Editorials - Fiddlehead Focus

Editorials

Lending a hand

If you’ve done genealogy for years, you probably would enjoy helping other genealogists, but maybe you don’t know where to start. It’s easy when someone approaches you asking questions about your family, but are there other opportunities? Here’s a listing of a few. There are surely others so if you want to volunteer don’t be shy. Most groups are desperate for volunteers.

Parlez vous français?

L’autre jour on parlais comment on peut rencontrer du monde du Maine, du comté d’Aroostook et surtout de la Vallée Saint-Jean, pas mal partout au États-Unis. Ca m’a arrivé moi itou.

5 tips for attending a job fair

The last time Northern Maine Community College hosted its annual job fair — known for being the largest in The County — was in 2019, before COVID-19. This year, I’m honored to be in charge of bringing back this important event.

Genealogy for kids

It’s natural for genealogists to want to share what they learn with other family members. Sadly, many younger relatives aren’t interested. They find genealogy boring. This can lead to disappointment on the part of the enthusiastic genealogist in the family and the fear that all your work will die with you.

J’en d’mande pas trop d’la vie

Paul McCartney avais une chanson qui s’appelais “Junk” pi y a une ligne dans la chanson qui ma toujours resté dans l’âme: “Buy, buy says the junk in the yard …”

In honor of the lightkeepers

A teacher’s light is like a lighthouse beacon, illuminating the darkness to what might not be seen, guiding and directing sailors through fierce and unyielding storms. The light does not only show a person the way, but it can positively change the path they’re traveling.

A new tool to help reduce non-fatal and fatal drug overdoses

The opioid epidemic continues to claim the lives of far too many people in our state and throughout the country. In 2022, an estimated 716 Mainers died from drug overdoses, taking an extraordinary toll on families and communities.

Investing in the future of Aroostook County

Growing up in Aroostook County, I learned that when we work together and lend a helping hand, we can make our community a better place.

Even the little hills are worth climbing

A friend I haven’t seen in person for more than 30 years and I were talking about what it feels like to be an age we once considered old.

Each day is a gift

Shu rendu a une âge ou chaque jour est un cadeau. Mais, you know what, toué itou t’es rendu la. Toute la gange qui lis cette phrase sont rendu la. Pi, a part de t’ça, tous l’monde sont rendu la, même ceux la qui viennent juste au monde.

A visit brings me home

Stepping into her room was like walking into her kitchen years ago. The bakery shop aromas, as well as that much-loved gift-shop scent had successfully followed her through the many passages of her life.

Vital record resources

A common problem for genealogists is locating vital records — births, marriages and deaths — especially if we don’t know where a family member was born, married or died.

A bit of holiday humor

When you remember past holiday seasons, what makes you laugh? While most holiday celebrations include memories of loved ones no longer here, there is always laughter that echoes through the years.

The true meaning of Christmas

It seems every year about this time I think of times long ago when our lack of technology and the slower pace of life seemed to draw us closer to the true Christmas spirit.

Noël dans la Vallée

Quand j’tais jeune a Grand Isle, Noël étais pas c’qu’on connais aujourd’hui. Par example, la Messe de Minuit étais a minuit pi pas a sept ou huit heures du soir.

Holiday clues

The holiday season is upon us, and for family historians and genealogists it can be a great time to find clues you may have missed in the Christmas rush each year. Many of us have forgotten things that can help us learn more about our families. Let’s examine some possibilities.

A difficult goodbye

His soft ivory curls were wrapped around my finger as I examined every part of his body with cloudy eyes, my free hand stroking his shoulders as I told him, for probably the millionth time during his 12 years on earth, that I loved him. I told him he was beautiful — the most beautiful Goldendoodle in the world.

Giving thanks for angels in my life

I received the ornament I have been waiting for. It is a yellow submarine and Santa himself is sitting right about where the periscope should be. He is the traditional St. Nick, with chubby, cherry cheeks and lustrous white hair. The submarine is decorated with sugar drops; green, orange, yellow and pink.

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