Summer in Maine is a delightful season, perfect for beach outings, scenic drives along the coast, and savoring the local culinary delights. Whether you’re indulging in pancakes or waffles with Maine maple syrup at a cozy diner, enjoying eggs Benedict and fries, or experiencing the quintessential whole lobster at a seaside restaurant, Maine’s food scene is […]
Through My Lens
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, Scarborough Leader, South Portland Sentry, The Forecaster
Through My Lens: Independence Day stories connect all of us
Maine’s newest communities bring with them a rich tradition of celebrating independence, rooted in emotional stories of local resistance against English, French and Italian colonizers back home. In Somalia, where independence was also commemorated this week, on July 1, survivors of the conflicts that drove out European colonizers share their experiences on radio broadcasts. While […]
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Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, Scarborough Leader, South Portland Sentry, The Forecaster
Through My Lens: New Portland-Lewiston bus service a big relief for immigrants
The announcement of the new commuter bus service between Lewiston-Auburn and Portland starting in July is great news for Mainers, especially for the immigrant communities in the area. This new service from the state is a big step forward in improving transportation and promoting inclusivity in Maine. Transportation has always been a critical issue for […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, Scarborough Leader, South Portland Sentry, The Forecaster
Through My Lens: Bittersweet memories of very real culture shock
You often hear the term “culture shock” when immigrants and native Mainers meet. It is one of my favorite topics, provoking bittersweet memories of my arrival in Maine and how I adapted. Merriam-Webster defines culture shock as “a sense of confusion and uncertainty sometimes with feelings of anxiety that may affect people exposed to an […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, Scarborough Leader, South Portland Sentry
Through My Lens: We can all find reasons for hope, especially in spring
Despite the challenges the world presents today, I hope you are out finding joy – and hope – in the Maine spring. I recently read Nicholas Kristof’s column titled “The Case for Hope” in The New York Times opinion section and nodded along to it all the way through. The Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist and journalist […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Coastal Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, Northern Forecaster, Portland Forecaster, Scarborough Leader, South Portland Sentry
Through My Lens: College protests in U.S. a ray of hope for Gazans
In the middle of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, an unexpected beacon of hope has emerged elsewhere: the U.S. college protests demanding a cease-fire and advocating for Palestinian rights. As we witness these protests unfold, it’s easy to perceive them as chaotic and disruptive. However, their impact extends far beyond American borders, resonating particularly in […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, Scarborough Leader, South Portland Sentry, The Forecaster
Through My Lens: Stop shouting about deportation – we are patriots and we’re here to stay
I find myself constantly worn down by the word “deport,” and I believe that everyone should feel the weight of its implications, particularly in a country that prides itself on diversity and inclusion. Each time I believe I’m settling into my life in this adopted land, this word surfaces, casting a shadow over my sense […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Through My Lens: Finding joy and lessons in a power outage
During messy, snowy, cold days like those over the weekend when we were left without power, there’s always a bit of happiness waiting to be found – if we take a moment to look for it. Snow is a joy for me no matter when it arrives, even in spring. Growing up in hot, dry […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Through My Lens: It’s OK to say ‘Happy Ramadan’ and other useful info about the holy month
Ramadan Mubarak! Drawing from a decade of my Ramadan experiences in Maine, questions often arise about appropriate conduct around those fasting and celebrating this Muslim holy month. One common query is whether it’s acceptable to eat lunch near someone observing Ramadan. Additionally, there’s confusion about the proper greeting: Is it “Happy Ramadan,” “Ramadan Kareem” or […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Through My Lens: Immigrants grateful to be engaged in democratic process
Maine’s primary elections are fast approaching, and it’s an excellent opportunity for us Mainers to take a moment to appreciate our democratic process, which is truly unique and remarkable and a system that, despite the threats to it, is still loved by so many around the globe. As an immigrant who has called Maine home […]