In 1865 Horace Greeley advised “Go West, young man, and grow up with the country.” Long before these words were penned Americans were steadily moving to the west seeking new land. They moved westward in waves as early as 1776.

The beginning of a new school year is a good time to ask, “Are our state’s youngest students ready to learn and thrive in a school environment?” And, as we all have a vested interest in the quality of Maine’s future workforce, we also should ask, “Are our state’s early learners on a solid path to succeed, so they graduate on time with the necessary skills to be ready for college and the workplace?”

DOWN THE ROADA PIECEBy Milt Gross As soon as I moved to Maine as a fledgling minister, I bought my first shotgun from Bob, who owned a tiny store in Bethel.

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To the Editor; Question 2 on the November ballot increases money for public education programs through raising, by a small amount, the taxes wealthy Mainers would pay.

To the Editor; I agree many of the comments our governor has made should never have been made.

To the Editor; I do a fair amount of traveling each year.

By Peggy Rotundo “A tragedy is unfolding in slow motion here in Maine.

To the Editor; Creating livable communities – great places for people of all ages to live, work, and play – was the theme of the recent Maine Age-Friendly conference sponsored by AARP Maine.

To the Editor; I am writing to express my support of and invite others to consider supporting “Yes on 5” when we vote in November.

To the Editor; On behalf of water utilities throughout Maine, I remind the public during Fire Prevention Week (October 9-15) about the critical role of local water supplies in fighting fires and safeguarding public safety.

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DOWN THE ROADA PIECEBy Milt Gross I’m currently, while stretched out on the sofa, reading Charles Kuralt’s “America”, which has some interesting stuff.

The term “dower” isn’t used much anymore but you’re apt to run across it when you’re researching your ancestors’ wills or sometimes in deeds.

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Down the roadBy Milt Gross    Fall is here, possibly my favorite time of year.

To the Editor; It’s the same old, same old.

At some point in each genealogist’s life comes the time to think about that dreaded word “organization.