by Kyle M. Belmont, Program & Outreach Coordinator
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Green Gosport Initiative
How Our Gardens Grows – Infographic
January 08, 2015
Newsletter
Bright Future Begins with Solar Array
January 08, 2015
by Kyle M. Belmont, Program & Outreach Coordinator
At 47 acres, Star Island’s relatively small size is providing ample space to create a model for sustainable communities. Our most visible endeavor in this effort – a solar array – started operating on November 19, 2014. The project is designed to deliver up to 60% of Star Island’s energy needs.
Star Island’s Island Manager and Facilities Director, Jack Farrell recently took a closer look at the solar work and came away with these sentiments: “This solar project helps us to extend our values beyond our island community. This shapes our reputation in the region. We look innovative, responsible, forward thinking, and capable. We are doing something bold and taking leadership in an area of our values.”
The beauty that is the solar project has taken time, and on occasion been a struggle after decades of only relying on diesel fuel for power. The project started with the search for a new Facilities Director and a three-year strategic plan that placed a great importance on moving towards sustainable energy and away from fossil fuels. Farrell’s hiring brought about an increased motivation to make that move, and soon ideas were underway.
The next stepping stone was a grant from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation in 2012 for $10,000. Star Island used this money to hire the Island Institute of Rockland, ME to conduct a feasibility study of solar power on the island. After the study was completed, a Request for Qualifications and later a Request for Proposals were sent out, resulting in Revolution Energy as Star Island’s partner to design and construct a solar array to power Star Island.
Over several summers, Revolution Energy met consistently with the Solar Project Ad-Hoc Committee to review and refine plans, trouble shoot and collect data. While this work was going on, Revolution Energy also looked for project funding. The financial hurdle for this project brought everything to a near halt in early 2014. Deadline extensions did not result in a funding source, and hopes were seemingly dashed when a bank pulled out of the plan due to a conflict of taking on the debt and the equity of the solar project.
But that’s when the story turns around. Years of work, meetings, conversations, and planning – and Farrell, an Island Manager pushing for this project to succeed – finally came into funding through Ayer Electric. This local contractor, already knowledgeable about Star’s solar goals, stepped in.
But a new funding source meant the need for an entirely new funding plan. This change resulted in Star Island taking on more of an up-front cost while receiving a steady and reliable energy source.
This project is a large investment, approved by the Board of Directors and Solar Project Ad-Hoc Committee, to be paid out over 13 years. Star Island is also working to secure more grant funding beyond several gifts from last year to support the project.
Star Island entered into an agreement with Ayer Electric at the beginning of the summer in 2014, and construction started in August. The project is now online. As the project neared completion in November, Farrell looked back and thought on the process: “It was about to die. Just to see the project – see these rows and rows and rows of panels and realize, wow, this is really happening.”
The move to solar power involves much more than solar panels. Only one supplier of diesel is able to serve Star Island; the reduction in diesel usage will mean fewer trips to coordinate. Changes in equipment further reduce energy demand and byproducts like waste water. Equipment changes include higher quality and more efficient diesel generators to support the solar array.
Located in the shadow of the Tucke Monument towards the top of the rock line, the solar array consists of south facing panels mounted on concrete ballasts. No trails were changed, nor historic landmarks altered. The project is designed to withstand 130 mph winds. And the array has an expected lifespan of 25 years; the batteries about half that. The panels are very durable and can be wiped clean as needed. The Shoals Marine Lab on Appledore Island uses the same model of solar panels and reports that maintenance is not time consuming.
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History
Forty Years of Star Island Newsletters
January 08, 2015
Before the recent holiday break we sent our latest winter newsletter to the printer. This newsletter will be arriving in your mailboxes before the end of the month. As we prepared the masthead of this latest newsletter, which involves figuring out roman numerals once a year, we discovered that we’ve hit a milestone — 40 years of the Star Island newsletter. To celebrate this achievement, we’re providing you a look back at our newsletters from the very first one in 1975 to our soon to be mailed one of 2015. The newsletters have changed visually over the years, but each represents the same island we all hold so dear.
Fall 1975
The first newsletter starts with a welcome from Board President Roland Greeley and this remark: “We sincerely hope that the content will prove to be so informative and interesting that you can overlook the informal appearance.”
The newsletter also includes information about the new music building, a report on sewage disposal, gifts received, registration rules, and conference news among several other topics.
Fall 1977
The Fall 1997 newsletter opens with a eulogy for the recently passed Lyman Rutledge. The essay includes this sentiment: “And the miracle was that, even as the decades passed, he remained as young in spirit as those young people with whom he had shared his inspiration.” Fred McGill wrote those words.
