Every few weeks, no matter the weather, the marquee sign outside of the Narraguagus Post 8 of the American Legion in Cherryfield has something to tell you. Inspirational in nature, it is usually a quote from an author or musician, though it could be a funny quip. Other times the marquee shared important information about voting, town deadlines, or the next yard sale. Each message is unique and they are all the work of Jillian, the Sunbeam’s Steward. Since 2017, she has made sure to change the marquee and share a message with anyone driving by.
During the month of February, Jillian displayed 150 pictures of the marquee at the Northeast Harbor Library. Its messages are meant to be thought-provoking, bridge-building, affirming, and poetic. For many, the sign has become a welcome sight on their way home. “Folks tell me how much they look forward to reading the latest sign,” Jillian says. “I’ve been told that my sign has been a deciding factor for people considering a move to our sweet, little town. It is my punk rock pulpit of good in approximately 16 words or less.”
Traveling from Bangor, Director of Marketing Kierie Piccininni often pulls over to snap a picture of Jillian’s messages. “Prior to joining the Mission, I’d bump along Route 193, excited to see the marquee’s little dose of wisdom. Now I experience it on a weekly basis during my commute to our Cherryfield campus. It was a delight to learn this living, ever-changing art comes from Jillian.”
Aboard the Sunbeam, select pictures of the marquee grace the refrigerator. Sandwiched between photos of friends and residents of outer islands, those mingling in or around Jillian’s galley can’t miss them. The messages inspire a brief, pleasant pause to reflect.
If you missed the show at the library, do not despair. Jillian shared a few of the messages she displayed, including one by a familiar face at the Mission.
When passing the American Legion in Cherryfield, be sure to look for the marquee. It is on Route 193, on the left as you come into sweet Cherryfield. You may get lucky and spot Jillian and her dog Banana along the way.
In 2001, when I learned there was a position available on the Sunbeam, I envisioned the romance of a career at sea. The fresh wind, the salt spray, the beautiful sunsets—sign me up! What does the boat do? As a local I knew it as “God’s Tugboat,” but really at that point the purpose was secondary to me: I wanted the lifestyle.
Maybe I was young and selfish, but I did not expect that this would become one of the richest experiences of my life. The history of the boat among the islands, and the trust that has been developed, is astonishing. I am honored to play a part and this is why:
We get out there: year-round we make twice-monthly visits to our regular islands in all but the worst weather. Other islands are visited several times a year. These range from Vinalhaven with a population of 1,250 to Eagle Island with a population of two.
We offer a lot: the Sunbeam is relied on for a quick dash aboard to grab a cookie to longer visits for some conversation and maybe a game of cribbage. It is the coffee shop where there is no coffee shop as well as being an important resource for more complex medical and spiritual issues.
We are neutral: given the nature of any small town, folks may come aboard with different points of view. We enjoy the company of each individual and make them feel welcome. On the Sunbeam differences are points of interest, not points of conflict.
We operate as a team: Storey helps medical patients aboard, Douglas assists with lines, Jillian rides in the back of pickup trucks to deliver food, and I help maintain the medical equipment. This strengthens our morale and our impact.
We are part of the Maine Seacoast Mission. Need I say more? If a true need arises, we don’t have to call the office, we don’t need to fill out forms. We act, and we are fully supported. I like that.
It has been over 20 years for me. What will the next years bring? The islands are changing, many of my friends have died, and some great, new folks have arrived. I look forward to the future and am certain that the Sunbeam will be there in its classic, understated manner. As for my original reasons for joining the crew? I do love the sunsets, but salt spray? It is a nuisance.
Once a month, Food Security program volunteers and staff members travel from Steuben to Beals Island delivering commodity boxes to 120 seniors. These boxes contain a variety of shelf-stable foods meant to supplement the food recipients already have. The deliveries are not only helpful for the seniors, but they give the Mission a chance to check in with community members and offer any support and resources they might need.
The boxes are delivered the third week of each month in partnership with Eastern Area Agency on Aging (EAAA) through the USDA Commodity Supplemental Food Program. The food program assigns a Community Action Partnership (CAP) agency to each region, and for Downeast Maine, that CAP agency is EAAA.
“Recipients of the program fall into a certain income bracket and must be 60 years of age or older,” says Megan Smith, Food Security Program Coordinator. “Many of our recipients love seeing their delivery and add special requests.”
The boxes are packaged at the Good Shepherd Food Bank and include a variety of items such as non-fat dry and ultra pasteurized milk, juice, canned meat, poultry or fish, oats and ready-to-eat cereal, rice or pasta, peanut butter, dry beans, and canned fruits or vegetables.
For some, these deliveries can be a social lifeline. Many seniors enjoy chatting with and getting to know the delivery driver, and often are at the door waiting for a delivery. If staff or volunteers notice a person might need extra support, they can build on their already existing relationship to figure out how to best meet the recipient’s needs. If a recipient is not interested in chatting, they still receive information about additional resources from materials slipped into commodity boxes. These can include a pamphlet with information on anything from heating oil assistance to community events, or the Mission’s Housing Rehabilitation program.
