Well, here we all are. The holiday season has peaked, and now we are slushing and sliding into the new year. How are you holding up? The question might sound flippant, but I mean it. Winter is hard and while the holidays, with all of the lights and the “making merry” and whatnot, are intended […]
Forecaster Opinion
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Through My Lens: Help immigrants navigate threat of Trump’s return
Former President Trump’s recent derogatory remarks on immigrants, including the alarming statement, “They are poisoning the blood of our country,” have sent shockwaves through Maine’s immigrant community. The looming prospect of Trump’s return, coupled with his policy proposals like advocating for the “largest deportation operation in history,” has instilled fear as the 2024 election approaches. […]
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Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Christmas tree farmers take note for next year: Add dogs
Right, so I realize this is a little late in the game, but for those of us who celebrate Christmas, there is a farm, a tree farm, out there doing it right. Not that all you other Christmas tree farms are getting it “wrong,” but this farm just really nailed the Christmas vibe. How, you […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion, The Forecaster
Portland Superintendent’s Notebook: Joyful celebrations and a budget update
This year, the Portland Public Schools will face a particularly challenging budget. While the challenges are many, they fall into three primary categories. First, COVID relief funds from the federal government have provided districts across the country with significant funding, but that is ending. For Portland, that will mean a loss of more than $9 […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: Think outside the box for gift giving this year
The odds are good that, no matter what your religious affiliation, you are currently in the midst of the holiday gift giving bonanza also known as the month of December. I’ve heard tales of people so organized, so prepared, that their holiday shopping is already complete. Can this be true? Who are you people? My […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Through My Lens: Immigrants can find joy in American holiday season
As the holiday season approaches, I find myself reflecting on my experiences with it during my past decade in Maine. The internal conflict of whether to fully embrace December festivities, especially Christmas, or maintain a certain distance as some in my immigrant community do, remains an ongoing theme. Despite this struggle, I’ve discovered aspects of […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: The oldest state needs more senior living options
Maine is not an easy place to grow old, which is weird. After all, we continue to be the oldest state in the nation by population. You’d think it would be Florida or Nevada – but nope. It’s us. You’d think, therefore, that we would have a plethora of elder care options, ways to make the […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion, The Forecaster
Brunswick Superintendent’s Notebook: Outreach class gets students engaged in their communities
“You make a living by what you get; you make a life by what you give,” is often attributed to Winston Churchill. However, a search of over 2.5 million words by and about Churchill in the Churchill Centre’s research database fails to show that he ever spoke or wrote those words. Nonetheless, it’s at the […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Budgets reflect values – how are we doing?
Thanksgiving behind us, we are now legitimately within the holiday season which, as it happens, is also budget season. At least for some of us. The thing about budgets is they are more than just dollars and cents. They are value statements. Those of us who have served in the nonprofit sector are steeped in […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Through My Lens: Appreciating both Somali and American ways of giving thanks
When asked about how immigrants celebrate Thanksgiving, I find myself reflecting on the rich tapestry of traditions within my own community. Many of my community members celebrate by cooking in their homes, but the menu diverges from the typical American fare of turkey, stuffing and apple pie. Instead, we indulge in a typical Somali meal […]