Articles
Ocean Advocates Plan National Conference
Advocates of a “Blue Movement” plan to convene a national conference of leaders and activists from ocean and coastal citizen groups in Washington, D.C. July 11-13. The Blue Vision Conference will begin unifying various “blue” groups as a political constituency while also educating lawmakers on the need for an American Oceans Act that, like the
Great Diamond Islander to Perform May 14
Timothy Burris, a Great Diamond Island resident who teaches at the Portland Conservatory of Music, will take part in an evening of 17th century music for lute and vocals from the Italian, English, and French traditions. Lutist Timothy Burris and tenor Timothy Neill Johnson will be collaborating on a diverse array of music from these
A Look Back at 20 Years of Island Journal
This summer the Island Institute will publish Holding Ground: The Best of Island Journal, 1984-2004. A look back at the Island Institute’s signature publication, this 270-page book will feature memorable articles, artwork and photography from the 20 volumes of Island Journal. Editors are Philip Conkling and David Platt; the designer is Paige Parker. Peter Ralston,
Peril at Sea
The U.S. Coast Guard faces some budget choices that would make even strong stomachs queasy. Newly burdened with Homeland Security duties but committed to maintaining its historic search-and-rescue role, the Coast Guard and its Congressional allies must choose between adapting its existing fleet to new conditions and – over a longer period of time –
Maine, New Brunswick, and LNG
A familiar drama is playing itself out on the Maine coast this year, set in two different communities so far but possibly in others as the year goes on. The story, of course, is where (or if) to locate a liquified natural gas facility in a Maine port. So far we’ve heard from Harpswell, which
School Consolidation
Maine’s movement toward school consolidation is sounding more and more like political campaigning. Proponents of bigger-is-more-efficient are seemingly oblivious of mounting evidence that merging school districts won’t save the money they claim it will. Worse, they continue to ignore the achievements of small community schools, including many on Maine’s islands. Maine’s commissioner of education has
Lobsta! Exhibit Slated for Searsport
The Penobscot Marine Museum plans to mount an exhibit on the lobstering industry this summer in Searsport. “Lobsta! From Bait to the Plate” will show something of the life of lobsters, the work needed to catch them and what Maine’s lobstermen and scientists do to ensure that dinners will continue to be served. “It’s going
Island Artist-Author Wins Book Award
Ashley Bryan, author, artist, and illustrator, has been awarded the 2004 Coretta Scott King Award for his new book, Beautiful Blackbird. This colorful book is an adaptation of a Zambian folktale, in which Blackbird teaches the lesson that beauty is not external. The illustrations are deceptively simple cutouts that combine with the playful verses in
New Fellows Coordinator Joins Island Institute
Chris Wolff joined the Island Institute’s Programs Staff in January as the new coordinator of the Island Fellows program. “We’re thrilled to have Chris on board,” said Nathan Michaud, Programs Manager at the Institute. “The Fellows program has become absolutely central to our work, and Chris definitely has the skills and experience to make sure
Institute Adds New Trustees
Nancy Hopkins-Davisson, Nancy Jordan, and Matthew Simmons have joined the Board of Trustees of the Island Institute. The new trustees bring additional diversity and expertise to the Institute’s Board. Hopkins-Davisson is active in the North Haven community, serving on the school board for nine years (six as chair), the Arts and Enrichment Advisory Committee, and