As the holiday season approaches, I find myself reflecting on my experiences with it during my past decade in Maine. The internal conflict of whether to fully embrace December festivities, especially Christmas, or maintain a certain distance as some in my immigrant community do, remains an ongoing theme. Despite this struggle, I’ve discovered aspects of […]
Lakes Region Weekly opinion
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: The oldest state needs more senior living options
Maine is not an easy place to grow old, which is weird. After all, we continue to be the oldest state in the nation by population. You’d think it would be Florida or Nevada – but nope. It’s us. You’d think, therefore, that we would have a plethora of elder care options, ways to make the […]
advertisement
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Budgets reflect values – how are we doing?
Thanksgiving behind us, we are now legitimately within the holiday season which, as it happens, is also budget season. At least for some of us. The thing about budgets is they are more than just dollars and cents. They are value statements. Those of us who have served in the nonprofit sector are steeped in […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Coastal Journal, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Letter: Guns to blame for widespread terror in U.S.
An opinion piece in The Forecaster by Bob Rose (“Guns are not the problem, but ban AR-15s,” Nov. 14) claims that guns do not kill people but people do, a regular trope within the gun community. My beloved husband of 52 years, Charles W. Hedrick, died while in lockdown on Oct. 26 at (the) Marshwood […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Coastal Journal, Lakes Region Weekly, Northern Forecaster, Portland Forecaster, Southern Forecaster, The Forecaster
Letter: Enforce existing laws to prevent gun violence
Where have we heard this before? “I am a proud card-carrying member of the NRA, but…” Bob Rose lists his bona fides as a firearm owner, user and licensed concealed carrier in his Forum opinion piece “Guns are not the problem, but ban AR-15s” on Nov. 14. Plus, he’s a “lifelong Conservative and registered Republican.” […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Through My Lens: Appreciating both Somali and American ways of giving thanks
When asked about how immigrants celebrate Thanksgiving, I find myself reflecting on the rich tapestry of traditions within my own community. Many of my community members celebrate by cooking in their homes, but the menu diverges from the typical American fare of turkey, stuffing and apple pie. Instead, we indulge in a typical Somali meal […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Thankful to live in world with everyday heroes
There’s a meme that’s been making the rounds of the internet for a few years now: “Not all heroes wear capes.” How true that is. Granted, usually the meme is employed in service to something witty or ironic, like for a kid who figures out how to save their younger sibling from having to eat […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Forum: Guns are not the problem, but ban AR-15s
Right up front, a disclaimer: I’m a proud card-carrying member of the NRA. I own two guns. One is a .22 caliber Savage Arms rifle with a scope and a 10-round magazine. The other is a Ruger .380 semi-automatic handgun, which has a 6-round clip. And I hold a concealed-carry firearm permit from the state […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Shut the barn door on data breach
It’s the season for taking stock and being grateful, and I am so ready. I am all set for a seasonal reflection, family gatherings, decking halls and whatnot, but given the late breaking headlines, we have to make a small detour first – to cyber crime. Obviously, I would prefer to not have my identity […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Coastal Journal, Lakes Region Weekly, Northern Forecaster, Portland Forecaster, Southern Forecaster, The Forecaster
Letter: Chinese Americans stand against antisemitism
The Chinese and American Friendship Association of Maine stands shoulder to shoulder with Maine’s Jewish community in denouncing the recent wave of hate speech, hate-based violence and antisemitism that has broken out in Maine, the United States and the world. Recently, antisemitic flyers have been widely distributed in Maine, some of which falsely claimed that […]