The newsletter also includes information about recent gifts, the new Star Arts conference, and construction updates.
Winter 1984-85
News of Anthony Codding succeeding Jim Smith as Manager of Star Island opens this newsletter. Minutes from recent Board Meetings include the news that the bookstore had another banner year. And Canadians can donate to Star Island.
A few pages into this newsletter is the excitement of Star Island’s first computer — an IBM-XT. The article, written by Executive Secretary Brenda Kaubin, is not without its emotion, but the hurdle of a new peice of technology is something understandable.
We can’t pass the opportunity to encourage you to read the rather suggestive call for Pelican applications found on page 5.
This may be our favorite old newsletter
Fall 1988
The first page of this newsletter includes words from Board President Bob Hargrove who writes of many accomplisments from the recently concluded summer season. Of particular note is a sprinkler system completed under the guidance of Dick Case and the Technical Committee.
More news includes a Celia Thaxter vase donated to Vaughn, a profile of Mel Gulbrandsen, and remembering Ginny McGill.
Fall 1993
Lindy Anderson’s Letter from the Board President starts by exclaiming about the new tennis courts, and concludes with news that Dave and Edith Pierson will be cutting back on their responsibilities.
This newsletter includes several eulogies, including one for Robert “Bobby” Wharem who served as the Island Engineer and Winter Caretaker before the Piersons. Wharem was remembered for his bravery including saving a youth swept out to sea and rescuing a minister from drowning.
Winter 1995
The front page of this newsletter is full of information, a departure from past newsletters which generally only held a note from the Board President. News on the front page includes information about three winter caretakers sharing time throughout the 1995 winter, a lease agreement with Cornell University for the Shoals Marine Laboratory, and the need to purchase a new incinerator.
The second page of this newsletter features the usual letter from the Board President. Richard Howe was then serving in that position. He writes of the importance of supporting the Star Island Annual Fund, and how such support is able to provide Star Island with the capital to complete projects like the installation of a waste water treatment facility and other needed facility upgrades.
And, in announcing Memorial Day Weekend day visits, we find out that boat fares were once $5 per adult.
Fall 2011
This newsletter features a quite different look and feel to it. When the first newsletter was printed, the Board President remarked on its “informal appearance,” but now the newsletter displays hallmarks of a professional publication. Clearly the beneficiary of a style guide, this and later newsletters tend to rely more on stories and annecdotes than just the news. Also a departure from past newsletters, this one features a note from our Chief Executive Officer.
Winter 2015
Our latest newsletter again offers a dramatic change in appearnce. Now printed in full color, and on a glossy stock, the newsletter continues to provide important news and annecdotes. This newsletter delivers the first official news of Star Island’s working solar array, which is currently providing power to the island. The theme for this newsletter was sustainability, and it’s highlighted in several ways: the solar project, the island gardens, the commitment of a Shoaler departing our staff, and the work of one particular committee working to sustain the island’s facilities.
Star Island Corporation
Chairs + Registrars Meeting Set for Saturday, February 7
January 07, 2015
Star Island will host its annual meeting for Chairs + Registrars starting at 10 AM on Saturday, February 7 in our Portsmouth office. All chairs and registars are encouraged to attend the mid-day meeting.
Chairs and registrars should feel free to attend for the portion of the day that suits their interests most. Of note, registrars might be interested in coming before lunch to hear information about boats and luggage, as your registrants will most likely have questions about such.
The Chairs + Registrars Meeting will not be broadcast on the internet; however, if you rsvp that you are unable to come, Justina will reach out to you to schedule a time to talk with you about what you missed in the meeting.
Directions to the Star Island Office
For your GPS, our address is 30 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801
From North or South:
- Take US Route 95 towards NH
- Take Exit 7
- If coming from the North: turn left at the lights onto Market Street Extension
- If coming from the South: turn right at the lights onto Market Street Exentsion
- Stay in right lane
- Go through two sets of lights
- At the fork-in-the-road with a blinking yellow light bear right
- Turn right at the stop sign
- Turn left at the lights
- Go through one set of lights, and at the next set of lights the Star Island office is to your right across the street in a brick building
- Do not use the Discover Portsmouth Center doors as they will most likely be closed
- The entrance to Star Island’s office is past the Discover Portsmouth Center entrance up Middle Street. Take a right into what looks like an entrance to a parking lot
From the West:
- Take NH Rt 16/Spaulding Turnpike towards Portsmouth Traffic Circle
- As you approach the traffic circle, stay in the left lane
- Merge onto the traffic circle
- Take the second exit towards Rt-1 Bypass South
- Stay in left lane and take left at first light
- At the stop sign at the end of the road, take a right (this becomes one-way)
- At the stop sign at the end of the road, take a right
- Go under the train trestle and stay towards the left, then toward left at the lights onto Islington Street
- Go through one set of lights, and at the next set of lights the Star Island office is on your right in a brick building
- Do not use the Discover Portsmouth Center doors as they will most likely be closed
- The entrance to Star Island’s office is past the Discover Portsmouth Center entrance up Middle Street. Take a right into what looks like an entrance to a parking lot.
