The August 1985 issue of Salt Magazine features stories on working in a parking lot, shepherding, and lobstering.

Just off the Appalachian Trail in Monson, Maine, rests Shaw's Boarding Home, which always has its doors open to hikers. Sally Schumaier documents life at Shaw's for owner Keith Shaw and hikers who stop there on their trip.

Pamela Wood recounts 10 years of work and progress that Salt students have done.

Kelli Gavant highlights the life of Phyllis Rogers, a teacher with SPIRAL Arts, Inc., who suffers from chronic pain following an accident that damaged her brain. Gavant discusses the work that SPIRAL Arts does for their students and how it has helped Rogers and others.

Sydney Leonard highlights the efforts of Bob Emery as he attempts to assist his son, who abuses OxyContin. Leonard speaks to Emery about his decision to open a methadone clinic in the town of Warren, and how the residents rose up in protest.

Susan Gaidos highlights the profession of mussel farming, speaking farmers to learn about their activities and the trade.

Inside back cover for the December 1983 Salt Magazine giving thanks to charter members.

Salt staff and students collect and retell the stories of people involved with rum running, on both sides of the situation.

When artists enter towns, they usually herald incoming change. Jennifer Ouellette documents how this is taking place in Belfast, and how some people in the community do not want the change.

In towns of any size it is valuable to have a working fire department in case of emergencies. Amanda Cross discusses the daily lives of firefighters who work for the Acton Volunteer Fire Department and their experiences being firemen.

Despite growth and new trends in Greenville, it is impossible to take out the frontier. Daniel Bigman documents the town of Greenville through the eyes of somes of its people.

Liza Buchbinder investigates the mental health system in Maine, speaking with caretakers and visting the Augusta Mental Health Institute.