A sense of community pervades Vinalhaven Island, which is 15 miles off the coast

Parrish, Christine

Publication date

March 2004

Publisher

Portland Public Library Digital Commons

Abstract

A sense of community pervades Vinalhaven Island, which is 15 miles off the coast of Rockland and boasts a year-round population of 1,200. The community pulls together in times of need and connects through gossip at other times. Despite island amenities such as a motel and year-round restaurants, electricity can cut out in a storm and the price to take a car round trip to the mainland is $30. Most of the islanders stay put in the winter, keep their generators fueled, and create their own entertainment