Working Waterfront

Maine Governor Ken Curtis’ long, eclectic legacy

Sixty years ago, Mainers elected a new governor who went on to transform state government, and in many ways give it the shape it still retains today. Ken Curtis was just 35 when he defeated incumbent John Reed in 1966, the last time a Maine governor lost a reelection bid.… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Portland’s Seafarers Friend center offers a respite for mariners

Like a friend welcoming his buddies home after a long voyage at sea, Jasper DelCarlino greets the crew members of virtually every working ship that arrives in the port of Portland. With his beaming smile, DelCarlino boards the steady flow of cargo ships and oil tankers, giving seafarers snack bags… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Shearing North Haven sheep is a community affair

For North Haven farmer Becky Bartovics, the secret to blue ribbon-winning fleece is multifaceted. Some of the magic might come from the salt air and cooler summers. The sheep’s Coopworth genetics, a particularly auspicious Leicester/Romney cross, certainly play a role. But the real star player is the shearing day itself,… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Maine lobster scientist Bob Steneck elected to National Academy

In one of the highest honors in American science, the National Academy of Sciences has elected Robert S. Steneck, a longtime University of Maine marine ecologist whose work has reshaped understanding of coastal ecosystems. The academy announced on April 28 the election of 120 members and 25 international members, bringing its… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Boats along Maine’s coast inspired painter Janice Moore

One day, painter Janice Moore recalls, she was out driving with her son Joseph Coleman who was scouting locations for his short film Vacationland (2022). Moore relishes these opportunities to explore with her son as she usually goes on solo road trips in search of painting subjects. “He’s very creative,”… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Longtime Waterman’s Community Center director retiring

The board of Waterman’s Community Center has announced that Christie Hallowell will retire from her role of executive director in October 2026, after 21 years of service. A search is now underway for her replacement. Information about the role and the search process will be available on Waterman’s website. Hallowell… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Port of Portland welcomes new harbormaster and vessel

Maine’s busiest and most diverse port has a new harbormaster as well as a new, 25-foot vessel for his office to use. Paul Plummer started as the Port of Portland’s harbormaster in mid-November after eight years in the same role in Harpswell. On the surface, Harpswell and Portland might appear… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

To serve, to strive, and not to yield

Most people clearly remember the first time they met Peter Willauer. I certainly do. An imposing 6-foot-2-inch figure, Willauer looked like he walked out of the movie Captains Courageous. A former Naval ensign and sail training instructor at the U.S. Naval Academy, Willauer was a consummate heavy weather, small boat… SEE MORE

People

Working Waterfront

Phil Crossman, in memoriam

When a giant oak of a man is felled on an island everyone hears it instantly and feels the loss deeply and personally. Phil Crossman, Vinalhaven writer, raconteur, businessman, and activist, among his many other island roles and occupations, crossed the bar shortly before the turn of the New Year… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Daphne Pulsifer’s three-dimensional life on Monhegan

Twelve miles out at sea on Monhegan Island, sculptor Daphne Pulsifer often works in near solitude. In her peaceful, airy studio on Light House Hill Road, she shapes her pieces accompanied by her dog, Emma, and the visitors who occasionally stop in during open hours to peruse her work. Yet… SEE MORE