Island Journal

Grabbing the Digital Future

Grabbing the Digital Future Islands explore ways to bring fast internet to boost economies, support health care and education, and sustain population By Jennifer Van Allen Malcolm Fernald’s internet service has been just fast enough to maintain a web site for his family business, the Islesford Artists Gallery. But if… SEE MORE

Island Journal

‘Halfway to Where Somebody’s in Trouble’

‘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

Communities

old color photo of dock with cable spools

Island Journal

The DIY Approach That Linked Isle au Haut to the Grid

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

Communities

Island Journal

Smiles, Hugs, and Hospitality

Smiles, Hugs, and Hospitality Island matriarch marks 66 years on island. STORY AND PHOTOS By SCOTT SELL A confession: I never learned to hula hoop. Not enough to keep it from hitting the floor, anyway. It’s a late November afternoon and quiet on Islesford—also known as Little Cranberry, one of… SEE MORE

Island Journal

Vinalhaven’s Investment

Vinalhaven’s Investment Town hired manager with scant experience, and has no regrets. Story by Tom Groening Photos by Scott Sell For an island community that’s a 75-minute ferry ride away from the mainland, Vinalhaven has been fortunate to have had two very successful long-term town managers, says Emily Lane, a… SEE MORE

musicians performing on a sidewalk with young kids playing in the background

Island Journal

Trading Sardines For Lupines

Trading Sardines for Lupines Eastport’s rebirth may portend a new kind of rejuvenation By Rob McCall The sardine—a generic name for several types of herring—is the icon of Eastport, which likes to call itself “the easternmost city in the USA.” Eastport encompasses five islands, the largest being Moose Island. With… SEE MORE

Communities

Island Journal

Race day in Casco Bay

Race Day in Casco Bay George Ross enjoys the best seat in the house for the race. By Tom Groening Photos by Katie Johnson I’m squatting in the small cockpit of an outboard-powered sailboat racing across Casco Bay. Lightning bolts are striking the mainland and islands to our west.… SEE MORE

Island Journal

Not Aging, But Thriving In Place

Not Aging, But Thriving in Place Safe housing, healthcare for elderly poses challenges on islands. BY SUSAN Q. STRANAHAN PHOTOS BY JIM THRESHER Victoria Smith was born on Chebeague Island on January 6, 1925, surrounded by her family in the neat frame home now occupied by her son and his… SEE MORE

Communities

Island Journal

Babies on Board

Babies on Board Islands Celebrate Family Growth Story By Courtney Naliboff Photos by William Trevaskis I recently attended a three-year-old boy’s birthday party on North Haven, where I live. His family’s sloping lawn was overgrown with kids. One-year-olds rolled on the grass while toddlers bounced on trampolines. Slightly more sure-footed… SEE MORE

Communities

person walking trail along rocky coastline

Island Journal

Acadia’s Offshore Island

Acadia’s Offshore Island Isle au Haut includes 18 miles of national park trails. By Abigail Curtis Photos by Scott Sell For generations, Kendra Chubbuck’s family has called the dark spruce forests, cobble beaches, and rocky cliffs of Isle au Haut home. Chubbuck, who moved to the offshore island full-time about… SEE MORE