Get into the people-joining, foot-stomping, hot dog-munching mode. It’s festival time, music time the living-is-busy time. Almost every downtown has its day or weekend, its fun activities, often a parade, fireworks, speeches, good cooking, maybe a dance, and children’s activities. More…

One of its most meaningful and consistent ministries of the Union Church of Belgrade Lakes is its support of neighbors facing food insecurity. One way the church helps is through the Belgrade/Rome Special Needs Food Pantry. More…

Mount Phillip, with sweeping views of Great Pond and well-worn trails, has long been cherished. In the early 2000s, the Belgrade Regional Conservation Alliance and Pine Island Camp conserved nearly 200 acres on its front face. Now, 7 Lakes Alliance has acquired an adjacent 133-acre parcel on the mountain’s north side. More…

This lovely souvenir bracelet from the Belgrade Hotel has quite a story behind it. It was found in a wooden barrel of old letters in a farmhouse attic in 1976. Even then, I knew I should keep the bracelet and letters safe from harm. Although not made of precious metal, it was made to last. More…

The 2026 Maine International Film Festival is almost over, but there is still plenty to see. Highlights of the festival’s closing days include the premières of three made-in-Maine feature films and two compilations of made-in-Maine shorts, a celebration of Maine’s youngest filmmakers, a salute to our neighbors to the north, and an energetic closing film with awards presentations. More…

Four hundred miles from home, my alarm goes off, and I’m immediately jolted awake. I hop out of bed excitedly anticipating another day on the Belgrade Lakes. The morning is cool, as my fellow intern and I ease ourselves into our survey vessel and shove off. All is quiet, until the somber and mournful wail of the common loon cuts through the silence. More…

Our lakes are still in great shape, but, unfortunately for our farmers, gardeners, and those smaller lakes without dams, we’re back in a drought. A negligible 0.11″ of precipitation is forecasted for the next 10 days. For the record, we were bone dry for the past 10 days as well. More…

How gratifying to find two Maine authors featured in The Atlantic magazine’s June 2026 issue. I found fascinating and informative articles about Stephen King and Elizabeth Strout. More…