It’s time to start talking about reopening the State House – safely. Although it’s no surprise that restrictions on business operations have dominated headlines – and policymaking by Gov. Janet Mills – we shouldn’t forget the equally vital operations of the rest of state government. That’s especially true because the Legislature shut down in the […]

Nick Culver worked for years to get to this point, endlessly practicing his French horn, performing, and studying theory, all to graduate this month with a music degree from Michigan State University. For most of us, the big event at the end of college is wearing a cap and gown and walking in a graduation […]

For years I thought that the phrase, “I’ll be watching you” was the chorus to a popular 1980’s song sung by the Police. I guess it could very easily now be confused with a statement sung by real police if a new lawsuit has any merit. A recent lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court by […]

Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program recently launched its “Farm to Pantry” initiative designed to provide critical support for local farmers and hungry Maine families. MCHPP has committed $40,000 to purchase fresh produce and protein directly from Maine farmers — who are facing significant economic challenges due to the coronavirus—as a way to help address the […]

On COVID-19, Americans have been misled, lied to and confused. In a crisis, people need clear, concise and authoritative messages from leadership. This crisis has lacked that. At one extreme are politicians who put their careers ahead of the public good. At the other end are scientists, who must try to explain their complex work. […]

My mother was a high school student in Exeter, New Hampshire during the late 1920s. When a boy asked her out for a date, she would sometimes say, “No thank you. I’d rather stay home and read Dickens.” While that sassy line did little to impress potential suitors, it did speak to her love of […]

I’m old but I have young whitewater friends. Some are very young. I’ve been paddling with the Galway family for over a decade. Ryan and Shweta are about the same age as my sons. Consequently, their paddling children, Mason and Krea, are young enough to be my grandchildren. One of the many benefits of Penobscot […]

Here’s one COVID-19 silver lining: The drive-in theater, a uniquely American creation, is doing booming business again. I’ve long been nostalgic for this wonderful piece of Americana. When I was growing up in the ’70s, my mother and father often packed my five sisters and I into our massive station wagon to see outdoor movies. […]

My heroes, behind their masks, are Missy, Jean, Amanda, Sharon, Anna, Tonya and Teresa. Although we’ve been getting together every few weeks for many years now, I still know most of them only by their first names. (Though I have learned a little about Amanda’s kids and Tonya’s competitive swimming career.) It’s last names with […]