Highlights for the Month of August
Thursday, August 22 - Island Connections 1st Annual Meeting at the Seal Cove Auto Museum from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
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Welcome to the August 2019
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 22 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
- Neighbor Ride Eligibility
- Friendly reminder to our volunteers
- Volunteers - Our heart and Soul
- Neighbors making extra stops
- Island Connections featured in July MaineBiz
- NEW Island Connections' Transportation Program
- 1st Annual Meeting - Thursday, August 22nd at the Seal Cove Auto Museum
- Monthly Giving Program
- On-Line Volunteer Application
- 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
Whew! We made it through July and we are so happy to have the 4th Annual Driving for Rides Golf Tournament in the books! We also can count Dine-Around Day 2019 a great success thanks to the participating restaurants and the patrons who dined there to support them supporting us! This community never stops putting its best foot forward by supporting organizations that are here for the community members. We couldn't do it without you.
We are
SUPER
excited to be hosting our 1st ever Annual Meeting on Thursday, August 22nd at the Seal Cove Auto Museum from 5:30-7:30 p.m. We will be sharing information and updates about the organization, introducing a neighbor who will share his personal Island Connections' story as well as announce our David P. Evans Volunteer of the Year Award!
We are very grateful to the Seal Cove Auto Museum for making the space available to us for this purpose and all those who have helped to make this possible!
Enjoy the remainder of the summer days on MDI!
All the best,
Doreen Willett
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Who is eligible for Island Connections
Free
Transportation Services?
For over twenty two years, Island Connections has been providing free transportation for seniors and people with disabilities on Mount Desert Island and the surrounding islands. 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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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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VOLUNTEERS - THE HEART AND SOUL OF
ISLAND CONNECTIONS
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Island Connections Neighbors and Ride Demands
Island Connections volunteers amaze me, my staff and board to be able to meet the ride demands in order to complete
422
rides in the month of July.
We added new
8
neighbors needing our services last month. This brings our new neighbor total for the year to 40 so far.
Of course, given the increase in needed transportation services, we are also in need of more 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 and speak to our Volunteer Coordinator, Dana Mastoianni.
Dana's Joy Riding recruitment Program proved to be an excellent recruiting method for Island Connections. Future dates will be announced. Can we ask YOU, our volunteer drivers, to help spread the word about the amazing work YOU do for our island neighbors and how they can help too by volunteering some of their time to do the same.
As many know, it's actually very easy to help us and rewarding. 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 . They can merely click on the
I wish to apply to Volunteer
link below or call us at 288-4457 and speak to Dana Mastroianni. Thank you for your consideration or helping us spread the word!
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ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BECOMING
A VOLUNTEER DRIVER?
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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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Neighbors needing extra stops with their scheduled rides
As we continue to ensure that our transportation program runs smoothly and effectively, we recognize that our neighbors may not fully understand how important our need to do so may be. We are aware that when our neighbors are able to get out to go to a doctor's appointment or otherwise it may be their only chance to stop to get a gallon of milk or bread. Whatever the need may be, we would like to be able to track this information accurately as extra stops increase the services we provide. This information is important for a number of reasons. Firstly and ideally, we would like to obtain this request directly from the neighbor up front when we enter a ride into our system so that when a volunteer chooses to take a ride they know the expectation and time commitment of that ride. Secondly, we certainly don't want our volunteers to feel guilty or obligated if they don't have the time to make unscheduled stops during any ride. Thirdly, we want to report accurate information when applying for grant funding and also provide that information to our community as to the extent of our services. Lastly and most importantly, to ensure that our volunteers aren't feeling pressured or uncomfortable in any way that would give them pause about providing our neighbors future rides. Our volunteers are our greatest asset and with the increase in the number of rides overall, we want to be sure that the systems we have in place are working for everyone. Therefore, in the event that you have made an extra stop during a scheduled ride, we ask that you contact the office by phone or email so that we can be sure to enter it into RideScheduler. We thank you for your cooperation in this regard.
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Mainebiz featured Island Connections as one of the recipients of the Hancock County Fund for the Maine Community Foundation's grant awards in their July issue
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This is
BIG NEWS
!!!
We are working on putting together a new pilot transportation program which will utilize the multi-passenger van that was donated to us and for which we received the grant award from the Maine Community Founation Hancock County Fund. The plan is to bring several neighbors at a time to Hannaford and Walmart on specific days/times. We are working out a schedule with the MDI & Ellsworth Housing Authority as follows:
Malvern Belmont in Bar Harbor
Hannaford
- Monday pick up at 9:00 a.m. - return at 10:30 a.m.
