Martin Luther King Jr. day is one of the most important holidays on our collective calendar. This year, I was unprepared. This year, instead of rereading his works and reflecting on the call to action, I reread the dosage information on the backs of various cold medications and reflected on home remedies. Because I have […]
Forecaster Opinion
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Through My Lens: Conservatives too quick to pin labels on immigrants
Criticizing Donald Trump’s actions and words, advocating for justice and equality, and standing against white supremacy in our communities does not imply the endorsement of a specific political party. In today’s polarized landscape, labels are attached to everything. Immigrants advocating for their communities are often unfairly branded as “liberals,” “Democrats” or part of “The Left.” […]
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Posted inForecaster Opinion, The Forecaster
Portland Superintendent’s Notebook: Strategic planning headway and inspirational student work
The start of the new year and the upcoming budget make this a good time to give you an update on where we are in the process of developing our strategic plan. This five-year plan will help ensure that we continue to offer the quality education all Portland students deserve. We’ve been actively engaged in […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion, The Forecaster
RSU 5 Superintendent’s Notebook: Fulfilling district’s goals a key focus of second half of year
As we change the calendar from December to January, we have an opportunity to reflect on the previous year. Although we have much to celebrate, during the first few months of the school year we were faced with challenges that had a profound impact on our children and families. A swastika, a symbol of hate […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Nothing prevents Maine from falling into abyss, except for us
I fell in love with Maine, deeply and profoundly in love with Maine, the moment I moved here in the summer of ’89, just shy of my 18th birthday. Yes, I admit, my head was filled with visions of hand-knit sweaters around a campfire, of “living the good life” in full Nearing fashion. But then […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion, The Forecaster
Brunswick Superintendent’s Notebook: Parents can help students set goals for second half of year
The turning of the calendar begs for New Year’s resolutions, even though, as adults, we know – whether it’s giving up ice cream or promising to hit the gym at least five days a week – the best of intentions might well be a distant memory by March. As students head back into the classrooms […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Through My Lens: Maine embodies true American dream, not Hollywood version
New immigrants to Maine quickly find that Maine is not the America portrayed by Hollywood. I shockingly learned that firsthand 10 years ago. Maine is not the bustling streets of Boston, the iconic skyline of New York or the glitz and glamor of L.A. or Vegas. Crowded streets, taxis zooming around and bars frequented by […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Let’s get practical and ditch those grand resolutions
It’s a new year! So much potential. So much promise. And, you guys? I have exciting news to share with you. This year is the year. This is it. This is the year I finally complete my edits on the book I wrote and get it off to the publisher. This is also the year […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion, The Forecaster
Forum: Ill-conceived Drowne Road project would negatively impact Cumberland
The Cumberland Town Council is poised to move ahead with a controversial affordable housing project that compromises the integrity of the town plan for the neighborhood at Tuttle and Drowne roads. This project calls for the construction of 107 units and has provision for approximately 200 parked cars and over 200 residents – more than […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion, The Forecaster
Forum: Town’s climate action plan omits a key threat: idling motors
The town of Falmouth’s Climate Action Plan just landed in my email inbox. Town leaders deserve kudos for the years of work that produced the plan, which “contains strategies and actions that will guide decisions and development for the town until 2050.” The above quote from the plan is important. These sorts of documents are […]