Welcome to the February 2018
Island Connector!
We share our monthly newsletter to make the most of our connections in the community!
The purpose of the Island Connector is to share our good work and help those who can benefit from our services or who may wish to volunteer and serve our organization for our beloved community. Neighbors Helping Neighbors is what Island Connections is all about and has been for over 20 years.
If you have a family member or know of a neighbor that could benefit from our
free
transportation services, please have them call us at 288-4457.
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Island Connections provides free transportation and other services to seniors and people with disabilities from Mount Desert Island and the surrounding islands to enhance their independence and quality of life by utilizing our core group of dedicated volunteers.
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IN THIS MONTHS' ISSUE
- Island Connector message from the Executive Director
- Winners & Pictures from our 2nd Annual Chowder Chowdown for Rides
- Bar Harbor Task Force On Aging - Bar Harbor Age-Friendly Survey Extension
- Ride Eligibility
- Calendar of Events for 2018
- New Collaboration with the Jesup Memorial Library, MDI YMCA AND YWCA MDI
- Senior Coffee's On
- Senior Matinee
- Monthly Giving Program
- On-Line Volunteer Application
- Volunteers - Our heart and Soul
- NEW - Yummy recipes from our volunteers
- Volunteer Driver Reward Program
- Neighbor & Volunteers of the Month
- Events for Seniors
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ISLAND CONNECTIONS OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2018 in observance of President's Day
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Message from the Executive Director
January certainly let us know we are in the full throws of winter between the extreme cold temperatures, wicked snow fall along with lots of ice left no doubt.
As beautiful as it can be, it can also be a hazard and a worry for so many having to deal with shoveling their walkways, driveways and making it to needed doctor's appointments and to the grocery store. Thanks to so many of our wonderful volunteers, our neighbors are able to do the things they need to in order to live independently in their homes.
Looking ahead at the next week's forecast and knowing what can happen in February, I would like to encourage you to help someone that has trouble with shoveling themselves out or putting down salt or sand, please give them a hand and just take a short amount of your time to just do it. I promise you that you'll feel so good knowing you've helped someone who didn't want to ask or burden you. It will come back to you. Neighbors helping neighbors. It continues to help strengthen the community.
Go out and spread the love to one another!
All the best, Doreen
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2ND ANNUAL CHOWDER CHOWDOWN FOR RIDES
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Wow!!!
That's the 1st word that comes to mind when thinking about the 2nd Annual Chowder Chowdown for Rides event last weekend!
What a great turnout of community members we had with an amazing variety of delicious chowders!
We are very happy to give our congratulations to and announce this year's winners! In the Professional Traditional Category, defending their win from last year,
Peekytoe Provisions
; in the Amateur Traditional Category, the
Bar Harbor Fire Department
and in the Amateur Vegan Category, Chowder of the Atlantic from
College of the Atlantic
and the winner of the People's Choice Award for best overall chowder was none other than Bar Harbor's Finest, the Bar Harbor Fire Department!!! Ok, we are calling out all of our island police and fire departments, Search and Rescue to compete next year!
We would like to thank our host,
The Neighborhood House
for allowing us to use their beautiful space, all of the wonderful volunteers who came out to make this event such a success, our judges,
Eliza Bishop
,
Jenna Horton Boucher
,
Robert Chaplin
,David Opdyke,
Martha Searchfield
,Father
Tim Fleck
, all of the participating teams,
Bar Harbor Catering Company
,Bar Harbor Fire Department,
Birch Bay Retirement Village
,
Cas Olé
, College of the Atlantic,
Epi's Pizza
,
Kate Hall Jordan
and Lauren from the Ladle Ladies, the Pot Stirrers from Indivisible MDI,
Jane Holland
and
Michelle Loveland Allvin
,
MDI Hospital
,
Sharon Linscott
/Joel Linscott, Peekytoe Provisions,
Tom Reeve
and
Side Street Cafe
, our amazing sponsors,
Machias Savings Bank
,
Machias Savings Bank
,
Maine Shellfish Ellsworth
,
Melinda Workman
of Coston & McIsaac,
FT Brown Hardware
,
Siam Orchid in Bar Harbor
, and
The Swan Agency Sotheby's International Realty
, the donors for for the in-kind raffle provided by
A&B Naturals
,
Cadillac Mountain Sports
,
House Wine
,
The Kimball Shop & Boutique
,
Mama DiMatteo's Restaurant, Bar Harbor, Maine
,
My Darling Maine Island Boutique
,
Margaret Todd - Schooner
, Peekytoe Provisions,
A Slice of Eden
and The Neighborhood House.
