With only the purest of civic-minded intentions, Bev Johnson first started her Chebeague Island website back in 1996. “I just wanted to keep islanders informed about the comings and going of people in our community,” says Johnson.
Need to know more about the Polar Plunge and the Chili/Chowder/Soup Challenge? Looking for swimming lessons in the summer, casserole dinners in the fall or the latest lecture on whaling over at the Historical Society? Simply visit www.chebeague.org — a fine way to keep fully apprised of the local news.
However, there’s been a rather unexpected (but greatly appreciated) benefit to Bev Johnson’s unpretentious little community website has been the lucrative boost her news frequently provides local businesses, particularly in the off season. A little notice can bring in an unexpectedly substantial bit of cash. Several years ago, when $5 CDs of the Whalers Christmas Concert went on sale at the library, requests poured in from all over the country from readers Johnson calls “summer islanders.” Her small mention of this potentially terrific stocking stuffer resulted in an unexpected bonanza of cash for the Chebeague Island Hall Community Center — proceeds of nearly $400, according to Johnson.
Many local businesses may already have their own rather sophisticated websites, but www.chebeague.org provides that folksy link to them all. When Johnson describes Gail Miller’s latest line of jewelry or Jen Belesca and Vicki Todd’s Island Essential candles, readers click on to learn more.
“But really, it’s the nonprofit organizations that benefit the most from my blog,” smiles Johnson, a woman who first and foremost remains civic minded. “Last holiday season, my website helped the fire department sell Christmas trees fresh off the ferry for $28 each.”
— Sally Noble