Welcome to the August 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
- New Staff Member - Dana Mastroianni - Events & Volunteer Coordinator
- Friendly reminder to our volunteers
- Neighbor Ride Eligibility
- Island Connections Update
- Dine Around Day Recap!
- 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
Recently, I had the pleasure of spending some time with some of the neighbors that Island Connections serves. On these occasions, I am reminded that we have some remarkable people that we help with transportation needs. Their stories of personal life experiences, their lifetime with family and friends is fascinating to me because I am truly interested in getting to know people, making connections you might say.
Last week, I had a great time speaking with a woman who is close to 100 years old. She was born in Maine and was a private investigator for 30 years in a major US city in another state. Immediately, I was transfixed on her. Although, we didn't talk about her work I did say "I bet you've got some great stories to tell." She laughed and said "you bet I do!" It was obvious she had more important things to talk about. For most of the remainder of our conversation, she spoke of her children, grandchildren, great grand children and great, great grand children with so much love and elation in her voice. I could have stayed and listened to her for hours. That time we spent together today is priceless and I look forward to our next conversation.
See, this is what happens when you take the time to listen and engage with someone who has many years of experiences to share. We can all relate in one way or another no matter our difference in age. I am an advocate for multi-generational connections. I believe that the older generation has a lot to share with the younger generation and visa versa. After all, you never know, you might learn something and make a new friend!
All the best,
Doreen Willett
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Island Connections Welcomes
New Staff Member
Dana Mastroianni
It is with great pleasure that I tell you about a new member of the Island Connections' Team. Dana Mastroianni has joined us as the new Events and Volunteer Coordinator. She was born and raised in Massachusetts and comes to us with a library career spanning close over 30 years. Dana has "retired" and moved to the island. Dana's vast knowledge of working with the public, working on events, programming and with volunteers provides the foundation for her new position with Island Connections. Dana started on July 9th and hit the ground running. She jumped right into our annual Dine-Around Day and has already proven to be an amazing asset to the organization. Please stop by the Island Connections offices to say hi and welcome her to to the team. I'm sure she'll be out there soon enough to introduce herself around the island!
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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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We wish to thank all of the participating restaurants who supported Island Connections. This has been a wonderful fundraising event for many years and our partnerships with local restaurants continues to grow. We so appreciate their support so that we can meet the commitments of our mission.
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Adelmann's Deli, A Slice of Eden, Asticou Inn, Balance Rock Inn, Bar Harbor Inn Terrace Grill, Bar Harbor Pat's Pizza, Beal's Lobster Pound, Café Drydock, Café This Way, China Joy, Coda Restaurant, Colonel's Restaurant & Bakery, Everyday Joes, Galyn's, Geddy's, Great Maine Breakfast, Jack Russell's Steakhouse, Jordan Pond Ice Cream, Jordans, Lighthouse Restaurant, Lompoc Café, Mama DiMatteo's, Milk & Honey Café, Mother's Kitchen, Mount Desert Ice Cream, Peekytoe Provisions, Poor Boys Gourmet Restaurant, Project Social, Reading Room at the Bar Harbor Inn, Red Sky, Reel Pizza, Rosalie's Pizza, Side Street Café, Sips, The Chart Room, The Thirsty Whale Tavern, The Original Travelin' Lobster, The Upper Deck, Thrive Juice Bar & Kitchen, Thurston's Lobster Pound, Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound and West Street Café
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ANNUAL
DINE-AROUND DAY
FUNDRAISER
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Please be sure to patronize these restaurants when they open because they are making our community a better place to live.
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Island Connections
2018 Calendar of Events
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SAVE THE DATE!!!
The 3rd Annual Running for Rides Mary Parker Memorial 5K Race is set for Saturday, October 13th beginning at Pat's Pizza and going through part of majestic Acadia National Park. Registration will be open on August 15, 2018!
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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 an August issue of Southern Living Magazine. Please send us your recipes to be featured here and shared for all to enjoy! Email to [email protected]!
Active Time 20 Mins
Total Time 40 Mins
Yield Serves 4 (serving size: 2 cups)
This perfect late-summer seafood supper comes together in under an hour. You'll want to sprinkle the cheesy, buttery, lemony breadcrumbs on just about everything—and we don't blame you.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 medium-size yellow onion chopped
- 1 pint grape tomatoes halved
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano
- 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt divided
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
- 3 1/4 cups chicken broth
- 12 ounces uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 pound large raw Gulf shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup panko (Japanese-style breadcrumbs)
- 1 ounce Parmesan cheese, grated
- (1/4 cup) 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- Torn fresh flat-leaf parsley
- Lemon wedges
How to Make It
Step 1 -
Preheat oven to 400°F with oven rack 5 to 6 inches from heat source. Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large ovenproof skillet (with a lid) over medium-high. Add onion, and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, garlic, oregano, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; cook until tomatoes are softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in broth and orzo; bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Cover and bake until orzo is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed, about 15 minutes. Remove from oven; increase temperature to broil.
Step 2 -
Toss shrimp with remaining 1 tablespoon oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; arrange shrimp on orzo. Combine panko, Parmesan, butter, and lemon zest; sprinkle over shrimp and orzo. Return to oven; broil, uncovered, until shrimp are opaque, 4 minutes. Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges.
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 August Neighbor of the Month is
Stacey Gray. He has been a neighbor of Island Connections since December 2017. He has made many of our drivers smile with his generosity of sharing stories. His mild manner makes it easy to love Stacey. We are so happy to help you and your family with transportation.
Volunteers of the Month
Our August Volunteer of the Month is
Jim Grover who did 20 drives in the last month consisting of in town, Ellsworth and Bangor drives for 9 different neighbors. He is always willing and able but also very helpful to the office staff when he needs to touch base. We so appreciate all that you do for Island Connections and our neighbors!
The Urgent Driver of the Month
is Susan Mayne who did some double neighbor combination rides to Bangor on several occassions. At a time when our Bangor rides seem to double or triple in a week, Susan helped to make sure our neighbors got to their needed appointments. Thank you, Susan!
Our Special Mention Drivers
are Ellen Brawley, Janet Byers, Rae Cousins, Carol Johnston, Dianne Lytle, Doug MacGown, and Grover Nevells for stepping up to the plate when needed! You all make such a difference in the lives of our neighbors. Thank you!
Thank you again to Amy Manring, our Transportation Coordinator, for matching up our neighbors with our trusted volunteers. All of your hard 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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