Monhegan held its town meeting on the evening of April 22 at the Monhegan school with approximately 30 residents in attendance. Doug Boynton was elected moderator. Those newly elected to positions in town government were Catherine Gill, Plantation Clerk and Collector of Taxes, Jenn Pye, Treasurer and Jessica Stevens, Road Commissioner. After much discussion residents
Transformation
The tents were all in place. The forecast was for clear skies and gentle breezes, perfect for an island wedding in June. In the event of a short rain shower, common in June, we were fully prepared. Prepared for anything, expect perhaps a Sou’Wester. On my wedding day, I awoke to one of the wildest
Those who caused problem should correct it
To the editor: The citizens of Harpswell and all other island property owners deserve a reduction in the taxes levied for school funding, which heavily relies on property valuation rather than on income, the fairer measure. Harpswell does not have the opportunity to shelter valuation in TIFs and our population’s household income has decreased in
Lack of insurance can stall a real estate deal
Insurance companies’ refusal to write new policies for island property could put the brakes on real estate deals. George Wheelwright, of Jaret & Cohn real estate in Camden, said denial of insurance isn’t just occurring on islands, but the remoteness of offshore properties exacerbates the problem. A broker for 22 years, Wheelwright said he is
Monhegan: where an artist can’t not paint
Perhaps more than any other Maine island, Monhegan has a history of being an artists’ colony, a place where artists flock in the summertime to make and sell art. Rockwell Kent, Jay Connaway and Andrew Wyeth established this reputation decades ago, and today’s artists are both enjoying the benefits of that reputation and carrying on
Swan’s Island Reverie
Norumbega XXII was worried. The crown prince, Billy Bob, had disappeared during the night. He had not taken his duties very seriously, but was popular and replacing him would be difficult. It appeared that he had gone into one of the ascension boxes, attracted by the smell of rotting fish, and been taken up to
Insurers claim island properties are too risky
Need a new insurance policy for your island home? Forget it. You’re just too risky, out there in the bay. Both islanders and insurance agents say if you’ve got a policy already, it may be escape being canceled. But if you’re starting fresh, the industry won’t touch you. Maine island life hasn’t suddenly gotten more
Cranberry Isles dedicates new parking lot
Cranberry Isles dedicated its new mainland parking lot in Southwest Harbor on May 16. Selectman David Stainton spoke to a crowd of islanders who came to the mainland for the event (Sandra Thomas photo).
The Long View: The parking problem
Approaching the mainland from the Cranberry Isles, one of the great long views of the Maine coast rises up from the shore to greet you. The tonsured peaks of Mount Desert Island beckon you to their contemplative abbeys. But if you’re a Cranberry islander without a contracted parking space in Northeast Harbor, often you can’t
Alone and just fine: My life as a school’s sole seventh grader
Frenchboro is a small fishing village clustered around Lunt’s Harbor on Outer Long Island, over eight miles off Bass Harbor Head Light. The 43 people that live here in the winter get three ferry trips per week, and there are no round trips, so when you are here, you stay here! Frenchboro School is in