If I had a nickel for every time someone told me “journalism is dying,” I’d probably have more money in my bank account than I’ll make as a journalist.
Sorry for the journalism humor, but as a young journalist, I’m often painted a bleak picture of the future of media. With growing public distrust, fake news, artificial intelligence and folding local papers, it’s definitely a changing landscape.
But if the Harpswell Anchor has taught me one thing, it’s that local journalism is not only alive — it’s thriving. Although Harpswell is a microcosm of the larger news landscape, the Anchor gives me hope.
As I sat on the dock in the early morning light during the Cundy’s Harbor Days Blessing of the Fleet, Butch Lawson’s voice filled my ears, and it hasn’t left my head. From Lawrence Chewning and Ray Boltz’s song, “The Anchor Holds,” Lawson strummed his guitar and sang: “The anchor holds / In spite of the storm.” While the message in the song is one of Christian faith, I began to think of it in terms of my summer employer.
Growing up in Brunswick, I entered Harpswell with a unique perspective — not a local but also not “from away.” I spent four summers of my adolescence working in Harpswell, at H2Outfitters and Salt Cod Cafe. In the midst of the pandemic, it was my home away from home.
When the Anchor presented me with the opportunity to have one last summer in Harpswell (for now), I couldn’t believe my luck.
However, I quickly discovered a Harpswell unlike the one I thought I knew.
I traversed woods, waters and roads I had never heard of. I saw my first tuna, went aboard my first lobster boat, visited galleries and met the brilliant artists behind them. I learned the history of places I’d been countless times and met the hardworking faces and families behind Harpswell’s working waterfront.
I learned the science and intricacies of oyster farming, beekeeping, candy making, sailing, espresso brewing, chainsaw carving, fishing, conservation, shark sightings and clothing design.
I met countless individuals who greeted me with exceptional kindness, enthusiasm, respect and a quick readiness to support local journalism.
No matter how far I strayed from Harpswell, I heard one phrase repeated across southern Maine.
“I love the Harpswell Anchor!”
The success of the Anchor’s nonprofit model, credited to an incredible level of community support, inspired me to remain steadfast in my love for telling local stories and fighting for the importance of local news.
Harpswell, above all, has taught me the power of community. Whether it’s donating toys to neighbors, rebuilding after storms, supporting local businesses or upholding community traditions, the fabric that weaves Harpswell together remains strong.
Thank you to every staff member, board member, freelancer and volunteer at the Harpswell Anchor who imparted invaluable lessons during my time here. Thank you to Kathleen O’Donnell and Bill Bergquist for giving me the honor of finally being able to call myself a Harpswell resident, if only for the summer.
And to everyone I encountered this summer, thank you for introducing yourselves, sharing your stories and supporting the Anchor in its cause to keep local news alive and well. You are what makes Harpswell the beautiful, generous and strong community it is.
The Harpswell Anchor holds, in spite of the storm.
