With the rise of UFC fighting in American, many martial arts studios introduced training for a form called grappling. Karen Sosnoski explores how Seung Choi runs his martial arts studio in Portland and discusses his beliefs and training.

After several hours of preparation, 12 Salt students were guided by Reid Chapman on making apple cider the old fashioned way. Ann Bath and others document the process Chapman goes through to make his cider.

War-torn countries can cause individuals to flee their homes to find better lives for themselves and their family. Laurie McDonnell documents how refugees from Bosnia have made new homes in Portland and started a Bosnian community.

Laurel Cox discusses the experience and struggles of the Amerasian community, as experienced in Vietnam in the United States.

Introduction to articles in this issue of Salt Magazine.

In a small cabin in the wood, Carolyn and Michael Chute live surrounded by papers containing the work of Carolyn. Brandi Neal explores the life of Carolyn Chute, an author who writes novels and expresses her feelings about the government and politics.

Struggling to get by year by year, the Bubier family in Washington County piece together a year of income from seasonal work. Mark Childs documents how the Bubier family survives in rural Maine.

For Francis O'Brien, books, life, and history are interconnected like a honeycomb. Sarah Collins visits O'Brien at his home in Portland to learn about his love for books and his philosophies.

For generations, Bessie Swain has taught individuals in New England how to weave. Heather Walker speaks to Swain about her craft.

Shannon and Josh Gamache are a family who follow the traditional family structure, where Josh goes to work while Shannon stays at home raising the children. Katie Bell explores how the Gamache functions through the experiences of their eight year old, Colin.

In the northwestern part of Maine, Russell Kennedy has trapped about 250 bears. Anne Pierter speaks to Kennedy about hunting and how he traps.