Suzanne Bakewell and Mark Blondman– residents of High Head on Harpswell Neck – believe local, nonprofit news is a public good, and it’s a priceless service well worth supporting. “Our contribution is a way to acknowledge the tremendous effort, talent and production costs that go into every issue,” Suzanne says.
“It brings us together,” she adds. “Geographically we are very separated in Harpswell. We have no town center. The Anchor is our virtual gathering place.”
We do provide the paper for free to 8,000 people every month (in Harpswell and surrounding towns, as well as out-of-town subscribers), and we are committed, as our mission statement says, to “building community and enhancing the lives of local residents, businesses and organizations.” Beyond publishing an award-winning monthly newspaper, we have an active website and Facebook page, we provide free design services for our advertisers and we co-host community events.
“It’s much more than a paper,” Suzanne agrees.
Suzanne and Mark have decided to maximize their donations to the Anchor through automatic monthly withdrawals from their credit card. “It’s done and done,” Suzanne reports. “I set it up and I don’t have to worry about it. I know a lot of people make their philanthropic donations at the end of the year, but I’m sure it’s better for the Anchor to receive regular revenue throughout the year, not just in December.”
The couple believe that Harpswell is a special place, and its residents look out for each other. “You can see that kind of heart come through in the Anchor, with people thanking others for help during a difficult time in Letters to the Editor, or the features that the Anchor publishes on amazing people doing amazing things.”
They especially appreciate getting email alerts every time new content is published, and the fact that the journalistic quality is so high.
“All of these things deserve support,” Suzanne says.
Suzanne and Mark spend their winters in Philadelphia. Mark is an attorney, but during the COVID-19 shut-down they spent the entire year in Harpswell. Suzanne is a retired marketing and advertising executive, and she uses those skills in different volunteer roles. The couple has four children and five grandchildren.
Suzanne grew up in Massachusetts, and fondly remembers her family trips to Maine when she was young. She and Mark both wanted a permanent summer residence, and just happened upon Harpswell in about 2010. They moved here for the physical beauty and open spaces. Since then they have become very engaged in the community. “This is my true home,” Suzanne says. “I may have a Pennsylvania license plate but it reads ‘HARPSWL!’”
Volunteering is important to Suzanne, and it helps her connect with the town. She is an active Anchor “Kedger” (the name we give to our volunteers), and also helps in organizations like Harpswell Heritage Land Trust.
“We’re all lucky to be here,” she says. “We’re happy to support this amazing community in any way we can.”