“This program ensures our older community members receive enough food because that can be a struggle for those living on fixed incomes,” says Downeast Director Jenny Jones. “Working with Eastern Area Agency on Aging is a valuable partnership that broadens our reach and ensure all community members are receiving care and support.”
Learn more about our Food Security program and the initiatives we offer. The Mission welcomes anyone who wishes to volunteer and make deliveries or to assist in the food pantry. Interested individuals can apply through the Mission’s volunteer form. To learn about commodity boxes, visit the Eastern Area Agency on Aging.
At the Mission’s EdGE Center on any given Saturday in the winter, you can find kids (and adults) strapping on skates for the first time and hitting the ice. Other families warm up while playing board games after spending time snowshoeing. With the skating rink up and enough snow on the ground, families have been traveling to the Mission’s Downeast Campus from as far away as Machias to enjoy the winter activities at the EdGE Center for the first time since 2020.
The Mission has offered winter activities before, but this year for the first time, the Mission’s Community & Family Engagement Program Manager, Stephanie Moores, has been there each weekend to meet with families and let them know about the resources available to them. “I have a table set up for folks to see the programs and resources we have available,” Stephanie says. “We feel it is important to be there to make connections with families face-to-face. Nothing is formal, but if a family does have a need for resources, we set up a private time to meet and discuss. Many tell me they did not know the extent of the programming we offer here at the Mission.” Stephanie has helped a few families sign up their children for the EdGE afterschool program and has offered for others to shop at the food pantry just across Weald Bethel Lane from the winter activities.
Both Stephanie and EdGE Primary Program Director Isaac Marnik say many visitors are excited to have a central place to go with free activities for a range of ages. Families greet and meet each other and stay the whole afternoon. “To have a positive place for families to stop in and have a good time brings people together,” Isaac says. “And we offer plenty of food and plenty of fun to facilitate that.”
Stephanie adds that some families come every weekend showing the need for free activities. Because of the popularity of these Saturday events, during school vacation week there will be similar day programming. The Saturday events will happen through March.
A leaky roof fixed. Drafty windows insulated. Rotting stairs replaced. This is just some of the work that Mission volunteers have done to homes in Washington County as part of the Housing Improvement program. Since 2003, this Mission program has improved homes owned by low-income residents by making the houses safe, energy-efficient, and functional. Washington County residents can now apply for this year’s housing rehabilitation program.
Each summer, hundreds of volunteers come to Downeast Maine to work on 15-20 homes owned by low-income residents in the Mission’s service area. “Our Housing Improvement program is vital to our residents in Washington County,” says Downeast Director Jenny Jones. “It helps keep community members safely in their homes which allows our communities to continue to thrive.”
Homeowners who qualify to have home repairs done by the Mission help determine needs, assist with repairs if possible, and provide feedback to the program. The Housing Improvement program also connects recipients to other resources available from the Mission through the Community & Family Engagement programming, which offers comprehensive support to individuals and families in Washington County.
In addition to providing repairs, the Mission partners with Downeast Community Partners (DCP) and CF Adams Charitable Trust to identify homes DCP can weatherize after improvements are made. Margaret whose had work done on her house by the Mission and DCP says, “I am so grateful and hopeful for the coming years. This will save me! And thank you again for these wonderful window treatments. I will be warm and comfortable in this old home now.”
Homeowners can apply online or pick up a paper copy of the application at their town office. Homeowner candidates who have inquiries about the program, should contact Housing Rehabilitation Program Manager Scott Shaw at sshaw@seacoastmission.org or call (207) 546-4466. Volunteer groups can also apply online.
We invite members of the Downeast community to learn more about the Mission Downeast capital campaign and construction project during an informational event on our Cherryfield campus on Thursday, March 16 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
During this event, the public can learn more about how the project will transform the Cherryfield property into a more welcoming and useful space for the community.The heart of the project is the renovation of the existing administrative and food pantry building and the addition of a new wing which will house a new food pantry.
Tours will be conducted of the existing space and Mission staff will be on-hand to talk about the addition, building updates, and other planned improvements to the campus. Renderings of the project will be on display and food will be served during the event. Families are also encouraged to attend, and the Mission’s EdGE education staff will host games and activities for children.
“We invite everyone to join us on March 16 to learn about this investment and the positive impact it will have on the region and for Downeast community members,” says Mission President John Zavodny, “Through our programs and people, we create belonging every day. We believe our Downeast campus, buildings, and program areas should be just as welcoming, work just as hard, and serve just as thoughtfully.”
The Mission’s Cherryfield campus has been a source of comfort, support, and community for generations of Maine residents in Washington and eastern Hancock Counties.TheMission Downeastcapitalcampaignwill create awelcomingDowneast Engagement Center at the head of campus and thoughtfully integrate program spaces for youth development, community building, workshops, play, and overnight retreats.
