Welcome to the April 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 President of the Board of Directors
- Ride Eligibility
- Island Connections Update
- Calendar of Events for 2018
- 3rd Annual Driving for Rides Golf Tournament
- Age By Design in collaboration with the Jesup Memorial Library, YWCA MDI AND MDI YMCA
- Senior Coffee's On
- 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
- Multi-generational Households are on the Rise
- Healthy Acadia - Neighbor 4 Neighbor Application
- Events for Seniors
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ISLAND CONNECTIONS OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED ON MONDAY, APRIL 16TH IN OBSERVANCE OF PATRIOT'S DAY.
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Message from the President of the Board of Directors, David Opdyke
Many of you are familiar with Island Connections and its 21 years of service to the MDI community. I am honored to serve as Island Connections President. The more I learn about this organization the more amazed I am at what we do, how we do it and the importance of the services we provide to the elderly and disabled in our community. With this in mind I thought it would be useful to provide additional background about who we serve and how we serve. Today we will explore who Island Connections serves and why.
Mount Desert Island is not like densely populated urban areas. We are spread out, requiring planning and resources to get to needed appointments and visits. This is the challenge Island Connections faces in playing our part to knit the community together. The best medical services in the world are of no use if neighbors cannot get to them. A community that does not get together is not likely to remain healthy and vibrant in the long run, hence our mission, our challenge, and Island Connections’ privilege to serve.
So just who are our neighbors? We currently serve about 193 neighbors throughout Mount Desert Island and the surrounding island communities. They are your friends, relatives, neighbors down the road, employed, retired, island natives and transplants. They are rich or poor, we don’t know because we don’t ask and it doesn’t matter. The common thread is that they are elderly and/or disabled. Disabilities can be permanent or temporary, such as undergoing or recovering from medical procedures which prevent a neighbor from driving. The majority of rides are for medical appointments, dialysis, chemotherapy, eyes, hearing and related issues. Other purposes include trips for shopping, banking, veterinary visits, hair, socializing and others. Since our aim is to enable neighbors to maintain a good quality of life, all these rides are important and are treated as such.
Just as important is the social interaction between our neighbors and drivers. This is purely optional but from my own experience as a driver it is very rewarding. I have met some very interesting neighbors and learned much about our community’s history and goings on, from the fire of 1947 to the ice storm of 1998, to stories of the interesting people who make MDI what it is today. Just listening to our neighbors has often been very beneficial for them and me.
In addition, Island Connections is the wheels part of Meals on Wheels, delivering approximately 250 meals per week. There have been occasions when the driver delivering meals is the only personal contact the recipient may have during the week, making this service even more important.
Our list of neighbors is growing. MDI’s population is ageing. We are seeing more people move here for retirement. Some of our drivers have become neighbors. We welcome you all. In future notes, we will talk about our wonderful cadre of volunteer drivers and other volunteers who enable Island Connections to fulfill its mission.
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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
March was a very busy month for Amy Manring, our Transportation Coordinator, to get our neighbors to their needed medical appointments, grocery shopping, food pantries and elsewhere. We added 9 new neighbors needing ride services and completed 396 rides for all neighbors needing rides. This was an increase in the number of rides by over
100
rides from February to March 2018. Since the beginning of 2018, we have added 19 new neighbors in total. While this is great news, in comparison, we have only added 3 new drivers. 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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ISLAND CONNECTIONS' ANNUAL POPOVER EVENT!
We're thinking Spring and invite you to enjoy the first popovers and tea of the 2018 season!
Jordan Pond House
Monday, May 14, 2018
Neighbor
Seating 11:45 a.m.
Volunteer
Seating 1:45 p.m.
Please RSVP to Amy Manring to reserve your seat at 288-4457 no later than Friday, May 4th
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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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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 FEATURE!!!!!!!!!!!
Monthly recipes from our friends, neighbors & volunteers
of Island Connections
This month, our recipe comes from one of our volunteers, Francoise (Fran) Leyman! Please send us your recipes to be featured here and shared for all to enjoy! Email to
FRESH TOMATO PIE
Preheat oven to 400o
Shell:
1/3 c butter or shortening but butter tastes better
1-1/4 c flour
¼ t salt
Mix the first 3 ingredients with fingertips or pastry fork until chunky
1 egg, lightly beaten – add and mix until crumbly, then pat into lightly greased pie pan
Filling:
¼ c Dijon mustard – spread over shell
2 large ripe tomatoes, sliced and lightly drained on paper towels - arrange over shell
Bake in preheated 400o oven for 40 minutes
Topping:
3 T olive oil
1T chopped fresh tarragon (or basil)
1-1-1/2 t minced fresh garlic
Mix these and drizzle over warm pie, Let cool and serve
Optional:
Sprinkle pie with grated parmesan before serving
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 April Neighbor of the Month
are all of our Meals on Wheels recipients. A collaboration through the MDI/Ellsworth Housing Authority and the Eastern Area of Aging Agency, we will deliver over to 14,000 meals to MDI residents. We are so happy to be able to help these neighbors!
Volunteers of the Month
Our April Volunteer of the Month
is David Parker who made several trips to Bangor last month as well as filling in as an emergency driver to bring 2 neighbors home from Dialysis after another volunteer had to cancel due to illness. David, thank you for ALL you do for our neighbors!
April's Urgent Driver of the Month
Ned Johnston who did 15 drives for us last month and
was gone for a week
. Also, when he was just about to finish one drive in Southwest Harbor and another volunteer was stranded out of state due to weather, Ned was contacted by Amy our Transportation Coordinator and dashed back to Bar Harbor to pick up the meals from MDI Housing and went out to deliver them in Southwest Harbor. Thank you Ned for your flexibility, generosity and your willingness on countless occasions!
Special Mention Volunteers -
Roger Bremenkamp, Deb Fisher, Jim Grover for picking up 20 rides
each
last month to help us out with the increased demand in rides.
Thank you for all of it!
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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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MULTI-GENERATIONAL HOMES ARE ON THE RISE
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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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"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
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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