Here we go again. A few weeks ago, Paul LePage appeared alongside immigrants at their so-called “multicultural community center” in Portland, just a mile from where we stood to protest against him a few years back. This time, LePage seemed to present a different tone to rebrand himself the so-called “New LePage who is a […]
Forecaster opinion
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: Paving the way with constructive solutions
As I jounced and bounced my way into town, I found myself thinking about the state of our roads. It’s a good idea to be thinking about this while driving, because if your mind is on something else, anything else, you’re likely to come a cropper in a pothole large enough to house a small […]
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Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Life Unwound: Try not speaking words of wisdom: Let it be
Years ago, I spent a morning babysitting my 2½ year old grandson, Walker. His mother had suggested plenty of possible activities. We could use Play-Doh. We could read books or draw. We could go outside. I opted to let Walker decide. I would have no plan. I would go with what he chose and then […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion
Portland Superintendent’s Notebook: Time to celebrate school employees
This time of year serves as a reminder that “It takes a village to educate a child.” That’s because April and May have many days and weeks designated to recognize and honor a wide variety of school employees. These employees’ jobs are very different, but what they all have in common is that each plays […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion
RSU 5 Superintendent’s Notebook: COVID challenges far from over for students, teachers, parents
Maine reported its first COVID-19 case on March 12, 2020. This was followed in December 2021 with the omicron variant. Currently, the B2 variant is spreading throughout our schools. When the vaccines arrived in spring 2021, there was a sense of hope that the challenges of the virus would be over. Nothing is further from […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: Food for thought – support Maine farmers by eating local
When the skies are gray and the wind blows from the north, it doesn’t feel like spring. And yet, spring really is here. The chittering, twittering, raucous birds flitting all about the dooryard are proof positive. Saturday was the last pickup day of my family’s winter farm share at our local farm. Shout out to […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Through My Lens: Comfort with canines comes after dogged persistence
Adjusting to dogs was one of the biggest challenges I have met since moving to Maine from Somalia. When I was growing up watching Hollywood movies, I remember thinking that people own dogs for their own protection. That dogs bite burglars if they try to break in. And dogs are supposed to protect the property […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: Restrictions are relaxed, so let the show go on
As we in Maine are beginning to emerge from winter’s icy clutches, the possibilities of spring seem particularly tantalizing. Please do not mistake me; I am grateful for the forced introspection and quiet winter brings. I appreciate having to slow down, stay in with a good book and be reminded that nature is just so […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Life Unwound: Reading aloud to kids requires pace of pleasure
Years ago, my 4-year-old granddaughter picked a 10-by-10-inch colorful book from her overflowing bookshelf. She jumped with it, cuddled up to me and we snuggled together. We studied the smiling boy on the cover of “If I Built a House” by Maine author and illustrator Chris Van Dusen. I asked, “See the face of the […]
Posted inThe Forecaster
Brunswick Superintendent’s Notebook: Time for Brunswick schools to plan ahead
For some, the words “strategic plan” represents a bureaucratic exercise with little practical application – a tome that ultimately collects dust. For others, strategic planning means a Herculean task, a ton of time and a committee no one wants to be on. In reality, strategic plans provide a framework and a road map that keep […]