Happy midwinter everyone! Finally, we have been getting some decent snow. I am a fan of snow. I love it. I love the soft light of sun through snow and the sense of snuggling in. And is there anything better than a good old-fashioned snow day? For my money, there is literally nothing greater than […]
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Mainewhile: History months and holidays teach us about our world, inform our future
Here we are at the start of February and, apparently, the federal government has “canceled” Black History Month? It’s hard to tell exactly what has actually been done about this, or what it means to those of us on the ground, but… yeah. The statement from the government declared that no longer will there be […]
Mainewhile: Lean on relationships and community to combat fear
Did you know that the first recorded use of the “+” and the “-” and the “=” signs, the basic symbols for arithmetic, first entered into common usage in the 1500s? Before that, those ideas were written out as words. And, get this, in 1518 there was an outbreak of “the dancing plague” where people […]
Mainewhile: Musings on ownership vs. stewardship of land
Land. Land has been much on my mind of late. There is a lot of joy in taking on this old and quirky home, lots of weirdness too as I change things I know my mother would resent me changing. Mostly, though, it is a lot of work. This house is big on “character,” low […]
Mainewhile: Reading, nature can lead to increased sense of community
In so many ways, Maine is just one big town. If you are boarding the bus in Boston, the odds are actually pretty good that you will know a few of your fellow passengers – and if you run into someone from Maine while traveling the globe, there’s a bond. I think this sense of […]
From Augusta – Repairing Fort Preble and preserving our history
Here in Senate District 29, one of our greatest assets is our rich history – especially our naval history along the coast. This history has often been preserved alongside open spaces and trails that we use for recreation, walking, biking, birdwatching and transportation. One of my favorite places to walk my dogs is the Greenbelt […]
Mainewhile: The wondrous world of libraries, hearts of our communities
Ah, the fresh, clean start to a brand new year. So much promise, so much potential. I am setting aside the “traditional” resolutions this year and focusing instead on this idea: What is out there already that I want to pay attention to and be a part of? First on my list: Libraries. Man, I […]
Mainewhile: Social Security Fairness Act a great start to 2025
The new year is upon us. Farewell, 2024 and… welcome 2025? Sure, why not? Let’s hope for the best and ring in this new year with much joy and celebration. After all, who knows, it might just be the best year yet. None of us can see the future. As the late, and truly great, […]
Mainewhile: Tap into something real and serve one another
Hello, hello, hello and Yuletide greetings to all. Last week, I gave myself the present of writing down some notes, a quick sketch if you will, of my ideal community. I had more to say – so I am keeping that rolling right through the holiday season up to the end of the year. OK, […]
From Augusta – Preparing for the 132nd Legislature
On Wednesday, Dec. 4, I was sworn in for a third term as your State Senator. It is an honor to continue representing the people of South Portland, Cape Elizabeth and part of Scarborough in the Maine State Senate. Over the past four years, I have enjoyed speaking with you about your concerns and the […]