Bill Àjà never thought he could draw. It took a rapid decline in his vision - and a relocation to an independent living facility - to discover an ability, and a source of joy, that he'd had all along.

The online community has evolved from crowdfunding artistic projects and philanthropic necessities to a third category that sits somewhere in between funding your friend's cool indie album and a round of life-saving chemo for a child. Jessica Melcher and her husband joined a growing trend when they began accepting online donations for a costly in vitro fertilization pregnancy.

Sally Soule discusses the hobby of birding with various individuals, learning about birds and personal stories.

Willow Mullins speaks with midwives of different backgrounds, learning about the culture of being a midwife.

When the mills in Biddeford closed, the town's economy began to suffer. Emma Morgenstern documents how organizations in the town are trying to develop the economy again through the downtown area, and how some residents don't agree with the changes.

The most seaward of all of Maine's islands, Matinicus, was in need of a single teacher. Anne Bardaglio documents how the Mantinicus almost lost its school, and how the island community needed the school to survive.
Issue 65, 2008

Within the Education Department of the Maine State Prison, inmates are offered an opportunity to join a program geared towards giving inmates a way to prepare in rejoin public society. Hilary Niles discusses the Pre-Release Exit Program and the experiences of inmates within the prison.

B.J. Bill highlights the lives of Portland's city councilmembers, focusing on their work within their districts. Hill covers topics ranging from economics to education.

Laura Neale investigates the activities and programs for students at School Around Us. Neale speaks with teachers, students, and parents to understand how this form of alternative schooling works.

Nicholas DuLong explores the history and operations of the Game Farm in Gray, Maine, which aims to help with the rehabilitation of wildlife in Maine.