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Opinion: Embrace conversations that shape the future of education in Maine

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Opinion: Embrace conversations that shape the future of education in Maine


Recently, I had the opportunity to participate in a Measure What Matters session hosted by the Maine Department of Education at York County Community College. These community meetings, held across the state, bring together educators, community members and business leaders to discuss a shared vision for Maine schools.

The goal is to develop relevant ways to recognize and acknowledge what schools are doing to prepare students for success – in their lives, in a rapidly changing global economy, in their careers, and as engaged and productive citizens of Maine.

It’s rare to find events where participants genuinely lead the conversation and engage in discussions free from a predetermined agenda. The Measure What Matters session did both, and it did them masterfully. The authenticity of these discussions was particularly impactful. Educators, business leaders and community members came together, actively engaging in meaningful dialogue. The diversity of views and opinions, along with the richness of perspectives, led to conversations that were not only insightful but conducted with the utmost respect. This respectful exchange of ideas allowed for a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

As president of York County Community College, I often hear frustrations from business leaders about the slow pace of change in education and concerns over the shortage of a skilled and educated labor force. However, it’s rare to see these discussions take place collaboratively across the K-16 spectrum, let alone as a whole community – something the Measure What Matters session uniquely facilitated.

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Educators, business leaders and community members discussed the evolving science of learning, highlighting how today’s students – and future generations – learn differently from those in the past. This evolving understanding compels us to rethink our educational approaches to better meet the needs of modern learners.

One particularly striking moment in the session was a meaningful discussion about how the rapid pace of change in industry demands workers who are adaptable and equipped with strong problem-solving skills. This sentiment resonated deeply with me, as I believe education’s role is not to tell people what to think but to teach them how to think critically.

The conversation underscored the importance of equipping students with critical thinking and adaptability – skills essential in a world that is constantly evolving. It became evident that aligning our educational practices across the K-16 continuum with the demands of the workforce and broader community is crucial, not just for student success, but for the economic and workforce development of our state.

These discussions were more than just inspiring; they represented a collective commitment to addressing these challenges together. For someone like me, who is deeply committed to the idea that higher education’s role is to develop a skilled and educated workforce that drives socioeconomic mobility for our students and fosters economic and civic prosperity for our communities, this collective effort is crucial.

Looking ahead, I am eager to see how our state collectively defines what truly matters in education and what makes Maine’s schools great. Until then, what I do know is that the willingness of our leaders and community members to engage in these conversations is what truly makes Maine great. I encourage all stakeholders to continue participating in these dialogues to ensure that our educational system, communities and state reflect our shared values and are well prepared for the future.

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Through open dialogues like these, we can build a stronger educational system, stronger communities and a stronger state – one that prepares our students for success and ensures prosperity for our businesses and communities alike.



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Rage Room in Portland, Maine, Developing ‘Scream Room’ Addition

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Rage Room in Portland, Maine, Developing ‘Scream Room’ Addition


For a lot of people throughout Maine, there’s some built up frustration that they’ve just been keeping inside.

That frustration can come in a lot of different forms. From finances to relationships to the world around you.

So it makes plenty of sense that a rage room opened in Portland, Maine, where people can let some of that frustration out.

It’s called Mayhem and people have been piling in to smash, crush and do dastardly things to inanimate objects that had no idea what was coming.

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But Mayhem has realized not everyone is down with swinging a sledgehammer. So they’ve decided to cook up something new.

Mayhem Creating ‘Scream Room’ at Their Space in Portland, Maine

Perhaps the thought of swinging a baseball bat and destroying a glass vase brings you joy. The thought of how sore your body will be after that moment makes you less excited.

Mayhem Portland has heard you loud and clear and is developing a new way to get the rage out. By just screaming.

Mayhem is working on opening their very first scream room. It’s exactly what you think it is, a safe place to spend some time just screaming all of the frustration out.

There isn’t an official opening date set yet but it’s coming soon along with pricing.

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Mayhem in Portland, Maine, Will Still Offer Rage Rooms and Paint Splatter

While a scream room is on the way, you can still experience a good time at Mayhem with one of their rage rooms or a paint splatter room.

Both can be experienced in either 20-minute or 30-minute sessions.

All the details including some age and attire requirements can be found here.

