NORTHEAST HARBOR, ME – Two weeks into the New Year, Island Health Director Sharon Daley, RN noticed on Facebook a call for help from Terry Staples at Swan’s Island Bread of Life Food Pantry. While no one was on duty, the pantry freezer quit. “The end result,” wrote Mr. Staples, “was the loss of several hundred pounds of meat.” It will take time to replace the freezer, said Terry. Meanwhile, “if you are…grocery shopping and…could pickup a couple extra meats for us it would be a great help…,” he said.
Sharon asked Mission President John Zavodny and Downeast Director Mel Adams if the Mission could help the Swan’s Island food pantry. The answer was: Yes.
Mission Food Security and Sustainability Programs Coordinator Megan Smith partnered with Downeast Campus Facilities Manager Scott Shaw. They identified ten frozen turkeys and 210 pounds of additional frozen meats which Scott Shaw delivered 45-miles from Cherryfield to Northeast Harbor.
Meanwhile, Terry Staples told Sharon Daley the mail boat to Swan’s Island from Bass Harbor would transport the meat one hour over the water if the Mission could get the meat to the ferry by 11:00 am Monday, January 24.
On the 24th, Sharon Daley and Mel Adams received an email from Megan Smith. She said, “The frozen meat and turkeys are on the ferry heading to Swans Island…. I am so glad that we could help Terry and the Swans Island pantry.”
ROCKPORT, ME — Maine Seacoast Mission spent last weekend at the 45th Maine Fishermen’s Forum. The Sunbeam crew and Mission President John Zavodny, took turns at the Mission booth, reconnecting with old friends, and meeting plenty of new ones. The accompanying photo shows (L-R) Sunbeam Engineer Storey King, Island Health Services Director Sharon Daley, RN, and President Zavodny.
The Mission booth highlighted the Sunbeam crew’s work among island unbridged communities. The Forum was also an opportunity for the Mission to provide informational updates on the Sunbeam‘s routine major refit.
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Maine Seacoast Mission 2020 Scholarship Applications Now Available Online
BAR HARBOR, ME — Maine Seacoast Mission’s Scholarship Program 2020 Application and Re-Application are available now for downloading online. The deadline postmark for applying for a Mission scholarship is May 1, 2020.
Through its Scholarship Program, the Mission helps recent high school graduates and adults, from Maine’s offshore islands and Downeast communities, continue their educations and achieve their dreams.
Since 1918, the Mission has awarded almost $3 million to 3,692 deserving students. Each year the Mission awards approximately 30 new scholarships based on student financial needs and academic promise. Scholarships can be renewed each year of a multi-year program, resulting in nearly 100 Mission scholarships in any given year.
Mission President John Zavodny said, “As the first member of my family to complete college, I am a big believer in the transformational power of education. Whether through college, online learning, technical schools, bridge programs, apprenticeships — the many effective ways for students of all ages to now continue their education are incredibly important. The Mission is grateful to have helped so many people reach their education goals over the last century and we are committed to continuing our support for many generations to come.”
In 2019 the Mission renewed 60 scholarships totaling $106,500, and awarded 28 new scholarships totaling $59,000.
“Act now to apply for one of the Mission’s amazing scholarships,” said Scholarships Program Director Terri Rodick. “We offer financial help and emotional support too. Don’t wait until it’s too late.”
As we all count blessings this Christmas season, let me take a moment on behalf of the Maine Seacoast Mission to express our gratitude
Whether you are a community member, board member, donor, volunteer, staff member, or partner, let us celebrate our common purpose and dedicated work during this season of faith and love — work that provides the warmth, resilience, and possibility that strengthens us all.
We are deeply grateful for you, and for the compassion you show for the people and communities of Downeast coastal Maine and the unbridged islands.
Thank you from all of us at the Seacoast Mission. I wish you joyous holidays and a New Year full of hope.
Mission Scholarships Program Director Terri Rodick with scholarship recipient Lily.
Mission President John Zavodny offers advice on the elements of college success.
Former Mission President Scott Planting congratulates awardee Hannah.
Tristan, a former scholarship recipient, offering advice to the new awardees.
Group shot of the Mission’s 2019 Scholarship recipients.
BAR HARBOR, ME — After a several year hiatus, the Maine Seacoast Mission Scholarship BBQ, revived and renamed the Presidents Scholarship BBQ, was held earlier this month on the College of the Atlantic campus in Bar Harbor.
Several Mission presidents were in attendance, including Scott Planting (this was one of his favorite events during his tenure) and current President John Zavodny.
College of the Atlantic President Darron Collins welcomed the Mission scholarship recipients. All of the Presidents offered the students, headed off to different colleges, their best advice!
