Our Island Home History,

Frances Ruley Karttunen is a twelfth-generation descendant of Nantucket’s first English settlers and a friend of FoOIH. She has written extensively about Nantucket’s history and this excerpt from her book, Nantucket – Places and People 4, chronicles some history of the building and its occupants from the 1820s till the 1980’s when the current facility was built. We thank her for allowing us to sample this piece.

Where we will help,

Annual Xmas Extras

Gifts for the residents of items that their caregivers know will benefit them

Mother and Father’s Day recognition

Sometimes a corsage or boutonniere does wonder.

Nantucket Wheelers

Nantucket Wheelers, founded by Darcy Creech, is a group of children, grandchildren, business owners, caregivers, and friends who teamed up to raise $35,000 in 35 days to purchase “wheelchair bikes” and helmets so that trained volunteers and family members can take Nantucket’s “4th Quartarians” for rides on the bike paths on a regular basis.

Visit the Nantucket Wheeler’s website to learn more.

Live Music and Entertainment

Hosted on-site, Friends of Our Island Home currently sponsors at least one performance per month of resident-approved and appreciated entertainment.

Drum Therapy

With a grant through HopeDementia.org, we will sponsor a Drum Circle group to gauge the interest of the residents in this very beneficial activity. Soon many of our residents can now add “Percussionist” to their long and accomplished resumes.

Grounds Beautification

The ongoing generosity of families who have enjoyed the quiet, creekside setting of Our Island Home has been keeping the grounds, and window-boxes, and the “Ottichell” dingy out front alive! We are coordinating an effort to resurface and refurbish the patio for all to enjoy. And to thank and support those who have kindly and beautifully maintained the grounds.