Opinion

5 years ago

Growing older

I see her walk by my house each and every day, her head covered with a kerchief or hat, with her hands buried in the pockets of whatever jacket or sweater she is wearing.

5 years ago

Darkness visible

Uh-oh.
It’s getting darker. Earlier. I seem to forget about this inevitable and inexorable development every August, but in the days of high summer, encroaching darkness is far from a person’s mind.

5 years ago

Convertible hair

t was the perfect night to ride in a convertible.  My sister and I slid into our 2005 PT Cruiser Turbo, top down, destination Van Buren.  There we would find, on that warm, muggy evening, divine ice cream and pizza burgers that border on perfection at the local dairy bar. 

5 years ago

The role of laborers

When Verna Murphy was born in 1910 her father listed his occupation as “laborer.”  When Benjamin Worster died in 1953 his death certificate records that his occupation was “woods laborer.” 

5 years ago

It’s all a matter of degree

Here in northern Maine, we’re used to spending plenty of our hard-earned cash to heat our homes, and this year, cooling them has been pretty expensive as well. 

5 years ago

Patois, dictons and metaphores

In 1999 (and in a second edition in 2007) I compiled hundreds of old patois, dictons and metaphores used in the St. John Valley from way back when to today. The books sold very well and were very popular. 

5 years ago

Supporting Maine farmers and food-insecure families

The effects of COVID-19 on Maine’s families, farmers and food systems have been serious and are certain to persist for months to come.  As part of Congress’ response to the pandemic, I strongly advocated for the creation of a new program that would help support farmers while simultaneously helping to alleviate hunger in our communities. 

5 years ago

COVID-19 exposes systemic failures

Lisa Savage, Maine [Independent Green] candidate for the U.S. Senate, promises the most comprehensive plans for systemic changes needed to meet escalating crises exposed and worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, crises that have been building for decades.

5 years ago

A backyard sting operation

Don’t you love it when a simple backyard project completely turns course and becomes an Adventure (with a capital A)?