by maineseacoast | Sep 28, 2016 | Island Health, News
Summer in a Jar: Corn Relish
September 27, 2016
From the garden, Pickles and Preserves
By Sandy Oliver
This recipe came from my island neighbor Sharon Daley, the telemedicine nurse on the Seacoast Mission vessel, the Sunbeam, who somehow squeezes canning time in between trips to Maine island communities. I had not ever made corn relish and for some reason didn’t think I would like it. Sharon handed me a spoonful and changed my mind for me. “I knew I could convert you,” she said. Full Story
by maineseacoast | Sep 19, 2016 | News
In mid-August, while verifying spellings and titles for a Mission news release on the Sunbeam‘s Demonstration Cruise to Frenchboro island, I came upon this wonderful “Frenchboro Kingfishers” drawing. Who are the Frenchboro Kingfishers? Who designed that poster? Those questions started me on a brief, online journey, ending at one of the best blogs I’ve come across: Frenchboro School: Adventures in a One Room Schoolhouse.
What an excellent way for Frenchboro School to establish two-way communication with the world. Sad that this blog ended when the school teachers — Mr. & Mrs. Finn? — moved from Frenchboro. But what a great historic legacy. Very well done.
As for the origin of the Frenchboro Kingfishers? I’m including here a bit of the back story. Find out the rest of the story at Adventures in a One Room Schoolhouse.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2010
Mascot Voting
Does your school have a mascot? Of course it does. Every school has a mascot, right? Well, that’s what I thought, until I moved to Frenchboro.
This year we got organized. The kids came up with a large (very large) list of possible mascots. I especially liked Bradley’s, which was the Sharpened Pencils. We put up a sheet at the post office, asking for ideas. Then the kids took their favorites from both lists. After numerous write-in votes, we had pared the list down to five. Hurricanes, Sea Monsters, Kingfishers, Power Strike (no, it’s not a Power Ranger…it’s a lightning bolt), and Sharks.
The kids made up official ballots. They plastered the town with voting signs. They set up a voting station at the school. Then they called. Everyone. Like…multiple times. Let’s just say that we had more voter turnout than any town will have in the gubernatorial race this year. And, if you could talk, you could vote.
We are now officially the Frenchboro Kingfishers. It’s got a good ring to it. Maybe not as snazzy as the Sharpened Pencils, but, ya know…the adults got votes, too.
Continued Here
by maineseacoast | Aug 30, 2016 | Island Health, News
August 30, 2016
L-R: Kandyce Powell and Sharon Daley
BAR HARBOR — Earlier this month, Maine Hospice Council (MHC) and Center for End-of-Life Care Executive Director Kandyce Powell, RN, MSN, traveled aboard the Sunbeam with Mission Director of Island Health, Sharon Daley, RN. Kandyce’s primary MHC responsibilities include improving the quality of life for the dying and bereaved. She is a tireless advocate for the underserved, including rural Maine communities.
Kandyce Powell sent us this photo taken during her August trip with this note:
“My gratitude to Sharon Daley and the crew of the Sunbeam for the opportunity to make a trip to Eagle Island, Matinicus, and Isle au Haut. Learning about the work of the Seacoast Mission has been richly rewarding, giving additional meaning to the phrase ‘rural outreach.’ Meeting the wonderful people who live on the islands, learning of their challenges, and hearing about their appreciation for the kindness, skill, and service of the Seacoast Mission crew is very touching. There’s no doubt this treasured organization with its rich history serves an incredible need for residents of the outer islands.”
Sharon Daley said, “Having done hospice work and knowing of Kandyce’s work, it was a real pleasure and honor having her along. I have always seen similarities between the work of the Mission and hospice. It is all about caring for the whole person: physical, spiritual, and mental. And this is what I see myself and the Sunbeam crew trying to do to the best of our abilities.”
by maineseacoast | Aug 12, 2016 | News
Photos and text by Douglas Cornman
Director of Island Outreach
Sunbeam in Jonesport, ME Harbor
The entire Downeast trip was great, including both open houses. It was helpful to see and hear the community’s enthusiasm for reestablishing a relationship with the Maine Seacoast Mission, given the history that the Mission has with Jonesport and the Downeast community. I think that the Jonesport community members and leaders appreciated learning about the Mission and its programs and seeing the Sunbeam. The harbormaster seemed particularly happy to welcome the 
Sunbeam into his harbor. It was really heartwarming to see his joy and pride at offering her a place to tie up while we visited.
I am always reminded of the Sunbeam‘s impact when islanders, or in this case, residents of coastal communities offer memories and stories of the various Sunbeams. I heard stories about Sunbeams III & IV on our trip to Jonesport. Most related to receiving gifts at Christmas or interactions had with past crew members. All of the stories were told with warmth, appreciation, and gratitude. It really is humbling to receive these stories and to be included in the developing history of Sunbeam V. These stories seem to be a way of saying thank you for caring about our past, present, and future. What an amazing gift.
Good morning, Jonesport
by maineseacoast | Jul 29, 2016 | News
No Man is an Island: Sunbeam V and the Maine Seacoast Mission
August 2016
By: Dr. Lisa Belisle
Photograby by Matt Cosby
The Sunbeam V is only one part of the Maine Seacoast Mission, which benefits roughly 3,000 people on eight islands and in numerous coastal communities. Based on West Street in Bar Harbor, the Maine Seacoast Mission has an additional campus in Washington County. With a staff of 30 full-time employees (and 80 part-time teachers), the organization offers an impressive range of services, including a Christmas gift program, food pantries, after-school and summer initiatives for youth, healthcare, counseling, funeral transportation, and emergency financial assistance for necessities such as heat and electricity. “We respond to needs and concerns as we see them,” says Planting. “Knowing people, knowing concerns, knowing people’s strengths and responding to them: that’s how we have always grown.”
Full Story
