Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, Scarborough Leader, South Portland Sentry, The Forecaster

Mainewhile: Sometimes it’s not failure, it’s just a mismatch

I had to say goodbye to my old horse, Henry, this week. But I am not here to talk about that. It feels like I’ve been doing a lot of talking about death lately. What I want to talk about instead is purpose. I belong to the school of thought that believes that, ultimately, our […]

Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, Scarborough Leader, South Portland Sentry, The Forecaster

Through My Lens: Discovering the charm of American election yard signs

As a newcomer to America, particularly here in Maine, there are many things about the election season that have both surprised and intrigued me. This is my second presidential election, and I can’t help but reflect on how vastly different it is from elections I’ve witnessed in other parts of the world. My first time […]

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Posted inAmerican Journal, Biddeford-Saco-OOB Courier, Forecaster Opinion, Kennebunk Post, Lakes Region Weekly, Scarborough Leader, South Portland Sentry, The Forecaster

Forum: Students can activate democracy by volunteering at polls

As an election worker in my hometown of Kennebunk, I’ve witnessed firsthand the critical role that youth can play in our democratic process. Empowering young voters with knowledge about our democratic system is essential. In the 2020 election, Maine saw a significant increase in youth voter turnout. According to the Center for Information and Research […]

Posted inScarborough Leader

Forum: Consider tax impact, broad wording, no voter authorization for Scarborough land bond use

Most Scarborough residents support conservation and appreciate the great work of the Scarborough Land Trust. And it’s tempting to see increased land conservation as a remedy for the out-of-control growth the town has experienced over the past several years. But before voting, it’s essential to understand what the land bond does and does not mean. […]

Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, Scarborough Leader, South Portland Sentry, The Forecaster

Mainewhile: Aurora borealis prompts thoughts of life’s beautiful impermanence

Well folks, I had intended to have a whole other conversation with you right now, but you are going to have to wait a week for my intended thoughts because: wow. The aurora borealis! Did you see it? Was it amazing where you were? I saw it, and it was breathtaking where I was. I […]

Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, Scarborough Leader, South Portland Sentry, The Forecaster

Forum: Covering mental health is good for employees, could save money

World Mental Health Day is Thursday, Oct. 10, and it’s an important opportunity to raise awareness about this major public health issue. NAMI Maine reports one in five adults experiences a mental health condition in a given year. Last month, the Biden administration announced updates to the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act – […]

Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, Opinion, Scarborough Leader, South Portland Sentry, The Forecaster

Through My Lens: Halloween is a time of storytelling in many forms

It’s Halloween season again. Skeletons dangle from porches, pumpkins sit carved on doorsteps, and the air is filled with an eerie excitement. Seeing all this reminds me of the ghost stories and spooky experiences from where I grew up, in Mogadishu, Somalia, a place that could feel like living in Halloween every day. In Mogadishu, […]

Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, Scarborough Leader, South Portland Sentry, The Forecaster

Mainewhile: Traditions of free stuff on the lawn reflect community

Maine is a land of traditions. Some of them are beautiful. A few are even profound. Some of them are distinctly odd. Most of them are seasonal. None of them (or at least none that I can think of) are pretentious. Which, in its own way, is another one of our traditions. That plaid-clad, down-to-earth […]

Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, Scarborough Leader, South Portland Sentry, The Forecaster

Mainewhile: Housing needs and solutions come in all shapes, sizes

Housing, housing, housing! Everyone is talking about housing right now. It makes sense. Housing is a big need right now. “Need” is an interesting word to use as a place to start. What does a person “need” in a home? I think it probably varies by the person. There is “shelter,” and then there is […]