The shrill keening of Arctic terns as they dive-bomb flashes of sliver-sided brit seems to encompass all the intensity of a Maine island summer in a single second of sound and sight. Arctic terns, like most islanders, live at a furious pace during the precious few weeks between Independence and Labor days, feeding young, dodging
Aging in Place
What did you do this summer? Vinalhaven Eldercare Services has quite the list for this commonly asked question. Its new wheelchair-accessible van hit the road, another auction fundraiser was successfully staged, and 10 years at the Ivan Calderwood Homestead were celebrated—significant milestones for any island nonprofit in such shaky economic times. The Homestead and Vinalhaven
How the Civil War Made the Maine Coast a Backwater
For the past 125 years or so, outsiders have been coming to our coast precisely because of its unspoiled, under-populated, and surprisingly un-industrialized and undeveloped landscape. Our coast—unique to the seaboard of the northeastern U.S.—has been a backwater, a place people come to get away from it all, rather than in pursuit of economic opportunity.
Research Continues at Fox Islands Wind Despite Litigation
The three wind turbines on Vinalhaven are currently in the process of being retrofitted with noise-reducing serrations on each blade in an effort to mitigate the impact of the sound created by the turbines on nearby neighbors. This is the third time such technology has been used in the United States and the first on
Hunger is a Reality on Mount Desert Island
Somewhere on the west side of Mount Desert Island, there is a mother who is trying everything possible to stretch her food budget, said Susan Buell, co-chair of the Westside Food Pantry in Southwest Harbor. In an interview for the pantry’s brochure, the mother said she sometimes feeds her children cereal three times a day
Island Diaspora
Once a year many family members who have left their islands behind—whether from preference or necessity—return to the nest for a taste of the best of island life that August has to offer. But this year, July’s endlessly sunny weather beat August’s uncharacteristic fogs, frontal rains and its late hurricane all to pieces. It must
A Growing Partnership on Chebeague
On a typical Saturday night this summer, the place to go on Chebeague Island is The Slow Bell Cafe. This is the restaurant’s first season, and islanders have eagerly anticipated its opening. It’s become a real island enterprise. May Hall is the head chef and manager of The Slow Bell. Breakfast and lunch are served
Fly Rails and Flying Jibs: Coasting Schooner Photographs by Thomas Goddard
Anyone with a love of old sailing vessels will enjoy this interesting and informative book, published by the Mystic Seaport. What makes Fly Rails and Flying Jibs unusual is that it combines a series of superb photographs with interpretive captions that read like a text. The dedication page identifies Robert Goddard as a Financier, Philanthropist,
Islands Benefit from Floating Veterinary Practice
For most pet owners, a trip to the vet is not a big deal. But try adding in the logistics of living on an island to the trip and it can quickly become very challenging, costly and time consuming. Packing up your cats in the carrier, leashing your dogs, navigating a steep ramp at low
On the Docks
The fate of the U.S. economy has grabbed headlines and held Washington in gridlock for weeks this summer. Even on a warm, sunny afternoon at Journey’s End Marina in Rockland, the effects of the nation’s uncertain financial future is evident. Among the lobster boats, sailboats and yachts, lay mounds of Dole banana boxes, packages of