A new organization, The Ocean Energy Institute, has set up shop in Rockland’s South End, and aims to reduce fossil fuel use through supporting the development of new methods of generating both electricity and liquid fuels from marine sources. The group will be housed in the former MBNA complex on Water Street, overlooking the inner
State Pier project gets a green light — sort of
On July 11, Portland City Council’s Community Development Committee (CDC) voted two-to-one to recommend Ocean Properties Ltd., of Portsmouth over The Olympia Cos., of Portland, as the company best suited to redevelop Maine State Pier. This story of dueling developers (WWF May 2007) might well have ended that evening, were it not for the continuing
Latin American visitors learn from a coastal river and the people who live near it
How do you get people to realize our natural resources are in deep trouble? The problem, said Dirk Francisco of the Belize Audubon Society, is, “they don’t think about tomorrow.” So, overfishing goes on in Belize as it does around the world, and the delicate coastal ecosystem that supports the local economy gets closer to
Frenchboro passes 42 articles, defeats one
In a good mood after barbequing and eating together on the church lawn, the town of Frenchboro gathered in the community building for its annual town meeting on June 18 to discuss 43 issues on the warrant. The meeting started at 4 p.m. and concluded by 5. The meeting opened with elections of town officials
Vinalhaven discusses sidewalks, medical evacuation costs at town meeting
On June 22, approximately 35 residents attended the Vinalhaven annual town meeting, held at the Smith Hokanson auditorium. The meeting was called to order and Bob Candage was elected as moderator. Most of the 47 articles passed quickly, but there was interesting discussion on a few. There were some questions about some town expenses (approximately
VLT walks and talks foster connection with place
Nature journaling…children’s literature…hydrogeology. What do these have in common? All are part of the popular series of Walks and Talks offered by Vinalhaven Land Trust (VLT) that help participants connect with the unique natural and historical gifts of the island. This season, VLT has put together a diverse array of programs focused on such topics
Volunteers clean (and eat) their way across Swan’s Island
For 1,232 volunteered labor hours, the Swan’s Island Educational Society worked closely with 13 student volunteers and their chaperone, focusing on moving historic items out of the sagging Seaside Hall. For two weeks, the volunteers, hailing from up and down the East Coast of the United States and fueled by sugary snacks provided by island
Vinalhaven – July 4, 2007
As usual, Vinalhaven turned out in force for its traditional July 4 parade and celebration. Participants represented the Vinalhaven library, among other organizations, with floats and banners celebrating reading and literary characters including The Cat in the Hat, by Dr. Seuss.
Maine Island Students Receive Scholarships
The Island Institute has announced the recipients of the 2007 Maine Island Higher Education Scholarship, with more than $66,000 in grants — a record amount — awarded to 57 island residents who will be attending post-secondary institutions this fall. Awardees were honored at a luncheon on June 28 at the Samoset Resort in Rockport. Scholarship
The Long View: Island Scholarships — Closing the Circle
At the end of June, approximately 85 island students, parents and donors gathered at the Samoset in Rockport to celebrate the award of $66,700 in scholarship support to 57 islanders who are pursuing their education after high school. The scholarships range in size from $250 (ten) to $5,000 (three). Twenty-one scholarships are for $1,000 or