From the East:
- Sail into Portsmouth Harbor and find a dock
- Ask someone for directions to the old Portsmouth Public Library
- Follow their directions, or use a gps app on your phone to guide your way here
- Leave your parrot on the boat
Parking
Portsmouth isn’t known for its ample parking, especially during the weekend. But there are a couple of free parking lots that you might want to consider, though they do require a bit of a walk.
- Parrot Ave Lot by Citizens Bank/Portsmouth District Court
- Masonic Temple Lot
If you want to park and don’t mind paying for it, and you don’t want to worry about feeding meters, try the High-Hanover Parking Garage.
Click here for a more detailed look at parking in Portsmouth
On the Island
Our Top Tweets from 2014
January 07, 2015
You’ve seen our top Facebook and Instagram posts from 2014, now it’s time for our top tweets. This past year on Twitter we’ve kept you informed about events like our Star Island Block Party, and projects like our solar array installation and front porch reconstruction. You can expect more of the same in 2015, but why just read about it through tweets? Register online for summer 2015 on Star Island and experience it for yourself.
Solar Powered
Solar power is our middle name.
Whoa. 100% of power for #StarIslandNH has been solar since November 19. It’s definitely not our busy time of year, but still impressive.
— Star Island (@StarIslandCorp) December 5, 2014
#GivingTuesday Friends
On #GivingTuesday we gave a shout-out to our fellow UU camps and conference centers on twitter
Support #UU camps on #GivingTuesday – @FerryBeach @UURoweCamp @CampUnirondack @StarIslandCorp
— Star Island (@StarIslandCorp) December 2, 2014
#GivingTuesday Support
This past #GivingTuesday we were so fortunate to have a number of people share why Star Island is important to them. This post, by Peter Squires, was our most popular tweet of our supporters that day.
The reason @PETER_SQUIRES gives to #StarIslandNH: “I can’t imagine a world without it.” #GivingTuesday pic.twitter.com/qSOp4nyFyN
— Star Island (@StarIslandCorp) December 2, 2014
Everyone Loves History
Also popular on our Facebook feed, #ThrowbackThursday is one way we share our history throughout the year. Even when the pictures are of nothing dramatic, like this one showing Fred McGill completing a chalkboard schedule, people still love it. We’ll just call that the Fred McGill factor.
Here’s legendary Shoaler Fred McGill writing the chalkboard schedule in the 60’s. #ThrowbackThursday pic.twitter.com/IQe6oA9MIw
— Star Island (@StarIslandCorp) November 6, 2014
Star is TV Famous
Okay, that’s a bit of a stretch, but we did appear as the host location for two shows that aired in New Hampshire in 2014 including a week of NH Chronicle, and Fritz Wetherbee’s Haunted New Hampshire episode.
Our Logistics Manager (in grey) hanging out with Fritz and crew after Haunted NH TV shoot http://t.co/FdEhn0xxq5 pic.twitter.com/Z5zmqe4J6g
— Star Island (@StarIslandCorp) October 29, 2014
Double the Fun
Why have one rainbow when you could have two?
#Rainbow over Cedar Island viewed from #StarIslandNH pic.twitter.com/PcmN3gDxm7
— Star Island (@StarIslandCorp) August 7, 2014
Stormy Picture
One of the most beautiful things on Star Island is to watch a summer storm quickly pass by with lightning flashes in the distance. Sometimes the storms get a little close though, as with this picture taken by one of our volunteer medical staff.
We escaped damage and disruptions from #Arthur but we did manage to get some great #stormy views. pic.twitter.com/yAtN5SX4Sl
— Star Island (@StarIslandCorp) July 5, 2014
Apply Yourself
The December/January time in our office is busy as we prepare for online registration and Pelican applications. As many youth have grown up dreaming of when they will become Pelicans, the application process is something of a big deal. Our 2015 applications are also up, in case you are interested.
