There’s a meme that’s been making the rounds of the internet for a few years now: “Not all heroes wear capes.” How true that is. Granted, usually the meme is employed in service to something witty or ironic, like for a kid who figures out how to save their younger sibling from having to eat […]
Forecaster Opinion
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Forum: Guns are not the problem, but ban AR-15s
Right up front, a disclaimer: I’m a proud card-carrying member of the NRA. I own two guns. One is a .22 caliber Savage Arms rifle with a scope and a 10-round magazine. The other is a Ruger .380 semi-automatic handgun, which has a 6-round clip. And I hold a concealed-carry firearm permit from the state […]
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Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Shut the barn door on data breach
It’s the season for taking stock and being grateful, and I am so ready. I am all set for a seasonal reflection, family gatherings, decking halls and whatnot, but given the late breaking headlines, we have to make a small detour first – to cyber crime. Obviously, I would prefer to not have my identity […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion, The Forecaster
Portland Superintendent’s Notebook: Five-year goals in the works amid a busy month
While I want to jump right into an update on our strategic planning process, my head and heart are still processing the devastation of the shootings in Lewiston. I hope everyone in our community has had the opportunity to check in on their loved ones, hug their kids and take a breath. The Portland Public […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion, Northern Forecaster, The Forecaster
Forum: What makes Falmouth’s village center a village?
What’s in a word? When it describes the center of a community developed intentionally over 37 years, it matters a lot. When the word is “village,” height and style matter, too. Falmouth’s village as depicted on signage and its village center ordinances have such a history dating to at least the 1986 Route 1 Study. […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion, The Forecaster
RSU 5 Superintendent’s Notebook: Supporting our students in the aftermath of a tragedy
“Caregivers and school personnel have a responsibility to help children and youth feel safe by establishing a sense of normalcy and security, reinforcing their natural resilience, and talking to them about their fears,” according to the National Association of School Psychologists. I am a proud lifelong resident of the beautiful state of Maine. In the […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Through My Lens: Nowhere is safe from gun violence
The Lewiston mass shooting has served as a stark reminder that such atrocities can happen even in places we consider safe right within our communities, seemingly out of the blue. Just prior to the shooting that evening, I had returned from a refreshing 4-mile run in Yarmouth. With no knowledge of what was going on […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Spread goodness and notice everyday fortunes
“How’d your pumpkins do this year?” The question from my brother-in-law caught me and my husband off guard. What? What pumpkins? For a few different reasons, all of which would be too long and boring to recount here, we don’t have a vegetable garden. Yet. Maybe not ever. Jury is still out, but certainly not […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion, The Forecaster
Brunswick Superintendent’s Notebook: When does learning not feel like learning?
Mary Poppins had the right idea. A spoonful of sugar does make the medicine go down, and the Brunswick School Department has found a way to sweeten the learning experience in our science-based programs. Brunswick schools have been working with the Cathance River Education Alliance to bring kids outdoors to learn in a hands-on environment, […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: May Lewiston’s tragedy be a marker for change
Like most, I am heartbroken and anxious and angry over the recent mass shooting in Lewiston. I am heartbroken for the lives lost, the families shattered, the kids who are having trouble sleeping at night now. I am anxious over the lack of answers, clarity or safety we have. I am angry because this feels […]