Meet the team
John Boit, Publisher and Editor
John Boit grew up in Penobscot and started his journalism career in local Maine media. He has worked in media and communications throughout his career, including as a foreign correspondent and media development expert in Europe and Asia. Boit co-founded a public relations firm in Washington, DC, where he was a partner for 18 years. He returned to Maine in 2022, and now lives year round in the same farm house where he was raised in Penobscot.
Bethany Violette, Advertising, Marketing and Development Manager
Bethany Violette brings nearly 15 years of experience in entrepreneurship, branding, and marketing to The Rising Tide. As a founding member and Brand Manager of a craft brewery in Vietnam, she wore many hats—developing creative campaigns, building community, and helping shape a fast-growing business from the ground up. Now rooted in Blue Hill, Bethany is channeling her passion for local storytelling and design into The Rising Tide, while building an off-grid home with her family and working on her first fantasy novel.
Jenna Lookner, Deputy Editor and Columnist
A Maine native, Jenna Lookner has worked in journalism and communications for 20 years. Her career includes work for transportation museums where she continued to sharpen her passion for antique automobiles and early aircraft. In addition to reporting, Jenna writes “The Hood Scoop” column about classic cars for The Rising Tide. She lives in Little Deer Isle with her husband Ethan and their four dogs, raising heritage breed chickens and geese.
Tricia Thomas, freelance reporter
Tricia Thomas is an award-winning journalist who covers news, people and events of interest for The Rising Tide from throughout the Blue Hill Peninsula and Downeast Maine. She has more than 40 years of experience in journalism, technical writing, public relations and communications. A lifelong writer and interviewer, Tricia is committed to spotlighting and sharing the unique stories of Maine’s people and places. She lives in Blue Hill.
John Epstein, freelance reporter
John Epstein is a retired lawyer who handled trials and litigation for the State and City of New York. In addition, he has worked as a freelance reporter for Pacifica Radio, National Public Radio, The Village Voice, and several weekly newspapers. He lives in Brooksville along the Bagaduce River with his wife, Joanna Hefferen, their peppy corgi, Lucy, and their tuxedo cat, Trixie. He also enjoys singing bass in The Bagaduce Chorale.
Steele Hays, freelance reporter
Steele Hays is a freelance journalist and year-round Blue Hill resident. He has worked as a newspaper reporter, advertising manager and marketing executive. When he is not researching and writing, he is likely to be found on a sailboat, working in the garden or hiking a local trail.
Garrett Fallow, multimedia reporter
Born in Blue Hill and raised in Castine, Garrett Fallow is a writer and multimedia producer with strong ties to Maine’s coastal communities. His work emphasizes community engagement and a data-driven approach to local and statewide policy. As a video editor, he focuses on turning complex issues into compelling visual stories that are informative and accessible.