In this issue

It is a busy spring season. The storm damage at Dennett's Wharf is under repair with plans for a summer reopening. Several stories cover the activities of Castine's select board and the issues on deck ahead of the town's May 11 town meeting. Spring sports have commenced at George Stevens Academy, while they wind down at Maine Maritime Academy. On a light note, we have a story (and, yes, a photo!) of a spring peeper, one of many aptly named chorus frogs now in full song each evening.

Trinity Episcopal Church Leader Settles Down On Maine Coast

CASTINE—Life has taken Trinity Episcopal Church priest Donna Downs around the world, from Connecticut to Tokyo, Japan, England and more, but one small town on the coast of Maine always remained a constant.

2 mins

Wilson Museum Begins Search For Executive Director

Hutchins to step down in 2021

2 mins

Tis The Season—For The Bees

Tis the season, so here is an idea for a handmade gift for the gardener in your life.

2 mins

Christmas Cactus, And An Early Start To Holiday Decorating

I’ve been asked how you can tell whether you have a Christmas, Easter or Thanksgiving cactus.

1 min

Facing Budget Crisis, George Stevens Academy Requests Tuition Hike

BLUE HILL—An announcement sent to parents of George Stevens Academy students November 21 alerted them to what amounts to a financial crisis for the independent high school, which is requesting a tuition hike to $14,200 per student.

3 mins

Union 93 Meeting A Lead Up To 20-21 Budget, Contract Vote

PENOBSCOT—The Union 93 board met November 20 at Penobscot Community School, where members reviewed a proposed 2020-21 budget, re-elected Jerry Markley (Penobscot) as chairman and Kathy MacArthur (Castine) as secretary and played an online Kahoot quiz that covered technology, curriculum and special services reports.

1 min

Castine Gallery Owners Go “Green-er” This Thanksgiving

Art for conservation

2 mins

Veterans Day Program Brings Stories To Life Through Song

CASTINE—At what price freedom? The songs and stories of Curt Bessette and Jenn Kurtz drew a poignant picture of the men and women behind World War II abroad and the war effort at home Veterans Day, November 11, to Witherle Memorial Library.

1 min

Mariner Teams Cruise To Conference Championships

CASTINE—It was a busy weekend of North Atlantic Conference championships, with men’s and women’s soccer championships, as well as volleyball, all being played on the Maine Maritime Academy campus.

1 min

New Penobscot Pastor Felt ‘Call' To Small Town Maine

PENOBSCOT—After a year of interim pastors, parishioners of South Penobscot Baptist Church received a permanent placement with pastor Jake Clement’s official installation in September.

2 mins

Parking Ordinance Amended In Castine

CASTINE—Several proposed changes to Castine’s parking ordinance were approved by selectmen following a public hearing on November 4.

2 mins

Castine's John Gardner Profiled In New Book

Book launch party November 17

1 min

New Surry Theatre Presents 'Fun Home'

BLUE HILL—New Surry Theatre presents Fun Home, book and lyrics by Lisa Kron, music by Jeanine Tesori, based on the graphic novel by Alison Bechdel, to open its 48th season.

1 min

Mill Stack Demolished With Hardly A Bang

BUCKSPORT—First reports from the police department told would-be onlookers that demolition of the tall pollution control stack at the site of the former paper mill would take place on October 29, between 6 and 10 a.m. So folks began to gather on the waterfront, along Main Street, and across the river at Fort Knox before daybreak on Tuesday.

1 min

Adams School Parents Vie For School Board Seat

CASTINE—Two individuals with direct ties to Adams School will be on the November 5 ballot as candidates for an open seat on the Castine School Board.

3 mins

MMA Gives Young Girl A Second Chance On The Court

GSA freshman signs as honorary teammate

3 mins

Former GSA Standout Sailor On World Tour To Boost Girls' Education

BLUE HILL—“I always found school and sailing to be incredibly empowering,” said Courtney Koos, who was educated at George Stevens Academy and Bowdoin College and sailed for both schools, in an email.

4 mins

Peter A. Sturtevant

BROOKLIN—Peter Albert Sturtevant died at his summer home on October 9, 2019, in Brooklin, Maine.

2 mins

Farm To Table In Action At Horsepower Farm

4-H/BHHT club focuses on local food

1 min

Castine Visitor Center to Hire Director

CASTINE—With the growth of the Castine Visitor Center since its inception in 2015, co-coordinators Jeannie Reed and Sue Macdonald are now in the process of hiring a director for the 2017 summer season.

2 mins

Read all stories from Castine Patriot

Castine Patriot Newspaper Description:

The Castine Patriot, founded in 1980, is a comprehensive source of information about the communities of Castine and Penobscot, Maine. With a history dating back to the early 1600s, the town of Castine is home to the renowned Maine Maritime Academy, a vibrant deep-water harbor while both towns support historical and cultural organizations that promote their long and varied history. The Castine Patriot shares the stories and the important news that shapes Castine and Penobscot, with a particular focus on the people and institutions that make the community a special place to be.