You know how sometimes, if you say a word too much, it suddenly loses all meaning? I had that experience lately with the entire concept of immigration. It is a global crisis. Around the world, countries are grappling with massive surges of humans who have nowhere to go. Here in the U.S., border communities are […]
Forecaster Opinion
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Minor Leagues conjure the most magic, no contest
Days are getting warm, trees are leafing out, flowers are starting to bloom and, most importantly to me, my youngest kiddo is coming home from college. Summer is arriving. The kiddo isn’t home for long this time, just a week. Then I pack him on a plane and he heads west for an internship. This […]
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Posted inForecaster Opinion, The Forecaster
Portland Superintendents’ Notebook: Appreciating faculty, staff for dedication to Portland students
In this last month of school before regular classes end in June, it’s a good time to thank all our Portland Public Schools staff for their hard work throughout this year. We see them and we appreciate them – not just in May but all year long. May 8-12 was National Teacher Appreciation Week, and […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion, The Forecaster
RSU 5 Superintendent’s Notebook: Let teachers know how much you appreciate them
In September 1970, my mother held my hand as we ascended the staircase of the primary school in Lincoln for my first day of school. The school was built in the early 1900s and I vividly remember the sound my new Buster Brown shoes made on those old wooden stairs. As I approached my kindergarten […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: DEI is difficult, yes, but also necessary
The Legislature’s Education and Cultural Affairs Committee is debating several bills. Among them is LD 618, “An Act to Eliminate Critical Race Theory, Social and Emotional Learning and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion from School Curricula.” It is quite a perplexing bill. First, Critical Race Theory is a deeply complex and nuanced theorem taught at the […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Through My Lens: It’s time to erase mental illness stigma in immigrant communities
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it’s time to raise awareness in the immigrant community about the importance of mental health and end the stigma surrounding both mental illness and seeking professional help for it. As a Somali immigrant in Maine, I understand the challenges of navigating mental health in a new community. In […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion, The Forecaster
Brunswick Superintendent’s Notebook: Schools taking kids, classrooms outside
Remember how much we enjoyed class field trips? Whether it was a trip to the Museum of Science or a day at the beach studying the tidal pools with our classmates, it was fun and exciting to spend time outside of the classroom. And we learned a few things as well. Here in the Brunswick […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Men of yore loved high heels – for themselves
In my ordinary, day-to-day life I tend to venture out into the world wearing sensible, comfortable, “up for an adventure” footwear. Jodhpur boots and tennis shoes are my go-to look. However, into each life some special occasions must fall. When the call for “Sunday best” goes out, I will step up and into some heels […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Forum: Patriotism not limited to one party, so stop throwing stones
I am writing in response to the Forum titled “Patriotism is not loyalty to one person” by Susan Chichetto, printed in these newspapers the week of April 23. Indeed. Perhaps one could also add “nor to one party.” That article is a classic example of projection, or placing your own negative traits or unwanted emotions […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: A reminder that Nazis are still the bad guys
I really want to talk about the recent neo-Nazi march and rally that happened in Portland. The thing is, I don’t get it. I don’t get how it is that we must once again say, out loud, that Nazis are the bad guys. If you don’t have the time to do the deep dive into […]