1st Quarter 2022
Island Connector
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PLEASE NOTE THAT ISLAND CONNECTIONS OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21, IN OBSERVANCE OF PRESIDENT'S DAY. |
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IN THIS ISSUE:
- Message from our NEW Executive Director, Sharon Linscott
- A Note From Doreen
- 2021 "Ride Wise" by the numbers
- 5 Reasons to Volunteer
- AARP's Latest Scam Alerts
- Community Information from Eastern Area Agency on Aging
- Plan Your Monthly Giving
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Our Mission
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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A message from Sharon Linscott,
Executive Director of Island Connections
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On January 3, 2022 I started as the new Executive Director of Island Connections. I am so pleased to begin this journey with a wonderful staff and board. And I am so grateful to have Doreen available to guide the organization through this transition and teach me everything I need to know. I am also grateful for all the wonderful donors, volunteers and neighbors that Island Connections serves. I have already met some of you, but my hope is to meet each and every one of you, because you are the reasons that Island Connections is successful! In the very near future I will start making calls to reach out to all of you. In the meantime, feel free to call me, email me or even stop by to say HI!
I thought you might like to learn a little bit about me. I grew up in Pennsylvania and I’ve lived in several different areas of our country before moving to Bar Harbor in February 2006. Since then I have come to truly believe that Maine IS the way life should be. In 2009, I married my husband Joel and we live in Hulls Cove. Prior to joining Island Connections I served as Town Clerk for the Town of Bar Harbor. I have also worked for Birch Bay Village, the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce, and the Bar Harbor Inn. All of those experiences have prepared me well for this new role.
We are in the midst of winter but I saw a sign today that said 60 days until spring. That was a nice thought. Time seems to move too quickly and spring will be here before we know it. But until then, we will continue to look out for one another, drive safely and do our part to keep everyone safe and healthy.
Sincerely,
Sharon Linscott
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CLICK THE PLAY VIDEO BUTTON BELOW TO WATCH HOW ISLAND CONNECTIONS' VOLUNTEERS PROVIDE CARING RIDES TO OUR ISLAND NEIGHBORS
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WE REMAIN DILIGENT IN ADHERING TO COVID PRECAUTIONS
While many locations in and around town no longer require mask wearing, we at Island Connections still require both the driver and the neighbor to wear a mask at all times during the actual ride and transfer time between the car and the pick-up or drop-off location.
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Please call 288-4457 or stop by our Cottage Street office if you need any of the following PPE: Masks*Hand Sanitizer*Sanitizing Wipes*Gloves*and Tissues.
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I knew that one day I would be writing this note but I certainly didn’t look forward to it. As I set off on my new adventure with my husband moving south, it is with great excitement and a sense of sadness all at the same time. The past 6-1/2 years of leading this organization has been both an honor and privilege in serving our island community. I have been so fortunate to get to meet and develop lasting relationships with so many Neighbors we serve, volunteer drivers, donors, amazing staff, community members, and local business owners who make up the Island Connections family. We are in the business of supporting the community and making connections is such a key part to the success. When I started, I had several goals in mind that I wanted to achieve and I’m happy to say that I did so with the help of many great minds and hands. I can’t express my gratitude enough for all the support that I have received on my Island Connections journey. I’m excited to see what Sharon and her crew will do over the next several years to elevate Island Connections from here.
All the best to you all,
Doreen
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We are sharing the Eastern Area Agency on Aging Newsletter for some great information! |
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"RIDE WISE" at
ISLAND CONNECTIONS
In the fourth quarter of calendar year 2021:
- 1,240 rides were completed
- 15 new neighbors were added
- 11 new drivers were added
Island Connections Volunteers are truly AMAZING!!
Is the need rises for transportation services on and around MDI, Island Connections is driven to meet that need. But we can't do it without the help of the people in our community...our most valuable assets...volunteers! If you or someone you know would like to find out what it means to become a volunteer driver for Island Connections, please be sure to call Jeannie Anderson, our Volunteer Coordinator.
It is so easy to volunteer with us! Consider this; there are 720 hours in a month. In just one of those hours, one hour a month, you could transport a neighbor to and from an in-town medical appointment or even provide a one-way ride to the dialysis center. There are so many ways to help! And it is incredibly rewarding!
Please share this newsletter with any friends and family members who you think would be interested in volunteering at Island Connections. It's easy to apply...just CLICK HERE to submit your application online. You can also can call Jeannie at 288-4457. She is happy to help!
Thank you to all of who have dedicated time and commitment to Island Connections. We truly appreciate it! And if you are considering becoming a volunteer, we would love to welcome you to our family!
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5 Reasons to Volunteer with Island Connections
- Recognizing the need: Do you know people in the community who have trouble getting to their medical appointment? Or can't get to the grocery store on their own? On MDI, about 40% of residents over the age of 65 live alone. Our mission to provide free transportation helps these folks continue to live independently.
- Memories of others: Maybe a family member or friend was an Island Connections Neighbor and received rides from our volunteers. What better way to honor and remember them than by becoming a volunteer?
- Relationship building: This community certainly has its share of characters and people with the most interesting backgrounds. Take a step out of your comfort zone and get to know them! It's worth it!
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Community immersion: You might discover places you didn't know existed, and you will definitely see how the island towns, though separate they may seem, are really just part of the bigger MDI community.
- To put it simply, it just feels good!
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JANUARY 2022 AARP SCAM ALERTS |
At the start of the pandemic, scammers hawked fake cures, treatments and vaccines. Now that vaccines are available, scammers are making bogus offers to move you to the front of the line for getting your vaccine – for a fee. Some are even setting up fake vaccine distribution sites. Unfortunately, this means that consumers looking for a vaccine appointment have to sort through fake and legitimate information in search for a shot – a process that can be confusing and dangerous.
With thousands of localities taking their own approach to vaccine distribution, it’s important to follow guidance provided by local public health officials and trusted healthcare providers. When signing up for your vaccine, find out how you will be contacted for any follow-up information or guidance.
Be a fraud fighter! If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.
Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 1-877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork.
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CHAMPION CIRCLE MONTHLY GIVING PROGRAM
Island Connections makes giving easy by offering an online option so you can support us 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 your credit card or bank account automatically.
- It helps Island Connections by providing a consistent and steady cash flow stream throughout the year.
All you need to do is click here 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 Sharon at 207-288-4457.
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If you are in need of a ride, would like to volunteer, or would like any information about Island Connections please contact our office at:
(207)288-4457
www.islconnections.org
93 Cottage Street, Suite 101
Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Office hours
Monday - Friday
9:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Sharon Linscott
Executive Director
BE SURE TO LIKE US ON
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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 Sharon Linscott 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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