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.

Island Eldercare Retreat – All Perspectives Are Welcome

Island Eldercare Retreat – All Perspectives Are Welcome

NORTH HAVEN, ME — Day one of the Mission’s 2020 Annual Island Eldercare Retreat. Host Sharon Daley, RN — who is also the Mission’s Island Health Services Director — with guidelines to help manage the discussions and presentations. The writing on the paper pad says:

Working Arrangements

  • This is your retreat – make it what you want
  • All perspectives are welcome
  • Help all voices be heard
  • Share air time
  • Differences of opinion are useful
Mission to Host Annual 2020 Island Eldercare Retreat

Mission to Host Annual 2020 Island Eldercare Retreat

Eldercare Retreat opening day. Visiting the wonderful Southern Harbor House eldercare facility on North Haven, right around its first birthday!

penbaypilot.com
Maine Seacoast Mission to host annual 2020 Island Eldercare Retreat
Tue, 01/07/2020 – 10:30am

NORTH HAVEN — An ongoing network of island community members will attend an annual eldercare conference, Wednesday, Jan 8 – 9, at Southern Harbor House, North Haven.

Guest presentations include:

Dr. Lauren Michalakes, a hospice and palliative medicine specialist presenting on Maine’s Death with Dignity law.

Chris Wolff, Elder Abuse Institute of Maine director of Community Engagement, speaking on elder abuse.

Heather LaFramboise, program director for Avita of Brunswick, will address taking a positive approach to dementia care.

The Mission network includes: Maine Seacoast Mission Island Health Services Director Sharon Daley, RN and eldercare workers from the island communities of Cranberry Isles, Swan’s Island, Vinalhaven, North Haven, Matinicus, Islesboro, Chebeague, Long Island, Peaks Island, and Cliff Island.

“This group is spearheading personal, effective care for the elderly on Maine unbridged islands, through communication among the island communities and working with State agencies to better understand the needs of small eldercare home and island communities,” said Maine Seacoast, in a news release.

Full story

Mission’s ‘Event for Scholars’ Mixes Business and Fun

Mission’s ‘Event for Scholars’ Mixes Business and Fun

The Event for Scholars in Trenton, ME

BAR HARBOR, ME — On Sunday, December 29, 2019, Mission Director of Student Pathways Christina S. Griffith, and Mission Scholarships Program Director Terri Rodick hosted a three-hour Event for Scholars at Trenton, ME‘s Town Hill Community Hall.

Eleven Mission Scholarship recipients and one parent attended the Event. A few days prior, Director Griffith said of the Event, “It will include a bit of checking in/discussion as well as just fun hanging out.”

Learn more about the Mission’s Scholarships.

Downeast Campus  Community Highlights: 2019–2020

Downeast Campus Community Highlights: 2019–2020

A few of the many talented, creative, and hardworking volunteers with our Housing Rehabilitation Program.

CHERRYFIELD, ME — We asked Mission Director of Service Programs Wendy Harrington for her short list of 2019 highlights among the Downeast Campus programs and activities, as well as, what we can look for at the Downeast Campus in year 2020. A key 2019 accomplishment was the completion of the Downeast Campus Strategic Plan which you’ll be hearing more about in the coming months.

2019 Highlights

  • Completed Downeast Campus Strategic Plan.
  • Launched the Downeast Maine Tiny House Project.
  • Launched the Good Neighbor Fund – a financial assistance program for EdGE Families – and began working with families to advance their goals.
  • Continued to advance our programs combating childhood hunger through EdGE schools, Farm Share, weekend backpack program, and summer meals.

2020 Vision

  • Continue Housing Rehabilitation and weatherization work with Downeast Community Partners and explore new opportunities with them to further address housing issues.
  • Complete initial Downeast Maine Tiny House project within the first quarter of 2020.
  • Build on the strengths of established programs to offer more integrated support for EdGE families and others, using a multi-generational approach and a Family Food Center model of coordinating resources to advance positive change.
  • Convene Community Circles, advisory groups of community members and program participants, to help develop our family engagement programming and the Family Food Center model.

Stay up-to-date on our Downeast Community Campus work on the Mission blog and our social media pages.

What to Expect When ‘Sunbeam V’ Returns to Service

What to Expect When ‘Sunbeam V’ Returns to Service

Sunbeam V refit celebration in October 2019 at Front Street Shipyard, Belfast, ME

BAR HARBOR, ME — Here are some of the highlights of what we expect when our mighty vessel, Sunbeam V, is back in service:

  • Modernized navigational suite including automatic identification (tracking) system (AIS), a more powerful radar, and better chart plotter functions.
  • Quieter and more fuel-efficient generators.
  • Sound attenuation technologies on engine room bulkhead to further reduce noise transfer.
  • Upgraded galley with full cooking exhaust capabilities and new appliances.
  • New ventilation system to deliver fresh air to lower cabin areas in warm weather.
  • Low draw LED lighting throughout the boat with adjustable warmth and brightness.
  • Rigid bottom inflatable tender to allow safer launching in adverse weather. The Sunbeam V’s tender is a boat used for transporting people or supplies to and from shore or another ship.
  • More extensive dry and cold food storage – all on main level for better access.
  • Engineered heating system for better distribution of heat and unlimited hot water.

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