When this time of year rolls around, I always think I smell freshly sharpened pencils at every turn. Like me, both students and their families are mentally gearing up for the new school year, but the fact is, preparations have been underway since June. Yes, it was a busy summer at the Brunswick School District. […]
Forecaster Opinion
Posted inForecaster Opinion
RSU 5 Superintendent’s Notebook: A new school year brings new beginnings
As a young child, I greeted each September with delight when I saw packages of pencils, notebook paper and other school supplies grace the shelves of the locally owned department store in my hometown. I patiently (or not so patiently!) counted down the days until my mother would take me by the hand to buy […]
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Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: Maine needs to increase ranks of firefighters
A few hours after typing this, I will park myself on a metal folding chair and settle in to watch my eldest son graduate from firefighting academy. I’m pretty proud of him. I fully own that there is some plain ol’ mama pride going on here, naturally, but this sort of thing is good for […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Life Unwound: Choose mindfulness over the monkey mind
To help heal addictions in 12-step meetings, the leader reads “the promises,” which say that, if we follow the recommended practices, “we are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness. …We will know peace.” A writing teacher says, “positivity and expansiveness … will give you access to your essential creative channels. … […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Through My Lens: Horn of Africa diaspora needs to address drought
I sit in a cabin in the woods of Maine in Deer Isle as I work on this column. Looking through the window I am greeted by spruce trees, moss and granite ledge. After some rain fell in Maine over the past week it looks like the trees are as happy as they could ever […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: Mainers should be thankful for cheeky New York columnist
Each and every one of us owe a huge thank you to Cindy Adams, the visiting New Yorker who recently wrote about her trip to the Pine Tree State in an article for the New York Post. I’m guessing you’ve read it? Or maybe you’ve read about it? It is exactly the sort of ridiculous, […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Life Unwound: Letting go of the impossible dream
A friend recently asked me, “Have you ever wanted something that was impossible?” She didn’t ask me to name that something. Phew! Who wants to reveal their deepest longings, fantasies, or maybe that shiny thing tinged with the teeniest bit of greed? “Yes, of course,” I answered simply. “It’s about loss, right?” She smiled and […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: At long last, bird-friendly windows
My father was a man who really loved good design. He paid attention to the small details: the way a door handle felt when grasped, the balance of a coffee pot as it was lifted to pour, the line of a fender on a car going past. Dad managed to pass his love of design […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Sustainably Speaking: A surprising climate action you could be taking
Let’s face it: the climate crisis is depressing. As I write this on a beautiful, cool summer day, I can almost forget about it. Almost. But it’s always there now, this knowledge of our shifting ecosystems and livelihoods at risk. The climate crisis is this huge, overwhelming thing that is, honestly, painful and hard to […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion
Portland Superintendent’s Notebook: Prioritizing mental and behaviorial health for all
As August draws to a close, I’m hopeful that everyone got a chance to unwind this summer and is ready to start the new school year with a renewed sense of enthusiasm and purpose. At the same time, I’m also mindful that this year follows an incredibly difficult 2021-2022 school year. That’s why one of […]