Summertime in Maine is tourist season. Recently, summer has brought a new kind of seasonal visitor, one we haven’t quite figured out how to live with, in a change that seems like the new norm. I am speaking, of course, about sharks. Obviously, sharks aren’t new. They’ve been here all along. According to the Gulf […]
Forecaster Opinion
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Life Unwound: Settle inner turmoil like the calmness of a snow globe
On a recent 90-degree day with over 60% humidity, I remembered my childhood snow globe. Do you remember the magic of the tiny bits of reflective glitter in the water-filled glass? When turned upside down or shaken, the particles fell like a snowstorm. I gazed at it, fascinated by the whiteout after a few jiggles. […]
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Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: Maine owes its brand to now crippled EPA
We are in a drought. “Moderate” for the Midcoast as of this writing. So far, knock on wood, our well is holding up. We made it through last year’s drought, too, thank goodness. But pause a moment and consider that statement. We are in a drought … and we had a drought last year as […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Through My Lens: Verbal microagressions are common and painful
“Your English is great for an immigrant. You don’t have that thick African accent.” This is a statement I heard recently that is one of the microaggressions we hear in our everyday lives. It hurts when Mainers think they should put their dogs in the basement when I visit. Or not bring red and white […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: Battle lines are being drawn and it’s time to fight back
One of the best things I have ever done in my adult life was to become a notary public. I know what you’re thinking, and yes, I do love the little stamp. But no, that’s not the reason why I love being a notary. It’s the weddings! Being a preacher’s daughter, I’ve seen a lot […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Life Unwound: Out of the mouths of babes comes love and acceptance
I know some kids who know some things. I know kids who have not forgotten their in-born innocence, boys who play with dolls and girls who rule their own lives. I know a 9-year-old who played while her dad was at work. When dad came home, he high-fived her and said, “You were awesome today.” […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Sustainably Speaking: Being old in the time of global warming
I have a new friend. Her name is Susan and she lives in Reno, Nevada. We’ve only met once in person when we were serendipitously in Tuscon, Arizona, at the same time last spring. We are both old, both social workers with long careers and both heartbroken. “I didn’t think retirement would look like this, […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Through My Lens: Biden needs to keep his promise to refugees
June 20 was World Refugee Day, but unlike the past few years, the number of displaced people surpassed 100 million this year, meaning 1 in 78 people on Earth has been forced to flee their homes. It’s a dramatic milestone that few could have expected a decade ago. President Joe Biden committed to resettling 125,000 […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: No words to describe opposition to pride crosswalk
It’s the irony of it all, the massive, overwhelming, elephant in the room-sized irony of it all, that just baffles me. I am speaking, of course, about the furor and uproar surrounding the intended-to-be-joyous celebration of Pride Month. The voices of opposition say their concern over the pride crosswalk in Brunswick “isn’t homophobia,” it is […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion
Portland Superintendent’s Notebook: Ending the school year with gratitude
Portland Public Schools has just ended an incredibly challenging school year. On top of the everyday demands of running our schools, we had to cope with COVID surges and a labor shortage that stretched our capacity to run school buses and staff classrooms. Yet I am ending this year with a sense of gratitude – […]