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 […]
Lakes Region Weekly opinion
Posted inAmerican Journal, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Letter: It’s time to end the sale of all flavored tobacco products
As a public health consultant, I had the great opportunity to work with the town of Falmouth to create a plan for using best practices and policies to address opioid misuse and create environments that support young people to learn and grow into healthy, productive, resilient adults. We now have the opportunity to support a […]
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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
Life Unwound: My son showed me sexual orientation is not a choice
June: Pride Month. From the age of 2, my now-grown son would dress in my clothes, sneak into my makeup drawer and slather himself with colors and lipstick. He ran to avoid the soccer ball, once almost drowned in the ocean and hated sports. He preferred Broadway shows to hanging out with friends. I missed […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Through My Lens: Anti-vaxxers should spend week in camp with my mother
Earlier this month, I received my second and last dose of the Pfizer vaccine, and the first thing I thought of was how lucky I am. It only took 15 minutes, I was done and walked out to the parking lot to drive home. I called my mother to tell her how the process of […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: Financial safety net can be cast
Memorial Day is just around the corner. Created in the wake of the horrors of the Civil War as a time apart from the day-to-day routine to pause and honor the men and women who died in service, this day is important. However, falling as it does on the last Monday in May, in recent […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Forum: Support Mountain Division Trail legislation
Living next to it all my life, the Mountain Division Railway’s story is intertwined with my own. At age 3, I remember trying to greet the black steam engine rolling by before my parents yanked me back. In 1951, I rode the last passenger train to North Conway with my mother and sister – our […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Here’s Something: Panic’s over, get back to work
They say the last few weeks was like reliving the late 1970s, but don’t believe the hype. Yes, we have a weak Democrat in the White House, gasoline shortages and concerns over rising inflation. But there is a big difference between then and now: employment. “Help wanted” signs are everywhere, which was certainly not the […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: The gift that keeps on giving
Every so often, especially while doing chores, I like to let my mind wander and indulge in fantasy “what if” scenarios. Nothing radical. I tend to revisit the familiar question of “If money were suddenly no object, what would I do?” I’d be lying if I didn’t confess there are some straight-up selfish indulgences. I […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Life Unwound: You are companioned
Years ago, in the raw days after shoulder repair surgery, carefully dosing the opioid Dilaudid for pain, I slept, tried to sleep. I tossed this way, miserable in this position, pillows just so in the leather recliner suggested by the surgeon. I turned that way, wincing in that position, propped with cushions as the physical […]