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Opinion

Regional veterinary clinic

To the editor: An article appeared in the Sept. 7 issue of the Aroostook Republican announcing that the volunteers of Halfway Home Pet Rescue in Caribou are planning to open a regional veterinary clinic. This clinic is desperately needed in northern Maine.

Valley Girls comic – Week of September 28, 2022

On being bilingual

Blood of Vikings

My husband and I recently re-watched a BBC production called “Blood of the Vikings.” No, it’s not the latest Stephen King horror movie, but a report of the archaeological and DNA search for traces of the Viking presence in England, Scotland and Ireland.

In the pressure chamber

So many members of my family and friends ask me the question, “What is it like to go into the hyperbaric chamber? Do you get nervous or are you claustrophobic?” These are expected and perfectly appropriate questions, my friends. And my answer is no. I do not allow my mind to go down that particular path because every session is vital toward healing.

Your Welsh ancestors

Do you have Welsh ancestry? Many who do haven’t tried to do much research in Welsh records. The Welsh are a proud people, descendants of Celts. My own Welsh heritage stems from the Merrick/Meyrick line from the Isle of Anglesey, now Anglesey County. For about 20 years it was part of Gwynedd County, but after 1996 was reestablished as an independent county.

Honoring first responders on the 9/11 anniversary

Twenty-one years ago, I was working in the woods, out of cell phone range and miles away from the closest television. It seems like a lifetime ago — I had just graduated from the University of Maine at Fort Kent, celebrated my 29th birthday and had never stepped foot in the Statehouse as an elected official.

Sharing a new journey

My friends, I must apologize to you for my long absence. I am in the midst of a journey like no other; one I did not choose, yet one that has changed my life in unimaginable ways. As for the lessons learned, they are far too numerous to categorize or list.

Valley Girls comic – Week of September 7, 2022

We've reached the 'why' stage.

Vieux noms

Ont parlais des vieux noms d’place l’autre jour. Les noms d’place qu’ont connaisais avant que l’gouvernment s’en méle avec toute sorte de nom anglais ou de français éstropié.

The gift of Apollo, 53 years later

I am aging and eroding anxiously and rapidly, but the lunar timelessness of Tranquility Base remains inviolate. On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin trod across that timelessness and brought back to planet Earth the “Year Zero”, the reality of greatness within everyday American life and every American heart.

Valley Girls comic – Week of August 31, 2022

Strengthening opioid treatment resources for Maine seniors

The opioid epidemic continues to claim the lives of far too many people, with record numbers of both Mainers and Americans lost in 2021. While many perceive the face of opioid addiction as young, the epidemic harms older adults as well. In Maine, more than 10 percent of drug overdose deaths last year were among residents 60 and older.

Valley Girls comic – Week of August 24, 2022

Castle Garden

Did your ancestors emigrate to the U.S. in the 19th century through New York City? The first name that comes to most genealogists’ minds is Ellis Island. But prior to 1893, Ellis Island as a port of entry didn’t exist. If your ancestor came into New York between 1820 and 1892, they would have entered through a port of entry known then as Castle Garden.

Valley Girls comic – Week of August 17, 2022

Eye of the beholder.

Keep it up, Madawaska

To the editor: We have never been so impressed upon our return to our hometown of Madawaska to see the wonderful results of this year's Madawaska Planning Committee, such as Thursday’s NorState Music in the Park, our beautifully decorated Main Street, more pocket parks replacing dilapidated buildings, plus putting on the yearly Acadian Festival.

Looking for equal treatment

To the editor: I just finished reading the fawning article on Austin Theriault"s opponent. I searched for an equally informative piece on Roger Albert"s announcement for the Maine House of Representative and found none.

Murder on my streets

Rat-tat-tat, rat-atat-tat goes the automatic rifle. And the world descends into madness. What if I were lying on the street of my beloved hometown with my blood pooling about me? And my last shuddered, shocked and unbearably painful thoughts were set gazing at the blue-cloud-puffed sky ordained by Thee?

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