The new directory was the brainchild of Peg Astarita, a resident of Peaks Island. “Everywhere I went,” says Astarita, “I heard islanders, especially the older folks I’d come into contact daily, saying that we needed an alternative to the big Portland book. What they wanted was something compact and easy to handle, but with a large typeface that was easy to read.”
Astarita needed either a sponsoring organization or another person to help get her project going. News gets around fast on islands, and many an idea has taken root on the ferry or at the island store. This connection happened at a Peaks Island Lions Club pancake breakfast last summer, when Astarita struck up a conversation with Cevia Rosol.
“The idea had immediate appeal for me,” says Rosol. “I’ve been trying to beg, borrow or steal an old directory since I moved here three years ago, and my first thought was that this might be the only way I’d get one of my own.”
So the two women, who had different sets of skills, combined them along with their two last names, and formed Astro Publishing. They spent the summer months visiting local businesses to sell advertising, line up distribution points and get printing estimates. During the fall months they worked on the layout and design, as they anxiously awaited the latest published listings. In the past few weeks, while the book was at the printer, they discussed all the things they’ll do differently the next time around, which will be in about three years.
“We have wonderful resources on the islands,” says Rosol, “and people were extremely helpful with advice and encouragement. There are also a large number of very talented artists on Casco Bay, from among whom we chose Nancy Gibson-Nash to design our cover.”
The phone books will be on sale at various locations, which will be posted on the islands and on the mainland. Further information is available from Astarita or Rosol. The latter’s phone number is (207) 766-0059.