Without adequate working waterfronts, one of the state’s economic engines is in trouble, fathoms-deep. Holbrook’s Wharf is the heart of Cundy’s Harbor at the end of Great Island in Harpswell. The wharf has been an anchor of community life for over 150 years. Cundy’s Harbor is the oldest commercial lobstering village in Maine, and it’s
Island Voting: Most islands oppose anti-discrimination repeal, favor waterfront bond issue, constitutional ammendment
Island and mainland residents alike voted down the proposed repeal of Maine’s anti-discrimination law. By large margins they also favored a bond issue that would help preserve working waterfronts and a constitutional amendment to allow “current use” taxation of properties used in connection with the fishing industry. Statewide, the anti-discrimination law repeal failed 45 to
North Haven voters allow their new school to proceed
By a 62 to 38 percent margin, North Haven voters approved an amendment that will allow a $7.5 million dollar school construction project to move forward. Two hundred forty-two island residents cast their ballots, with 149 votes in favor of the amendment and 93 against. It was one of the largest turnouts in recent town
Extreme Nature: Images from the World’s Edge
When Disaster is Only a Wetsuit Away This book’s title says it all: for 30 years, Bill Curtsinger has been ranging the world with his underwater photographic equipment, making pictures of creatures that live in extreme environments. Shooting for the U.S. Navy and then for National Geographic, he has worked in close proximity with sharks,
Helicopters serve islanders in distress
With warm southerly winds, it was a perfect August afternoon aboard a 43-foot sailboat, cruising near Metinic Island in Penobscot Bay. But when a sudden jibe caused a boom to slam Bob Monks in the head, his family and friends aboard thought he was dead. He had been knocked unconscious as he tried to rig
Protecting “Maine Lobster” is now a top priority
When Kristen Millar became the Maine Lobster Promotion Council’s new executive director two years ago, she wanted to know who buys lobster, where it is processed, what are customers’ preferences, what are the profit margins. You can’t market a product you don’t know anything about, Millar pointed out. There was no information to be found.
Cranberry Report: No Starter’s Pistol for an Ex Con
The second half of October was cold, rainy and gray; very much like the weather we had in May. Many islanders once again had flooded basements. On a wet October 16, the fourth annual Mount Desert Island Marathon was successfully orchestrated by Gary Allen of Great Cranberry Island. His friend Martha Stewart started the runners
The Reading Season
This is Working Waterfront’s annual two-month issue, and as in past years we’ve filled the back with book reviews. This time we’ve looked at books about communities, preserving land, wild creatures, historic naval engagements, rivers, cooking and – not to neglect any group of readers – a murder mystery. Fine reading all around, just in
The Year in Review
As 2005 rolls hull down in the mind, it is worth a moment’s reflection to recount what we’ve lived this year as well as to ask ourselves what we’ve learned and speculate about where we may be headed. Beginning with the most recent past, it is well worth a brief exhalation of joy to celebrate
A Model for Others
Steve Cartwright’s article (“Boothbay Harbor Summer Colonies Talk Secession,” WWF, November 05) erroneously portrays the Isle of Springs as a rebellious colony not willing to pay its fair share of taxes. Not true. The Town of Boothbay Harbor is trying to do away with a 100-year-old state charter that established a very fair revenue sharing