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)
Some ElderCare Conference 2018 attendees at the end of day two.
ISLESBORO, ME — No doubt the group of elder care providers and presenters at the Maine Seacoast Mission’s October 23-24 on Island ElderCare Conference on Islesboro island were very glad to be at the table, said one attendee, “with people who speak the same language.”
For ten years Mission Island Health Director Sharon Daley, RN, has helped create a network for the islands represented at the Conference. “What a great group of people who do so much for many,” Sharon said of the event.
In addition to this annual in-person Conference, the group stays connected throughout the year in other ways.
In the Mission’s July 13, 2018 blog post, “Maine Island Elder Care Homes: Ahead of Their Time,” Sharon Daley explained the network’s effectiveness. Between conferences we “have monthly phone calls. Two or three times a year we meet in Augusta with State people involved in licensing and regulations. Island elder care homes got a 15-percent MaineCare increase when we proved it costs more to run an elder care home on an island,” Sharon said.
Islands represented at this year’s conference were: Chebeague Island, Cliff Island, Isle au Haut, Islesboro, Islesford, Long Island, North Haven, Peaks Island, and Vinalhaven.
The guest presenters and their topics for discussion were:
Maine Health Care Association President & CEO Rick Erb, and also, State government representatives with updates on Elder Care Issues.
Betty J. Harris, Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice and APPE Coordinator at Husson University’s School of Pharmacy, Bangor, ME discussed medication awareness/safety tips.
Music Therapist Melissa Violette spoke about the benefits of music therapy with dementia, and also, as self-care for caregivers.
Kandyce Powell, Executive Director of Maine Hospice Council and Center for End-of-Life Care spoke about many aspects of dealing with grief.
Nancy Hathaway, licensed by the State of Maine as the first Licensed Pastoral Counselor in the Buddhist tradition, gave an Introduction to Mindfulness-based Compassionate Communication.
“This conference just gives so much energy. You go back (home) with so many ideas. Keep having this conference. It’s so important,” said Cindy Thomas of Islesford.
Asked for their takeaways from the Conference, attendee’s answers included: the need for island elder caregivers to frame their stories and share them with their island populations. Also, building the community presence, working on a drug take back program, advance directives, living on fixed incomes, and strengthening the network.
Peggy Akers of Cliff Island said in a followup email to Sharon Daley and Sharon’s assistant Margaret Snell, “Thank you for all you do to bring us together each year. You fill our hearts and our souls with so much. Music, food, friendship, and continued passion for the dreams we all have for our beautiful islands.”