TripAdvisor’s Top 10 Things to do in Portland, Maine

Looking for fun things to do in Portland, ME? Here is what the reviewers on TripAdvisor say are the 10 best attractions.

This list was updated in March of 2026

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Gallery Credit: Chris Sedenka

Top 15 of The Most Powerful People in Maine

Ever wonder who the most powerful players are in Maine? I’ve got a list!

Gallery Credit: Getty Images





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Maine competition gives creative entrepreneurs the chance to win money

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Maine competition gives creative entrepreneurs the chance to win money


BANGOR, Maine (WABI) – If you’ve ever wondered what goes into pitching a good business idea, you might want to stop by a Big Gig event.

The Big Gig Entrepreneurship Pitch Off brings professionals from across the state together to network and pitch their early-stage business ideas for a chance to win $500.

Tuesday’s competition was held at the Salty Brick Market in Bangor, and it drew a lot of spectators.

“The winners of each semifinal event get $500 and the opportunity to compete for $5,000, so that can make a huge impact on a business that’s just getting off the ground,” said Renee Kelly, a Big Gig organizer.

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The winner of the competition, Colin McGuire, was also grateful for the opportunity to showcase his idea “Art on Tap,” which would connect local artists with local venues trying to put on events.

“The support tonight is huge, and it’s just giving me more enthusiasm for running with the idea,” he said.

The season finale of the competition will be held May 19th.

The location is yet to be determined.

If you’d like to apply to compete in the contest, you can go to biggig.org.

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This Monster Burrito Challenge in Waterville, Maine, Is Not for the Weak

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This Monster Burrito Challenge in Waterville, Maine, Is Not for the Weak


Are you up for a Maine food challenge, or are your eyes bigger than your stomach?

A Waterville staple, Buen Apetito has a monster burrito just waiting for someone to eat it down to the very last bite.

This thing is a beast, literally called La Bestia, and it’s definitely a mighty task for a fearless foodie.

Take on the Buen Apetito La Bestia Food Challenge in Waterville, Maine

According to Buen Apetito, if you can finish a super-sized burrito in 30 minutes or less, you’ll get the $60 meal for free, a La Bestia champion shirt, and a picture on the wall of fame. That’s not to mention the bragging rights of dominating a task few will be able to conquer.

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Wondering what’s in the burrito?

The Mexican restaurant shared in a Facebook comment on a post that the burrito is filled with “grilled chicken, chorizo, and tender shredded beef or pork. Built on a layer of seasoned rice, refried beans, and French fries, it’s melted together with a shredded Mexican cheese blend and a drizzle of creamy cheese sauce, sautéed peppers and onions, green salsa, pico de gallo, sour cream, creamy guacamole, and a bed of shredded lettuce all wrapped in three extra-large tortillas fused into one epic wrap.”

Let’s just say that this thing is packed full.

The first La Bestia contender took up his fork and knife in December 2025, but despite coming close, he couldn’t come out with the win.

As of March 2026, the challenge has remained undefeated. But you never know, someone is bound to come out victorious.

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Just note that you can only try your hand at this food challenge on Wednesday and Thursday.

Buen Apetito Has Been a Longstanding Waterville, Maine, Restaurant

First opened in 1999, Buen Apeitito has been around for nearly 30 years.

Centralmaine.com reported that the Mexican restaurant was originally located at the Railroad Square complex off Chaplin Street before moving to 99 West River Road in 2023.

A little over a year later, in 2024, Buen Apetito shared on Facebook that it was passing on the torch to new owners, including Dalia, “the heart and soul of [the] kitchen for twenty years,” her daughter, Norma, and Norma’s husband, Shawn.

READ MORE: Famous Maine Restaurant Buen Apetito Adds Powerhouse New Owner to Crew

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And it seems like not only are things still going strong, but new additions like La Bestia food challenge are only enhancing the spirit of big flavor and delicious Mexican food at the Waterville staple.

So, you think you’re up for the task of taking down a beast of a burrito at Buen Apetito? Good luck.

You Know You’re From Maine If You’ve Tried All 19 of These Foods

Here’s a number of foods associated with Maine. How many of them have you had?

Gallery Credit: Sean McKenna

The New York Time’s Best Restaurant Lists Feature These 7 Maine Spots

Gallery Credit: Sean McKenna

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