Dear SML Community,

 

In a world that feels a bit heavy, I’m more grateful than ever to be part of a team where trust and care are core values, and that our island bubble is a place of solace. Change has been a constant for our staff this year and our resilience and persistence have been heavily enabled by our strong relationships – YOU. 🫶

 

The SML community is incredibly special – our students, faculty, staff, alumni, partners, friends, and family are the fuel that keeps SML’s mission running. This year, we thought it made perfect sense to honor our community as the focus of our end-of-year fundraising campaign. For those of you who have experienced some of the Appledore magic, including: being warmly greeted by the island staff, engaging with an enthusiastic student researcher, learning from our expert faculty, conversing with our master garden steward (Terry!), taking a cruise with one of our captains, touring the green grid with an engineer, washing dishes with kitchen staff, participating in a public program, being inspired by an artist in residence, attending volunteer weekend, releasing a wild bird, indulging in Sunday brunch, witnessing an Appledore sunset, waking up with the gulls, seeing first-hand how the lab changes lives, (on and on) - you understand the importance of sustaining SML for now and for years to come.

 

As our 2023 year comes to an end, I want to thank you for your loyal support in every form. Our community’s generosity provides experiences that are unparalleled and collectively, we can continue to transform and impact lives. During our online campaign, you will learn how you can make a year-end tax-deductible gift to SML, and we are grateful for your support that keeps our community extraordinary.

 

Be kind.

Stay safe.

Peace.

Thank you.

 

 

By the 1960s in the Gulf of Maine, gray seals were extirpated and harbor seals were only found in its farthest reaches. Since then, with the shield of the Marine Mammal Protection Act, populations have rebounded - and can be found during summer hauled out on Duck Island, less than a mile away from Appledore! Click here to watch the NH Chronicle feature and learn more about this work.

Morgan and Tara Rutman recently received the Hubble Award for Service to Philanthropy at UNH's annual Evening of Distinction Celebration. The award recognizes “outstanding individuals whose philanthropic leadership has significantly strengthened the state of New Hampshire, its communities and the university.” The Rutman's have been long-time supporters of Shoals Marine Lab, and we are very grateful for all they do! Click here to learn more and read the article in UNH Today.

 

Over half the paintings sold raising $18,000+ that will go directly to supporting SML. We are incredibly grateful! If you haven't gotten a chance to check out the exhibition or still want to purchase a piece, you can revisit the show in person or view and purchase available paintings online here.

 

An extra special thanks to the sponsors:

Auger Building Company

Avery Insurance

Chinburg Properties

Hotel Thaxter

Nichinan

 

Your year-end giving makes a difference for SML. Our annual fund supports this amazing community that you are a part of – help us finish strong in 2023!