Islands are fragile places, and not only because they have thin soils, small populations or one-resource economies. Consider electricity: as we note in a story this month, ratepayers on some islands have experienced sharp increases in electricity costs, and any island that generates its own power (Matinicus, Monhegan, Criehaven) is, like the lobster fishermen who
Winter Harbor hosts summer technology institutes
In late July and early August, 85 students and teachers from Maine’s year-round islands and remote coastal communities explored fundamental information technology and database-management skills at the Island Institute’s second annual Community for Rural Education, Stewardship, and Technology (CREST) Summer Institutes. Designed to provide high-level technology training in an intensive residential format, each of the
Reinventing ItselfSimultaneously, the Black Point Inn updates – and returns to 1921
The newly reconstituted Black Point Inn opened last summer a hodgepodge assemblage of its former self. Its rose garden has been replaced by a heated swimming pool with a gorgeous ocean view, blank trellises adorning the adjacent patio signaling a future filled with roses yet to come. What happened to the venerable old Black Point
The Lobster Tie-Up
Late August brought news of a lobster “tie-up” spreading west from harbors in eastern Maine. The fishermen’s complaint, simply put, is a boat price so low (around $3 per lb.) that they can’t justify using the fuel and bait they need to haul their traps. The prices being charged for wholesale and retail lobster on
“Green” housing slow to catch on in Maine
Tom Potter had a steady construction job in New Mexico, but he didn’t like the way homes were being built. “Nothing green, nothing efficient,” he said. “I said to myself, `There’s got to be a better way to build things.’ ” After moving to Maine, Potter began his own green home construction business in Rockport.
Islesboro artist puts Pendleton Yacht Yard Building to a new use
Islesboro artist puts Pendleton Yacht Yard Building to a new use As soon as the old Ralph Gray storage building at Islesboro’s Pendleton Yacht Yard was nearly emptied of boats in July, Brita Holmquist moved in several large canvases and set to work. Holmquist made this portrait of Corky Hall’s Mighty Mouse, formerly owned by
Fellows, community members thank each other
On Aug. 9, Island Fellows, their advisers and supporters of the Island Fellows Program gathered at the Belfast Boathouse to celebrate the work of 2007 Island Fellows, and thank community members who have made the program successful. “When Siobhan showed up [on Swan’s Island] she took my vision and made it work,” said adviser Candi
Lobstermen tie up, with mixed results
“Although the process is far more complicated, simply put: we were too high for the buyers and too low for the fishermen,” said Corea Co-op manager Dwight Rodgers, explaining why lobstermen who sell to the co-op went on strike at the end of August. He said one of his most reliable fishermen told him that
Keeping the lights on Island co-ops pay more for electricity
Many island electrical consumers have experienced sharp increases in their rates for service. Most are wondering what the future winter heating season — and years to come — might look like in terms of rates. The story varies from community to community, as there are a number of different service providers. This month, Working Waterfront
A Young Band Beset by Varied Challenges
As I drove to WERU’s Full Circle Fair music festival in Blue Hill, my 22-month-old daughter looked sleepy. By the time I reached the parking lot, she was out. Going by the rule that you never wake a sleeping toddler, I was still in the parking lot when Pattycake 600, the first band, took the