The Trust’s mission is to preserve the character of the village of ’Sconset by conserving open land, protecting historically and/or architecturally significant structures, and fostering a healthy commercial center in keeping with ’Sconset’s character.
AS FALL ARRIVES in ’Sconset, I can’t help but look back at the wonderful memories of a fantastic summer celebrating the Trust’s 40th year. Please enjoy the pictures and recollections in this newsletter. We look forward to continuing the celebration including at our winter and spring Trust Soirées which are listed on the enclosed calendar.
We are so grateful to you, our members, for your annual membership support. Our daily operations, property and trail maintenance, and community events depend on this. If you haven’t yet, please renew your 2024 membership with our QR code or enclosed donation envelope.
To streamline and enhance our communications, in January 2025, we will be sending a formal tax-exempt statement for any contribution(s) received in 2024. We hope this will keep you up to date on your membership status as well as provide a way for us to acknowledge your continued generosity and support.
None of this ’Sconset magic can happen without a committed board, great staff, tireless volunteers and generous members. I remain grateful to each and everyone of you for your support.
—Julie Ruddick Meade Executive Director
The ’Sconset Trust officially began its 40th year at the 2024 Annual Meeting on July 5. President Bill Holding, Executive Director Julie Ruddick Meade, and various board members presented an overview of the past 40 years and the exciting new initiatives arising from the 2023 strategic planning process. Bill Holding also announced the $15 million Keeping ’Sconset Capital Campaign and the initial fundraising of $11.5 million. (Please see Bill’s column for more details on the Keeping ’Sconset Campaign.)
The Lourie Family Preservation Award was presented to Mark Donato, Rolf and Cindy Nelson, Stephanie and Ed Hodge and Geoff Beattie for their contributions to the Village Keepers initiative.
Karl Anderson and Roy Anderson of Nantucket Electric received the Tradesman Preservation Award for their dedication to historic preservation in ’Sconset as exemplified by their work on The Maples.
Preservation Committee Chair Matt Fremont-Smith, Executive Director Julie Ruddick Meade, and Preservation Award winners Mark Donato, Cindy and Rolf Nelson, and Ed Hodge (missing: Geoff Beattie and Stephanie Hodge)
Kathy Cheek has chaired both the Events and Development Committees as well as serving on the Preservation Committee. She and David hosted the Florida Soirée in 2022.
Karyn Frist has chaired our Merchandise Committee as well as serving on the Lighthouse Committee.
Ashley Ghriskey has been instrumental in Young Members events as well as chairing the Jog in the Fog.
Matt Fremont-Smith & Julie Ruddick Meade presenting the Tradesman Preservation Award to Karl and Roy Anderson.
Tim has had the good fortune to come to Nantucket during the summer for the last 60+ years. His family rented a place in ’Sconset prior to he and his wife, Fran, purchasing their home in 2011 down off Low Beach Rd. During one of Tim’s summer jobs on Nantucket, he worked for NCF, as part of their property preservation and maintenance crews. So, it makes sense that he gravitated to the ’Sconset Trust’s newly created Land Conservation & Management Committee. As chairperson, Tim hopes to continue to improve upon our existing trail network, and the other properties for all to enjoy.
Lynn and her husband Mark first came to Nantucket in August 1985 with their then two-year old son Russell. They have been coming here ever since. Lynn has served on the Siasconset Civic Association board and as its president, as well as chairing the Siasconset Area Plan Working Group. She has served on the Siasconset Union Chapel board and currently is a member of the Advisory Committee of Non-Resident Taxpayers. An avid gardener, conservationist and lover of the outdoors, Lynn and her family enjoy five months of island living before venturing to their Gulf Stream, Florida home for the winter.
Amanda started visiting Nantucket as a young girl in the 1980s, coming annually with her family during the summer. This inspired a life-long love affair with the island. Once she and Blair had children, they started visiting every summer from London, and decided to make Jennifer Lane in ’Sconset their home away from home. They feel deeply entrenched in ’Sconset and its community, whether it be on the Casino tennis courts, on the beaches, or in the open spaces with their terrier. Amanda loves the outdoors. She is also involved in a number of volunteer positions.
