OWLS HEAD — In the state with the oldest population in the country, most of Maine’s year-round islands have a median age that is significantly higher than the mainland population. Census statistics show that the median age—the number at which half the population is older and half younger—on 11 of the state’s 15 year-round, unbridged
The Voyage of the Heron: A Portland man’s ‘trip of a lifetime’ took on literal meaning
Try talking to a glass of water. Crazy, right? Then how is it that the sea seems to speak to me? I know it’s no more angry in storm than calm, that indeed it bears no emotion, and yet I wouldn’t be human if I didn’t see some meaning in its many faces. After being
In transition, community is the constant
Life is a course, a series of waypoints, choices made, adventures unfolding. This is the sense that came over me as I walked onto the stage at Islesboro Central School on an all-too-rare sun-soaked Sunday in June. I felt at home. As Islesboro’s commencement speaker, I came to honor ten students at the end of
Murphy’s law ends MMA voyage
The best plans can be laid to waste. A storm can kick up unexpectedly and ruin a good run of fishing, or get somebody hurt. A bit of alcohol can toss a wrench in a plan. In the words used for every great mishap: “stuff” happens. We have a machine on board that regulates the
Rejecting bill on ‘incidental’ lobster catch was right move
Every year, thousands of people from all over the world come to visit Maine. They’re drawn to our coast, our lakes, ponds and streams, our mountains and our woods. And they’re also drawn to our lobster, as most any tourist will tell you. Lobster can enjoy the status is has because of all we have
Weirdness on the water
HARPSWELL — Spend enough time out on the water, and you’re bound to experience some weird stuff. Especially, as is the case for many fishermen, if that time is spent alone. That weird stuff—occurrences that can’t be explained, life-or-death drama or maybe a sense of impending doom or disaster that prompts a change of plans—will
Median age of islanders jumps significantly
OWLS HEAD — In the state with the oldest population in the country, most of Maine’s year-round islands have a median age that is significantly higher than the mainland population. Census statistics show that the median age—the number at which half the population is older and half younger—on 11 of the state’s 15 year-round, unbridged
Vinalhaven coffee import to benefit Salvadorean village
VINALHAVEN — Coffee beans harvested by mountain villagers in Izotallio, El Salvador, arrived at a Deer Isle roastery in recent weeks and are slated for sale at a Vinalhaven flea market through the summer. Proceeds will go to a scholarship fund to benefit students in Izotallio. The global-connections initiative was facilitated—with a lot of hard
Welcome to my neighborhood
Part of the reason that Maine has the oldest population of any state in the nation is that people move here after making a good living in places that may not be as attractive, but where they can become successful enough to then want to experience the way life should be. At least for four
Steve Spurling: 92 and still building boats
SOUTHWEST HARBOR — Steve Spurling, who is 92, has been a boat captain and boat builder all his life. He still builds small craft, including Whitehalls and dinghies of his own design, in a shop behind his house. Come spring, he pulls the small boats out onto his front lawn to sell. Spurling grew up