It’s easy to take a hard line with schoolchildren, forcing them to conform to the standards set by the school system and either pass or fail. That kind of tough love holds all students up to the same standards, but it has also led to an unacceptable number of drop-outs and youth who are disaffected […]

On days when I need a change of scenery, I usually head out to Biddeford Pool, where I take a leisurely walk along the firmer section of the shoreline, looking for interesting bits of wave-worn debris or simply gazing out across the interminable vastness of it all. These days, now that the access stairs have […]

Gulls frolic in the surf on a bright, fall day at Biddeford Pool. (RACHEL LOVEJOY PHOTO)

Scores of people responded to Andy Young’s request to put in writing what they remember about the day nearly 50 years ago when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. Here are some of the recollections he received:“That day is one of my first childhood memories, which reflects the magnitude of the event. I was 4. […]

As the senate chairwoman of the Legislature’s Workforce Committee, I have had the opportunity to hear from some of the many entrepreneurs who work every day to drive Maine’s economy forward. Earlier this month, the Workforce Committee held a special event at Southern Maine Community College and heard from a panel of local and national […]

Thumbs up to the City of Sanford for its decision to fund the demolition of the building at 37 River St., also known as the Bland Block. This deteriorating building at the intersection of Cottage and River streets is not only a terrible eyesore, it’s becoming a public safety hazard. Passersby have reported bricks falling […]

The Good Life for Less.” That’s the title of an article in the latest issue of the AARP magazine. Its focus is finding places to live where a couple can get by on their Social Security payments. Bangor is one of the five featured places from across the country. Living on Social Security and not […]

The developer of Saco Island has said he’s not sure a proposed pedestrian bridge over the Saco River is a good idea for his tenants. After hearing concerns about safety and traffic through the island late at night, Saco Island developer Kevin Mattson of Dirigo Capital Advisors said recently he’s not so sure the project […]

Ever had somebody share with you a piece of information that they should have kept to themselves? Of course you have. We all have. The phrase “too much information” was invented because of folks who don’t realize that sometimes you have to play your cards a little closer to the chest. So when a former […]

The Senate last week took a major step in advancing equal rights when it passed the Employment Nondiscrimination Act, which bars employment discrimination based on sexual orientation. In Maine, people likely forget that that is a protection residents already enjoy here, thanks to the Maine Human Rights Act. The act was passed by the Legislature […]