Two hundred and forty-nine years ago this week, one of the greatest documents in world history was penned. This “Declaration of Independence” shed the most powerful nation on Earth, created a new nation “conceived in liberty” and became a worldwide model of self determination. And this document was signed by a man who once lived […]
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Cooking at the Cove: Two simple entrees for summer company
Today, I did a huge grocery haul to prepare for the first of my summer company. My son is flying home from California for a visit! As I searched the aisles for some of his favorites, I was delighted to bump into one of my readers, and we had a quick little chat amidst the […]
What can color tell scientists about the Gulf of Maine?
The holiday weekend brings a lot of bright colors over the ocean in the form of fireworks and many people out on the water to watch them in the sky along with their reflections on the water. It’s truly a stunning experience to be out on Casco Bay on the Fourth of July and look […]
Brunswick High School music program reflects on successes while looking to future
There has been a cascade of accolades for Brunswick High School’s choir and band programs over the past few years. In January, choir teacher Ashley Albert was named one of the “50 Music Teachers who Make a Difference” in SBO+ Magazine. This spring, Brunswick sent six singers to the American Choral Directors Association National Conference […]
Thrills and spills on the Millinocket X-Stream Canoe Race
I didn’t realize Millinocket Stream was a potential whitewater destination until a couple of years ago. In 2022, whitewater enthusiast and Millinocket local, Chris Howe, organized a race on the remote stream that begins at the outlet dam on Millinocket Lake and flows for several miles to the Penobscot River in Millinocket. The race required […]
Taking advantage of the chance to slow down
There is a lot going on in the world right now, and there are numerous topics I could opine about from state and federal policy and the potential ramifications, or the workforce projects we are working on and specifically the expansion of the Connecting to Tomorrow program, or the fall events which we are unveiling […]
A recipe to keep your kitchen cool on sweltering days
I confess that this is the time of year when I want to spend as little time as possible in the kitchen. This week’s recipes reflect that, and all include ways to incorporate tart lemons and limes into a refreshing, easy meal. This includes an icy adult beverage, Asian noodle salad, and a cool, creamy […]
What ocean critters can teach us about beating the heat
Not too long ago, I got a good lesson in hydration and the impacts of high temperatures in a somewhat embarrassing, but educational way. This week’s heat wave reminded me of how easy it is to lose sight of how ill-equipped we humans can be to deal with the heat — particularly when we aren’t […]
Remembering a Civil War hero of the 20th Maine — no, not that one
One of the least-remembered heroes in Maine history is a man who “participated in many of the most severe battles” of the American Civil War, then returned home to become a commercial success and popular political leader. This hero was a man from Topsham. Holman Staples Melcher was born in Topsham to James and Nancy […]
How to improve our climate with sustainable biochar
Biochar can enhance soil health, filter wastewater, improve thermal insulation, sequester carbon and more. Advantageous though it may be, biochar remains something of a well-kept secret. Here, let’s consider just one of biochar’s many virtues: its potential impact on the health of our climate. Biochar is a charcoal-like material produced from organic matter during a […]