For Maine island residents, accessing even the most basic health care is a significant challenge. Not every island has daily ferry service, and a trip to the mainland, when possible, is expensive and time consuming.
In response, the Mission offers personal care, modern technology, and educational services. Director of Island Health Sharon Daley, R.N., meets with islanders on the Sunbeam V and in their homes, and keeps in touch between Sunbeam trips via phone/internet. The Sunbeam is equipped with state-of-the-art telemedicine facilities so islanders can have virtual office visits with doctors on the mainland.
Director of Island Outreaach Douglas Cornman aboard the Sunbeam
Douglas Cornman, Director of Island Outreach, brings performers and artists to the islands, offers opportunities for worship and spiritual development, and instigates island-wide events such as suppers and sports activities.
Island Outreach activities augment the work of small island schools, and a year-round program prepares 6th, 7th, and 8th graders for the transition to mainland high schools—few islands have their own high school. The Mission publishes the Island Reader, an annual collection of writing and visual art created by island residents.
As a mental health counselor and certified dance/movement therapist with years of experience as a clinician and clinical administrator, Director of Island Outreach Cornman also works closely with Sharon Daley, Director of Island Health, to support the mental wellness needs of island residents and their isolated communities. He responds to islander requests for spiritual support and development, whether through the islands’ churches or other means, including discussion or meditation groups.
Cherryfield, ME: The Mission’s EdGE Downeast Campus is still on for Saturday! We might not have any snow, but the ice rink will be frozen and we have plenty of trails for families to explore while on the scavenger hunts! 1pm to 4pm. We hope to see lots of families!
The Sunbeam V is making a few Christmas Cruises to Maine islands this week. Director of Island Outreach Douglas Cornman sent these cruise details.
=====
Who: Mike, Storey, Jillian, Douglas and the communities of Frenchboro, Isle au Haut, and Matinicus
What: The Sunbeam’s annual Christmas Cruise. What is included in the service will vary depending on the island. Islands with enough children will have a Christmas pageant. Islands with fewer children will have Lessons and Carols. Every island will hear a Christmas message and have a carol sing with cookies and cocoa served following the service.
Where: Frenchboro and Matinicus have agreed to heat their churches for the day of the service, so the services on these two islands will be in their church buildings. The service on Isle au Haut will be aboard the Sunbeam.
When: The dates are listed below
Sunbeam Christmas Trip to Frenchboro When: Sunday, Dec 18, 2016
Sunbeam Christmas Trip to Isle Au Haut When: Tuesday, Dec 20, 2016
Sunbeam Christmas Trip to Matinicus
When: Wednesday, Dec 21, 2016
Sunbeam Christmas Trip (Return to Northeast Harbor) When: Thursday, Dec 22, 2016
Why: These islands do not have year round ministers “on island,” so the Sunbeam and her crew (minus Director of Island Health Sharon Daley) visits each year. It is my understanding that the Sunbeam’s minister has led Christmas services for each of these island communities for many years. I do not know the exact number of years, however.
