In July of 2005, I wrote a column about the posters and signs people installed around the islands and how they were the best way to find out what was going on.
Twenty-one years later, people still put up posters, but if you want details about island activities, most folks turn to the “Cranberry Isles Information Page” on Facebook.
The page was created 10 years ago to share information about and among the islands in the town of Cranberry Isles. In winter it is indispensable for finding out if the ferry is running on a questionable weather day. Also from the page, we can usually learn where a power outage originated or whether a fix will be in place soon.
As summer gets underway, there are postings of programs and schedules for two islands. The Squeezebox Stompers return to play music at the 4th of July picnic on Great Cranberry Island. On Little Cranberry, the 10th annual 4th of July bike and golf cart parade starts in front of the Ashley Bryan School at 3:45 p.m.
There are posts about upcoming shows and workshops. There is information about services at the island churches. Beal and Bunker have posted their summer ferry schedule as has the Cranberry Cove ferry. There will be fire extinguisher inspections on July 9 at Great Cranberry, and on July 25 on Islesford (Little Cranberry)—$6 per extinguisher. The Dockside Veterinary Services posted their schedule for August. Contact Dr. Shively by phone or email to set up an appointment.
What I like about the page are the personal requests and the answers they receive. They get more varied as more people come to stay on the islands, but the uptick in population doesn’t change the small town feeling that we look out for each other. Weekly, there are one or two posts about UPS packages misplaced on the “other” island. It’s an easy mistake, and just as easily someone will respond to say they’ve seen it and will put it on the next mailboat.
People ask if there are cribs and strollers to borrow for a week, and others answer with items to lend. Boys clothes for a toddler—size 4T—from Islesford have a taker on Great Cranberry.
Lion’s mane jellyfish have beached themselves on both islands. A post reminds the public that these large, red jellyfish are highly toxic to dogs.
An Islesford resident needs help with transportation to Ellsworth for dialysis three days a week. Friends responded within hours.
An announcement inviting islanders to a recent wedding reception read: “Bad news for my admirers… I’m getting married!! Come down and hang out this Saturday, we’d love to see ya!!!!”
Another post asked, “Could someone pick up cough medicine at Carrolls in SW Harbor? They don’t deliver to the Manset boat on Saturdays.” Again, there were several offers in response.
Can I borrow a heating pad? Does anyone have a coffee grinder I can use for an hour? I have free rhubarb if anyone wants it.
The posts usually generate more than one positive comment.
My favorite post of the summer, so far, was a photo of a shoe with the notice: “Lost on Islesford Saturday night on the Sandbeach Road somewhere between Roy Hadlock’s home and the Town dock. Only one is missing.” The shoe was reported found, but not before someone else commented, “Okay, Cinderella!”
Check out the “Cranberry Isles Information Page” on Facebook if you want to get a feel for what goes on out here. Happy Summer!
Barbara Fernald lives on Islesford (Little Cranberry Island). She may be contacted at Fernald244@gmail.com.
