Vinalhaven music teacher Bill Trevaskis works with other island teachers at the Island Institute's Island Teachers Conference in Belfast.

Working Waterfront

Island teachers share cross-curricular methods at conference

When you’re teaching in a small island school, the term “cross-curricular” is not a concept; it’s a day-to-day reality. Bill Trevaskis, the sole music teacher for students in the pre-K to 12th grade Vinalhaven School, explained how he worked with his colleagues to a group of teachers at the Island… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Nantucket as symbol of undesirable island fate

By Tom Groening A year ago, my wife and I returned to Nantucket to celebrate our 35th anniversary. It was our first time back since I began working at the Island Institute, and so it was with different eyes that I took in the beauty, the history, the wealth, and… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

‘Bungalow in a Box’ offers energy efficiency, ease of construction

Patricia Festino has built a number of houses in the course of her 77 years. The Chebeague Island resident knows the ins and outs of working with architects and carpenters, and the ups and downs of construction and design. Having worked hands-on on her homes, she also knows how a… SEE MORE

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A good read about the early years on Vinalhaven

Ken Reiss’ new book, From The Beginning: Vinalhaven from 1760 to 1850, has given me a clearer sense of where I came from and, more importantly, how and why my ancestors chose this remote island to make a new life for themselves, why they stayed, how they survived, and why… SEE MORE

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In praise of pollock

Recently, I learned that pollock is underappreciated in Maine, and probably elsewhere, too. Poor old pollock; that has been its life story. The main problem with pollock is and has been that it is not cod, haddock, or salmon, and it’s a tad gray or blueish, and not pure white.… SEE MORE

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North Haven Foundation marks 50th anniversary

North Haven robotics enthusiasts, parents of preschoolers, students pursuing post-secondary education, and adults pursuing professional certificates know they can look to one community non-profit for support: the North Haven Foundation. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the foundation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting education on and off the island, and looked to… SEE MORE

The new pavilion at the Isle au Haut Cooperative Store

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Update from Isle au Haut: store is thriving again

By Rachel Harris The board of directors of the Isle au Haut Cooperative Store wants readers to know about our latest community developments. We just completed our first year hosting the Lobster Lady food truck business, which served lunch on the store property. The arrangement benefited both businesses and, together,… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Fall’s harvest on the islands is self-serve

Two of the things I really appreciate about the island this year are the plentitude of apples everywhere and the fact that my own garden still has a few things to offer. My cherry tomatoes are ripening on cue and my larger tomato plants still show some promise. There are plenty… SEE MORE

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Monhegan’s music man brings live performance, film, art shows

Two worlds loom large in Dylan Metrano’s life—music and Monhegan Island. A native of Newburyport, Mass., Metrano, 42, has been visiting Monhegan every summer since he was 7 years old. Twenty years ago, he began working summers at the Monhegan House, then, in 2007, began working summers at the Island… SEE MORE

Will Calkins and Abby Proctor at King Tide Farm

Working Waterfront

King Tide Farm takes root on Vinalhaven

Abby Proctor greets her customers at the Vinalhaven flea market with a bright smile and a friendly demeanor. She is soft-spoken and easy-going as she makes change and describes her freshly made pesto. For now, Proctor, 25, is the reluctant face of King Tide Farm. "It's very intimidating to be… SEE MORE