Governor John Baldacci’s Task Force on Aquaculture has circulated its report on how (and whether) to reform an industry that has been at the center of a relentlessly rising tide of criticism for most of the past 5 years. Unlike former Gov. Angus King, who embraced Maine’s aquaculture industry from the first day of his
Institute Adds New Trustees
Nancy Hopkins-Davisson, Nancy Jordan, and Matthew Simmons have joined the Board of Trustees of the Island Institute. The new trustees bring additional diversity and expertise to the Institute’s Board. Hopkins-Davisson is active in the North Haven community, serving on the school board for nine years (six as chair), the Arts and Enrichment Advisory Committee, and
Mid-Life, Mid-Winter, Mid-Ocean…
My mother, who lives in Florida, calls me about once every two weeks to fill me in on the weather. “I see you’re freezing your butts off up there!” “No, Mom,” I say, “No, it’s actually only about 20 here today, 20 and sunny, lovely.” Where she lives the climate stays somewhere between 78 and
Vinalhaven Pop Artist Caught in State’s Tax Squeeze
Despite an art exhibition and a State House reception in his honor hosted by Gov. John Baldacci, Robert Indiana’s painting “First State” was to come off of the lobby walls as the exhibit ended on Feb. 13. Citing current tax issues and budget woes, legislators have been unwilling to free up $75,000 to purchase the
Teaching With Music: Kindermusik Imparts Skills to the Very Young
Music is said to be the universal language. Though people differ widely on the types of music they enjoy, it would be difficult to find a person who does not listen to some kind of music. Despite this, most children have to wait until they are five years old, when they enter kindergarten, before they
Cranberry Report: One Captain Leaves, A New One Returns
Our community lost a beloved friend and a wonderful source of island history, when Ted Spurling died on January 27 after battling a long illness. With his Cranberry Report, he kept us up to date with weather observations, community happenings, and memories of years gone by. From a few islanders with whom I spoke, he
Runway Dispute Affects North Haven Air Service
Any day now, Telford Air hopes to sell Maine Atlantic Aviation, its island commuter service, to a willing buyer. Telford president Bob Ziegelaar confirmed that in late February a letter of intent was being drafted for an “interested” party. Telford’s bigger hope, however, is that someone will figure out a way to lengthen the North
New Fellows Coordinator Joins Island Institute
Chris Wolff joined the Island Institute’s Programs Staff in January as the new coordinator of the Island Fellows program. “We’re thrilled to have Chris on board,” said Nathan Michaud, Programs Manager at the Institute. “The Fellows program has become absolutely central to our work, and Chris definitely has the skills and experience to make sure
Yacht Designer Turns to Marine Art But Keeps Day Job
Chuck Paine’s name is synonymous with classic yacht design. Now there is another association, that of artist. In T-shirt and jeans, with longish hair, Payne seems to fill the artist’s role with ease. But after five years – since wife Debbie gave him a set of paints – painting has remained a sideline to his
Canadian Fisheries Agency to Cut Back
Whatever direction the Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans takes under new Minister Geoff Regan, it will be with 600 fewer job slots. In a January memo to staff members, DFO Deputy Minister Larry Murray said, “As you know, we have been looking at ways to improve the efficiency of our operations; make funds available