Greg Nichols, a long time resident of Sconset, is president of Sankaty Builders, a design/build firm. Focused on building his own designs, Greg has also worked for acclaimed architects such as Pritzker Prize winner Robert Venturi. Greg was also founder of Lucky Dog Vodka, an Idaho distilled spirit, and is a former member of the US Ski Team. Greg and his wife, Mary Lou DiNardo, spend time between homes in Sconset and Baltimore.
Alex Seaver
Alex, his wife, Christine and their four children have been coming to Nantucket for more than 25 years and are hopelessly in love with ’Sconset. They are especially delighted now also to be able to share the joys of ‘Sconset with their grandchildren. Alex served for eight years on the Casino board and three years as its President, and now Christine is on the Casino board and executive committee. Alex and Christine also played a leadership role in the Trust’s purchase of 6 Elbow Lane. Alex is a true believer in the Trust’s overall mission and particularly keen about preserving ’Sconset’s village commercial core so that future generations of ’Sconset residents can enjoy the same magic as we do now.
2024 – 25
William B. Holding, Jr. CHAIR & PRESIDENT
David J. Brown VICE CHAIR
Barbara H. Bispham
SECRETARY
Charles S. Cruice TREASURER
William E. Hannum, III CLERK
Lisa R. Bermel
W. Timothy Cashman, III
Christopher Crampton
Lynn Filipski
Robert Franklin
Matthew Fremont-Smith
Drew J. Guff
Amanda Jacobson
Holly Johnson
Sally S. Michler
Greg Nichols
Siobhan O’Mahony Moore
Robin Ried
Alexander Seaver
Nell P. Wilson
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Julie Ruddick Meade
DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
Amanda McGovern Moriarty
LIGHTHOUSE KEEPER
Rob Benchley
1 New Street, P. O. Box 821
Siasconset MA 02564
508 257 4100
info@sconsettrust.org
SconsetTrust.org
SUNDAY, JULY 21, 2024 H 6-8 PM
The 40th Anniversary Gala was once again a sold-out event. On a perfect July evening at Sankaty, our members celebrated 40 years of Conserving and Preserving ’Sconset while looking brightly towards the future.
Thanks to our fantastic Gala Committee (Kathy Cheek, Chrissi Crampton, Holly Johnson, & Sally Michler), Silent Auction Co-Chairs (Holly Johnson and Sally Michler), and Merchandising Committee (Nell Wilson & Karyn Frist), our Gala raised $313,000.
In honor of the Trust’s 40th Anniversary, our Silent Auction featured carefully curated experience-oriented gatherings focused on highlighting ’Sconset and ’Sconset Trust properties. In addition, our Silent Auction highlighted truly unique items created by ’Sconset’s most artistic talents. We are most thankful to our Silent Auction donors as well as our tremendously creative Silent Auction Co-Chairs, Sally & Holly! Our Silent Auction raised $117,000.
Thank you to our Sponsors, Guests, and of course our fantastic Gala Hosts, Bob & Sally Michler. Special thanks to a wonderful crew of volunteers led by Bunny Bispham and last, but not least, thanks to Sankaty Head Golf Club: Lori Snell, Joan Allen, and Kim Matthews.