Congratulations to Jill Weber the winner of the raffle drawing!
We would also like to share that this event raised nearly $ 3,000 and brought our community together in harmony and good fun. We are looking forward to next year!!! Tell your friends who may want to compete, perhaps be a judge, come out for the fun or take a family member or friend who needs a ride!
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Thanks to our Events/Office Manager, Amy Roebuck for an outstanding event!
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Team Bar Harbor Fire Department
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Team Chowder of the Atlantic
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Photo credits Melinda Rice
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Age-Friendly Bar Harbor
ATTENTION Bar Harbor residents 50+!
IF
you didn't receive a survey in the mail from the Town of Bar Harbor Task Force on Aging or complete one, please click on the link below and take the survey in relation to Age-Friendly Bar Harbor. Please share with others to take the survey.
Your opinions matter for the town in which you wish to age.
NEW DEADLINE - FEBRUARY 28, 2018
Thank you for your time.
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Who is eligible for Island Connections
Free
Transportation Services?
For over twenty years Island Connections has been providing free transportation for seniors and people with disabilities. We would like to ensure that all of our island community members are aware of our ride eligibility policy. We provide rides to seniors 70+, with no questions asked, as well as to both people with temporary AND permanent disabilities. To clarify, this means that if you are temporarily restricted or temporarily disabled to drive due to a medical reason determined by a physician and are under the age of 70, you are eligible for free transportation services with Island Connections. We simply ask you to provide a doctor’s note for our records to support your medical condition. If you are determined to be permanently disabled, under the age of 70 and can provide a benefits statement from the Social Security Administration, you are eligible for free transportation as well. Please share this information with your family, friends and neighbors so that they become fully aware of our ride policy. Thank you.
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Island Connections
2018 Calendar of Events
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS
THE 3RD ANNUAL ISLAND CONNECTIONS DRIVING FOR RIDES GOLF TOURNAMENT
KEBO VALLEY GOLF CLUB
TUESDAY, MAY 15TH
(RAIN DATE TBD)
NOON SHOTGUN START.
MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW!
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NEW PROGRAM!!!
Special collaboration with the Jesup Memorial Library,
YWCA Mount Desert Island and
the Mount Desert Island YMCA
Age By Design
Island Connections is a lead partner in a new community initiative called Age By Design. We have partnered with the
Jesup Memorial Library
, the
YWCA Mount Desert Island
and the
Mount Desert Island YMCA
for this series of programs, workshops and community discussions that will explore various facets of life for those 50 and older on Mount Desert Island. Individual programs will focus on physical health, mental and spiritual health, finances, caregiving, and lifelong learning.
Programs will be on the first and third Saturdays of each month through May at 1:30 p.m. at different venues. Depending on response to the Age By Design series, additional programs might be added. For more information about Age By Design, contact the Jesup's program director, Melinda Rice, at
mrice@jesuplibrary.org
or
207-288-4245
.
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The Senior Matinee is Back!
Beginning on Thursdays, at Reel Pizza beginning at 1:00 p.m. - doors open at 12:30 p.m. Watch for details.
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Champion Connectors Circle Monthly Giving Program
As part of this year’s annual appeal, we are excited to be premiering an online giving option that offers you the ability to support Island Connections on a monthly basis. We invite you to seriously consider our
Champion Connector’s Circle Program
for the following reasons. Monthly giving makes it easier for you to plan ahead for your annual giving, and alleviates the potential challenge of a large outlay of funds at the end of the year.
Your donation can be easily and securely debited from a credit card or bank account of your choosing.
You can set it up to debit your account automatically each month, and not have to think about it again. And it helps Island Connections by providing a consistent and steady cash flow stream throughout the year. All you need to do is click on the link below and simply follow the instructions for the monthly giving program. It’s that easy! Please note that one time gifts can be made on this giving link as well.
If you require any additional assistance or have any questions, please call Doreen at 207-288-4457.
