Did you see that “study” just released with the headline, “Maine voted most boring state?” OK, I am paraphrasing a bit here because I can’t seem to find the original clickbait that scrolled across my screen, but it was something very much like that. When I first saw the headline, I laughed and just kept […]
Forecaster Opinion
Posted inForecaster Opinion, The Forecaster
Portland Superintendents’ Notebook: Powerful student voices represent the Class of 2023
We were honored this month to participate in commencement ceremonies for the Portland Public Schools’ three high schools: Portland, Deering and Casco Bay. Each school is unique and their graduation exercises for the more than 400 graduates of the Class of 2023 reflected their distinctive characteristics. However, what all three ceremonies had in common was […]
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Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Through My Lens: Celebrate like it’s your birthday every day
June 20th marks both my birthday and World Refugee Day. I intentionally chose the date of my birthday to avoid being swept into the United Nations’ automatic birthday assignment of Jan. 1 for all refugees. Even after an extensive asylum interview and my specific birthdate request in 2011, however, my refugee papers and the so-called […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Old Maine charm still here if we pay attention
The other day, while out doing barn chores, I lucked into hearing the evening replay of Maine Public’s “Maine Calling.” It was an interview with Ron Joseph about his new book, “Bald Eagles, Bear Cubs and Hermit Bill: Memories of a Wildlife Biologist in Maine.” He was hysterical, in a really great way. Ron told […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Forum: Additional Presumpscot River fish ladders vital for younger generation
As a sixth grader, it is important to me to have a voice in the decisions of my community. When all of the dams were built on the Presumpscot River, I wasn’t alive, yet the choices made then are affecting my future. The Presumpscot River has seven dams along its 26-mile path, which stretches from […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Through My Lens: Learning about wonders of Maine from Mainers
Maine, our beautiful state, has so much to offer, especially when you learn about it from those who have been here for a long time. The end of May brought forth sunny days and warmth, and I decided to visit with some lifelong Mainer friends. In addition to lobster dinners, we had pancake breakfasts drenched […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Route 1 exits were renamed for a reason, right?
I am absolutely certain that before any major public works project is set into motion, the idea is mapped out, thought over and discussed in meeting after meeting after meeting. I am certain that the good folks at the Maine Department of Transportation have their reasons for renaming and relabeling all of the exits and […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion, The Forecaster
Brunswick Superintendent’s Notebook: Celebrate our graduates and their new beginnings
The calendar tells us that the school year is winding down, and we will soon bid adieu to the Class of 2023. While we will miss our seniors as they leave Brunswick High School to begin the next stage of their life journey, graduation is a celebration, and we have much to celebrate. Let me […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Going gray (somewhat) gracefully may be thing of the past
Holy smokes! A new study from New York University’s Grossman School of Medicine has unraveled the mystery of why hair goes gray. And found – wait for it – the graying process may be reversible. I was born with dark brown hair. I got my hair color from my mom, and my sisters did, too. […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Through My Lens: Putting down roots, sharing history
Looking back on my nearly nine years of living here, I find myself reflecting on the profound experiences that continue to shape my journey. Settling in Yarmouth, Maine, after fleeing the civil war in Somalia marked a hopeful beginning. On one of those early days, I wandered through the streets of my new town, my […]