It comes early in an African American life. Before “Pomp and Circumstance” is played. Before the corsage and the limousine ride. Before final exam, favorite teacher and science project. Before first kiss. Before any of that, someone has appraised you — millions of someones who have never met nor even seen you. And they have […]
2020
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Donald Verrill: Support for Jen Blastow
Jen Blastow is running for House District 72, representing Mechanic Falls, Otisfield and Oxford. A native Mainer who has lived in Otisfield for 25 years, Blastow is a nurse practitioner, mother of two, spouse, marathoner and active community member. She demonstrates lots of energy and now wants to continue within the communities. Her professional health […]
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Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
Austin Bay: Is China ready to take on the world?
In July, senior government officials in Taiwan and the U.S. warned that communist China was aggressively threatening Taiwan’s independence. U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper contended Beijing had taken its intimidation “to a new level.” China’s 1995-1996 “missile drizzle” operation, sometimes called the Third Taiwan Strait Crisis, set a high bar for aggressive threats to […]
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Gene Geiger: Kristen Cloutier leads for Maine
The upcoming election may be the most important of our lifetimes. While the national races get the most attention, those who represent Mainers in Augusta will have the most difficult of challenges — helping those who have been most hurt by the pandemic’s effects while having to work with seriously diminished state resources. More than […]
Posted inEncore
Looking Back on Aug. 28
100 Years Ago: 1920 A baby clinic conducted by Lewiston and Auburn Red Cross chapter, exactly after the manner of that already established at the headquarters will be opened Friday in New Auburn. Dr. Leo Hall, health officer of Auburn saw the need for a clinic of the kind before he began his duties as a […]
Posted inSun Spots
Jigsaw puzzles, can tabs and online sales help among requests
DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have boxes containing 10 (1000-piece) jigsaw puzzles to give away to anyone who can pick them up. They have been used only once and are in good condition. If interested, please call me at 784-3910. — No name, no town ANSWER: Wow! This is so generous of you, especially during the […]
Posted inHoroscope
Gemini: Ignore those looking to stir the pot or bring you down
CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Kyle Massey, 29; Jason Priestley, 51; Jack Black, 51; Shania Twain, 55. Happy Birthday: You are sitting in a unique position. You have the means to get what you want, but if you let the little things get to you, you’ll find it challenging to reach your destination. Concentrate on […]
Posted inDr. Roach
Surgery is a last resort for chronic back pain
DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 70-year-old man with chronic back pain. I first started having serious back pain in college after spending much of my time hunched over a drawing board. Later, as an architect, my back pain reoccurred frequently. About 20 years ago, after having terrible sciatica in my left leg, I had […]
Posted inDear Abby
Father-in-law expects future grandchildren to be Catholic
DEAR ABBY: My husband and I are trying to have children. He was raised Catholic, but is now agnostic. I’m also agnostic. My deeply religious father-in-law insists that our future children be baptized Catholic. I’m against it because I think it should be a person’s right to choose which faith, if any, to follow when […]
Posted inRiver Valley
Sue Marshall named director of Rumford Public Library
The former children’s librarian won unanimous approval