From the Community

How can you reduce trash odors, reduce the town's costs to dispose of trash, and improve the environment? Compost using the green cans at the Recycling Center.

As plans come together for Harpswell's celebration of America's 250th birthday, several events are approaching for those who like music, architecture, gardens, food and Harpswell stories.

The Orr's and Bailey Islands Fire Department is offering an opportunity to order a commemorative paver as a way to show support. The pavers are being installed along the front walkway to the Orr's Island Schoolhouse.

Everyone who owns waterfront property wants a view of the ocean. We do a lot of work for clients with waterfront property and often hear the same thing: "We want to know how much we are allowed to take out to open up as much view as we can get."

Because Maine is home to many older Americans, attention to high blood pressure may be more crucial than ever. Perhaps it's no surprise that Harpswell Aging at Home recently piloted a new program enabling residents of all ages to check their blood pressure at no cost.

This spring has been cold and rainy, making it easy to forget the "flash drought" of 2025. However, for residents whose wells ran dry last summer, it may not be so easy to forget that extended dry spell. This summer may prove to be just as bad, if not worse, based on some predictions.

Tedford Housing, a Brunswick-based nonprofit with a mission to empower people to move from homelessness to home, was recently awarded a $250,000 Housing for Everyone grant from the TD Charitable Foundation, the giving arm of TD Bank U.S.

To raise awareness of what landowners can and can't do within the 250-foot shoreland zone, and especially within the 75-foot buffer from the "highest astronomical tide line," the Harpswell Conservation Commission will publish "The Power of Plants," a series of informational articles by local arborists, experts in shoreline stabilization and other contractors.

This year marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Throughout the country, towns and historical organizations are planning exhibitions and events to honor the nation's past and look toward its future. Harpswell, too, will celebrate many facets of its long and interesting history as it joins the celebration from April through September.

It's been a long time coming, but the Harpswell Summer Swim Program will return this June. The program ended in 2019, when the Bowdoin College pool closed during the pandemic. The lack of swim time meant the loss of instructors and volunteers needed for this highly regarded instruction program, which had served up to 240 students from Harpswell and surrounding towns every summer.