Working Waterfront

An island town looks in the mirror

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. The coast of Maine is an iconic place. You say “Maine” to someone out of state, and they picture harbor-front… SEE MORE

A view from Shackford Head in Eastport. FILE PHOTO: TOM GROENING

Working Waterfront

Staying on the path in Eastport

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. The trails at Shackford Head State Park in Eastport can be confusing. With stunning views of Cobscook Bay, the park… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

How Vinalhaven wrestles with the pandemic

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. When I began my fellowship with Vinalhaven’s town office in September 2020, I came to the island in the midst… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Much to gain by embracing the unknown

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. In life, there are moments in which we are called to make a choice, where we are granted an opportunity… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Understanding seasons with island perspective

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. In the dead of winter, Chebeague Island becomes very quiet. Restaurants and organizations reduce their hours or close entirely, and… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Progress through personal connection

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. When my fellowship began a year ago, I’ll admit I was a bit lost. My host organization, the Downeast Institute… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

‘Steeped in grief’ as time in Maine ends

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. These are my last two months in Maine for a long time. I am nearing the end of my two… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

My Downeast adventure has a surprise ending

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. When my father and I crossed from Quebec into Maine, the border agent raised an eyebrow as he looked at our… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Finding a community’s stories, old and new

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. In discovering local history, each search is worth more than an answer. It’s summed up in the phrase, “It’s there, if… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Connection, as only music can provide it

Island winters are not for the faint of heart. My first winter on Islesboro was no exception. At the beginning of my fellowship, a wise islander gave me some sage advice: the only way to make it through winter on Islesboro is to have a really good hobby. SEE MORE