We in Maine understand the power of the ocean, and appreciate the mystery of the myriad islands which dot our coast. We know our ocean and island as sources of beauty and solace; we know them as places to visit and work. Our proximity to this special landscape has a profound impact on our well-being.
Our guests include: Peter Ralston of the Ralston Gallery, David Turin of David’s Restaurant and David’s 388, and Kelsy Hartley of Hartley Marine Services and MS Society Harborfest.
Peter Ralston, noted Maine photograher, has photographed the coast of Maine since 1978, drawn especially to the working communities that define coastal Maine’s character.
His work has been seen in countless books and magazines, featured on network television and has been exhibited in galleries, collections and museums throughout the United States and abroad. Most recently his work was added to the permanent collections of the National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian and Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts. In 2003 his photography as well as his role as co-founder of the Island Institute was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree at Colby College. Beginning in June, 2011, Peter has been posting “Photograph of the Week” on his site, in which every Wednesday he tells the story behind one of his photographs/prints.
David Turin of David’s Restaurant and David’s 388 was featured in the August 2011 issue of Maine Magazine.
Not only is David a restaurateur but he is also a surf coach. David moved to Maine from Toledo and learned to surf when he was 35. He started the original New England surf camp for kids at Scarborough Beach, which has taught more than 1,700 adults and kids to surf on the coast of Maine. David knows the benefits of the sport intimately. “Running the restaurants is my passion, but it is incredibly stressful work and it would have put me under a long time ago if it hadn’t been for surfing. I get in the water and it all just washes off me, like a rinse cycle.” Because he came to surfing later in life, he also has deep respect for the challenges facing neophytes. When I ask him what I need to overcome my inhibitions, he offers this advice: “The enthusiasm of a kid, the experience of an adult, and sunscreen.” (Forget about sharks and drowning: the number-one surfing-related injury is sunburn, number two is wetsuit rash, and number three is getting hit by your board.)
Our “Give Back” segment highlights Kelsy Hartley of Hartley Marine Services and the MS Society. Hartley Marine Services will be featured in the August issue of Maine Magazine. Kelsy Hartley has been running Hartley Marine Services, a family owned and women operated tugboat company since 2007 when Kelsy’s father, Gregg Hartley passed away suddenly. As the oldest daughter Kelsy stepped in after the tragedy to navigate the company through a changing economy and quickly evolving industry. Together with an amazing team at HMS, Kelsy and family celebrate year after year, in Gregg’s footsteps, at MS Harborfest Tugmuster.
Tugmuster joined MS Harborfest starting in 2000 with Tall Ships. Tugboats came to town to help move the Tall ships in the Harbor. From that weekend on the Tugs organized Tugmuster to join with Harborfest to include events such as a Tug Parade, Pushing contests, survival suit races, Tugboat Races, demonstrations etc.
