On the Island

Energy Efficiency Highlights Renovated Shower Rooms

July 11, 2013

Star Island recently renovated the guest shower rooms located in the Oceanic Hotel. The project included demolishing the old cement showers and installing new, vinyl showers. Not only are the new showering stalls bright and fresh, but also come with private changing spaces.

Beyond the new shower structures, staff and contractors looked at air flow and worked to utilize eco-friendly devices to dehumidify the air. By decreasing the moisture level in the air, something hard to do on an island known for its salty sea breezes, guests will have a much more agreeable time using the shower rooms for years to come.

Building upon both the need to dehumidify the shower room air and remaining true to our Green Gosport Initiative, Star Island installed water heating units that essentially work both sides of the job. The Steibler Eltron water heaters are built to withdraw humid air and emit cool, dry air. Essentially, Star Island has installed giant air conditioners in the shower rooms that also heat the shower water. Pretty cool, right?

Check out this explanation of the new heaters written by Marshall Frye, Island Engineering Technician:

Star Island High Efficiency Water Heaters

Conference Updates

A Look at the First Half of 2013

July 11, 2013

Star Island Softball 2013

Summer on Star Island is about half way over, and we have had a blast so far. Program guests and overnight retreaters have enjoyed their time on Star Island with a great variety of activities, workshops and other bouts of merriment. Starting with the Yearly Adults Conference hosting workshops on making bitters, bread, and fermentation to this week’s All Star 2 Family Conference focusing on the theme of human connections and the World Wide Web, Star Island is bustling with activity.

Other highlights of the summer include:
Star Island Eric Masterson 2013

  • Birding expert Eric Masterson visited the Natural History Conference to talk about his new book and the importance of islands, including Star Island, for migratory birds.
  • Fourth of July celebrations during the All Star 1 Family Conference.
  • A host of experts presented on writing, photography, theater, generic levitra 20mg 10 pills music, dance, and visual art at the Star Arts Conference.
  • The Paranormal Experience provided a glimpse into the spookier side of Star Island for the second year.
  • Numerous row boat rides for youth and adults — heading over to Smuttynose or just around Gosport Harbor.
  • Engaging with one’s creative side in the newly renovated Art Barn.
  • Clams and Muscles night has been a delight each week.
  • Lobsters — delicious.
  • Pel Shows — the staff talent show — providing a great bit of humor and music each week.
  • Amazing volunteers representing Star Island at the Unitarian Universalist General Assembly in Louisville, KY.
  • Softball games and practices to your heart’s content.

    • And we thank everyone who has provided comments and questions on evaluations at the close of each week. We’re still trying to work on the weather this year.

    Star Island Corporation

    Now Hiring!

    July 06, 2013

    Spring Volunteer

    If you ever thought it would be great to live on Star Island, now is your chance. Star Island announces the start of the hiring process for End of Season staff, nicknamed Pelicans. Apply today by clicking here.

    Pelican positions include a variety of crew assignments including waiting on tables in the dining hall, answering questions at the front desk, or making beds with housekeeping.

    Part of the Pelican experience is engaging in a vibrant summer community that relies on dedication, hard work, and thoughtfulness. If you think you’d enjoy living on a unique New England island, please apply today!

    Conference Updates

    Boat Changes for Programs Through June 23

    June 07, 2013

    Due to river traffic limitations over the next several weeks, some Star Island programs will be going to and from Rye Harbor instead of using our normal operations out of Portsmouth aboard the M/V Thomas Laighton.

    The following groups will travel aboard the M/V Granite State out of Rye Harbor:

  • Yearly Adult’s Conference 4-Night – Arrive to the dock by 9:30 AM on Wednesday, June 12
  • Paranormal Experience – Arrive to the dock by 9 AM on Friday, June 14



    • The following groups will travel aboard the M/V Uncle Oscar out of Rye Harbor:

  • Innerpeace: Introduction to Yoga – Arrive to the dock by 2 PM on Wednesday, June 19
  • Midsummers Night’s Dream – Arrive to the dock by 8:30 AM on Friday, June 21

    • Click here for directions to Rye Harbor in Rye, NH.

    If you have any questions about boat times please contact our Logistics Manager, Tim O’Connor, at logistics@starisland.org or 1-603-87-8695.

    On the Island

    Gosport Regatta Postponed to September 28

    June 07, 2013

    Dear Gosport Regatta Faithful,

    As much as we delayed to hope for improvement in the forecast it did not. Safety first whether on the Laighton or in the competition. Piscataqua Sailing Association reps, Star Island staff, and the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company are unanimous in our decision to POSTPONE this event until September 28-29 and make it an end-of-season celebration. We agree that great memories will bring you back year-after-year and September is memorable as a glorious time of year to be out in the salt air.

    There is no need to re-register for the Gosport Regatta. Your registration remains active and open for September. If you prefer to withdraw from the event we understand. You may simply email our registrar Mike Bray at mbray@starisland.org and let him know. Please direct any race-related questions to officials at Piscataqua Sailing Association or check their website for more information. I have included web addresses for your convenience:

    StarIsland.org
    SailPSA.org
    IslesOfShoals.com

    There are still vacancies aboard the Laighton for spectators and over-night guests and PSA is also welcoming more boats. So, call your friends and tell them there’s a new date and plenty of time to get in on the fun! Everyone who came to the Sponsors and Skippers Reception last night will agree – FUN!

    Thanks for your patience and understanding. See you in September!

