Articles
Remembering Chandler “Blackie” Blackington
My relationship with Chandler “Blackie” Blackington began about a decade ago when I traveled to Vinalhaven to visit the community’s medical center and eldercare home, exploring the possibilities for Swan’s Island. Blackie was my tour guide. He picked me up at the ferry terminal on Vinalhaven and showed me around the island. We visited the
Swan’s Island ferry service stumbles through Thanksgiving
SWAN’S ISLAND—Imagine being stranded on the island, not knowing when you could leave again. Or worse, being stranded on the mainland with a car full of groceries and no way to get home. A series of recent events have left us guessing about whether or not the ferry, or which ferry, would be running. Between the recent
The good life on Swan’s Island
Technology Aids in Delivering Healthcare on Swan’s Island
Early in 2012, 78-year-old Gerald Matthews nearly lost his life. He was transported from Swan’s Island to Mount Desert Island Hospital in Bar Harbor, where he was quickly assessed, found to be in serious condition, and transferred to Eastern Maine Medical Center (EMMC) in Bangor. Matthews’ heart stopped several times, but physicians at EMMC were
Remembering the Past While Looking to the Future
On Swan’s Island, there is a grand, old three-story building that stands proudly along the side of Harbor Road. For Swan’s Islanders it is a place that holds precious memories. That place is the Odd Fellows Hall. Today, there are very few active members left in the Swan’s Island chapter of the International Order of
Influx of Students at Swan’s Island School
“Fifty-four kids, can you believe it!” exclaimed Heather Webster, principal at the Swan’s Island School. While some islands are struggling to keep the doors of their schools open, enrollment at the Swan’s Island School is exploding. The 2012-13 school budget was approved for an anticipated enrollment of 36 children based on figures from the 2011-12
No More Free Rides on Swan’s Island
Emergency medical services are no longer free for Swan’s Islanders. In a letter dated May 5, 2012, residents were informed that the Town of Swan’s Island would begin charging for all ambulance runs, a service that was previously covered in the town’s operating budget. The decision to begin charging for ambulance runs was the result
Swan’s Island Celebrates Thanksgiving Together
On Swan’s Island there’s a very special tradition celebrated each year—Island Thanksgiving. For nearly 20 years, Swan’s Islanders have gathered together the Friday before Thanksgiving in the school’s gymnasium to have a meal, enjoy fellowship, and share their love for their community. Throughout the year, there are many potluck suppers, a chowder cookoff, pie auctions,
Islands Benefit from Floating Veterinary Practice
For most pet owners, a trip to the vet is not a big deal. But try adding in the logistics of living on an island to the trip and it can quickly become very challenging, costly and time consuming. Packing up your cats in the carrier, leashing your dogs, navigating a steep ramp at low
Frenchboro Fire Department Receives $50,000 Grant
When Frenchboro resident Jay Desjardin went to the post office recently to pick up his mail, he found an envelope containing a check for $50,000 made out to the Town of Frenchboro by a donor who wishes to remain anonymous. The grant money was awarded to the Frenchboro Fire Department to be used towards the