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July 18
Understanding Portland, understanding Maine
Vibrancy of Old Port has come through decades-long progression, but what’s next?
There are no cities in Maine. With a population of about 66,000, Portland doesn’t qualify, at least by national standards. If Portland were in Massachusetts, it would be the 15th largest community, bigger than Haverill but smaller than Framingham. And city or not, Portland is often dismissed these days as a suburb of Boston, as if it were no longer…
July 18
Vinalhaven to celebrate work of noted children’s author
Island hosts Margaret Wise Brown week, Aug. 15-19
Margaret Wise Brown, author of such children's classics as Goodnight Moon, The Runaway Bunny and The Little Island, had a deep love for Vinalhaven. In fact, the home she bought…
July 15
City acts to ease Portland housing shortage
Demand for rental housing 'unprecedented,' report says
Like many cities in New England and across the country, Portland is facing a housing crisis. There’s not enough housing to meet the demand and the cost of housing often…
July 15
Kayaking: Easy access to ocean, but risks often underestimated
Karen Francoeur’s Castine Kayak Adventures begins 20th year
In the 20 years she’s been operating her kayak business, Karen Francoeur estimates she has introduced well over 1,000 people to the joys of paddling on Maine waters. “I started…
July 15
Mullen links ferry with research in Frenchman Bay
Marine scientist establishes regular Winter Harbor to Bar Harbor run
A new type of ferry linking Winter Harbor and Bar Harbor that’s also a research platform was established by a woman of many roles. Kaitlyn Mullen is a prominent marine…
July 15
The lobster trail—following critter from water to market reveals complexity
Processing, Europe, Asia... options abound for final destination
An 18-wheel tractor trailer truck is parked near Rockland’s fish pier on a hot day in late June. In the trailer, a couple of men are sliding empty plastic lobster…
June 20
A year of teaching social justice
Island students confront issues relating to equality, discrimination
Life on North Haven can have an insular, sheltered feeling to it. This can be blissful—children roam free, parents confident in their safety, rides are freely asked for and given,…
June 20
Cranberry Islanders reseed a growing tradition
Agriculture ventures, both gardens and livestock, embraced by island
Here and there around Great Cranberry Island, a flock of geese runs as one around its pen, a trio of sheep explores a grassy apple orchard, a brace of goats…
June 20
Downeast leaders draw on region’s lessons
Washington County Leadership Institute marks 20th year
By Katherine Cassidy Washington County Leadership Institute, begun in 1997 as one of Maine’s first professional leadership programs, has just completed its 20th year. More than 300 employees, supported by their employers,…
June 20
Downeast to Casco Bay, coastal conversations float all boats
Story-telling illustrates differences, but also common solutions
It must have been six years ago now that this paper made a concerted effort to add Washington County content. I recall raising grant funds to make it possible. The thought back then was that Washington…
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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