Once, during my first winter in Maine, I told my grandmother (a born and raised Minnesotan) that the temperature had not risen above zero degrees Fahrenheit for a whole week. And, in the way that only a grandmother can, she told me to get over it. She said that the cold makes your blood thicker
It’s a beautiful day in the Neighborhood House
ISLESFORD — A center of this small community for a century, the Islesford Neighborhood House inspires fond memories of gatherings past and continues to be a lively place for all kinds of activities. Now in its centennial year, the building is scheduled to undergo improvements to ensure its use well into the future. “We want
Schoodic wins funds to continue research center work
WINTER HARBOR — Every fall at the Schoodic Education and Resource Center, Park Ranger Kate Petrie gets a first-hand glimpse at how large and sometimes isolating a state like Maine can be. Her program, the Schoodic Education Adventure Program, brings in students from all over the state to work with ocean ecology for a three-night
Pausing at the zenith, a time of anticipation
This is my favorite time of year. The swing of my sentiments has passed through the equilibrium of winter and risen through the doldrums of March and April. It has approached its high point where there is a magnificent pause that lasts from early May to mid-June before the weight of it races back down
Bees do it, artists do it–let’s do it, let’s pollinate
With the news filled with stories of bees struggling to survive, “Pollination: Evolving Miracles” at the Atrium Art Gallery in Lewiston could not be timelier. Here is an opportunity to connect with the creatures that keep the flowers blooming, the fruit trees bearing and summer days humming and buzzing. And it’s not just bees: moths,
Beachfront septic and ‘badass’ monkfish
North Carolina’s Outer Banks Voice reports on a state ruling that will make it easier for the owners of beachfront houses whose septic systems were destroyed in storms to rebuild, “as long as they are 50 feet from the water at low tide.” State rules generally prevent owners from rebuilding if 50 percent or more
Polishing a piece of the past: Vinalhaven’s old engine house
During a long and recent period of historic preservation, a trend we are grateful for, much discussion has been evolving and has now emerged about whether a strict adherence to the characteristics of the original is always the best approach toward restoring or otherwise affecting the salvation of an historic building. A popular and sensible
No man an island, but islands imposed deep impact on this man
I will step down officially on July 1from my role at the Island Institute, but I won’t be going far—12 miles out to Lanes Island on Vinalhaven for starters. Ever since my first visit to a Maine island in 1975, islands have never been far from my mind and will not be far away in
Students lead in cutting electric bills for schools
VINALHAVEN — It’s fitting that the generation most likely to be hit hard by climate change and high energy costs be immersed in learning solutions. Energy for ME, an education program run by the Island Institute, helped coastal and island students find more than $88,000 in electricity savings and prevent more than 600,000 pounds of
Fisheries research may get boost in federal budget
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Sen. Susan Collins has called for $5 million in new funding for fishery research, double the amount listed by the Obama administration its budget proposal. The funding would be included in the Interjurisdictional Fisheries Grants program. Maine fishery stakeholders are excited about the prospect of the grant funds, which would go towards