Ninety years ago this April, the schooner Bowdoin slid down the ways of an East Boothbay boatyard. The story of Bowdoin is intertwined with that of Admiral Donald MacMillan. What is most impressive about the schooner, however, is the incredible loyalty and devotion the ship has inspired in almost everyone who has come in contact
Bill would nix fuel tax for commercial boats
If approved, the measure, known as LD 185, “An Act to Refund the Sales Tax Paid on Fuel Used in Commercial Fishing Vessels,” would restore a benefit fishermen previously obtained through a now-defunct fuel rebate program. Officials estimate the new law would cost the state $427,500 in lost revenue the first year, increasing to $570,000
Net-zero modular homes designed for island living
The affordable housing initiative has been a slow but steady process for Peaks. Founded in 2004, HomeStart was established in order to preserve affordable housing opportunities for year round residents. The organization grew from a public planning process exercise called “Peaks Island Today and Tomorrow” two years earlier. Among the top concerns for residents that
Island seasons inspire album
North Haven music, theatre and English teacher Courtney Naliboff, 29, has just released her first solo album via www.courtneynaliboff.com, making it available to the world at no cost. “I want as many people to hear it as possible,” explains Naliboff of Almanac, the album inspired by her environment, particularly the island of North Haven, “People
Frenchboro struggles with ferry access
Six islands on the Maine coast are served by the Maine State Ferry Service, a branch of the Maine Department of Transportation. The Ferry Service is currently facing a crisis of cost, having watched its costs escalate $2.3 million since 2005, according to an April 2010 business plan. The source of the higher costs are
Lobster growth trials among the work at Downeast Institute
The next question is “how long can the fishery sustain itself at current levels?” Asking these and other questions through years of rigorous research building on demonstration projects, Dr. Brian Beal is seeking practical applications that can help insure the economic survival of the fishing community into which he was born. Beal is founder and
Ice Cutting Weather
Only once in my recollection during these years has the ice party been cancelled due to warm weather-a layer of slush developed between snow cover and surface ice, which made transporting the blocks impossible. Otherwise, we have consistently put up a ton or so of ice into a sawdust-lined icehouse in a barn in Blue
Isle au Haut gets up to speed with DSL
The ConnectME program was developed in 2006 to extend high-speed internet access to rural areas which otherwise would not be served. It is funded by a 0.25 percent surcharge on in-state retail communications services. The Federal Broadband Stimulus Fund provides additional money. Projects are supported through grants, loans, or direct investments. Isle au Haut was
York River Wharf preserved by historical society
A York historical society has used funding from the state’s Working Waterfront Access Pilot Program to save an historic wharf on the York River and provide critical waterfront access to southern Maine lobstermen. With the help of bond money provided by the program, Museums of Old York is completing work on the Hancock Wharf on
Herring Gut students learn from experience
Flash forward to after lunch: students sit around a table and hold a meeting to discuss what prices to charge for fish and produce. They cite prices from their competition that they’ve identified by conducting market research. Eventually, after significant back and forth, they come to a decision by voting. Not your typical day at