“Creativity Is…” was produced for a multigenerational worship service at the July 2011 Star Island Lifespan Religious Education week conference.

Each day the Rev Chris Buice, Kim Mason and team led a multigenerational Unitarian Universalist worship service for the conference.

For the “Creativity” themed Thursday morning worship, Peter Bowden worked with conference participants to produce this short video.

In her Earth Matters column in today’s edition of the Portsmouth Herald, Deborah Mcdermott focuses on the challenges faced by Star Island with regards to resource consumption and management.

Facilities Superintendent Jack Farrell and Pelican Drew Clark speak about measures and initiatives that Star is exploring to improve the island’s sustainability, including solar energy and a new vegetable garden.

“I don’t want to leave here until I make a change,” (Farrell) said. “If any place should be sustainable, it should be this pristine environment where people come to be spiritually renewed.”

Visit seacoastonline.com for more.

For many years Shoalers have talked of having a place on Star Island to memorialize loved ones. The new and beautiful Memorial Courtyard designed by Property Standards chair Bruce Parsons is a treasured addition to the island that will serve many generations in honoring the ancestors in the most dignified way. The centerpiece of the Courtyard is a Rutledge Star engraved on granite and surrounded by the cardinal points. The specially designed compass rose sits in a sea of rock upon which Shoalers may place memorial stones engraved with the names of those remembered.

Click here to download a copy of the courtyard stone order form and return it with your check or credit card number to the Development Office at Star Island Corporation, 30 Middle St., Portsmouth, NH 03801.

Those to be recognized and appreciated for their contributions are Bill Gimpel who brought a team of volunteers to clear and reclaim the stone surround that was once a garden or animal pen, Chris Matthews for digging the center circle and regrading the Courtyard, Keith Oshel for grounds care, and Property Standards chair Bruce Parsons for a spectacular design that he, his son Drew Parsons and Bill Gimpel executed in the laying of the stone elements. Paul Skipper of Plymouth, NH, deserves special mention for the stone work and engraving.

The Memorial Courtyard was funded by a restricted gift to the Shining the Star capital campaign from Tad and Judy Crawford. The teak bench was given in memory of Desmond O’Hara by his family and friends. Additional Memorial Benches may also be purchased by contacting the Development Office or emailing email hidden; JavaScript is required

Star Island Newsletter

Summer 2011

Volume XXXVII, Issue 2

Inside this Issue:

• Living up to a long legacy
• Farewell to three generations of Shoalers
• Host a Starry Night
• Opportunities for clergy
• Trio of new videos
• Oceanic renovations
• Life on a Star II
• Focus on the conferences
• Passages

Star Island Corp. has been awarded a $25,000 grant by the Samuel P. Hunt Foundation to be used for improvements to the historic Oceanic Hotel and Cottage A, and another $25,000 grant from the John McIninch Foundation to support Cottage A renovations.

Read more at seacoastonline.com.

The July 13 episode of WMUR-TV 9′s New Hampshire Chronicle featured Star Island’s Gosport Regatta, and that episode is now available to watch online.

The NH Seacoast comes alive every year to cheer on a fleet of racing yachts as they vie for honors in the Gosport Regatta. It is a race rich with history, The original race was organized back in 1874 and the famous yacht “America” even won in 1875. We were lucky enough to stowaway as this years sailors looked to write themselves into the record books.

Star Island is pleased to announce three special offers for the end of the season!

30% Discount for Historic Star and LGBTQ

Star Island’s two newest conferences, Historic Star and LGBTQ Family and Friends, offer everyone a 30% discount on room and board. Held August 27 to September 2, both conferences have options for three- and six-nights and programs for adults, families, and children.

Historic Star has something for everyone: Writing, photography, scrapbooking, a recreation of Celia Thaxter’s salon, Isles of Shoals archeology finds, contra dancing and more.

The LGBTQ conference welcomes single LGBTQ people, friends and relatives; couples; families with gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender members. Themes and activities weave together talks on LGBTQ advocacy, workshops (poetry, story-writing, drumming and yoga), and some good old-fashioned fun.

Hurricane Earl’s Discount for Laity and Pelican Reunion Conferences

Star Island reopened on the Sunday of Labor Day Weekend last year after brief closure due to threats from Hurricane Earl. Guests attending Conference of the Laity and Pel Reunion had to leave the island along with most of the staff. This year Star Island offers a 10% discount for room and board to everyone who attends Laity or Pel Reunion, Friday, Sept. 2 or Saturday, Sept. 3 to Monday, Sept. 5. This 10% discount is in addition to any other discounts (10-10 Bring-A-Friend, scholarships, etc.).

Volunteers Invited to Pel Reunion

Pel Reunion leadership has graciously opened enrollment to Star Island volunteers. If you have been a volunteer for Star Island, you are invited to attend Pel Reunion, which is held over Labor Day weekend. There are options for attending for two or three days, beginning Friday, September 2 and ending Monday, September 5. Volunteers are eligible for Earl’s 10% discount for room and board for this year’s conference.