Welcome to the July 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
- Friendly reminder to our volunteers
- Neighbor Ride Eligibility
- Island Connections Update
- Calendar of Events for 2018
- Monthly Giving Program
- On-Line Volunteer Application
- Volunteers - Our heart and Soul
- NEW - Yummy recipes from our volunteers and friends
- Volunteer Driver Reward Program
- Neighbor & Volunteers of the Month
- Healthy Acadia - Neighbor 4 Neighbor Application
- Events for Seniors
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Message from the Executive Director
Summer has definitely arrived! The temperatures are feeling more like mid-August than the beginning of July. Staying fully hydrated, use of sunscreen and taking your time driving around the island these days are a top priority. Our seasonal visitors have arrived and as usual it feels like the traffic is a bit overwhelming. So much is happening this week alone with the 4th of July Festivities in Bar Harbor and all over the island. The Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of Bar Harbor will be putting on their annual event at the Bar Harbor Town Ball Field starting with a blueberry pancake breakfast, the parade beginning at 10:00, followed by the Seafood Festival again at the Ball Field, concerts at the Bar Harbor Town Pier and of course the spectacular fireworks show at 9:00 p.m.
I wish you and your families a very happy, healthy and safe 4th of July!
Please keep in mind that the Island Connections offices will be closed on Wednesday, July 4th in observance of Independence Day!
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Friendly Reminder to Our Volunteers
Please know that your time and privacy are very important to us at Island Connections. We try to adhere to your time constraints and don't give out your telephone numbers to our neighbors for good reason. We want to be sure that our neighbors are respecting our process of providing rides to them. What we don't want to have happen is that the neighbors are calling you directly for rides and not going through Island Connections. This not only disrupts our scheduling process and muddles our ride counts, but it also opens you up to our neighbors calling you for any number of reasons and, as a result you may not feel comfortable doing what they ask, but may end up doing the ride/task out of guilt rather than refuse them. It’s not to say that we don’t want to encourage good relationships between our neighbors and volunteers but believe that there is a line to be drawn so that you aren’t overburdened. We don’t want to hinder the organic friendships and relationships being created, we just want to be sure that you are always comfortable with the relationship.
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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 Update - Increase in Island Connections Neighbors and Ride Demands
Our volunteers have once again answered the call for transportation needs for the month of May. Once again, May was a very busy month for our neighbors and volunteer drivers. We added 2 new neighbors needing ride services and completed
433
rides. This is yet another milestone increase in ride requests fulfilled for 2018. Since the beginning of 2018, we have added 29 new neighbors in total. While this is great news, in comparison, we have
only
added 3 new drivers but we have welcomed back some of our seasonal volunteers. Our Volunteer Committee is working to plan Volunteer Recruitment events but in the meantime would like to ask our best resource, our volunteer drivers to help spread the word about the amazing work YOU do for our island neighbors and how they can help to by volunteering some of their time to do the same.
As many know, it's actually very easy to help us. We have 720 living hours in a month and by donating 1 hour of time, a neighbor can be transported to and from an in town medical appointment. Please share this newsletter with your friends or family members who
who want to volunteer for Island Connections can click on the I want to Volunteer link below or have them call us at 288-4457. Thank you.
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Island Connections
2018 Calendar of Events
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ANNUAL
DINE-AROUND DAY
FUNDRAISER
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Island Connections' Annual Dine-Around Day is scheduled for Saturday, July 21st at many local island wide restaurants. This is our longstanding and beloved fundraiser where local restaurants help to promote and raise awareness and funds for Island Connections. The full list of restaurants will be published in the MDIslander on Friday, July 13th as well as on Facebook and our website.
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SAVE THE DATE!!!
We are thrilled that on Thursday, August 23rd we will be co-hosting a cocktail party with the Mount Desert Chamber and then enjoying a performance of "Love Letters" performed by Chloe Hatcher and Ephron at the Neighgborhood House in Northeast Harbor.
Tickets are $25.00.
All proceeds will benefit Island Connections.
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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 [email protected]
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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Monthly recipes from our friends, neighbors & volunteers
of Island Connections
This month, our recipe comes from Doreen Willett, our Executive Director. Please send us your recipes to be featured here and shared for all to enjoy! Email to [email protected]!
Lemon Strawberry Trifle
Prep Time
10 mins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 12
Author: Trish - Mom On Timeout
Ingredients
- 2 3.4 oz instant lemon pudding mix
- 2½ cups Almond Breeze unsweetened vanilla almondmilk
- 16 oz whipped topping, thawed
- 2 lbs strawberries, sliced
- 2/3 cup lemon curd
- 14 oz Angel food cake
Instructions
Whisk lemon pudding mixes and almondmilk together for two minutes. Fold in 8 oz of whipped topping. Refrigerate for at least 5 minutes.
Cut angel food cake into small, bite sized pieces. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, combine remaining 8 oz of whipped topping with lemon curd, folding together again thoroughly combined. Set aside.
Layer half of the angel food cake in the bottom or a large bowl or trifle dish.
Top with half of the pudding mixture, half of the sliced strawberries, and half of the lemon curd mixture.
Repeat layers.
Garnish with fresh strawberries and lemon slices if desired.
Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
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.
Island Connections Driver Rewards Program is made possible through grant funding provided by the Hattie A. and Fred C. Lynam Trust Fund through Bar Harbor Bank and Trust Services.
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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 July Neighbor of the Month
- with half of the year gone, we would like to recognized ALL of our new neighbors that have have come on board in 2018! Thank you for choosing Island Connections to help you get where you need to go! We love to be able to serve your needs.
Volunteers of the Month
Our July Volunteer of the Month
- this month with 433 rides filled it was extremely hard to choose just one Volunteer of the Month. ALL of you get the work done that we in the office facilitate.
Thank you to Amy Manring, our Volunteer Coordinator, for matching up our neighbors with our trusted volunteers. All of your work is greatly appreciated.
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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
[email protected] to receive an application or learn more about neighbor4neighbor. Applications can also be downloaded by clicking the link below:
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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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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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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
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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
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