Halloween is my absolute favorite holiday. I mean, what’s not to love? It has whimsical costumes, scary stories, a normal bedtime (looking at you, New Year’s) and chocolate. What could be better? Plus, it takes place at this magical time of year where everything is windy and dark, shifting and in flux. Best of all, […]
Forecaster Opinion
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Through My Lens: Interfaith unity needed here as conflict rages far away
The past couple of weeks have weighed heavily on many of us, especially within the Muslim and Jewish communities here in Maine. For me, as I witness the unfolding events in Israel and Palestine, I can’t help but reflect on a challenging period in my life when I was just 15, growing up in Mogadishu, […]
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Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Creative use of old spaces can bring back sense of community
It is not exactly news that the recent global pandemic took a toll on our collective sense of community and belonging. Sociologists are busy constructing studies to calculate what, if any, impacts upon our social fabric can be attributed to the pandemic, but while we wait for the graphs and figures, I’ll just wander out […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion, The Forecaster
Portland Superintendent’s Notebook: Our schools have many strengths to build on
When I first transitioned into the district in July, I committed to spending the first three months listening and learning in the community. In that time, I’ve met with more than 500 students, parents, staff, business leaders and community partners face to face, and we’ve gathered additional information through a survey that over 925 people […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion, The Forecaster
RSU 5 Superintendent’s Notebook: Staffing shortage is impacting our district
While driving in communities in our region you will see “help wanted” or “we’re hiring” printed on signs on the doors of businesses or on banners draped across buildings. You may have also had the experience of arriving at your favorite eatery or coffee shop only to find it closed due to a lack of […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Dogfighting torture happens everywhere, even here
I don’t know if you saw this in the news or not, but Frederick Moorefield Jr., deputy information officer for the Pentagon, was recently arrested on charges related to dogfighting. I saw the news thanks to an NPR report, and let me just say this – do not read the details. Not if you want to […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Through My Lens: Provide would-be asylum seekers a realistic picture
We who have experienced the difficult U.S. immigration process can make a significant difference by sharing our stories to help those crossing the border. When we do this, we help people become more informed about what to expect because there is a lot of misinformation out there. One major piece of misinformation I see often […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion, The Forecaster
Brunswick Superintendent’s Notebook: School Department unveils transformative five-year strategic plan
In a significant leap forward for the local education landscape, the Brunswick School Department is proud to announce the launch of its comprehensive five-year strategic plan “Brunswick Believes.” The newly unveiled strategic plan is more than just a document; it’s a roadmap to transform the educational journey for students within Brunswick. Developed over months of […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Why do we pay Congress when they don’t do their job?
The big news is, as I am sure you’ve heard, the government shutdown has been averted. For now. We will go through this whole rigmarole again, no doubt, in November since that is as far down the proverbial road as they managed to kick the budgetary can. And this leaves me feeling annoyed. I think […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Forum: County launches mobile dental care program for school children
A trip to the dentist, for people who are fortunate enough to have a “dental home,” is a twice-a-year tradition that might not always be comfortable, but is critically important to our health. Going to the dentist regularly doesn’t just mean a polished smile; it could save your life. If something goes wrong with your […]