A scholarship reception for Maine Sea Coast Mission scholars was held on July16 at the Colket Center. Over 130 students and parents attended. This year, the Mission awarded 104 scholarships totaling $107,000 to students from coastal and island communities in Washington, Hancock, Waldo, and Knox Counties. Upper classmen shared their success stories with new scholars. The Mission is committed to supporting the Mission scholars during their college career.

Lee Judd, Board President, and Gary DeLong

Jill Goldthwait, Board Member, and Emily Sabah-Maren

At the seventh annual Sunbeam Awards Gala on August 20, the Maine Sea Coast Mission honored Emily Sabah-Maren and outgoing Maine Sea Coast Mission Executive Director Gary DeLong for contributing to the well being of Downeast and island communities.

Emily was honored for her philanthropy on Mount Desert Island and in Downeast Maine which was made possible through the Thomas H. Maren Foundation. Emily also helps individuals who want to work and live on the island. She initiated a program, with the assistance of the Island Housing Trust, to provide affordable housing on property she owns. Emily commented about philanthropy, "We need to take the focus off of the money and ourselves and put it where it belongs, on the families we raise and the community that nurtures us."

Gary was honored for his many accomplishments as executive director; for initiating the EdGE program, an aftershool and summer program, and the Island Health Services program, which provides health care to Maine's outer islands through a nurse and telemedicine equipment on board the Sunbeam V and in island clinics. Gary said, "The Mission has been honored to work with people who, when treated with love and respect, find their way back on their feet and stand tall in the face of enormous odds."

Islesford residents, Stephanie Alley and Anna Fernald

Gary DeLong

The Maine Sea Coast Mission held its 105th annual meeting on July 14 at the Colket Center. Gavin Watson, Board Vice President/Treasurer, said, "The Mission is in a strong financial position. These are challenging times for investors and especially non-profits, but the Mission's investments performed well." Martha DeTurris, daughter of Mission Superintendent, Rev. Neal Bousfield, presented 201 letters to be placed in the Mission's archives which document the transition from Superintendent Orville Guptill to Rev. Bousfield. The letters show how the Mission had touched the lives of the island communities.

Gary DeLong, Executive Director, who retired on October 15, was honored. Stephanie Alley and Anna Fernald representing Islesford said, "Gary guided us with a gentle commanding presence and relaxed sense of humor." Pat McEachron from Frenchboro said, "Gary talked to us and not at us. He listened to us." Sonny Sprague from Swan's Island said, "He was just like one of the islanders." Jodi Burgess and Henry Seavey from the EdGE program said, "EdGE gave them the tools to become confident leaders." Gini King from Machias said, "Gary described the Mission as, "making life better, kinder, and more loving now for those who have the least."