A school’s office is the center of the school, the place that enables the rest of the school to function. It’s where students, staff and families go to get a multitude of needs and wants met. That’s why the people who run those offices – our school secretaries – are truly the heart of each […]
Forecaster opinion
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Here’s Something: Lakeside living is so overrated
For years, and especially during the pandemic, lakefront real estate throughout Maine has boomed as urbanites and suburbanites, especially from the wealthier greater Portland area, seek peace and quiet for their weekend and vacation retreats. Generations of Mainers have looked to lakeside camps in the Lakes Region and elsewhere for solace, but that solace is […]
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Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: Staying power
Hello, summer! Not usually my most favorite season, I find that I am really looking forward to this one. All my friends are posting graduation photos of their kids, school is on the verge of letting out, and, thanks to vaccination rates on the rise, families are able to gather again. There is hope. I’ve […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Life Unwound: Out of the mouths of babes
I sit at a diner munching salad and overhear a young boy in the next booth ask, “Dad, can I have some fries and do you see that rainbow flag over there?” “Yes, Donny, and yes.” “If I wanted to learn to sew, would that be OK?” “Sure, why?” “Well, when I played at Jimmy’s, […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: Class of ’21 has rallied in the face of uncertainty
Oh, gracious! Here we are at graduation time again! This year … well, it’s a bit odd this year, isn’t it? Arguably, last year was even stranger. For most of the academic year, everything was tooling along as per normal, and then wham! Right before graduation and in the space of a few weeks, really, […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Through My Lens: Some low-income students could not make the grade during pandemic
Many low-income families are not celebrating graduation this year. Graduation photos are all over social media these past few weeks, with students seemingly looking happier and stronger as they emerge out of the pandemic. On Sunday, June 6, I had the opportunity to be the keynote speaker for my town’s high school graduation. Yarmouth High […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Forum: Urge your legislators to support recycling reform in Maine
It’s time to make recycling work for taxpayers, not corporations. Did you know that nearly 40% of our waste stream is made up of disposable packaging materials? These items are designed to be used for a short time and then discarded. Did you know that many Maine towns have had to shutter their recycling facilities […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion
Over Easy: You can’t get there from here
It has been almost a year since I voluntarily gave up my driver’s license and took the dramatic step of testing my faith to whoever is now in charge of such things. Personally, I prefer cold-hearted fate ruled by the law of karma, which can best be described as the law of physics applied to […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Here’s Something: What constitutes an ideal candidate for local office?
While November elections often attract most voters’ attention, early June in many communities throughout Maine also offers electioneering opportunities. Community-minded men and women throw their proverbial hats in the political ring and hope their fellow town residents choose them to serve on the town council, school board, planning board or budget committees. As a reporter […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: LGBTQ allies need some etiquette for Pride celebrations
June is, among other things, National Pride Month. Given that the pandemic is loosening its grip and mandates are being lifted, especially for outdoor gatherings, this should be a really good Pride, too. Everyone is feeling celebratory, and Pride is packed full of music, dancing and rainbows. But wait. Pause. If you are a proud […]