Earlier this month, I received my second and last dose of the Pfizer vaccine, and the first thing I thought of was how lucky I am. It only took 15 minutes, I was done and walked out to the parking lot to drive home. I called my mother to tell her how the process of […]
Forecaster Opinion
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: Financial safety net can be cast
Memorial Day is just around the corner. Created in the wake of the horrors of the Civil War as a time apart from the day-to-day routine to pause and honor the men and women who died in service, this day is important. However, falling as it does on the last Monday in May, in recent […]
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Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Forum: Support Mountain Division Trail legislation
Living next to it all my life, the Mountain Division Railway’s story is intertwined with my own. At age 3, I remember trying to greet the black steam engine rolling by before my parents yanked me back. In 1951, I rode the last passenger train to North Conway with my mother and sister – our […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Here’s Something: Panic’s over, get back to work
They say the last few weeks was like reliving the late 1970s, but don’t believe the hype. Yes, we have a weak Democrat in the White House, gasoline shortages and concerns over rising inflation. But there is a big difference between then and now: employment. “Help wanted” signs are everywhere, which was certainly not the […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion
Superintendent’s Notebook: Appreciating English Learner teachers
The first week of May was Teacher Appreciation Week. If you missed the chance to thank a teacher then, you’re not too late. It’s always an opportune time to express our gratitude to awesome educators who change the lives of students each day. I’m recognizing teachers this month as part of my ongoing series about […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: The gift that keeps on giving
Every so often, especially while doing chores, I like to let my mind wander and indulge in fantasy “what if” scenarios. Nothing radical. I tend to revisit the familiar question of “If money were suddenly no object, what would I do?” I’d be lying if I didn’t confess there are some straight-up selfish indulgences. I […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Life Unwound: You are companioned
Years ago, in the raw days after shoulder repair surgery, carefully dosing the opioid Dilaudid for pain, I slept, tried to sleep. I tossed this way, miserable in this position, pillows just so in the leather recliner suggested by the surgeon. I turned that way, wincing in that position, propped with cushions as the physical […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Forum: Future of recycling construction debris in Maine grim, needs closer look
With the introduction of LD 1639, “An Act To Protect the Health and Welfare of Maine Communities and Reduce Harmful Solid Waste,” the future of construction and demolition debris (CDD) recycling in Maine has been brought to the forefront, and that future is grim. To focus just on “out-of-state” CDD waste, as LD 1639 does, […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion
Over Easy: Crossing the line
Walls, like fences, make good neighbors, according to Robert Frost. But historically, it seems too often walls were built to keep people either out or in; they were relics of the past that lose their meaning while time moves on. What set me off thinking was an article about the revenue made in Maine since […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion
Superintendent’s Notebook: The willow’s strength
“The oak fought the wind and was broken, the willow bent when it must and survived.” – Robert Jordan In RSU 5, the staff has remained flexible throughout this extremely challenging pandemic year, which has allowed our students and staff to not only survive but to emerge stronger. Like the tall, deciduous willow trees, there […]