It’s kind of like writing a love letter, but it’s really just filling out a job application. Apply for summer ’14 Pel http://t.co/JEkx5unSDJ
— Star Island (@StarIslandCorp) January 10, 2014
Star Island Corporation
Our Top Instragram Posts from 2014
January 06, 2015
Yesterday we shared our most popular Facebook posts from 2014, and today we’re delivering with our most popular Instagram photos. As you probably already know, Star Island is perfect for picture taking. In fact, there are three summer conferences dedicated to photography. We hope you enjoy this look back at 2014, and if you’re so inclined, go ahead and register for your 2015 stay on Star.
Watch Your Step
During the spring of 2014, our open-up staff, volunteers and contractors focused on a number of projects including the reconstruction of the front porch in front of the Gosport building. This reconstruction is a continuation of similar porch work completed in 2013 to the center section.
Take Your Seat
These adirondack chairs, constructed and donated by the Timberland Company, have been a huge hit for the last couple of summers. Located right on the rock line overlooking Gosport Harbor, and just out of the way of the volleyball area, these chairs are a perfect place to sit and read, or just enjoy the view.
A photo posted by StarIsland (@starislandcorp) on
Tall Ships Come and Tall Ships Go
One special day this summer we saw both the tallships Amistad and Mystic dock at Star Island. This pictures shows Mystic departing the island.
Two Rainbows, Please
There’s always a touch of magic when you’re on Star Island, and seeing a double rainbow is nothing short of mesmerizing.
#rainbow over Cedar Island viewed from #StarIslandNH
A photo posted by StarIsland (@starislandcorp) on
Friday Night Lights
With light pollution so low on Star Island, making it a perfect place to stargaze, it’s always fascinating to see the electric front porch lights stand out right after the sun sets.
Come Sail Away
The fifth annual Gosport Regatta sailed into Gosport Harbor in late September. This picture captures many of those sailboats fighting for the win.
The #GosportRegatta heading into the harbor.
A photo posted by StarIsland (@starislandcorp) on
Pier Pressure
Two huge projects consumed our autumn. First, the solar project installation; second, the resurfacing of the pier. The railings will be replaced in early spring.
Check out more of Star Island’s Instagram posts to see sights from the island or mainland events throughout the year.
Star Island Corporation
Our Top Facebook Posts from 2014
January 05, 2015
We like to keep you informed of what’s happening on Star Island through social media like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Here’s a review of our most popular Facebook posts from 2014 to reminisce about. And when your heart strings are pulled just so, go ahead and register for summer 2015.
The Snowy Owl
The snowy owl is always guaranteed a thumbs up from our crowd. Photo by Tim O’Connor
Post by Star Island.
Solar Panel Installation
Time for some sunshine. Photo by Tim O’Connor
Post by Star Island.
Requisite Halloween Post
What’s halloween without a foggy picture from Star Island? Just another day. Photo by Sean D. Elliot
Post by Star Island.
Stormy Weather
A few raindrops won’t ruin our day, especially if there’s work to be done. Photo by Grace Cho
Post by Star Island.
Sunrise
While sunsets get all the attention, sunrises from Star Island are not at all bad. Photo by Ellen Legard
Post by Star Island.
John Smith Days
We commemorated the 400th Anniversary of Capt. John Smith mapping New England with three interactive history days in 2014. Photo by Kyle M. Belmont
Post by Star Island.
Fourth of July
Flags. Lots of flags. Photo by Kyle M. Belmont
Post by Star Island.
Vaughn and Marine Lab Open
Two of our favorite places on Star Island held an opening night reception for summer staff to peruse around.
Post by Star Island.
Star Island to the Rescue
Boat in distress? Not any more. Star Island staff rushed to aid a boat in Gosport Harbor one sunny, but very windy day. Photo by Kyle M. Belmont
Post by Star Island.
Those Lanterns
Not everything has to be solar powered to be cool. Photo by Kyle M. Belmont
Post by Star Island.
Island Open-Up
We thought it was spring, but it looks a bit wintry. Photo by Johnny Kadlik
Post by Star Island.
First Day 2014
Just like the first day of school, our staff show up for their first day on the island in 2014 with all the freshest office supplies.
Post by Star Island.
Check us out on Facebook to see our posts all year long.
