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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August 25
Don't trust potential losers in climate change war
Those whose profits are threatened are not honest brokers
Climate change and the infamous "Deflate-gate," the scandal involving NFL quarterback Tom Brady, may seem to have little in common. But bear with us, here, as we make the case. It's not something so cutesy as air pressure that the two issues share. No, it's about winning and losing. For those who don't follow sports, Brady of the New England…
August 25
Forty years of swimming lessons has been island lifesaver
Tracie Littlefield Martin still teaching on Vinalhaven
It is a well-known irony—at least along the coast—that many fishermen don't know how to swim. According to Leonard "Buddy" Skoog, it was this paradox that drove Vinalhaven's Lions Club…
August 25
God bless the weeds
After dandelions bloom, there are others to be eaten
Islanders are lucky because they have a weed habitat—saltwater shoreline—that inlanders don’t, but no matter, we all have plentiful weedy places on which to graze. Like mainly our gardens.…
August 25
Hosting visitors helps bring island back in focus
Seeing island through others' eyes renews vision
Editor's note: Reflections is a monthly column written by Island Fellows, recent college grads who do community service work on Maine islands through the Island Institute, publisher of The Working…
August 25
Kelp as the new kale, and a possible carbon fix
Climate change, ocean acidification mitigation in marine vegetation
By Susie Arnold, Ph. D. and Heather Deese, Ph. D. “Blue carbon” is a term you might be hearing more often. It refers to marine vegetation that has an inherent…
August 25
Maine's 'Boatbuilder Laureate' wants to sell his waterfront property
Public-good activities sought for historic Ralph Stanley shop
SOUTHWEST HARBOR—When wooden boatbuilder Ralph Stanley retired five or six years ago, he was hoping to see his shop converted into a living museum with a teaching component, with Stanley…
August 25
Portland's Fort Gorges hits its 150th birthday
Friends group wants to raise funds to restore landmark
SEE SLIDESHOW Whether you’re out for a stroll on Portland's Eastern Promenade or cruising on a boat on Casco Bay, you can't miss Fort Gorges, the stone sentinel that sits…
August 25
The real question is, 'What's island living like in summer?'
Weighing seasonal challenges may provide surprise to visitors
The Cranberry Isles get a ton of visitors in July and August. And why not? The islands are a beautiful place to wander and wonder about. It is not unusual…
August 25
The ship that helped turn the tide for American independence
Hermione, replica of 18th century ship that carried Lafayette, calls at Castine
Christmas truly came in July for the tiny town of Castine and it is hoping the gift it received will keep on giving. The gift was a two-day visit from…
August 25
The Ubuntu education fund: lessons from the grassroots
Jacob Lief recounts aid work in South Africa
I am because you are. How the Spirit of Ubuntu Inspired an Unlikely Friendship and Transformed a Community. By Jacob Lief, with Andrea Thompson. New York City: Rodale, 2015. 210…
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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