Category: Profiles

Island Journal

An Island Helmsman

While roaming from one end of the labyrinth-like yacht yard that bears his name to the other, Gabe Pendleton checks in with employees as they work. He’s soft spoken, but Pendleton’s voice carries over the power tools—even while wearing a mask. Whether it’s boat yard logistics or a simple hello,… SEE MORE

Island Journal

Sarah Brake – An Island’s Human Resource

When Sarah Brake first moved to Frenchboro in 2014, she didn’t think it was a good idea. At all. “I was terrified when I first moved to the island, didn’t think I was going to make it whatsoever. Island life isn’t easy.” Seven years and one pandemic later, Brake, 29,… SEE MORE
smiling old woman hola hooping

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
woman in a classroom smiling

Island Journal

Making It Here: The Island Educator

Making It Here: The Island Educator Monhegan’s one-room school teacher turned her back on New York City. By Kathy Westra  The first time Monhegan Island’s teacher, Mandy  Metrano, laid eyes on the island she now calls home, she was not impressed. In 1995, as an 18-year-old high school student on… SEE MORE
man standing in front of house with scaffolding

Island Journal

Making It Here: The Island Caretaker

Making It Here: The Island Caretaker Islesboro’s Lars Nelson has decades-long connection to family and house. STORY AND PHOTOS By TOM GROENING The phrase, “It’s all about relationships,” is an over-worked cliché in describing a job. But for Islesboro’s Lars Nelson, it’s ideal. Nelson, 66, has worked on the island… SEE MORE
man standing in house frame

Island Journal

Making It Here: The Island Electrician

Making It Here: The Island Electrician Goodell Electric keeps the lights on for North Haven. By Courtney Naliboff Photos by WILLIAM TREVASKIS With a truckload of parts and a helper by his side, Trenor Goodell has kept Goodell Electric alive on North Haven for over a decade. Island life, while… SEE MORE
close up of man wearing headset

Island Journal

Making It Here: The Island Telecommuter

Making It Here: The Island Telecommuter Christopher Loder works for IBM from Chebeague. BY JENNIFER VAN ALLEN PHOTOS BY GABE SOUZA After decades of painstaking planning, Christopher and Caroline Loder moved to Chebeague Island in 2013, intending to work remotely and give their three  children a life that wasn’t possible… SEE MORE
woman standing on a dock during winter

Island Journal

Making It Here: The Island Lobster Marketer

Making It Here: The Island Lobster Marketer Vinalhaven’s Emily Lane works the phone to build demand for Maine’s signature seafood. By TOM GROENING Photos by WILLIAM TREVASKIS Without the work that connects lobster with customers around the country and world, Maine’s iconic seafood would be a local, seasonal snack. And… SEE MORE
old man looking directly at camera sitting in dimly lit room

Island Journal

Making It Here: The Island Hotelier

Making It Here: The Island Hotelier Phil Crossman’s Tidewater Motel represents the important tourism sector. By PHIL CROSSMAN Photos by WILLIAM TREVASKIS One day this past summer one of my guests, visiting with his wife and enjoying a waterfront berth here at the Tidewater Motel on Vinalhaven, answered my customary… SEE MORE