'Tis the Season...and what a wonderful start

My updates seem to be a far cry from what I intended, but I am still very much here.  Over the last month fishermen have been pulling traps, the tree in town has been lit, and Black Friday was a success.  I also had the pleasure of spending Thanksgiving week in my hometown in central New York.  I must say, I was disappointed that there was no snow back in CNY and I'm surprised that we haven't seen much out here either.  If you you didn't know better, you might guess it was spring on Lane's Island on this early December day...

Lane's Island on December 1st.

Comprehensive Planning update
Progress moves forward as I continue to meet with people and hear their stories, experiences, and thoughts about the town.  The Mid-Coast Regional Planning Commission has provided an inventory of the Transportation sector of Vinalhaven which consists of an overview and assessment of the roads (including car count data), bridges, ferry system, and pedestrian facilities.  Funding from a state grant gave them the ability to conduct this inventory at no cost to the town and while there are still many tables and assessments left to fill out in this section,  it was a big help and provides a good overview of the island's transportation system. 

VCC
The Chamber of Commerce organized their 3rd annual Black Friday event as a way to promote shopping local and supporting community merchants.  While Vinalhaven's sales did not start at 10 PM Thanksgiving Day, many stores opened their doors by 6 AM, giving plenty of time for those that may have been waiting for the first ferry to take them to the mainland stores.

Island Institute
Last Tuesday, the Institute hosted one of their Energy Quests at the Vinalhaven School which featured a new Green Boat Design.  The forum-like event, Fuel and Fisheries, focused on cutting energy use and improving a boat's fuel efficiency, especially as fuel prices don't appear to be going down.  There were approximately 30 VH fishermen in the audience and another 20 participating remotely, some as far away as Alaska.
The fellows got together for our first quarter retreat this past week and we learned about the Maine Community Foundation, grant writing, and how to build interior storm windows from the folks at Mid-Coast Green Collaborative in Damariscotta.  The highlight of the retreat was the organization's Christmas Party which was held at Point Lookout in Lincolnville.

Other happenings...
The book club met last week and for the second straight month, we had a longer discussion as Ben Hewitt's book, "The Town that Food Saved", focuses on local food systems.  Many of us wondered if and how that could apply to Vinalhaven and reflected on the history of island farming.  As the book was about local food, we all tried to bring a dish that highlighted local ingredients.  Some of my favorites on the table were the Lobster Pie, fresh Kale salad, and a pumpkin pie that utilized pumpkins from a family member's garden.



The ARC held a kid-favorite, family-friendly Learning Workshop as staff taught participants how to make cookie-cutter decorations.  The kids were quickly told the dough is not the type you want to spend all night eating.   

The Bottle Brigade is still sorting and bagging as we tie the knot on approximately 12-15 bags a week, plus the bottles that are boxed from the crew inside.  The trailer had been filled and taken to the mainland about two weeks ago leaving us a little less room to walk around in the barn.  For those locals that may be reading, we are always happy to see new faces so don't hesitate to stop by between 1030 and 12 on Sunday mornings.

Tree in the park.... Looks nice, but I think it would look even better with some snow!

'Til next time