CHERRYFIELD, ME — Downeast Community Partners, in affiliation with Maine Seacoast Mission, Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School, and the C.F. Adams Foundation held a press conference on Monday, June 10th at the Weald Bethel Community Center, Weald Bethel Lane, Cherryfield, ME to unveil the Downeast Tiny House Project.
The four entities have a long successful track record of working together to make family homes safe and warm in rural Downeast Maine. The Downeast Tiny House Project has the four groups building a brand new tiny house to be located in Cherryfield, Maine , for a formerly homeless US military veteran with a disability. The veteran, who has asked to remain anonymous, is also helping with financing the Project.
Maine Seacoast Mission Housing Rehabilitation Program Manager Scott Shaw said, “The prior work of these four groups is in housing rehabilitation. That is, selecting Downeast family homes needing roofing, siding, skirting, wheelchair accessibility, windows, doors, flooring, exterior and interior painting, so the families living in these homes will be safe and warm.
“With our housing rehabilitation, the families involved have skin in the game. That criteria is true of the Tiny House Project too. What’s new with building the Downeast Tiny House Project — it is a brand new home for a local military veteran,” Scott Shaw said.
The 560-square foot Tiny House, designed by Maine architect Jeri D.W. Spurling of Spurling Design in Islesford, ME, will be set on private property.
As of this writing, Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School students in Massachusetts, under supervision of Director of Technical Programs Russell P. Mangsen and Lead Carpentry Teacher Bill Italiano, are constructing the home. Once finished, the home will be trucked to Maine, placed on a foundation, and finished for occupancy.
“Assabet Valley and Maine Seacoast Mission have been discussing the possibility of constructing a tiny home for years, to enhance construction programs teaching and learning for grade 9 and 10 students preparing for off-campus construction projects in grades 11 and Grade 12,” said Director Russell Mangsen.
“We are extremely excited about this excellent student learning opportunity which will provide an energy-efficient home for a deserving individual in Cherryfield, Maine,” Director Mangsen said.
“DCP has had a program to serve homeless veterans, currently has a program to provide housing to veterans, and employs several veterans, so this project has a strong personal connection for us,” said Bobbi Harris, DCP Housing Director and 22 year retired Navy veteran.
The Project is also a pilot project for, perhaps, tiny houses for other military veterans and/or Downeast senior citizens.
The Downeast Maine Tiny House Project is made possible through the generous funding of the C.F. Adams Foundation.
The Downeast Maine Tiny House Project blog, managed by DCP’s Sue Unger, will serve throughout the Project as the information center for Project news. https://www.downeastmainetinyhouseproject.com
For more information on how your company can support this program, call Scott Shaw at the Maine Seacoast Mission at 207-546-5869.
Wendy & Charlie Harrington stand next to the new “Charlie’s Challenge” trail marker.
CHERRYFIELD, ME — The June 8th celebration party of EdGE Director Charlie Harrington at the Mission’s Downeast Campus was a festive success.
Lots of folks gathered to celebrate Charlie’s legacy,” said Mission Director of Development Chris Stelling. ”EdGE kids, former EdGE kids, EdGE and Mission staff, Board members, former Board members, school teachers and administrators, neighbors/community members, current and past Presidents, Charlie and Wendy’s family.”
Look for more photos to follow.
Meanwhile, Director Stelling sends this photo of Charlie and Wendy Harrington with a new “Charlie’s Challenge” trail marker unveiled at the party. “The Charlie’s Challenge adventure course will honor Charlie’s legacy of belief in the greatness of Washington County kids,” said Director Stelling.
EdGE Summer Camps are getting under way. Learn more about all EdGE programs and services.
Portland Press Herald — Hiking: A long-anticipated hike on Frenchboro was worth the wait
June 9, 2019 — By Carey Kish
In the late 1990s, roughly two-thirds of [Frenchboro], was listed for sale. [C]oncerned island residents forged a partnership with the Maine Coast Heritage Trust, the Island Institute and the Maine Seacoast Mission to conserve the land. A massive fund-raising effort ensued, and in 2000 the parcel was acquired by MCHT.
CHERRYFIELD, ME — Under EdGE Director Charlie Harrington’s leadership, EdGE has grown to include in-school and after-school programs, the Marion Kane Leadership program, EdGE summer camps, and the EdGE Journey program. Students challenge themselves, engage with their communities and the outdoors, and explore college and career options. The after-school program offers academic support, and in-school programs include peer mentoring for students beginning high school.
BAR HARBOR, ME — This week the Mission celebrates retiring EdGE Director Charlie Harrington.
When MSAD 37 Superintendent Ron Ramsey was Acton Elementary School Principal, he was the first school official to say “yes” to the EdGE Program.
Two years ago the Mission interviewed Supt. Ron Ramsey. We asked if he had favorite EdGE success stories he shares with people. This interview excerpt is Ramsey’s reply.
CHERRYFIELD, ME — This photo was taken two years ago this month at the 15th Anniversary of the Mission’s EdGE Program. Time flies. In this photo we see EdGE Director Charlie Harrington speaking with a roomful of well-wishers, colleagues, students, and student family members.
Under Charlie’s leadership, EdGE has grown to include in-school and after-school programs, the Marion Kane Leadership program, EdGE summer camps, and the EdGE Journey program. Students challenge themselves, engage with their communities and the outdoors, and explore college and career options. The after-school program offers academic support, and in-school programs include peer mentoring for students beginning high school.
