As the U.S. presidential election approached, I felt the familiar sense of anxiety creeping in. For many of us, this election isn’t only about policy changes, but deeply personal stakes that impact our security and sense of belonging. Unlike a sports game, this outcome will have lasting implications for our communities, families and futures, making […]
sentry opinion
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, Scarborough Leader, South Portland Sentry, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Perfect time for a reminder: It’s still a beautiful world
I am writing to you this week from my parents’ house – well, my house now. I am sitting at a card table set up where the dining room table used to be. I am at the stage of clearing out my parents’ house where I am equal parts frustrated, nostalgic and overwhelmed. One piece […]
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Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, Scarborough Leader, South Portland Sentry, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: In the end, moving is always a big deal
Moving. Ugh. I swore the last time, when we bought our sweet little farm we love so much, that it was our last move. “Never again!” was the rallying cry as we slogged through the stacks of boxes and bubble wrap. I meant it, too. I love this place and would have been perfectly content […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, Scarborough Leader, South Portland Sentry, The Forecaster
Forum: Reflections on finding connection, making changes in retirement
Making a move at any stage of life can be daunting, but doing so during the retirement years can be a particularly intimidating transition. Change, at any age, is not an easy process. Last year, after losing my husband, I decided to leave Cape Cod and moved to Maine into a new community called Cumberland […]
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 […]
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 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, […]