We are not barcoded at birth with an indelible political party affiliation: This choice usually comes into focus only after several stages of intrapersonal development have been achieved. The initial stage is acquiring a rudimentary “sense of self,” followed by the evolution of “common sense.” At a later stage, a robust and encompassing common sense […]
Forecaster Opinion
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Through My Lens: Connect immigrants to northern Maine and solve problems
Attracting more refugees to small towns in Maine can be the answer to addressing the labor shortage and shrinking population in the northern part of the state. It is possible. At the moment I don’t see this conversation happening on the platforms Maine immigrants use, but we need to start talking now about connecting Maine’s […]
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Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: Sweaters give us more than seasonal warmth
Ah, fall! My favorite time of year for sure. Hot apple cider, pumpkin pie … and sweaters. The worse the nightly news, the more comfort I take in pulling on a cozy sweater as I either head out to face the day, or settle in for the evening. Here’s the thing about sweaters: They are […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion
RSU 5 Superintendent’s Notebook: Supporting one another through grief
“Supporting a bereaved child involves compassion and commitment through genuinely listening and understanding their experience. It is an intentional process and teaches us so much about the hope and healing that occur when you are heard and have space.” – The National Center for Grieving Children and Families The few past weeks have been extremely […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: Substitute teaching is a pretty sweet gig
A lot of the collective day-to-day chaos from COVID has (thankfully) simmered down since last school year. Vaccines are widely available, masks are plentiful (and optional), and trips to the grocery store no longer feel like a tactical operation. One thing that hasn’t changed much though, is the lack of substitute teachers. If a teacher […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Life Unwound: Connection cultivates creativity – and community
I sit here rereading one of my favorite books about writing, creativity and life: Nancy Coleman’s “Wide Open Writing: Embrace Your Creative Genius.” I read it often because Nancy is my friend, my teacher, a confidante, a wise and kind woman deep of soul and heart. As in so many things we do, I read […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion
Portland Superintendent’s Notebook: School board will be good fiscal stewards of school budget
I urge my fellow city residents to join me in voting yes on Question 5 to allow the Portland Board of Public Education to set the school budget before sending it directly to voters. Not only do our elected school board members best understand the needs of students and schools, they have proved themselves to […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: Stargazing spiders can shift perspectives
A really good friend recently sent me the podcast “No Such Thing as a Fish,” accompanied by this message, “My new favorite thing is knowing some spiders can see stars!” It’s true. Some spiders can see stars. They can also see the moon and a few other amazing things. We have no way of knowing […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Through My Lens: Sweet nostalgia and fundamental changes
“It is a Nikah!” I heard someone say this during my visit to the local Somali halal market in Portland. The word “Nikah” hit me hard, as if I was back 10 years. The word is Arabic and means a “marriage contract” between two people. In Somalia, the word carries a lot more meaning and […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion
Brunswick Superintendent’s Notebook: Anonymous reporting system just a click away
The Brunswick School Department is committed to creating and sustaining a comprehensive, coordinated effort to improve the overall safety and well-being of our students, educators and administrators. Doing this effectively requires a proactive approach with programs that equip our students, parents, teachers, administrators, local law enforcement, and mental health and wellness professionals to take […]