    Warm (albeit soggy) regards,

    Angela Matthews

    On the Island

    Gosport Regatta Weather Update

    June 04, 2013

    Star Island is keeping track of a storm forming in the Gulf of Mexico that may require a postponement of the Gosport Regatta schedule for Saturday, June 8. We will know by the end of Wednesday, June 5 if the Regatta must be postponed and will post a notice at that time with further information. Thank you very much for your understanding.

    On the Island

    An Art Barn Raising

    May 31, 2013

    Star Island benefits from so much volunteer help and that is incredibly evident this spring. Scroll through our Facebook page and you’ll find lots of pictures of volunteers helping out, or numerous projects completed in part or in whole by volunteers.

    Recently, a group from the All Star 2 Family Conference headed out to Star Island and revamped the Art Barn. A favorite gathering place for all ages, this building has had many uses throughout the years. Take a look at some before and after pictures below. And hopefully you can take advantage of this spruced up workshop space in 2013.

    Cabinets were cleaned, painted and relocated away from blocking the windows.



    Drying lines were taken down and a drying frame was installed



    Ceiling lights were lowered and LED bulbs installed.



    The deteriorating post holding up the north wall was removed and the wall and post were rebuilt down to the lower sill.



    The main table was warped and the work surface in rough shape. The base was repainted and a new top was installed.



    All work surfaces were sanded and two coats of polyurethane applied. The floor in the smaller room was also cleaned and waxed. The walls were also repainted.



    Thanks to Bonnie Smith, Seth Allshouse, Andrea Maxwell, Cameron Allshouse, Craig Allshouse, Roger Kellman, and Eric Zahn for their great work!

    Star Island Corporation

    Star Island Receives $100,000 Grant from Shelter Rock’s Large Grant Program

    May 30, 2013

    With the help of a $100,000 grant from the Large Grant Program of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock in Manhasset, NY, Star Island continues to make necessary life safety upgrades to its historic buildings and grounds.

    The bulk of this substantial gift from Shelter Rock funds replacement of the water pump powering Star Island’s sprinkler system. The current pump, installed in 1987, is reaching the end of its useful life. A new water pump is central to Star Island’s 2013 fire safety plan developed in conjunction with the Rye, NH Fire Department and SFC Engineering, Star Island’s independent fire safety contractor. The grant also allows expansion of the island’s sprinkler system.

    “With their island guests and visitors in mind, Star Island has put their heart and soul into fire and life safety improvements over the past several years and they can be proud of their accomplishments,” said Rye Fire Chief William Sullivan.

    Replacing the water pump comes during a year when Star Island is also renovating part of the Oceanic Hotel’s front wall and porch, reconstructing guest shower stalls, and tending to the usual upkeep of many 19th century wooden buildings.

    “As we continue our commitment to make capital improvements on Star Island, we are so pleased to have the significant support of partners like Shelter Rock,” Star Island’s CEO Joe Watts said. “The new pump is a vital part of our plans in sustaining a safe and welcoming family and community camp.”

    Shelter Rock supports Star Island beyond this significant grant, and provides many scholarships to religious educators to attend Star Island’s Lifespan Religious Education conference held each summer. Star Island was also the recipient of another $100,000 grant from the Large Grant Program of Shelter Rock in 2008.

    Star Island Corporation

    Star Island Seeks Messenger

    May 20, 2013

    MESSENGER NEEDED – FUN JOB FOR SOMEONE ON THE GO!

    Part-time, seasonal work for energetic person with an interest in spending a good amount of time out of doors this summer. The messenger works 20-25 hrs/wk out of our downtown Portsmouth office and is responsible for running errands, loading and unloading freight on boats, and some general clerical work. Job runs mid-June to early September. Must be flexible and have demonstrated success working independently; able to lift 50 lbs.; own vehicle preferred (will receive mileage reimbursement); valid driver’s license and clean driving record a must. $10/hr. compensation.

    Application deadline is May 27, 2013.

    The Star Island Corporation (www.starisland.org), a not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organization with an office based in Portsmouth, NH operates a seasonal educational and religious conference center located on one of the historic Isles of Shoals off the New Hampshire/Maine seacoast.

    For more information about this position please contact office@starisland.org.

    Letters of interest and resumes by email are preferred. Please include contact information for two references, one personal and one professional.

    Star Island is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in regard to race, sexual orientation or gender identity.

    Star Island Corporation

    Deadline Extended for 2013 Star Discounts

    May 16, 2013

    As Star Island prepares for the Gosport Regatta and other exciting programs for the 2013 season, the non-profit announces a deadline extension for all discounts.

    Families new to Star Island are encouraged to register by June 1, 2013 to qualify for Star’s new family discount. This offer can save families over $1,000 by setting a maximum for room and board bills during specific summer programs.

    Originally set to expire on May 15, Star Island extends the discount deadline so more people can take advantage of the 2013 offers. Beyond new families, former staff members are also encouraged to register by June 1, 2013 to receive a 50% room and board discount.

    “We are thrilled people are taking advantage of these significant savings for 2013,” Joe Watts, Star Island CEO said. “We hope even more families and local friends can use our offers for 2013 and visit this summer.”

    For more information about all of the 2013 discounts visit StarIsland.org/Discounts.

    Star Island is New England’s most unique summer island offering programs built upon traditions started over a century ago. As a vibrant summer destination, Star Island creates a community and family camp that frees all who come to explore matters of consequence and gain knowledge about the world as it might ideally be. Located approximately 10 miles off the coast of New Hampshire, Star Island is part of the National Register of Historic Places. More information about Star Island’s programs, significant 2013 discounts and financial aid can be found at StarIsland.org.