A Natural Progression
July/August 2009
by Laurie Hyndman
Seven years ago I took a leap of faith when I bought Port City Life magazine. It seemed like a natural extension of my first career, which was developing and producing television programs, including soap operas. I think I have a knack for knowing good stories, and I love to tell them, so a lifestyle magazine seemed a perfect outlet. Then, what started out as a city magazine became a magazine about Maine. I wanted to celebrate people and places and events all over the state.
With the creative energy and talent of a dedicated staff and network of writers and photographers, I believe we have accomplished that and more. We created a magazine that captures the unique personality of Maine. We feel privileged to have been invited into people’s homes and lives and to have documented the creative, cultural, and nonprofit communities of this state.
Port City Life has evolved over the past ten years, and it is about to evolve again. This is the last issue. The publishers of Maine Home+Design, Kevin Thomas and Susan Kelley, have acquired this magazine, and they will be taking us to the next level, building on what we have accomplished and looking at Maine with a fresh set of eyes. They bring tremendous energy and vision to everything they do, so keep an eye out for the new publication. We will be back in front of you with a whole new look and a new name in September. It is an exciting time.
And a note to our subscribers: you will receive the premier issue in late August.
In this issue of Port City Life, our best ever (we say that every time), we celebrate the state’s creative food community with Maine Eats, a special section. And just in time for the summer, we bring you several stories on the mystique and allure of island living.
We introduce you to a new generation of farmers, twenty- and thirty-somethings who are committed to sustainable farming in Maine. We showcase the nonprofit organization SailMaine, which offers sailing classes and races for all ages. Then it is on to bluegrass festivals, a special tour of Andrew Wyeth’s works, and streamlined summer cottages.
In this column I have had the opportunity to share my thoughts, both whimsical and personal, with you. I’ve shared my family’s milestones, challenges, and
celebrations. It is fitting that with this last issue of Port City Life, my youngest child graduates from high school, and our home will be an empty nest. It is time to start the next chapter in the lives of my family, just as Port City Life is starting its own.
Thank you for your support and encouragement and for sharing your stories with us. And a special thanks to those whose names appear on our masthead. You are very much a part of my family.
Laurie D. Hyndman
Publisher & Editor
