Articles
High Tech, High Touch: Island Institute launches three-year strategic plan
The vision of the Island Institute is to be “a locally valued and broadly recognized partner finding solutions to challenges posed by local, state, national and international trends that threaten Maine’s island and working waterfront communities,” according to a new strategic plan for the organization. The Institute’s Board of Trustees approved a series of new
Discovery Launch
Boothbay Harbor Shipyard is presently the largest company in the U.S. that specializes in traditional plank-on-frame wooden boats. The firm recently observed its second anniversary since new ownership and management took over in 2004. On December 11, the yard launched the 50-foot ship replica Discovery, pictured here. The yard is already halfway through a major
North Haven embarks on affordable housing
With a two-acre lot donated by a local resident, $25,000 in locally raised funds and a matching grant from the Islands Challenge Fund, the members of North Haven Sustainable Housing (NHSH) are ready to start construction on an energy efficient, affordable home. Beginning in 2004, NHSH, an all-volunteer community group, saw the need for year-round
Institute Opens Portland Office
Institute vice president Peter Ralston (left) and community services director Chris Wolff (right) celebrate the opening of the Island Institute’s new Portland office at 305 Commercial Street. With them is Barbara Hoppin of Peaks Island, who attended the opening party on Sept. 28 along with an enthusiastic crowd of Institute members and staff, Casco Bay
Institute expands fellows program staff
The Island Institute is adding staff resources to its fellows program, hiring Cyrus Moulton as the fellows program coordinator. Moulton was formerly a fellow on Great Cranberry Island working with the Town of Cranberry Isles to write a comprehensive plan. He also taught music at the Islesford School. As coordinator, he will provide the “on
Swan’s Island Fisherman’s Cooperative Holds Annual Dinner
The Swan’s Island Fishermen’s Cooperative held its annual lobster dinner for the fishermen and their families in August. Traditionally the men cook the lobsters and the steamers that are served, and family members bring salads and desserts. Belinda Doliber, whose husband, Benjamin, sells his catch at the co-op, said the event is a nice way
Winsor Music ensemble to perfrom on Swan’s Island
On Friday, Nov. 3 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Swan’s Island School, three members of Winsor Music, one of the Northeast’s premier chamber music ensembles, will present a free, interactive children’s music program. Students and teachers from the Frenchboro and Islesford schools will also participate, and any other interested island teachers and their students
New Feature
Beginning this month, three new writers join Working Waterfront’s corps of columnists. They’ll appear exclusively on our website, starting Oct. 15. David Tyler will cover island-mainland interactions and other topics in Casco Bay. Tina Cohen will share her observations from Vinalhaven. And Nancy Griffin will comment on fisheries and related matters in Maine and the
Great Cranberry Says Farewell to Island Fellow
On Thursday, August 24, the community of Great Cranberry Island held a surprise barbecue-potluck supper to honor Cyrus Moulton, their Island Institute Fellow for 2004-2006. Moulton’s mother, Lynn, and his brother and sister, Seth and Liza, were brought to the island surreptitiously to preserve the element of surprise. Moulton received numerous gifts including photo collages,
Cliff Island gets Maine’s first “public interest” pay phone
After almost three years without a working public pay phone for island emergencies, Cliff Island in Casco Bay is one step closer to reclaiming the once famous symbol of “Ma Bell” after a rousing public meeting Aug. 9. With a burst of applause, members of the annual meeting of the Cliff Island Association (CIA) unanimously