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

Working Waterfront

A father’s values shine light over decades

By Phil Crossman We used to live in, renting, a little Cape down by the old ballfield. It was called “The Bucket,” short for “The Bucket of Blood,” something about an ancient murder or suicide, a sobering but constant and compelling reflection for a 12-year-old at any rate. The house… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Ferry fare rationale challenged at hearing

By Tom Groening A blast from the past provided some drama late into a two-hour long public hearing on proposed ferry rate changes. Bill Kelly of Islesboro, who serves as vice-chairman of the island school board, had researched the genesis of the Department of Transportation statutory commitment to funding the… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

The power of saying something nice

By Courtney Naliboff Indulge me in a moment of “get off my lawn.” These days, it’s far too easy to complain. Where in the not-too-distant past someone in a snit might write a letter to the editor, or stand up at a board meeting during public comments, or motivate a… SEE MORE

Warning sign on Islesboro at Broad Point Preserve.

Working Waterfront

The Lyme threat, and how islands are responding

By Jack Sullivan The threat of Lyme disease presents complications that leave many of us flummoxed, but thankfully, Mainers—especially islanders—are problem solvers by necessity. Many of the challenges mainland communities face are exacerbated when faced by an island. Some of this is obvious. Of course it’s harder to get a… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

When appliances fail on islands

By Barbara Fernald Just before we were to leave for a family trip to Baltimore, the cooling fan broke in our oven. A call to Brown’s Appliance in Ellsworth confirmed that the whole back of the stove would have to come off to replace the broken part; not a DIY… SEE MORE

Working Waterfront

Food sovereignty—do you trust your neighbors?

By Sandy Oliver So far, 54 Maine towns have passed food sovereignty ordinances which allow the municipality to permit a producer (farmer) to sell most food—excluding meat and poultry—directly to consumers. Plain old out-of-the-ground or off-the-plant produce has always been OK to sell and buy. The minute someone changes them,… SEE MORE

Ivy Frignoca and Mike Doan of the Friends of Casco Bay.

Working Waterfront

Casco Bay on front lines of climate change

By Tom Groening Friends tell friends the truth, even when it’s unpleasant. And that’s what the nonprofit Friends of Casco Bay group—which marks its 30th anniversary this year—is doing, reporting on the health of that busy, diverse bay. At three public events this spring, in Portland, South Portland, and Brunswick, Friends… SEE MORE