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VOLUNTEERS - THE HEART AND SOUL OF
ISLAND CONNECTIONS
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
672! That's how many hours are in each month. Can you lend 1 of those hours to Island Connections? A BIG part of the sustainability of Island Connections providing free transportation is to be sure we have enough volunteers at all times to fulfill the demand of our neighbors' transportation needs. It's crucial that as we add neighbors, we are doing so with volunteers as well.
We are looking to recruit NEW volunteers! Can you help? Do you know someone that has some time to take a neighbor to a doctor's appointment or to the grocery store in your own town or to appointments off island? The beauty of our unique services is that the time commitment is completely up to each volunteer to pick the rides they wish to fulfill whether it be a one way drop off to a doctor's appointment or round trip drive. The volunteer is in full charge of their time. We strive to always respect that our volunteer's time is extremely valuable.
Our on-line system, Ride Scheduler, is a very user friendly system that volunteers have access to 24/7 to choose the rides that they wish to fulfill. Training is provided by a staff member on being an Island Connections volunteer, our processes and how to navigate Ride Scheduler as well as become a driver of our wheelchair accessible van if you choose.
Please share the following contact information with those who might be interested. Call Doreen Willett at 288-4457 or e-mail director@islconnections.org
OR y
ou can easily sign up by clicking the Apply to Volunteer button below.
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WHY VOLUNTEER?
- It brings people together. You get to meet new people and make new friends.
- It promotes self-growth. You can use your skills and learn new skills.
- You make a difference. Volunteering makes you feel appreciated and needed. It provides an opportunity to give back what has been given to you.
- It strengthens our community and breaks down barriers of fear and misunderstanding.
Thank you for your consideration
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NEW!!!!!!!!!!!
Monthly recipes from our volunteers or neighbors
This month, summer resident and Island Connections volunteer, Peg Emple's Squash Soufle'
Squash Souffle….2 pkgs. frozen cooked squash, thawed and drained…squeeze out excess water
1/2 cup milk or half and half
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup sugar…I use a little less
3 eggs
stick of melted butter
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
Blend all ingredients and pore into pan
Bake at 350 for an hour
Sprinkle a little more cinnamon on the top
Bon Apetit!
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DO YOU KNOW ABOUT OUR VOLUNTEER DRIVER REWARDS PROGRAM?
Back in 2011, when gas prices were climbing higher than we had seen, Island Connections started a Driver Rewards Program to help our volunteer drivers who were working hard for our neighbors each day.
The way it works is that points are accumulated for every ride given by a volunteer to a neighbor. The point system is based on the number of rides given and destination of the rides. Each month Amy Manring, our Transportation Coordinator, reviews all of the data to create a list of those volunteers who have accumulated 30 points at which time we mail each of them a $ 25.00 gift card from Irving/Circle K. Their points revert back to 0 and they begin accumulating all over again. It's our way of giving back to those who give of themselves, their time and their resources. All of our active volunteers are eligible to accumulate points by driving for Island Connections.
We are so fortunate that since the inception of the program, it has been funded each year by the Hattie and Fred C. Lynam Trust Grant. They are a great partner of Island Connections and we appreciate their support very much.
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We are so fortunate to have so many wonderful neighbors be served by our outstanding volunteers who give of their time and resources. I wish to lend a reminder that YOU, as an Island Connections volunteer, may be the only person that a neighbor may come in contact with that day, that week or otherwise. Not only is the ride they are receiving important but the social aspect of the time spent together goes quite a long way.
Please keep in mind that they look forward to their time with you and by nurturing the relationship it can make all the difference to build trust and a real sense of security while in your care. We always want our neighbors to feel safe, secure and confident in your ability to get them where they they need to go while building a lasting friendship.
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To all of our volunteers -
Thank you for supporting our neighbors in every way that you do.
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Neighbor of the Month
The February Neighbor of the Month
is the sweet Marilyn Perry. Marilyn has been a neighbor of Island Connections for many years and has been so pleasant to work with. Our drivers love giving her rides and she's always as nice as can be. Recently she has had some health challenges and we are wishing her a very speedy recovery and look forward to helping her with future ride needs. We love you Marilyn!
