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June 2
Market economics, island style
Vinalhaven store one example of effective response to pandemic
It’s only been a year since the scope of this scourge began to make itself apparent. During those 12 months, several island businesses have closed and probably won’t re-open. Others have only clung to existence and hope to resurface this year. A few have remained healthy and prosperous because the goods or services they provide are essential and their continued…
June 2
‘Revenge travel’ driving Bar Harbor reservations
Summer season looks promising as travelers prefer outdoors
The tourist season is still gearing up, but by early May, owners of hotels, inns, and campgrounds were seeing strong reservations and looking forward to a busy year. Many owners…
June 2
It’s play time on North Haven
Theater festival mounts 17 short productions, May 21-23
Spring is taking a particularly “playful” form on North Haven. Twenty playwrights, tapping at their laptops over the winter, have submitted manuscripts. Seven directors are taking time away from boatyards,…
May 26
Downeast ‘oasis’ subdivision marketed for urban dwellers
High-end project eyed for Robbinston in Washington County
A high-end housing development is being planned for a 1,000-acre peninsula on Howard Lake in Robbinston. Merriwood Sustainable Community is described on its website as “just beyond the edge of…
May 26
‘New Mainers’ are key to seafood industry
State faces worker shortage that can only be met by immigrants
Welcoming immigrants to Maine is more than just the polite, hospitable thing to do. It’s critical to the state’s economic future. That’s the view of the authors of Maine’s community…
May 26
Lobster fishery’s history suggests a response
A century ago leaders addressed another existential challenge
The current threats to the lobster fishery, and consequently our coastal economy, presented by pending federal regulations to protect the critically endangered right whale have me reflecting on my experience…
May 24
The strange tale of a would-be chicken king
Coastal Maine can be choosey about its business future
The Island Institute, publisher of this newspaper, has done a lot of work with small island schools and one of its best efforts was helping form the Outer Islands Teaching…
May 19
'Lost and found' a metaphor for this year
Casual hike provides unexpected paths on North Haven
I pulled out my laptop to write just now and asked my six-year-old what this month’s column should be about. I had some vague ideas around maybe the virtual one-acts…
May 19
Deer Isle, Stonington affordable housing breaks ground
Units will serve off-island, on-island renters
Fundraising is nearly complete and construction will soon start on the first phase of an affordable housing project, called Oliver’s Ridge, that’s designed to serve workforce housing needs in Deer…
May 19
Acadia Vendors: affordable space in high-price area
Southwest Harbor site draws food trucks, farmers, crafters, and more
Long-time Mount Desert Island fishermen Holly Masterson and David Horner were busy recently prepping a site in Southwest Harbor for a completely new endeavor—an outdoor vendors market for entrepreneurs of…
Island Postcards
EPISODE 10: Keep the Light Shining
Two ambitious young women swam around the entire Island of Isle au Haut during the summer of 2019 to raise money for crucial renovations to the lighthouse.
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