BAR HARBOR, ME — Matinicus Island high-to-low tides vary about 10-feet. Here’s the Sunbeam resting on mud at low tide. When the Sunbeam arrives in Matinicus harbor one of the crew’s first moves is tying the boat to the dock. At low tide, this prevents the Sunbeam from tipping on its side.
(Photo by Island Health Director Sharon Daley)
‘Sunbeam V’ in Northeast Harbor, ME
A Christmas message from Scott Planting, Mission president:
December 18, 2018 – Under clear skies and over calm seas, the Sunbeam V is heading out of Northeast Harbor today for its annual three day, three island Christmas trip. It is my joy to be aboard with crew Captain Michael Johnson, Director of Island Outreach Douglas Cornman, Steward Jillian, and guests Allison and Hunt Smith.
For me it is wonderful to lead Christmas worship services at the beautiful island churches. We’ll gather in the candlelight, sing the carols, read the lessons, remember our beloved ones, and speak about God’s goodness to us all.
Our first stop is Matinicus Isle. We will skiff over to the island at 5 pm for a Christmas service at Matinicus Congregational Church UCC. The service will be followed by Christmas dinner on the Sunbeam.
Early Thursday morning we leave Matinicus for Isle au Haut where, in the afternoon, we’ll join islanders for a potluck dinner at the town hall, followed by the Christmas service.
Friday morning, if all goes well — the marine forecast calls for high winds out of the south— the Sunbeam will host an all-island breakfast. Then we’ll depart for Frenchboro, where the island will join us at Frenchboro Congregational Church for a service, followed by cookies and mulled cider.
This very special trip is my last Christmas trip aboard the Sunbeam. I am deeply grateful for the Sunbeam crew and staff for all they give the islands. And I’m grateful to all the Maine Seacoast Mission friends who are always with us in spirit, as they have been for over a century, upholding us in our care for these remote communities.
Blessings to you all at Christmas,
Scott
l-R: Sunbeam V crew – Story King (Engineer), Jillian (Steward), Michael Johnson (Captain), Douglas Cornman (Island Outreach Director)
theneighborhoodhouse.com
Sea Lights on Sunbeam a Smashing Success!
December 18, 2018
On Sunday evening, December 15, people from across MDI gathered in Northeast Harbor to hit the water aboard the Sunbeam V. Most people know the Sunbeam as the vessel operated by the Maine Seacoast Mission, providing invaluable services to the outer islands that dot our coastline. On this particular evening, however, the crew of Sunbeam V were charged with a completely new and unique task— offering an on-the-water Christmas Lights tour.
The “Sea Lights” initiative…is an informal grass-roots effort encouraging waterfront property owners to decorate for the holidays. [I]f the property…are not lucky enough to enjoy the decor in person, their efforts can still be appreciated and help brighten the Christmas and holiday season for others.
So…more folks would be able to enjoy the warm glow of the lights, the Seacoast Mission and the Sunbeam’s crew stepped in to offer a shoreline cruise to view the decorations. [I]t only took…48 hours before the trip was booked solid. [T]he Sunbeam V [crew] were gracious enough to offer a second trip that same evening, which [also] filled to capacity.
BAR HARBOR, ME — Thank you, Mr. Thomas Dodd for this drone video clip of the Sunbeam V taken Sunday, December 9, 2018 in Northeast Harbor.
Learn more about the Sunbeam V’s work.
Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving at Northeast Harbor aboard the ‘Sunbeam V’ on Sunday, December 1, 2018. (Photo courtesy Scott Planting).
MOUNT DESERT — The annual Northeast Harbor Christmas Festival will be held Saturday, Dec. 1, with activities throughout the day.
A highlight, as usual, will be the arrival at the marina of Santa and Mrs. Claus aboard the Sunbeam at 4 p.m. Then the jolly old pair will settle onto the porch of Carter’s Real Estate to greet children and wish them Merry Christmas. // Learn more
Waiting for Santa and Mrs. Claus at Northeast Harbor. (Photo courtesy Scott Planting)
www.theneighborhoodhouse.com
“Sea Lights” Cruise Hits the High Seas
As Christmas and the holiday season approaches, a local group has been working to encourage seasonal residents with shorefront properties around Northeast Harbor and along Somes Sound to add outdoor lights and Christmas decor. The hope is that these displays will brighten up the waterfront (and holidays) as boats return to harbor each day.
Not everyone works on the water and will get to see the displays and enjoy the results of this fun project. In that regard, The Neighborhood House has coordinated with the Maine Seacoast Mission who will generously be offering an evening boat ride aboard the Sunbeam to get a gander of the gorgeous lights.
This free trip will be offered on Sunday, December 16 at 4:45pm, and departing from Northeast Harbor. Space is limited, so pre-registration is required. Please give us a call at 276-5039 to register. We’ll provide cocoa, cookies, and candy canes, and plan on returning by 6:00pm.
Note: If you are a waterfront property owner and want to get involved, you can contact Katie Bell. Lights can be purchased locally at F.T. Brown.