Volunteers of the Month
Our February Volunteer of the Month
is Deb Fisher. Deb has continued to pick up rides for our neighbors time and again. She has met many of our neighbors and taken them near and far. Everyone that drives with Deb loves her and we do too! Deb - from the bottom of our hearts, thank you!
February's Urgent Driver of the Month
is David Parker. There have been many times when we have had to call upon Dave to pick up a ride that for whatever reason hasn't been picked up or changes in schedules for volunteers. Either way, Dave has been able to step up to help our neighbors. Thank you David for all of the times you've helped out!!! We so appreciate it.
Special Mention Volunteers -
We LOVE YOU ALL!!!!!
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All of our dedicated volunteers do so much for our neighbors on a daily basis. The critical rides they fill are helping our neighbors age in place for as long as possible.
Currently, we have close to 100 volunteer drivers but who are not always active at the same time. As time goes on, even our drivers need to step away from the wheel as they age and some even become neighbors themselves. It is crucial to the sustainability of Island Connections to replace drivers as they move on in life. Can we ask that you please take the time to think about someone you know you could tell about Island Connections and encourage them to consider becoming a volunteer?
We appreciate your help to sustain this important work.
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The neighbor4neighbor Fund Now Accepting Applications
What: neighbor4neighbor Fund, a program of Healthy Acadia, is now accepting applications from seniors for grants up to $500 for unexpected expenses
Where: Hancock and Washington counties
Dates and Time: Applications accepted year round. Apply online:
The neighbor4neighbor Fund, a program of Healthy Acadia, is now accepting applications from seniors who are facing any one of many life crises which arise unexpectedly and for which a senior may not have adequate funds. The neighbor4neighbor Fund’s mini-grants, capped at $500.00, cover such things as new eyeglasses, dentures, medical equipment, household repairs, or other one-time challenges which can arise and undermine a senior’s ability to live independently and have a high quality of life.
The philosophy of the neighbor4neighbor Fund is that small grants can make a big difference in a senior’s life and the fund works to provide this kind of financial assistance. The goal is to help people to be healthy, stay in their homes and be able to function independently. Many seniors are struggling just to meet their most basic needs, so unexpected expenses are not part of their budget.
The neighbor4neighbor Fund is open to seniors in both Hancock and Washington Counties and is administered by Healthy Acadia.
Please contact Nina Zeldin at 667-7171 or
nina@heathlyacadia.org to receive an application or learn more about neighbor4neighbor. Applications can also be downloaded by clicking the link below:
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Events for Seniors
Malvern Belmont:
Contact Kathy Mulligan @ MDI Hospital, 288-5081. Every Tuesday and Thursday from 9-10 a.m. seated exercise class with some aerobics taught by Kathy Mulligan from MDI Hospital.
YMCA, 21 Park Street, Bar Harbor, 288-3511:
Keep On Moving!:
Contact: Elaine Theriault (
rether63@gmail.com)Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30am - 11:30am FREE to everyone.
Description: A chair based exercise class perfect for those with limited mobility.
Ready, Fit!:
Mondays and Fridays from 10:00am - 11:00am FREE to everyone.
Description: A low impact, low key group exercise class. Good for all ages.
"
Golden Age"
A water-based aerobics and strength training class specifically for Seniors. No swimming skill required. Wednesday and Friday 11am-12pm
Water Walking
Tuesday 8:30-9:30 a.m. For more information, contact the MDIY.
Low Impact Water Exercise with Kim Chapman
Mon, Wed, Fri from 9:30am - 10:30am
Pickleball for Seniors
Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1:30-3pm. Weather permitting, they may play on the Bar Harbor town tennis courts. Contact Jared Erskine.
YWCA, 36 Mount Desert Street, Bar Harbor, 288-5008:
Strength building for Seniors
Exercise, Strength Building and Balance with Cas Dowden, MWF 9-10 AM
Neighborhood House, Northeast Harbor
Community Cafes 1
st and 3
rd Thursday from November-April. FREE for Seniors.
Active Older Adults fitness class Wednesdays from 11-12. Active Older Adults will begin in November.
