The Working Waterfront newspaper reports on the people and forces that shape Maine’s coastal and island communities. As publisher, Island Institute’s premise is that the cultural, environmental, and community assets here are rare and valuable, and are worth fighting for.
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October 28
Cohabitating with the chickadees
THE STATE BIRD IS AN EASY COMPANION
I’m not an ornithologist but I do enjoy providing for and being entertained by birds, and I can count on that happening day after day as, ever accommodating, we monitor feeders on all sides from each kitchen window, nearly always mindful of our responsibilities. On those rare occasions when I am lax, the numerous regulars, mostly black capped chickadees, our…
October 28
A new way to be alive, and live
OUTDOOR THEATER EXPERIMENT IS A SUCCESS
A few months ago, my column focused on doing things differently, and having them still be good. Take out instead of dine in. Picnics instead of cocktail parties. Online events…
October 28
Letters: Trump, ghost gear, and columnists
The Working Waterfront welcomes letters to the editor, guest columns, and op-ed columns, as space allows. Columns should be cleared with the editor before submitting and should contain no more…
October 28
An upside for Maine—virus boosts school enrollments
Families reluctant to return home choose island, coastal schools
Early in August, the Island Institute received an inquiry from a Southport Island community member: Are other islands facing unexpected enrollment increases this school year? How are schools responding to…
October 28
Community Fund grant helps island lighthouse
Swan's Island light restoration nears finish line
Fifteen years of restoration work on the historic Burnt Coat Harbor Light Station on Swan’s Island is approaching completion. One of the final steps is being made possible by a…
October 28
The way forward is through
It’s time to adopt the new leadership paradigm
A good friend of mine often says that when faced with difficult situations, “The only way forward is through.” To say that we are faced with difficult situations right now…
October 23
Theories not based in fact can distract from climate work
Hydro dams not part of Gulf of Maine warming
Editor’s note: This column by Susie Arnold, Ph.D., a marine scientist with the Island Institute, responds to an op-ed published in the November issue of The Working Waterfront. An op-ed…
October 22
The pulsating kaleidoscope of Jill Hoy’s world
Stonington-based painter infuses color into fishing village scenes
If we could see the Maine coast through Jill Hoy’s eyes, it might be like looking through a broken kaleidoscope. You’d still be able to make out the shapes of…
October 22
Children’s author brings worker rights champion to life
Steadfast chronicles progressive advocate Frances Perkins
It was clothing and a tragedy that brought Jennifer Merz and Frances Perkins together. Merz, who recently retired to Phippsburg with her husband, is a collage artist and writer who…
October 22
A new bridge, and new beginnings
‘Let’s find out’ is how answers are found
Reflections is written by Island Fellows, recent college grads who do community service work on Maine islands and in coastal communities through the Island Institute, publisher of The Working Waterfront. “Why…
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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