Working Waterfront

Swimming to, and for the light

The iconic Isle au Haut lighthouse, operating since 1907, is a treasured landmark. Perched beside the mouth of the Isle au Haut Thorofare, it is a beacon for boats and a much-loved sight for all who pass by. The tower is community owned and is in dire need of a… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Seasonable eating is intuitive

By Sandy Oliver The term “seasonable eating” means normal or appropriate to the time of year, as if the weather told us what was good to eat, and not magazines or newspapers, the internet or corporate test kitchens, or especially the produce sections of the grocery stores. At this house… SEE MORE

A scenic view of an island off Scotland.

Working Waterfront

It’s time for a national islands act

By Rob Snyder I couldn’t help but find the timing appropriate. Five years ago, the Island Institute added the banner “Strengthening Communities” to our website. And late last month, I found myself being escorted—by a bagpiper, no less—to a keynote speaking engagement at the second “Strengthening Communities Conference” in the… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Wary of being told I’m ‘looking good’

By Phil Crossman I’ve been reminded, since a January column disclosing I have cancer, that an update is called for. Since treatment began, little irritants have become routine. My nose runs continually. I carry a roll of toilet paper with me everywhere, in the truck, a less obtrusive one in… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Bird-friendly island has unintended consequences

By Barbara Fernald As the birds return to the islands, I have to admit that some birds are a little more special to me than others. Nothing beats that incredibly sweet moment when I hear my first hermit thrush of the season. Cardinals, with their variety of calls, used to… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Following the whale into an array of lessons

By Courtney Naliboff As an island teacher, it is often my duty and pleasure, and that of my colleagues, to take students off-island overnight. We do it for basketball games, we do it for rowing races, we do it for theater festivals. As wonderful as the island is, and as… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Memorable food and drink

By Sandy Oliver If you are as old as I am, you can remember life without pizza. I was about 14 before I had my first piece of pizza in New Preston, Conn., at a tiny pizzeria near the shore of Lake Waramaug: plain cheese pizza sprinkled with oregano transported… SEE MORE

North Haven Dance Club at Waterman’s Community Center is both exercise and artistic expression.

Working Waterfront

How islanders kept fit over the winter

By Kris Osgood In Maine, the winter months can be long, and that is especially true on the islands where there are fewer amenities than on the mainland. Keeping weight gain at bay is of particular concern when the weather is a hindrance to outdoor exercise. Several island communities combat this… SEE MORE

Kris Davidson in the space that is becoming Vinalhaven's new "speakeasy."

Working Waterfront

Food, drink, and music at Vinalhaven’s new Skål

By Courtney Naliboff Vinalhaven’s night life will get a little more vibrant beginning in late May with the opening of Kris Davidson’s speakeasy, Skål. Located at 6 Bodwell Lane, the performance space will host live music, and will offer small plates, and a full bar on weekends in late May and… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Finding community in the strangest of places

Reflections is written by Island Fellows, recent college grads who do community service work on Maine islands and in coastal communities through the Island Institute, publisher of The Working Waterfront. By Maddy Bruno I recently attended a workshop with a stellar group of 8th grade students in which the following question… SEE MORE