Harpswell Anchor

11/13/2025

The town of Harpswell has approved the issuance of about $13,000 In property tax relief to 29 residents — by far the highest amount and number of recipients in recent years, according to a local official.

The increase comes as local food banks and other groups that provide for people in need have reported a spike in demand for their services. They attributed the increase to a combination of rising costs and disruptions in federal aid programs.

The town of Harpswell has approved the issuance of about $13,000 In property tax relief to 29 residents…

11/12/2025

Letter to the editor from Matt Orlando and Sean Martin: “Together, we thrive.” This simple yet complicated statement is the theme of this year’s United Way of Mid Coast Maine fundraising campaign.

Click below to read the full letter.

"Together, we thrive." This simple yet complicated statement is the theme of this year's United Way of Mid Coast Maine fundraising campaign.

11/11/2025

"My parents lived to get their four children through college. I aspired to be an attorney, to provide 'equal justice under law,' as inscribed at the entrance to the U.S. Supreme Court. I applied to one law school, the University of Maine, and got accepted. But by 1968, all deferments had ended and everybody was getting drafted for the war in Vietnam."

"First Person" shares the stories of people who make a life here, in their words. Read more at https://harpswellanchor.org/2025/11/first-person-grog-johnson-officer-gentleman-proud-son-of-maine/.

11/11/2025

A second-generation naval officer from Harpswell and director of the U.S. military’s Joint Warfare Analysis Center retired on June 13 after 25 years of service.

Click below to read more.

A second-generation naval officer from Harpswell and director of the U.S. military's Joint Warfare Analysis Center retired on June 13 after 25 years of service.

11/10/2025

The local school district is seeking public input about whether its long-term plans should include a major renovation of Harpswell's only public school or closing the school and busing Harpswell students to another town.

The option of closure is hypothetical, part of a broader discussion about the district's long-range facilities master plan. Maine School Administrative District 75 has held two public forums to gather feedback, with a third and final public forum scheduled for 6 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 17, at the high school.

Click below to read more.

The local school district is seeking public input about whether its long-term plans should include a major renovation of Harpswell's only public school or closing the school and busing Harpswell students to another town.

11/10/2025

Harpswell officials say the town’s overwhelming approval of a new comprehensive plan marks the end of a long process — and the beginning of a new one to put its ideas into action.

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Harpswell officials say the town's overwhelming approval of a new comprehensive plan marks the end of a long process — and the beginning of a new one to put its ideas into action.

11/08/2025

By Daniel Hoebeke, Orr's Island Library: Monday was a blustery, drizzly day, the kind of day when you wonder whether it is worth it to journey out. And yet, Harpswell Aging at Home’s Lunch with Friends was bustling with lively conversation over delicious food provided by local organizations. Our table’s discussion, which included a new resident of Bailey Island, took a familiar turn. How do you explain to visitors what an exceptional and supportive place Harpswell is?

Click below to read more.

Monday was a blustery, drizzly day, the kind of day when you wonder whether it is worth it to journey out. And yet, Harpswell Aging at Home's Lunch with Friends was bustling with lively conversation over delicious food provided by local organizations. Our table's discussion, which included a new res...

11/08/2025

By Ed Robinson: For years, my folks made the long drive from the Finger Lakes region of New York to take in the thrills and chills of the Fryeburg Fair in Maine. Dating from 1851, the fair is a major attraction for western Maine, with up to 300,000 attendees. Having grown up on a small hill farm, Dad loved the old steam-powered farm machines and the pulling contests among giant draft horses, like the famous Percherons and Clydesdales. The foliage of early October was a bonus for the trip.

Click below to read more.

For years, my folks made the long drive from the Finger Lakes region of New York to take in the thrills and chills of the Fryeburg Fair in Maine. Dating from 1851, the fair is a major attraction for western Maine, with up to 300,000 attendees. Having grown up on a small hill farm, Dad loved the old....

11/07/2025

By Gregory Greenleaf: Sometimes I look to the past for inspiration. Like here on Page 84 from the July 26, 1925, New York Times. The ad fills up more than three-quarters of the page and includes four photographs.

Click below to read more.

Sometimes I look to the past for inspiration. Like here on Page 84 from the July 26, 1925, New York Times. The ad fills up more than three-quarters of the page and includes four photographs.

11/07/2025

By Erin O'Mara: Nine high school juniors leaned toward the screen to hear a guest speaker share that he was born blue, spent weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit, and had his first experience with homelessness when his mom took him from the hospital. His introduction to life was full of struggle.

Click below to read more.

Nine high school juniors leaned toward the screen to hear a guest speaker share that he was born blue, spent weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit, and had his first experience with homelessness when his mom took him from the hospital. His introduction to life was full of struggle.

11/06/2025

Hudson Holden and Cuyler Goodwin Greene visit Alpine heights and Garry and Jean Hansen head to Notre Dame in our November 2025 edition of "A Good Read."

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"A Good Read" depicts Harpswellians — and aspiring Harpswellians — reading the Harpswell Anchor in distant or unusual locations. Send submissions for "A Good Read" to [email protected]. Submissions should include the name of the subject and photographer, the place and date of the photo, and a brief description.

11/06/2025

By Butch Lawson: Like most of us, I can be caught out among other humans sporting a less-than-elegant appearance, but most of the time I’m at least presentable. I’m aware, though, that my desire to be squared away when out and about puts me into a shrinking minority of out-and-abouters.

Click below to read more.

Like most of us, I can be caught out among other humans sporting a less-than-elegant appearance, but most of the time I'm at least presentable. I'm aware, though, that my desire to be squared away when out and about puts me into a shrinking minority of out-and-abouters.