Moveover Rhubarb -- It's National Go Barefoot Day

Not to worry, I'll be back on the rhubarb kick tomorrow, but I just learned (how could I have missed this!?!?) that today - June 1st - is National Go Barefoot Day.

I'm serious.

And, it is a serious issue. 

Sure, you may be psyched for the opportunity to kick-off those shoes -- and even show off those recently painted toes. But, for 300 million children, going barefoot is a daily reality, not a choice.

This day, go barefoot to show your support -- but, also consider donating to Soles4Souls. For every $1 donated, one pair of shoes will be distributed to a child in need.


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It Doesn't Get Any Fresher

(photos from Port Clyde Fresh)

At the very tip of the St. George peninsula in Midcoast Maine, you will find the small fishing village of Port Clyde. Port Clyde sits at the confluence of Muscongus and Penobscot bays, providing key access to a myriad of fishing grounds.

In Port Clyde (if you live there year-round, that is), it is all about the fishing -- and it has been for some 200 years. Historically, when the fish were running, the village's church bells would ring, calling all the women in the community to the fish factory where they would clean and package the fresh catch.

Today, Port Clyde's fishing heritage prevails--albeit on a much smaller scale. A dozen fishing vessel make up Port Clyde's fleet, catching haddock, flounder, cod, pollack and hake. Determined to preserve their heritage and the resources they depend on, the fisherpeople of Port Clyde community have developed the Port Clyde Fresh Catch™ brand to bring you fish and shrimp harvested from the icy waters of the Gulf of Maine using environmentally sustainable fishing methods.

So, now, with the click of your mouse or a quick call, you can have the freshest catch delivered to you, no matter where you are. Check out Port Clyde Fresh Catch™.

Not interested in cooking your own seafood, but want the good stuff? Look here to see where Port Clyde Fresh Catch is being served in Maine and beyond!

Let's Save the Post Office

 (Photo from Island Institute's website).

It is no secret to most that the U.S. Postal Service is struggling. They claim that part of their failure is due to the growing use of electronic communications (guilty) over traditional mail -- and in response, they threaten changes like reduced delivery service.

For Maine island communities, however, the potential loss of mail service has been a constant threat for years, simply because their volume of mail is so small.

Well, if you have ever lived in - or even visited- a small town then you know that a small town's Post Office is an important (dare I say, critical?) part of the community. In these small communities, a Post Office not only provides a venue to/from the bigger world, but also a place to connect with the community at-hand.

Believe it or not, regardless of where you live, you can help ensure the Post Offices on Maine Islands don't close. And, it's really easy -- all you have to do is buy your stamps by mail from these island post offices. Selling stamps by mail is one way these institutions can maintain their income and, therefore, remain in business.

The Island Institute (a membership-based community development organization focusing on the Gulf of Maine, particularly the fifteen year-round island communities off the Maine coast) has been helping these Maine island Post Offices grow their stamps-by-mail initiative. Learn More about the island communities at The Island Institute -- and consider ordering your stamps by mail following the instructions below or on The Island Institute's website.

How to Order Stamps By Mail

To support a Maine island post office, download and print the order form. Once completed, mail the form to one of the island post offices. Address your envelope as follows:

Cliff Island...04019
Long Island...04050
Chebeague...04017
North Haven...04853
Swan’s Island ...04685
Cranberry Isles...04625
Isle au Haut...04645
Islesford...04646
Islesboro...04848
Monhegan...04852
Matinicus..04851
Peaks Island...04108
Frenchboro...04635