Editorials - Fiddlehead Focus

Editorials

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.

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.

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.

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?

Census pitfalls

All genealogists avidly use the census for information about their ancestors. Starting in 1790 the U.S. censuses were taken every 10 years. By 1850 all those in a household were listed and in 1880 the relationships were spelled out. What’s not to like about any of that?

A piece of sky

As promised so many weeks ago, here is the second part to my most recent Northern Yarn regarding my fascination with old buildings. I have spoken before of my career and of the honor of working with those who were visually impaired or blind. Each precious encounter I experienced in itself was a life lesson, and from time to time I am inspired to share some of these “yarns” with you.

La lettre V pi Y

Bon, b’en avec cette article on a fini de publier l’alphabet de mes livres de patois, dictons pi metaphores. L’mois qui vien j’veut commencer a publier des poêmes, des observations, toute sortes de chôses, I guess.

Honoring our veterans through resources and recognition

Recently, I attended a White House signing ceremony for three bills I championed to help ensure that America’s veterans receive the benefits, resources, and recognition they earned through their service to our country.

Valley Girls comic – Week of July 13, 2022

Thanks, but no thanks.

What’s that worth?

As I write this column inflation is at an all-time high, prices soaring skyward, product shortages common, people flinch as they fill their cars and we’re all making nips and tucks to our budgets.

Valley Girls comic – Week of July 6, 2022

Go away, pollen.

Celebrating The County’s agricultural heritage

Summer is well underway, as is potato season in Aroostook County. Farming is a critical part of Maine’s character and economy.

La lettre U

On est rendu a l’avant derniére lettre de mes livres de patois, dictons, pi metaphores.

A bit of exploration

I am fascinated with old structures such as houses, barns, and potato houses that stand weathered and perhaps beaten by time and vacancy.

Foiled again

Do you sometimes feel like a knight on a hopeless quest in search of ancestors? I always try to be optimistic but there can be barriers almost impossible to scale. Let’s take a look at some of the most difficult challenges you may face.

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