It used to be my custom in late December to visit websites that list the 100 best songs of the year. I’d work my way through the lists, giving each song a listen. Some years, I wrote columns about my findings, bemoaning the fact that out of several lists of 100 songs — supposedly the […]

COVID-19 and town services update: The lobby is open for walk-in traffic. Vaccinated people do not need to wear a mask. Unvaccinated people, we ask that you mask up. Go to www.maine.gov/covid19/ for up-to-date information. Thank you for your consideration of all our citizens’ safety. Dog licenses are due by Dec.  31. The state of […]

Pork roast with roasted root vegetables Pork loin roast is flavorful and delicious but, if you want to reduce the fat, use a tenderloin. Just be aware that it will cook much quicker. Servings: 8 Ingredients:  1 ½ pounds carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces  1 ½ pounds parsnips, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces  […]

If you follow my monthly column, you’ve probably noticed my big push lately for us to switch away from fossil fuel heat, such as oil and gas, in favor of modern wood heat like wood pellets. I believe that the state of Maine is, in large part, missing a huge opportunity to impact our local […]

This shaved Brussels sprout salad will give you a refreshing crunch and balance all those heavy winter main dishes. Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad Servings: 6 Ingredients: 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed ¼ cup olive oil 3 tablespoons lemon juice ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon ground pepper ½ cup chopped pecans, toasted ½ cup shaved Parmesan […]

I grew up in a Masonic children’s home in Oklahoma. If viewed from above, the place would have looked like a giant, squared-off lightning bolt. The middle section was a three-story building. The bottom floor was the library and offices, the second floor was where the superintendent and his family lived, and the third floor […]

To the average non-scientist, especially those of us who grew up on cartoons and oversimplified grade-school graphics of the earth’s layers, “geothermal” heat seems like the logical answer to everyone’s energy needs. Why not just send a pipe down to that molten layer, pull up that lava, and get the geothermal rebate down to Augusta? […]

Radicchio and Squash Fall Salad Makes 4 servings Roasted squash is a great addition to fall salads. Next time you roast it for a side, make extra for another use like this one! Ingredients: 2 delicata squashes halved lengthwise, seeded, and cut into 1/2-inch half-moons 1 tablespoon honey 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt ¼ teaspoon chile powder 6 tablespoons […]