Michael and Alexandria Altman
Jessica and Drew Guff
Barbara and Amos Hostetter
Amanda and Blair Jacobson
Holly Johnson and Parker Harris
Bob and Sally Michler
The Seaver Family
Suzy Welch
Philippa and Jim Burke
Kathy and David Cheek
Kathy and Chip Cruice
Elizabeth and Bryan E. Frist
Karyn McLaughlin Frist
Sarah and Peter Gailliot
Heather and Greg Garland
Keith and Rod Goldstein
Victoria Hagan and Michael Berman
Pam and Bill Holding
Bonnie and Peter McCausland/ McCausland Foundation
Chandra Miller
Karen and Harry Pinson
Don and Mary Shockey
Julie and Brian Simmons
Peter Soros and Electra Toub
Susan and John Whitney
Tracey and Scott Biedron
Mark Bono and Elizabeth GilbertBono
Jo and Courtney Carson
Chip Carver and Anne DeLaney
Christopher and Christina Crampton
Lori and Eric Dannheim
Martha Dippell and Danny Korengold
Clement and Rick Durkes
Lynn and Mark Filipski
Robert Franklin and Charles Mappin
Matthew and Samantha Fremont-Smith
John and Cynthia Gallagher
Elliot and Barbara Gewirtz
Robin and Jay Hammer
Sara Schwartz and Will Hannum
Mr. and Mrs. Robert R. Henry
Julia and John Hilton
Karen and Michael Lynch
Christine and John Maraganore
Julie Ruddick Meade
Charles Byrne and Ellen Mitchell
Kate Heller O’Reilly
Liz and Jeff Peek
Martha and Charley Polachi
Kathleen and Jim Poole
Noreen and Jack Poulson
Jenny Price
Robin Rednor and
Robert Kennedy Veghte
Deedee and Steve Renehan
Susan and Kennedy Richardson
Diane and John Samuels
Bruce and Nancy Shaw
Eileen Shields-West and Robin West
Jennifer and Seth Shortlidge
The Spivy Family
Bob and Missy Veghte
Nell and George Wilson
Laura and Will Bunchrightson
Mr. and Mrs. P. Rhoads Zimmerman
DeWitt and Ilia Alexandre
Georgine and Frank Anton
Annie and Eric Baurmeister
Ashley Patterson Beaty
Lisa and John Bermel
Chris Bierly and Margaret Boasberg
Catherine and Charlie Brink
David and Paula Brown
Barbara Bispham and Gavin Hale
Lesley F. Blanchard
Elizabeth Boe
Marianna and Chris Brewster
Timothy Carruthers and Liz Weiss
Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Cokorinos
John and Maggie Cooley
Kathleen and Lewis Crampton
Rhett Currier
Lorna and Michael Denham
Barbara and Dick Detwiler
Mark Donato and Beth English
Helen and Ray DuBois
Lucy and Mark Engebretson
The Fahrman Family
Lynnette and Gerard Fallon
Bob Felch
Edward and Deborah Ference-Gray
The Freter Family
Karel and Frank Greenberg
Kat and Tim Gregor
Betsy and Ray Grubbs
Ellen Hallock Hakes
Pam and Doug Hendrickson
Timothy and Elizabeth Higgins
Bob Hockaday and
Julie Moriarty Hockaday
Wendy Holding and Lindsay MacIndoe
Winifred and Richard Kumpf
Ginger Laytham
Bonnie Block Levison
The MacDonald Family
Russell and Jan MacDonnell
Josephine Martin
The Mathey Family
Fred and Gail McRobie
Carolyn Capstick Meehan
Betsy Michel
Chip and Meridith Moldenhauer
Bill Moore and Siobhan O’Mahony Moore
Amanda and Peter Mortimer
Deborah and John Osborn
Suzy O’Toole
Lindy L. Paull
Lydia and Rob Petty
Kate and Ben Phillips
Larry and Julia Pollock
Josh Posner and Eileen Rudden
Phyllis Rappaport
Robin Ried and Chris Staudt
Brett and Jenny Robertson
Molly E. Ryan
Fred and Beth Singer
Catharine and Jeffrey Soros
Lynne and John Stahler
Carter and Helen Strong
Connie Tevebaugh
Lauren Hill Theodorakos
Katie and Conor Tochilin
Karen Urban
Emma and Tom Ward
Sara and Kyle Warwick
The Westbrook Family
Joe and Betsy Wright
Our Jog in the Fog was once again a spirited and fun community event thanks to our amazing Chairs, Ashley and Benji Ghriskey!
Beautiful weather, lovely course, and a post-run/walk donut celebration at our beloved Sankaty Head Lighthouse. What could be better?
A special thanks to our Hosts, Bunny Bispham & Gavin Hale and Chris & Chrissi Crampton. The turnout at our Young Members Cocktail Party was wonderful and even more so was the enthusiasm our Young Members shared about the work we are doing and our future endeavors!
