Neck fisherman empowered colleagues as leader of town’s 1st lobster co-op
Ronnie LeClair, who as a co-founder and leader of Harpswell's first lobster co-op helped shift economic power from buyers to fishermen, died on Nov. 22 at the age of 91.
They called him ‘Lucky,’ but knew him for long days and meticulous habits
Vincent "Lucky" Oppedisano Jr., originally of Great Island, died at 56 on Nov. 20. Lucky fished his whole life despite obstacles and detours, and he is remembered for aiding fellow fishermen in ways both big and small.
Orr’s Island lobsterman was a thoughtful and persuasive advocate for industry
Chris McIntire was content. He had made goals — to live on Orr's Island, to fish for a living, to raise a family — and by working hard, he had achieved them. Maybe more than anything else, he wanted to make sure his children could also have the life that satisfied him so much, if they wanted it.
Harpswell officials see what happens to recyclables after they leave town
Representatives of Harpswell's Recycling Center and Recycling Committee recently got their first look inside the facility where the town's recyclables are sorted for sale and eventual reuse.
Fantasy and whimsy were the norm for late preschool teacher
Local preschool teacher, author and artist Debra Norton died unexpectedly of heart failure on July 15 at her son's home in Lisbon Falls. Her children and colleagues remember her as an imaginative and compassionate educator with a unique ability to connect with kids.
As recycling costs skyrocket, Harpswell stays the course
Because of changes in global markets, the cost of recycling in Harpswell has more than tripled in the last decade. It is now more expensive by volume to dispose of recyclables than trash — and it isn't clear how much of those recyclables are recycled, or how much ends up in landfills. But town officials intend to stay the course because residents value recycling. And those residents recycle more and with less contamination than national averages.
Katherine Chatterjee, first woman elected to Harpswell Select Board, dies at 87
Katherine Chatterjee died May 18 at her home on Great Island, overlooking Long Reach. She was elected to the Harpswell Select Board in 1998, becoming the first woman to hold the position in the town.
Jim Henderson dedicated his career to preserving state history — and the public’s access to it
Harpswell resident James "Jim" Henderson, a lifelong public servant devoted to preserving Maine's history and making it publicly accessible, died on April 18 at the age of 83.
Furniture designer brought famous sensibilities to hand-built Harpswell home
Renowned furniture maker Thomas Moser died March 5 at his house on Dingley Island. His Shaker-inspired wooden chairs have supported presidents and popes. And although his widow, Mary, says they were not deeply ingrained in the Harpswell community, this place was Moser's home for 35 years.
Harpswell seeks answers as PFAS spill contaminates local waters
Harpswell is seeking accountability and answers about PFAS pollution coming from the former Brunswick Naval Air Station after a spill of firefighting foam last summer.
