Finance + Legal Services

The Great Wealth Shift

With more wealth than ever within reach, women are reshaping the future of financial leadership. Article by Becca Abramson In what Portland Trust Company’s Amelia Dow calls a “crazy point of history,” women are poised to control more wealth than ever before. “It depends what study you look at,” she says, “but it’s in the trillions of dollars.” Economists have dubbed it the Great Wealth Transfer: over the next two decades, baby boomers are expected to pass down tens of trillions in assets—and a...

Entertainment

The Return on Rhythm

How a homegrown music festival became a platform for Maine talent to grow Article by Becca Abramson | Photography by courtesy of All Roads Music Festival In 2015, when Josh Gass and his co-founder Meg Shorette launched what would become the All Roads Music Festival, there wasn’t a master plan for an 11-year run, an expansion into Portland, or a brand recognized across Maine’s music community. There was simply an opportunity and a belief that local music deserved a bigger stage. “Meg and I...

Local Services

The 4 A.M. Founder

Noah Tranten's nourishing Topset Meals fuel more than just workouts Article by Becca Abramson | Photography by Lauren Lear On any given Monday, while much of Portland is still asleep, Noah Tranten is already deep into his day. By 4 a.m., he’s in the kitchen, cooking vegetables and setting the pace for a week that will stretch late into the night. By the time he finishes plating meals, locking up, and heading home, it’s often after 9 p.m. The next day brings deliveries. Then menu planning. Then...

Home + Design

Right at Home

How Back Bay Builders balances Maine weather, evolving energy codes, and thoughtful design in local homes Article by Becca Abramson | Photography by courtesy of Back Bay Builders On a rare sunny winter day in Portland, Nate Nelson’s crew is in good spirits. “Man, did we need this,” he says with a laugh. After weeks of ice storms and gray skies, the mood shift is immediate. “My guys are super happy. Sun and everyone’s singing.” That awareness of weather, mood, environment feels fitting for...

Home + Design

Well Framed

Thoughtful framing enhances art, architecture, and the way we experience our spaces Article by Becca Abramson Framing is often thought of as the final step after art is selected, but it’s just as important as the artwork itself. At its best, framing is both a craft and a design element, something that protects a piece while also shaping how it lives in a home. Professional framers know to consider materials, proportions, and construction techniques that ensure longevity, while also thinking...

Home Services

The Comfort Equation

Kristie Green of Horizon Homes explains how a whole-home approach to energy efficiency helps Mainers lower bills and boost comfort Article by Becca Abramson | Photography by courtesy of Horizon Homes What’s unique about Horizon Homes’ whole-home approach to energy efficiency? When we go into someone’s home, we always start with a free energy assessment—similar to a building inspection, but from an efficiency standpoint—that takes everything into consideration: insulation, air sealing...

Home + Design

Natural by Design

At Thos. Moser, craftsmanship, longevity, and Maine’s deep relationship with the forest shape furniture designed to endure for generations Article by Becca Abramson | Photography by courtesy of Thos. Moser We live in a design world increasingly dominated by composites, and fast-turn furnishings, which makes solid wood feel a little like the grown-up in the room. It doesn’t shout, chase trends, or ask to be noticed, but it always holds its ground. For decades, Thos. Moser has built its...

Arts + Culture

A Seat for Everyone

How Portland Ovations opens its doors so more people can experience live performance. Article by Angela Smith Portland Ovations believes live performance should be within reach for every person in our community. Through its Community Seats program, Portland Ovations partners with local nonprofits, social service agencies, and others to offer tickets to people who might not otherwise attend a show, from newer Mainers and youth programs to families navigating tough seasons. We sat down with...

Life + Culture

February Field Guide

Little Adventures, Big Local Love: 40 Ways to Brighten February Article by Angela Smith From sunrise thermos walks to igloos, trivia nights, and wintry beach walks, this list is your invitation to treat February like a month-long micro-adventure. Use these ideas as date nights, solo resets, or ways to show off Portland to visiting friends. Circle a few, add them to your calendar, and let small, local moments brighten even the grayest days here. Sunrise Thermos Session on the Eastern Prom ...

Arts + Culture

The Art of Paying Attention

National Geographic–published photographer Robbie George captures the presence hiding in plain sight. Article by Angela Smith | Photography by Robbie George Robbie George is a National Geographic–published fine-art nature photographer whose work focuses on the quiet, powerful moments where wild landscapes and human experience meet. He has spent more than 20 years photographing the natural world, from the high Rockies to the rugged New England coast. Robbie’s connection to Maine began through...