Pamela Wood introduces readers to the topic of poverty, which is the focus of this issue of Salt Magazine.

Contra dancing is a cherished cultural experience in Maine, which involves folk music and people of all generations participating. Lauren Lamont documents how some young people are bringing techno music to contra dancing, and how it interacts with their New England roots.

As two master taxidermists prepare for the annual Maine State Taxidermy Competition in Augusta, Adriana Widdoes documents their lives and work. Widdoes speaks to Tom Berube and Jayne Dyke about their profession and the participating in the competition.

Although country music generally finds more popularity in the south, the country music scene in Maine has a large following. From radio to organizations, Elyssa East looks at how country music plays a role in certain communities of Maine.

As America's craft beer economy grows, some alcohol artisans are starting to venture into craft spirits. Kelly Prime profiles the work of Wesley Moseman of Maine Craft Distilling who speaks about heritage and craftsmanship.

Chris Agee documents the lives of surfers who go out into Maine's waters during the winter.

When people recycle waste, the market determines how the waste is reused. Bram Sable-Smith investigates the recycling process in Maine and how the recycling market functions.

Pamela Wood speaks about tourism as a double edged sword in Maine, and how it is impacting the state in the 1980s.

The Cambodian community in Portland makes up a very small percentage of population, and as Carole Hoffman discovers, struggles to find jobs, learn English, and preserve their own culture. As a guest, Hoffman experiences a traditional Cambodian wedding, highlighting how the Cambodian community uses this as a way to ensure their culture is preserved away from home.

In Maine, fishing has always been a way of life. Pamela Wood and Salt students offer an overview of fishing in Maine.

With struggles within the lobster industry due to oversupply of lobsters, lobstermen thought of collective action. Bram Sable-Smith highlights the work that Arbus Ames put forward to start the Maine Lobstering Union, which would allow them to speak about the value of their catches and get a fair living wage.

Readers write in response to the work Salt has done.