Star Island continued to establish itself as New England’s most unique island in 2012. And these are some of the people, groups and events the M/V Thomas Laighton and Uncle Oscar dropped off at Star this summer:
• Anita Shreve, author of The Weight of Water, spoke at the Star Island Literary Festival. She talked about her inspiration for writing the bestseller as well as her time spent at the Isles of Shoals. Guests packed Newton for this talk in late August.
• The HMS Bounty tied up to the island’s pier for two nights in late August. The replica of the original Bounty was sailing between ports and decided to stop off at the island. The ship’s crew volunteered for a day by painting Cottage A and other areas.
• Fourth graders from North Hampton School stopped by in early June for a field trip exploring Star Island history. The trip was led by teacher Mark McFarlin and students participated in a beach clean-up. Students also created beautiful Star inspired watercolors.
• Volunteers with Timberland constructed picnic tables, benches, and Adirondack chairs. The picnic tables will be used in 2013 to create welcoming spots for day visitors, and the chairs will be placed on Lindquist Deck. Benches will be located near playgrounds and other needed spots.
• US Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire visited the island in mid-September to tour our facilities and receive an update on our progress towards a solar panel array. The senator also announced her co-sponsored energy efficiency legislation.
• A member of US Representative Frank Guinta’s (NH-1) office presented the island with a congressional proclamation celebrating the return and success of the Gosport Regatta.
• Members of the Historic Star Conference and island staff performed an original mystery theater production in the Pink Parlor. This creative piece, including costumes, will be available to any island group in the future.
• Food Service Manager John Bynum initiated a change to meals this summer introducing standard vegan and gluten-free options.
• Island Engineer Marshal Frye and Truck Crew Supervisor Drew Clark saved passengers from a sinking vessel during International Affairs.
• Star Island was named Best Hidden Retreat by New Hampshire Magazine.
• The Blue Ocean Society visited Star in late August to lead an island-wide clean-up. The society had previously visited Appledore earlier in the summer.
• Divers from the submarines USS Pasadena and USS Miami, stationed at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, helped to collect ocean debris from around the island’s pier.
• Historic New England partnered with Star Island to offer a day-long historical tour. Organized by Island Heritage and Artifact Committee Chair Rosemarie Smurzynski, the tours were led by Vaughn Cottage Curator Melissa Saggerer. Work is underway to repeat the tour in 2013.

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