In the heart of our beloved Nantucket lies a true gem: Our Island Home, the only skilled nursing facility on the island. Since 1910, it has stood as a testament to our community's commitment to caring for its elderly residents and providing them with the quality care they deserve. However, with the existing building aging and potentially becoming uninhabitable, Nantucket voters face a pressing decision that will shape the future of elder care on the island.

Episode One

Diana Grave has worked as a teacher at Nantucket Public Schools for 30 years as a Teacher of the Deaf, middle school, elementary school, and math intervention teacher. She has served for several years on the Nantucket Commission for Disabilities. Her mother is a resident of Our Island Home.

Episode Two

Frances Ruley Karttunen (Fran) grew up on Nantucket and graduated from Nantucket Public School. She is an American academic linguist, historian, and author.

When Fran entered her teens, her mother became disabled by multiple sclerosis, and Fran was her mother’s primary caregiver. When she left for college, her mother became a resident of Our Island Home. After an academic career, Fran returned full-time to Nantucket with her husband, Alfred Crosby, in 1999. A year later, Al was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.

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Co-Producers: Stephanie Serra and Arlene O'Reilly

Client: Friends of Our Island Home