ROCKLAND — Most of us don’t give much thought to the value of that place around the corner where you can grab a gallon of milk, a six-pack of beer, fill up on gas and order a pizza to go. In island communities, though, the local store—if there is one—plays a much more critical role,
It takes an island to keep islanders healthy
SWAN’S ISLAND — Spending in this sector represents one-sixth of the domestic economy and a recent Congressional debate over it shuttered the federal government, but for Donna Wiegle, health care means something less political and more practical. For Wiegle, who operates the island’s Mill Pond Health Center, it’s about taking blood, arranging for practitioners from
Portland waterfront is draw for circus school
PORTLAND — Development deals don’t often involve clown noses, but one of the biggest development projects in the city’s history will have a circus school as one of its first tenants. The Circus Conservatory of America announced it would open a school at the soon-to-be-constructed development at Thompson’s Point, according to Chris Thompson, president of
Sorrento lobstermen repay Buddy Kilton for a lifetime of kindness
SORRENTO — If there is such a thing as social capital that one can build up throughout life, Charles “Buddy” Kilton did it. The lobsterman has been active in his community, helping out and being an all-around nice guy. Not just picking-up-the-mail-while-you’re-on-vacation nice, but upending-his-life-to-help-others nice. That was certainly the case in 1987 after Julie
North Haven electrician grows his business
NORTH HAVEN—Keeping the lights working—and the furnace, water pump and cook stove—on an island means having a reliable electrician. This island has two: Tri-Digit Electric and Goodell Electric. Goodell Electric, which recently expanded to hire a full-time employee, was founded in 2005, when owner/electrician Trenor Goodell moved with his family from Peaks Island to North
California couple chose life on Vinalhaven
VINALHAVEN —Bryan and Jenn Feezor are not natives of this or any other island. The 26-year-olds are truly “from away,” having been raised in California and Maryland, respectively. The pair met as students at the University of California at Santa Cruz. After graduate school—Bryan at UCSC and Jenn at Boston University—the couple knew they wanted
Boat-building in Maine remains a viable niche
TROY—On Route 9 in this western Waldo County town, which you can miss whether you blink or not, a sign partly obscured by chokecherry bushes and apple trees announces: BOAT CARPENTRY. Up the driveway are a 19th-century Cape-style house, a boat shed, a bright green 1954 Willys pickup truck and a wood-heated workshop. This is
Washington County cannabis providers strive for high-end product
PHOTOS BY LESLIE BOWMAN AND BRICE BOWMAN-LABERGE Randi Smith and Danny Marshall are not your typical “Mom and Pop” business owners and farmers. They have a dog, a flock of chickens, some ducks and a Canada goose they raised after it was dropped by a passing eagle. But their cash crop is cannabis. Marshall believes
Lobster strategy: You go cheap, we’ll go quality
It’s the end of the fishing season and along the coast, lobster traps are stacking up in dooryards waiting for repair as the winter’s first snow looms. And as we plan our holiday meals, let’s remember to feature the local catch. Meanwhile, some in the lobster industry will continue working through the winter to find