Category: Communities

Photos by Jesse Groening The stormy November morning crossing to Islesford (Little Cranberry Island) was rough, even by islander standards. And later, when the weather knocked out power on the island, the vital role Katelyn Damon plays in the community and surrounding islands became clear. “She’s pretty much the reason… SEE MORE

Responding First, Fifteen Miles Out Islanders want to do their neighborly duty, but time and regulations add to challenges. By Gideon Davidson   Eva Murray moved to Matinicus in 1987 to take a position as the school teacher. Matinicus then was similar to Matinicus now: a small island fishing town,… SEE MORE

Harpswell, ‘A Town of Superlatives’ Cumberland County town has longest coastline in state, oldest population. BY CALLIE FERGUSON PHOTOS BY MICHELE STAPLETON   There’s a long-running joke in Harpswell that it’s really three towns in one. The town has the longest coastline of any in Maine—216 miles of long, jagged… SEE MORE

Men, Books, Food, and Drink Vinalhaven’s men’s book club is a community institution. By Phil Crossman Photos by Sheri Romer-Day   In 2008, Vinalhaven native and lifelong fisherman Steve Rosen was chatting with Ellen Chandler, a seasonal resident of many years, who told him of her book discussion group in… SEE MORE

‘Halfway to Where Somebody’s in Trouble’ Cell phones proliferate, but radios are the go-to communication tool on islands. By Stephanie Bouchard It is practically a cliché to call Matinicus Island isolated, but it is. The closest mainland city (and U.S. Coast Guard station) is in Rockland at about 23 miles… SEE MORE

The DIY Approach That Linked Isle au Haut to the Grid Cable has far outlived its life expectancy, thanks to Parker Waite’s problem solving. By TOM GROENING Parker Waite moved to Isle au Haut in 1976 “to get off the grid.” Though the phrase may have had as much figurative… SEE MORE