Walls, like fences, make good neighbors, according to Robert Frost. But historically, it seems too often walls were built to keep people either out or in; they were relics of the past that lose their meaning while time moves on. What set me off thinking was an article about the revenue made in Maine since […]
Forecaster opinion
Posted inForecaster Opinion
Superintendent’s Notebook: The willow’s strength
“The oak fought the wind and was broken, the willow bent when it must and survived.” – Robert Jordan In RSU 5, the staff has remained flexible throughout this extremely challenging pandemic year, which has allowed our students and staff to not only survive but to emerge stronger. Like the tall, deciduous willow trees, there […]
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Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Through My Lens: Maine should welcome more refugees
President Biden last week raised the cap on refugees coming to the United States to 62,500 over the next six months. While the decision fulfills the United States’ important humanitarian mission, the resettlement of refugees also provides significant economic benefits to places in our country whose population is aging. Maine is a good example. Its […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: Getting in tune with animal cultures
We in our society have been having a lot of really interesting conversations of late. At the core of some of the most important is the notion of “cultural competency.” According to the American Psychological Association, cultural competency may be “loosely defined as the ability to understand, appreciate and interact with people from cultures or […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Here’s Something: Portland’s Evergreen Cemetery reflects Maine unity
Last month’s news reports of vandalism at the sprawling and majestic Evergreen Cemetery in Portland’s Deering neighborhood struck a chord with me. I haven’t seen an update to the initial April 2 reports of 150 toppled and damaged gravestones, but Portland Police said eyewitnesses saw teenagers running from the area, and that sounds about right […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Life Unwound: What brings you alive?
Move more. Stress less. Eat good food. Great advice for living long and well. Then add the nourishment of what you love, of following your bliss, as mythologist Joseph Campbell urged. Don Doane (my dad called him Donny), the professional trombone player who had suffered a stroke years before, called Dad and said, “I read […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: Grammatically speaking
I was raised by a strict grammarian. If, for example, at the dinner table I were to ask “Could you please pass me the salt?,” my mother would dutifully hand the salt over to just beyond my grasp, then return it to its original space and reply, “Why, yes. I could.” With a smile no […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion
Superintendent’s Notebook: Improving student learning and well-being
Given the unique challenges we have faced this year and the recovery ahead of us as we begin to return to in-person learning, the proposed Brunswick School Department budget emphasizes special education, mental health and wellness, capital projects and technology. Last month’s column highlighted the importance of special education, and this month, equally as important, […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: A nickname honoring everything left behind in Armenia
Every family has its favorites. In mine, there is Uncle Armen. Call to mind Alan Arkin. In any movie, ever, but let’s say “Little Miss Sunshine” because that’s my favorite. OK, got it? Great. That’s my Uncle Armen. Seriously, they could be identical twins, and the voice and accent? Same. Which isn’t really shocking given […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Through My Lens: It’s National Arab American Heritage Month
We celebrate Arab American Heritage Month this month by recognizing the Arab Americans who are making a difference in our communities. Our state of Maine has a growing and thriving number of Arabic-speaking communities, most of which can be found in Augusta, Westbrook and Portland. Of the 22 countries in the Arab League, most of […]