Editorials - Fiddlehead Focus

Editorials

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.

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.

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.

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.

Time to ‘dew’ it again

“My eyes glaze over when you talk about that. Why not stick to the old percentage thing?” That was a recent comment I received, complaining about my frequent summertime use of dew point to describe how muggy or not muggy the air is.

All in a name

As I wrote in my last column, researching during the pandemic was challenging with the internet the most available source. This led to some frustrations, as you will see.

Working together in the age of COVID-19

In the wake of COVID-19, the Maine Legislature was forced to rapidly switch gears to keep Maine people safe and healthy. Hundreds of lawmakers, staff and members of the public go to the Statehouse on any given day to participate in the lawmaking process.

Rebuilding bridges for better transportation in Maine

There is an urgent need to repair and replace Maine’s aging bridges. Our state currently has 314 bridges in poor condition, the seventh highest percentage in the country.

Scorched earth

My last column was titled, "My Oh My, Hot and Dry,” and stated, "By the time you read this, we may well have challenged the record for the hottest temperature on record at Caribou, which is 96 degrees, recorded on both June 29th, 1944, and May 22nd, 1977."

Le darnier/the last

I'm re-reading "Pélagie - la charette" by Antonine Maillet. It is about a small group of Acadians who have been deported to Georgia and, after 15 years of misery, decide to walk back to Acadia.

Are child laborers in your history?

The U.S. Census can shock you in regard to the number of children who held jobs. Today child labor laws are quite strict, but years ago children of certain economic classes were expected to work and contribute to the family income.

My oh my, hot and dry

At this writing, early Thursday morning, June 18, we remain very dry in Aroostook County. And heat? Oh, yes, I should say so. By the time you read this, we may well have challenged the record for the hottest temperature on record at Caribou, which is 96 degrees, recorded on both June 29, 1944, and May 22, 1977.

Paddle and cast

A spring canoe trip on the Allagash Wilderness Waterway is an exciting way to start the open water fishing season. Combining fishing and canoeing goes together like cooking bacon and eggs for breakfast.

E. A. Williams cartoon – Week of June 8, 2020

You've come a long way

Fishing with Dad

I was twelve when my family moved into the lodge on the western shore of Umsaskis Lake. The lodge set up on a high bank overlooking the lake. My siblings and I would spend the next five summers exploring the outdoors there.

Restaurants deserve targeted state relief

The COVID-19 crisis has impacted us all in a multitude of ways. We’ve seen iconic small businesses closing their doors, schools sending students home to learn online and public events come to a standstill since the CDC issued its directive to maintain social distancing.

Demanding action on unemployment benefits

All across the state, Mainers are worried about how they are going to continue to make ends meet. This is true whether they are one of the thousands of Mainers out-of-work through no fault of their own or a small business owner who had to shut their doors for the sake of public health. The COVID-19 pandemic has turned our world upside down, ground our economy to a halt and threatened the financial security of hardworking families.

A word on the COVID-19 crisis

For many of us, the days since COVID-19 entered Maine have felt like an alternate reality. As with any transition in life, it’s important that we take some time to reflect on what’s changed, and to remember all the things that have stayed the same.

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