40th Anniversary Sponsors
Bunny Bispham & Gavin Hale
David & Kathy Cheek
Chris & Chrissi Crampton
Charlie & Jocelyn Gailliot
Benjamin Hammer & Katherine Ballinger
Avery & David Keller
Brittany Lynch & Brendan Kelly
Meriwether & Tanner Powell
Liz & Wilson Sullivan
’Sconset Trust Sponsors
Peggy Bermel & Max Ebb
James & Ashley Cook
Erica & Michael Fyall
Henrietta Hakes
Trey & Amanda Hanlan
Amanda & Peter Mortimer
Will & Colleen Overlock
Andrew & Louise Swanson
Madelyn & Jon Terbell
Katie & Conor Tochilin
Hats off to Nell Wilson for her extraordinary work on Merchandising.
We had a very busy summer with our Merchandise and plan on bringing even greater items to you next season.
Amanda Jacobson will be co-chairing this Committee alongside Nell so stay tuned for some wonderful updates!
Visit our website to order your favorite ’Sconset Gear for the Holidays.
Rob Benchley and Kris Kinsley Hancock
By Robert Franklin
This season was a busy one at the Lighthouse as we opened the door and climbed to the top with several hundred Trust Members and Patrons as well as members of the public. It takes a lot of volunteers to make this happen so thank you to all of them. Thank you as well to Rob Benchley our very hospitable and knowledgeable Lighthouse Keeper. He always provides an informative tour.
We’ve just completed our first season with our new light. Member feedback is very positive. Our energy efficient beacon should have a long life, shining forth for many seasons to come.
Friday, April 4 NYC Soirée
*We will also be hosting Soireés in San Francisco & Washington D.C. Dates TBD.
Saturday, June 14 Lighthouse Open Day
Friday, July 4 4th of July Family Fun Day
Friday, July 11 Annual Meeting
Saturday, July 12 Jog in the Fog
Sunday, July 20 Night Under the Light Gala
Friday, August 1 Young Members Cocktail Party
Saturday, October 11 Fall Lighthouse Open Day
By William B. Holding, Jr.
I’M HAPPY TO report we have made great progress in pursuing the Trust’s expanded Mission to protect and support the commercial center by being a missiondriven landlord, ensuring the appropriate retail offerings remain, while also providing employee housing options.
We’ve acquired the Aldrich House (2023), the ’Sconset Market (2024) and One New Street (2024). These purchases protect two major commercial spaces, provide workforce housing for over a dozen village workers, and secure a permanent home for the Trust’s offices. We also continue to work on securing rights of first refusal for the remaining commercial buildings should the owners decide to sell.
At the same time, we continue to evaluate open land parcels in and around the village – properties that would provide a real public benefit, extend existing Trust
holdings, and slow future growth.
Our Board carefully looks at potential parcels in terms of impact, price and location. We also strive to partner with other island conservation groups for added support whenever possible. These are typically complicated transactions that can take many years to come to fruition.
On the preservation front, we are finalizing easements on three historic houses in the village, which will double the Trust’s preservation portfolio. And, finally, as always, we are busy maintaining our existing properties and trails, plus ensuring that Sankaty Head Lighthouse remains in great shape for today’s visitors and future generations.
Building on feedback from our membership and community during our 2023 strategic planning review, we announced the Keeping ’Sconset Capital
Campaign to support our ambitious 40th anniversary plan at our July 5th Annual Meeting. Things are going well with our initial fundraising efforts.
This $15 million initiative is only the third capital campaign in the history of the Trust. We are very grateful for all of you who embraced our strategic plan and made early contributions to the campaign to support these key acquisitions this year. In 2025, we will be reaching out to the entire memberhip for support of this landmark effort, and I’d like to ask everyone to please think about how you might be able to participate in this campaign.
These are exciting times for the Trust!
I hope you share our enthusiasm for the progress we’re making to advance our strategic plan that reflects the mission and urgency we’ve heard from so many of you to protect the village while we still can.