‘Sunbeam V’ Update – Pilothouse Nearing Completion

‘Sunbeam V’ Update – Pilothouse Nearing Completion

BELFAST, ME — Earlier this month, on a video-conference with Mission Administrators, Program Directors, Program Managers, and others, Sunbeam V Captain Mike Johnson said he is pleased with the way in which the Sunbeam pilothouse — his office on the water — is coming together.

The first photo of the pilothouse during the Sunbeam refit showed everything removed: computers, windows, seats, counters leaving dark areas of surface rust to be sanded and painted.

Mike says these current pilothouse photos don’t do justice to the “nearing completion” feeling he has when standing in the pilothouse. That feeling will be better conveyed in photos when with just the wood and window trim in place.

We look forward to those next photos.

‘Moonbeam’ Safe Undercover, Undergoing Maintenance

‘Moonbeam’ Safe Undercover, Undergoing Maintenance

BAR HARBOR, ME — May 23, 2019 the Mission christened their new boat Moonbeam, an interim wood boat to be used while the Sunbeam V was out of the water having its routine major refit.

Sunbeam Captain Mike Johnson is overseeing the Sunbeam refit. Sunbeam Engineer Storey King, a licensed boat captain, switched hats and served as Moonbeam Captain.

Now, Moonbeam is also out of the water for the winter months. Storey King is getting the boat ready for next season.

Here is Storey’s Moonbeam update with photos:

Moonbeam was hauled out of the water just before the new year. She is safe and sound undercover and undergoing typical maintenance for a wood boat.

Upon inspection, Moonbeam has a few issues to deal with, but nothing unexpected. There is a significant cavitation (pitting) on the propeller surface. We know the cause and it will be corrected.

Also a leaking rudder stuffing box has been removed, and will be repaired.

Sand and paint, and Moonbeam will be ready for spring.

Shipyard’s Skilled Carpenters Tackle ‘Sunbeam V’ Pilothouse Reconstruction

Shipyard’s Skilled Carpenters Tackle ‘Sunbeam V’ Pilothouse Reconstruction

Front Street Shipyard carpenters Kirk Ryder and Peter Lewis. (Photo courtesy Mike Johnson)

BELFAST, ME — Front Street Shipyard carpenters Kirk Ryder (left) and Peter Lewis (right) are responsible for much of the reconstruction of the Sunbeam V pilothouse.

Marine carpentry is challenging. Hardly anything is square or level. Multiple compound angles would baffle even the most handy of us. Not only are these carpenters skilled, but they are quick with a joke and personable on the job.

Source: Sunbeam V Captain Mike Johnson

In Memory of Merrill Raymond Webber

In Memory of Merrill Raymond Webber

Matinicus Island. Photo by Sharon Daley, RN.

capenews.net
Merrill Raymond Webber
Jan 9, 2020

In Loving Memory Merrill Raymond Webber left on his hunting and fishing trip on November 24, 2019. He was born in Portland, Maine on June 13, 1955 to Kenneth and Barbara (Merrill) Webber. He grew up in Hatchville, Massachusetts on Cape Cod. After graduating Lawrence High School in Falmouth, Massachusetts, he went on to Wentworth Institute in Boston where he got his degree in Building Construction. He wanted to go lobstering on Matinicus after high school, but his grandmother said he had to have “something in his back pocket” in case lobstering didn’t work out. He worked summers while in school for Bob Hampton, whom he credits for teaching him to be a skilled carpenter.

Merrill moved to the island and started out as a sternman for Albert Bunker. He bought a small outboard and a few traps to haul on days he wasn’t with Albert. He later bought his great Uncle Vernon’s boat with a spray hood. In a couple years he was ready for a larger boat and found in Belfast, Albert’s old boat that he had first worked on. His last boat, the Laurie Lee, was a 35 ft Duffy.

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A service and celebration of his life will be held on Matinicus in the spring. Donations may be made to the Matinicus Congregational Church 311 Seal Harbor Road Spruce Head, ME 04859, the Maine Seacoast Mission 127 West St Bar Harbor, ME 04609 or the MW Island Medical Transport Fund in care of Penobscot Island Air PO Box 273 South Thomaston, ME 04858. Checks for this fund may be made out to PIA.

Full obituary

Mission Island Eldercare Retreat – An Incredible Resource

Mission Island Eldercare Retreat – An Incredible Resource

BAR HARBOR, ME — The 2020 annual Island Eldercare Retreat wrapped up its second and final day on Thursday, January 9, 2020. Hosted by Maine Seacoast Mission at Nebo Lodge on North Haven island. Mission Island Health Services Director Sharon Daley, RN again served as master of ceremonies.

This visionary group of Maine island community members is spearheading personal, effective care for the elderly on Maine unbridged islands. The group is dedicated to improving on its already remarkable record of enabling island elderly to age in place, spending their final years with family and friends on their islands.

Island Eldercare Retreat presenters included Dr. Lauren Michalakes, a hospice and palliative medicine specialist; Chris Wolff, Elder Abuse Institute of Maine Director of Community Engagement, and Heather LaFramboise, Program Director for Avita of Brunswick.

“The Seacoast Mission is so grateful for the participation of these island residents in the annual Island Eldercare Retreat. We heard from super presenters offering wisdom on dealing with grief, dementia, Maine’s death with dignity law, and elder abuse. And all participants were able to exchange information about what they are doing to create positive change in their own communities,” said Mission Director of Development Chris Stelling.

“Maine boasts one of the largest senior populations in the nation, per capita. This means more experience from which to learn. And while aging islanders have different needs, they also have a hard-won knowledge and unique perspective that is an incredible resource,” said John Zavodny, Maine Seacoast Mission President.

“The caregivers and thought leaders who attended the Seacoast Mission retreat are also powerful advocates for — and obvious fans of — our most senior generation. And we at the Mission are grateful to be able to support their work through the Island Eldercare Retreat and network,” President Zavodny said.

During the year, between Island Eldercare Retreats, this group of island community members stays connected through, among other means, monthly check-ins via the internet and conference calls.

Director Sharon Daley said of the retreat, “We’ve had great presenters who generously offered their time and expertise to the group. We’ve all learned a lot, shared a lot. It’s a dedicated group of people who give a lot to their communities. It’s really nice to gather them together and give them a bit of a special time to learn from each other,” Daley said.

To learn more about Maine Seacoast Missions Island Health work, visit us online here.

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