Harbor House, Southwest Harbor
60+ ACTIVE OLDER ADULTS
Instructor: Lisa Tweedie & Kristy Sharp
Location:Fitness Center
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9-10 am
Free for fitness center members, non-members pay Fitness Center day fee. The weight room is closed during this class! This weight training class focuses on individual needs with each participant's program individually designed. Each hour session includes warm up and flexibility exercises, muscle strengthening, cardiovascular and cool down. Participants can choose from a wide variety of equipment, all of which are demonstrated for proper usage.
Graceful Aging Movement Classes for Seniors
Sponsored by Healthy Acadia
All classes are free. Donations accepted.
Led by Susan Sassaman.
207-288-8103 or cloudnine@gwi.net
Chair Yoga
Wednesdays, 9–10 am at Malvern-Belmont in Bar Harbor
Fridays, 1–2 pm at the Harbor House in Southwest Harbor
Get all the benefits of Yoga supported in a chair. Strength, flexibility, and alignment coupled with deep breathing and release.
Fitness for Parkinson’s
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:30–11:30 am at Malvern-Belmont, Bar Harbor
An exercise routine to improve strength, endurance, and a sense of well-being. Specifically for Parkinson’s Disease, but open to anyone looking for a well rounded moderate workout.
Meditation
Wednesdays, 10–10:30 am at Malvern-Belmont in Bar Harbor
Fridays, 2–2:30 pm at Harbor House in Southwest Harbor
Practice Mindful Meditation sitting in a chair. Focusing on the breath brings health benefits, well-being, and peace of mind.
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HELPFUL INFORMATION:
FROM THE BAR HARBOR FIRE DEPARTMENT Representatives of the Fire Department share the following advice: we should all have carbon monoxide and smoke detectors on each level of our homes; all detectors have expiration dates-so check and replace if needed; and of course replace batteries routinely. If a senior is having difficulty installing a detector or changing a detector battery, the Fire Department graciously offers to come and do that for you. They request you call them on the non urgent line to request this and they will plan a time to come and assist you.
FROM
THE BAR HARBOR POLICE DEPARTMENT Members of the Police Dept spoke at a gathering last year to advise all citizens to report any suspicious or unsafe items to them. They ask if you accidentally dial 911 that you stay on the line—this negates the need for them to follow up on a hang up call. The Police note that if you have a problem they might assist with –such as needing sand for icy steps that you are not able to go obtain yourself---please call them on the non urgent line and they will make plans to help you.
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"Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending." - Carl Bard
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Tai Chi for Health
Tuesdays, 1–2 pm at Malvern-Belmont in Bar Harbor
Fridays, 11–12 pm at Harbor House in Southwest Harbor
This evidence-based class improves strength and balance through slow and gentle movement, integrates mind and body, and increases flexibility and coordination.
Yoga for Cancer
Wednesdays, 4–5:30 pm at the YWCA MDI in Bar Harbor
Yoga for Cancer (y4c) is a specialized yoga methodology tailored to address the specific physical and emotional needs left by the cancer and its treatments. This unique approach focuses on how to stimulate the immune system through movement. It improves flexibility, strength, reduces anxiety, and boosts overall well-being.
Yoga Dance
Thursdays, 1–2 pm at Malvern-Belmont in Bar Harbor
A joy-filled class combining yoga, the breath, and user-friendly dance with fabulous music from all around the world. It brings tons of fun and healing to body, mind, and spirit. As you move in and out of chairs,
Let Your Yoga Dance® is for every single body and wonderful for all ages.
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Local Transportation for Seniors
BAR HARBOR SHUTTLE (year round service operated by Downeast Transportation)
This bus operates on Tuesdays
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We would love your feedback on how we're doing in our community. Please feel free to call or e-mail with your comments.
If you are in need of information about Island Connections or in need of a ride, please contact our Transportation Coordinator, Amy Manring.
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday
9:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Telephone: 207-288-4457
Doreen Willett
Executive Director
Island Connections
www.islconnections.org
Bar Harbor, ME 04609
director@islconnections.org
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Have you given any thought to
Planned Giving?
Perhaps you would like to speak to us about leaving a bequest to Island Connections but didn't know how to get started.
Contact Doreen Willett to start the conversation about creating a sustainable giving plan. We thank you for your consideration.
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Island Connections * 93 Cottage Street, Suite 101, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Phone 207-288-4457 * info@islconnections.org www.islconnections.org
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