YMCA’s vacation activities free, fun for local kids

Recently I found myself wondering what my children might be able to do that would be fun and affordable during their school vacation. I was thankful to have the time off from work to be with them, but I knew our budget would be tight with the Christmas season upon us. Luckily, before school got […]

Twinkling holiday lights a mood lift for spectators

I want to express my appreciation for those who displayed holiday spirit with their twinkling lights along the well-traveled Augusta streets. I drove an older infirmed friend to marvel at them one evening. What a mood lift! These people spend time and effort to create these displays, not to mention the cost of power. What […]

Starks vote on withdrawal from RSU 59 is important

On Tuesday, Starks will hold a special vote about the ongoing efforts under way to withdraw from RSU 59. The polling place at the Starks Community Center, formerly the Starks Elementary School, will be open and voting will take place from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Absentee ballots are available now. Many people have given their time […]

Celebrate, highlight our young adults in 2012

I am reminded daily the positive role young people in and from our community play. My New Year’s resolution will be to celebrate, highlight and learn more from young people. It might be the actions of local athletes, a drama performance, community project carried out by the technical center, spending an evening with the Jobs […]

Teenagers having babies example of MaineCare woes

I hope Gov. Paul LePage saw the front page of the Morning Sentinel on Jan. 2. The area’s first New Year’s baby was born to 15- and 16-year-old kids. This is an example of the reason the MaineCare system is so deep in the hole. The last I knew, teenagers could get free birth control. […]

Cutting welfare is no longer an option, it’s a must

In a time when Maine has more people receiving state benefits or welfare or some other liberal social program than it has taxpayers, the Democrats and media scream at Gov. Paul LePage. News flash! We all have loved ones who need help and receive help but with a shortfall of more than $200 million in […]

MaineCare helps families who are the working poor

As a husband and father, I know how difficult it can be to make tough budget decisions, but Gov. Paul LePage’s proposals to cut MaineCare are the wrong way to go. My wife and I receive MaineCare in the parent category. Although, my employer offers health insurance, it would cost us more than $600 per […]

We need more thought, less immediacy in the world

This year, I’ve resolved to reconsider Facebook. Perhaps, like you, I jumped on this bandwagon to stay hip as I courageously approach senility. I reckoned a snappy Facebook page would keep me young — abreast of the action, tethered to movers and shakers. I steadfastly rebuke skin care products, Cialis and Flomax — opting to […]

Walk with Mother Teresa or walk with Stalin

I hope you had a Merry Christmas. There, I said it. Merry Christmas. The earth didn’t crack wide open, and the government didn’t persecute me. I highly doubt that any Muslims, Jews, Buddhists or animists took great offense. I could very well have said Happy Hannukah, Happy Kwanzaa or happy Earth spirit day, and perhaps […]

Reports from Iraq region confusing, contradictory