ISLE AU HAUT — Island communities can be as fragile as their ecosystems. Without critical mass and essential human infrastructure—schools, health care facilities, churches and coffee shops—they risk becoming enclaves for wealthy retirees and those who can afford seasonal homes. With those fears in mind, the non-profit group Isle au Haut Community Development Corporation, or
Southport buys well-loved beachfront property
SOUTHPORT — During the federal government shutdown, it seemed like government moved at a snail’s pace and never reached consensus. Sometimes at a local level, however, government can move swiftly to get things done. In the span of one short public meeting in August, residents responded to a petition to buy a beloved piece of
UMaine Machias students back on campus
Photos by Leslie Bowman and Sophia Guida Students choose the University of Maine at Machias for the opportunity to study in a close-knit community and pursue a degree amidst the natural beauty. With a focus on environmental liberal arts, UMM was listed among the top 100 liberal arts colleges by Washington Weekly magazine this year.
Washington County — chicken, egg and clams
Like that patch of lawn that never quite gets green, Washington County continues to frustrate those who want to see this corner of Maine thrive. And though it has its challenges, it should be able to thrive. It’s not for lack of trying. Local and statewide leaders have tried to improve its economic fate in
Seattle’s big dig, old ferry goes hippie
Bertha, “the world’s largest tunnel boring machine,” according to KOMOnews.com, is again digging its way under downtown Seattle. The site reports that a longshoremen union opposed the work with a picket line. The $80 million machine began digging July 30 on a nearly 2-mile, 58-foot diameter tunnel. The tunneling will take 14 month and “is
The Burgess Boys
In July 2006, the head of a pig was rolled into a mosque in Lewiston during prayers. That act, targeting the Somali Muslim community, was seen as a profound desecration. Facing criminal charges, the man responsible, 33-year-old Lewiston resident Brent Matthews, claimed it was a prank and his attorney described it as an act of
Islesford’s Jasmine Samuel puts down roots–literally
ISLESFORD — For 28-year-old island native Jasmine Samuel, life on Little Cranberry is not about limitations. “We might have a small, contained community,” said Samuel, “but if you look around, there’s lots of opportunity. It definitely helps to have a close group of friends.” Samuel grew up on the island but left for boarding school
Sometimes, a whisper is more powerful than a scream
Benjamin Stevens of Islesford is a sophomore at Maine Maritime Academy in Castine and has been writing about his experiences for The Working Waterfront as part of the Island Institute’s student journalism program. CASTINE — Gunnery Sergeant George Oshana sat with us once and talked about the difference between the recruits and the drill instructors at
Crafts of land, sea opens at Archipelago
Archipelago Fine Arts gallery opens a new show on Friday, Nov. 1, with a public reception 5-8 p.m. at 386 Main Street in Rockland. The third annual CRAFTS of the Land and Sea show features recent work by Janice Armstrong, Jeff Barrett, Andrea Schmidt Cough, Stephanie Crossman, Patricia Flynn, Susan Garry, Angus MacPhail, Jim Miller
Islesboro man held by Russians in Greenpeace protest
ISLESBORO — The voice on the phone sounded weary and laden with worry. Maggy Willcox, whose husband Peter has been detained by Russian authorities since Sept. 19 along with 29 other Greenpeace activists at an oil platform in the Arctic region, has been talking a lot. Along with fielding press inquiries, Willcox, 61, is talking