It put a grin on my face to see the rainbow crosswalk appear in downtown Brunswick just in time for Pride Month, which is celebrated in June each year. What a joyful way to make clear that our community is a welcoming space. Anticipating some of the letters that are about to head my way, […]
Forecaster opinion
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Through My Lens: The conversation about gun violence should begin at home
It is time parents start talking to their kids about gun violence by using examples from parents in war-torn countries. I grew up during the civil war in Somalia. Weapons were everywhere – all kinds of them, easily available for young men like myself. Yet, guns were never allowed at home; we were not permitted […]
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Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: Dam removal allows fish to go with the flow
Before we moved to this neck of the woods, my kids and I lived a few hours up the coast in the town of Surry. It is where my kids were born, where they grew up, where their deepest friendships were forged. Mine, too. We love living down here, but in many ways, when we […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Life Unwound: Pregnancy takes two – treat both genders equally
Years ago, I counseled a young couple, both more aware than most about the risks and rewards of sexual activity. They asked lots of questions. I listened. They both talked. “We want this. We don’t want that. This makes sense to us, but how does that make sense?” They used the pronouns “we” and “us.” […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Through My Lens: A proud American reports from abroad
I sit in a Starbucks sipping an Americano in Limerick, Ireland, as I write this piece. The music in the background is American jazz. It’s almost entirely like sitting in a Starbucks in the United States except I have to say, “I am from the United States,” when the barista asks where I am from. […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Sustainably Speaking: Taking action with others can battle despair
It’s all too much: COVID’s sly resurgence, the war in Ukraine, the controversy over Roe v. Wade, the threats to democracy, the cost of an apple. And then there’s the climate crisis. The U.N. secretary-general, the pope and 244 scientists from all over the world warn in a recent report from the Intergovernmental Panel on […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: Bath park has gone to the dogs – and that’s a good thing
This is a note of pure love to the city of Bath for its fantastic dog park. Technically, the South End Park is “a multi-purpose park that also allows dogs off-leash but in voice command,” so even if you don’t have a dog, this park welcomes you and has amenities to offer. For those of […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: Sunday should remain a day free of hunting
This past weekend, the youngest came home from his first year of college. I’ve been making my peace with the empty nest as best I can, but it’s no secret that I am overjoyed to have him back in the house, even if it is just for this one summer. I’ve been planning our time […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Life Unwound: A room of one’s own inspires creativity
People create – whether works of art, simple meals or woodpiles chopped and stacked. In these special places that also provide comfort, we receive intuitive messages and birth our imagination. Writers sit at desks to write. Woodworkers bustle around their shops. Crafters lean over their workbenches. Composers delight at their pianos. We enter our meaning-making […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion
Portland Superintendent’s Notebook: Class of 2022 met challenges presented by COVID
High school graduation season is my favorite time of year. From their first day of preschool, our goal as educators is to ensure students succeed as learners. Seeing them graduate from high school is as gratifying to us as it is to them. I will be particularly proud to see the Portland Public Schools Class […]