In July 2006, the head of a pig was rolled into a mosque in Lewiston during prayers. That act, targeting the Somali Muslim community, was seen as a profound desecration. Facing criminal charges, the man responsible, 33-year-old Lewiston resident Brent Matthews, claimed it was a prank and his attorney described it as an act of
Two couples choose life on Isle au Haut
ISLE AU HAUT — Island communities can be as fragile as their ecosystems. Without critical mass and essential human infrastructure—schools, health care facilities, churches and coffee shops—they risk becoming enclaves for wealthy retirees and those who can afford seasonal homes. With those fears in mind, the non-profit group Isle au Haut Community Development Corporation, or
Seattle’s big dig, old ferry goes hippie
Bertha, “the world’s largest tunnel boring machine,” according to KOMOnews.com, is again digging its way under downtown Seattle. The site reports that a longshoremen union opposed the work with a picket line. The $80 million machine began digging July 30 on a nearly 2-mile, 58-foot diameter tunnel. The tunneling will take 14 month and “is
Green Crab attack!
As part of the Island Institute’s WeatherBlur program, North Haven Community School students are using a special lobster trap on their island to gauge the populations of various species in the ocean. They are especially interested in invasive green crabs, the population of which has increased sharply in recent years.
Washington County — chicken, egg and clams
Like that patch of lawn that never quite gets green, Washington County continues to frustrate those who want to see this corner of Maine thrive. And though it has its challenges, it should be able to thrive. It’s not for lack of trying. Local and statewide leaders have tried to improve its economic fate in
UMaine Machias students back on campus
Photos by Leslie Bowman and Sophia Guida Students choose the University of Maine at Machias for the opportunity to study in a close-knit community and pursue a degree amidst the natural beauty. With a focus on environmental liberal arts, UMM was listed among the top 100 liberal arts colleges by Washington Weekly magazine this year.
Southport buys well-loved beachfront property
SOUTHPORT — During the federal government shutdown, it seemed like government moved at a snail’s pace and never reached consensus. Sometimes at a local level, however, government can move swiftly to get things done. In the span of one short public meeting in August, residents responded to a petition to buy a beloved piece of
On the record with… Captain Kevin ‘Bub’ Hopkins
ROCKLAND — The Capt. Neal Burgess, the ferry that served the midday Rockland-to-North Haven run, had just arrived and unloaded its dozen passengers and handful of vehicles. The boat was a few minutes late, but that wasn’t a surprise, given the howling October winds. Up in the wheelhouse, Kevin “Bub” Hopkins, the vessel’s captain, takes
Crafts of land, sea opens at Archipelago
Archipelago Fine Arts gallery opens a new show on Friday, Nov. 1, with a public reception 5-8 p.m. at 386 Main Street in Rockland. The third annual CRAFTS of the Land and Sea show features recent work by Janice Armstrong, Jeff Barrett, Andrea Schmidt Cough, Stephanie Crossman, Patricia Flynn, Susan Garry, Angus MacPhail, Jim Miller
Survival skills for the planet
Step into my shoes for a moment: You are the president of the Island Institute and have accepted an invitation to attend a discussion on Lake Como in Bellagio, Italy with 20 corporate and nonprofit leaders from around the world. Over the course of a week, you are to work as part of this new