Not too long ago, I got a good lesson in hydration and the impacts of high temperatures in a somewhat embarrassing, but educational way. This week’s heat wave reminded me of how easy it is to lose sight of how ill-equipped we humans can be to deal with the heat — particularly when we aren’t […]
Times Record
Posted inTimes Record Opinion
The importance of preserving Maine’s Bottle Bill as environmental policy
In the spirit of our state motto, “Dirigo” (Latin for “I lead”), it only makes sense that Maine is at the forefront of smart environmental policy. One such innovative policy is our Bottle Bill. Maine’s Beverage Container Redemption Program, or Bottle Bill for short, stands among our state’s most successful environmental policies. Its success is, […]
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Posted inTimes Record Opinion
Reflections on ‘No Kings’ protest in Freeport
The weather forecast for the “No Kings” protests around Maine on Saturday, June 14, was bleak — rain in the morning followed by some clearing in the afternoon. Forecasts notwithstanding, we decided to attend the early protest in Freeport (8-11 a.m.) because we had a commitment in the middle of the day. We got to […]
Posted inTimes Record
Remembering a Civil War hero of the 20th Maine — no, not that one
One of the least-remembered heroes in Maine history is a man who “participated in many of the most severe battles” of the American Civil War, then returned home to become a commercial success and popular political leader. This hero was a man from Topsham. Holman Staples Melcher was born in Topsham to James and Nancy […]
Posted inTimes Record
From the Chocolate Church: Resurgence Dance Company’s new show and a musical trio like nothing you’ve heard before
From marquee names to local heroes, the vision of programming at the Chocolate Church Arts Center is local, national and international. This weekend — and I love it when this happens — we have some of each. First up, local heroes Resurgence Dance Company returns to the CCAC with their newest opus, “Don’t Worry. Be […]
Posted inTimes Record Opinion
A walk in the Tedford Housing neighborhood in Brunswick
I try to get out for a walk — maybe not as frequently as I should — to get a little exercise in and clear the mind a bit. Tedford’s small administrative offices, where I have worked for most of my last 18-plus years at Tedford, are right next door to the jewel of Brunswick, […]
Posted inTimes Record Opinion
Summer in Maine shouldn’t come with hidden fees
Summer in Maine is truly something special. As the days grow longer and the sun sets a little later each evening, communities across our state come alive with music, festivals and local events that celebrate the very best of who we are. From iconic concerts at Thompson’s Point, to Broadway bashes at places like the […]
Posted inTimes Record
How to improve our climate with sustainable biochar
Biochar can enhance soil health, filter wastewater, improve thermal insulation, sequester carbon and more. Advantageous though it may be, biochar remains something of a well-kept secret. Here, let’s consider just one of biochar’s many virtues: its potential impact on the health of our climate. Biochar is a charcoal-like material produced from organic matter during a […]
Posted inTimes Record
Maine should support renters by instituting pro-pet policies
NOTE: This week, Midcoast Humane is introducing a guest writer, Laurel Auth, a social work intern at Midcoast Humane. Laurel is a graduate student at the University of New England, spending half a year with us. We asked her to share her experiences interacting with those who need Midcoast Humane’s services and how our services […]
Posted inTimes Record
Perfect weather day makes for serene kayaking on Stevens Pond in Liberty
Over the past few years, my wife, Nancy, and I have explored some of central Maine’s finest small ponds and lakes in kayaks. We’ve found them to be an entertaining alternative to sea kayaking on the ocean and whitewater paddling in rivers and streams. While sea kayaking offers the challenges of open water navigation coupled […]