Introduction to articles in this issue of Salt magazine on the topic of what it means to be a Mainer, and the displacement of Maine people.

For three generations, a colony of Swedish farmers have raised potatoes and families in rural Aroostook County. Laura Johnson highlights how these farmers are close knit and hard working.

Table of contents for April 1997 Salt Magazine.

In Portland, El Sinai Church on Brighton Avenue is the first majority Latino Evangelical church in the city, ministered by Israel Ortiz. Anne Hoffman discusses the growing hispanic community in Portland, and highlights Ortiz's own journey to Portland.

Jean Sexton sets out to uncover how families fit into the pattern of life in Madawaska, yet finds out that these patterns are not based on sterotypes but rather the choices people make for their way of life. She discusses family histories, dynamics and life in Madawaska.

Salt holds an open forum for photographers in Maine to discuss their line of work.

Forward to by Robert Coles to Maine: A Peopled Landscape.

Tara Lockhart documents the winery business of Tom Hoey, located in Brooksville, Maine. Lockhart speaks to Hoey regarding the Soe's Ear Winery, politics, and weaving.

Tonee Harbert captures the street scenes on Tyng and Tate Streets in Portland.

Matthew Bibeau speaks to three members of the Wells Conservation Commission regarding the use of land in Wells, and efforts they are making to protect the land, along with memories and traditions.

Dorothy O'Keefe profiles the work fisherman do on the rapids of the Mousam River to catch fish.

In Portland, the Maine Time Dollar Network allows community members to perform various services for each other that is bringing the community closer together. Stephanie Congdon explores how this network works and discusses how services are traded.