In recent years, Maine has become a haven for people fleeing conflict and violence in their home nations. Naturally, it would be ideal if there simply were no wars or famines and no one ever in such a situation. However, life is often hard and so I think it is wonderful that we are offering […]
Lakes Region Weekly opinion
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Through My Lens: Immigrants must see past LePage’s false friendship
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 […]
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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 […]
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 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 inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Forum: Businesses need to support nonprofits like Furniture Friends
In today’s economy, local nonprofits need all the help we can get. Inflation is high, businesses are struggling to hire and economic output still hasn’t returned to “normal” – far from it. And everywhere, people are in need. Of course, the private sector understands the current economic crisis firsthand. With our state’s jobless claims still in […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Through My Lens: Recognizing Ramadan important to Maine Muslims
Another Ramadan is here, and again it is business as usual in Maine. Ramadan has always been the time to be with family, pray together and feast together. The last year I sat down with my closest family, including my mother, to break the fast together was 2010. As a kid, even when we did […]