Star Island Corporation
Star Island Welcomes Pam Smith as Development Director
January 05, 2015
Dear Star Island Community,
I am pleased to announce that we have hired Pam Smith as our new Director of Development. Pam has more than twenty years of experience in development and nonprofit management. She has worked at both small and large organizations, including the MSPCA/American Humane Education Society, and The Boston Plan for Excellence in the Public Schools. Since 1998, Pam has been at the University of New Hampshire where she had a leadership role in successfully managing the institution’s annual fund, and then was promoted to Director of Donor Relations in 2009.
Pam brings a sophisticated understanding of philanthropy and volunteer and event management to our team. She also brings a passion for art, history, education, and most importantly, for Star Island! Her first day in the Portsmouth office will be on January 20. I hope you will join me in welcoming her to the Star Island family.
Sincerely,
Joe Watts, CEO
On the Island
Strategic Planning Sustains Island’s Future
January 01, 2015
by Nick Dembsey, Board Member & Strategic Facilities Planning Committee Liaison
The Strategic Facilities Planning Committee is committed to ensuring the sustainability of Star Island’s infrastructure. In general SFPC provides support to Island Manager & Director of Facilities Jack Farrell and the staff on facilities projects in a few different ways ranging from acting as a sounding board to providing direct technical expertise on specific projects.
A great example of creating sustainable infrastructure is the on-going project to upgrade the Oceanic Hotel. Under Jack’s able leadership a comprehensive multi-year plan has been developed with the SFPC’s support. This plan addresses needed upgrades to the primary structure of the hotel (beam replacements), the exterior envelope to ensure water tightness (siding and window frames), the porch so that it meets current code requirements (load capacity and railing height), and the Atlantic stair egress (new tower and stairs). The SFPC has been engaged in this project acting as a sounding board as Jack developed and then over time refined the plan as new challenges have been encountered and overcome.
The SFPC has also been involved based on our technical expertise in detailed design of aspects of this project such as the porch railing and the soon to be new Atlantic tower and stairs. As the project now moves from the North and East faces of the Oceanic hotel to the West and South faces of the hotel the SFPC will continue to collaborate closely with Jack and other staff to ensure success of this project in protecting our unique historic building.
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Newsletter
Last Call: A Star Steward Bids Farewell
January 01, 2015
by Angela Matthews, Director of Development
There it was – my last season on Star Island – the start of Natural History Week and the echoes and harmonies of the Arts conference morning singers are only just fading. Arise – arise – open your eyes! Arise and greet the day. It is of course how each of us should live every day. And a whiff of salt air certainly helps the disposition. In fact a turn-of-the- 19th-century cure involving sitting in salt caves seems entirely sensible sitting in the middle of the ocean. My health and wellness is amply buoyed by the scents of salt arising from the sea around me.
Jim Cerny photo
Through the ups and downs of the past six years – and certainly more ups than downs – I am deeply grateful for this time we have had together. Look at all we’ve done. None of it would have been possible without you. Those of us who work here come and go. But you – the island residents – are here forever. If you ever doubt that go stand in the corridor between Elliott and Lawrance. These ancestors are as present as you are. Their essence lives on Star just as yours will. You are each a link in that unbroken chain of the Star lineage – of Star Stewards.
As December approached rapidly and clearly on the horizon I am fully aware of the adjustments I will have to make to a very different life. And it is a real and constant challenge of managing demanding pairs of polar emotions that always come with beginnings and endings. The experienced soul knows that it’s an internal journey not an external one. I have to remind myself of that every day as I live the joys and sadness of the leaving – of ending.
I feel my own place as a link in the unbroken chain of Star Stewards and I am comforted in knowing I played a small part at a critical moment in time. We each do and it is at once humbling as it is invigorating. Star was. Star is. Star shall be. Like an eternal flame we fuel and sustain it generation after generation because we have to.
I’ve heard the stories of those who come and go and I am struck by one thing. No one has ever come to the work on Star thinking, I wonder how I can screw this up. Everyone comes with their best game – with their greatest love – with their purest dreams. Whether or not it ends well is not the point. Everyone wants to do their best. For me this is the most amazing lesson of Star. We are a very strong and vibrant family and we have great expectations. Every one of us has great expectations. And though we are not perfect, our intentions are. Adding a little forgiveness to the equation will relieve us of unnecessarily reliving times of conflict.
Last year, when I announced my plan to retire at the end of 2014 I couldn’t help but think that December was a long way off. Now, here it is. Welcome the new director of development with new traditions and freshness of spirit and love for Star and the knowing that anything is possible when we join our spirits and our energies. Star’s sustainability rests upon the enduring commitment – the stewardship – of every single shoaler. Please take a place on that team. Fare thee well in every sense of what that expression means. And great gratitude for all that you have meant to me.
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