plain ol’ mama pride going on here, naturally, but this sort of thing is good for […]