Walmart Wednesdays!
3rd Wednesday of the month - pick up at 9:00 a.m. - return at Noon
Rodick Lorraine in Bar Harbor
Hannaford
- Monday pick up at 9:10 a.m. - return at 10:30 a.m.
Walmart Wednesdays!
3rd Wednesday of the month - pick up at 9:10 a.m. - return at Noon
Eden Apartments in Bar Harbor
Hannaford
- Monday pick up at 9:10 a.m. - return at 10:30 a.m.
Walmart Wednesdays!
3rd Wednesday of the month - pick up at 9:10 a.m. - return at Noon
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Woodbury Apartments in Bar Harbor
Hannaford
- Monday pick up at 9:20 a.m. - return at 10:30 a.m.
Walmart Wednesdays!
3rd Wednesday of the
month - pick up at 9:20 a.m. - return at Noon
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Norwood Apartments in Southwest Harbor
IGA Foodmart or Hannaford
- Friday pick up at 9:00 a.m. - return at 11:00 a.m.
Walmart Wednesdays!
1st Wednesday of the month - pick up at 9:00 a.m. - return at Noon
Ridge Apartments in Southwest Harbor
IGA Foodmart or Hannaford
- Friday pick up at 9:30 a.m. - return at 11:00 a.m.
Walmart Wednesdays!
1st Wednesday of the month - pick up at 9:00 a.m. - return at Noon
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Maple Lane Apartments in Northeast Harbor
Walmart Wednesdays!
2nd Wednesday of the month - pick up at 9:00 a.m. - return at Noon
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We are looking for up to 5 dedicated volunteer drivers to help get this program moving! If you are interested or know someone that would be and/or want to find out more information, please call Doreen at 288-4457. Thank you!
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Fun Highlights from the 4th Annual Driving for Rides Golf Tournament!
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Thank you to First National Bank and First National Wealth Management for being our Title Sponsors and all of the amazing sponsors that made this event happen. Thanks to all the wonderful volunteers. We couldn't have done it without you!
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ISLAND CONNECTIONS 2019 UPCOMING EVENTS
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE 4TH ANNUAL RUNNING FOR RIDES MARY PARKER MEMORIAL 5K RACE SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5TH!
PRINT THE REGISTRATION FORM BELOW AND/OR CLICK ON THE REGISTER BUTTON BELOW TO SECURE YOUR PLACE IN THE RACE! WE ARE LIMITED TO 150 REGISTRANTS AS PART OF OUR RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH BY ACADIA NATIONAL PARK
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Champion Connectors Circle Monthly Giving Program
As part of our annual appeal, we are able to offer 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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Monthly recipes from our friends, neighbors & volunteers
of Island Connections
This month, our recipe comes from the on-line site of AK Sweet Treats and Healthy Eats. All Recipes. Please send us your recipes to be featured here and shared for all to enjoy! Email to [email protected]!
Homemade Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
Homemade roasted tomato basil soup with garlic, olive oil and caramelized onions. Delicious, flavorful and the best way to use up garden tomatoes! You'll never want to go back to the canned stuff after you try this.
Prep time: 15 mins; Cook time: 1 hour 10 mins; Total time: 1 hour 25 mins
Nutrition Information
Serves:
4
Serving size:
1/4th of recipe
C
alories:
275
Fat:
16.2g
Saturated fat:
1.8g
Carbohydrates:
35g
Sugar:
25.7g
Fiber:
5.5g
Protein:
5.2g
Recipe type:
Soup, Vegan, Gluten Free, Vegetarian, Dairy Free
INGREDIENTS
For the roasted tomatoes
- 3 pounds roma or plum tomatoes, cut in half
- 8 cloves garlic, peeled
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Freshly ground salt and pepper
- For the caramelized onions:
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- 2 yellow onions, thinly sliced
- Additions to the soup:
- ½ cup packed basil leaves
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1-2 cups water or vegetarian broth, depending on how thick you want the soup
- Freshly ground salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional add ins:
- Light/Regular coconut milk for a creamy vegan soup
- Whole dairy milk/heavy cream for a creamy texture
- Parmesan cheese, for a tangy, flavor enhancing flavor
- A tablespoon or two of butter, for richer flavor
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Place halved tomatoes and garlic cloves on the baking sheet and drizzle with 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Generously season with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for 40-45 minutes.
- While the tomatoes are roasting, you can make the caramelized onions: Add 1/2 tablespoon olive oil to a large pot and place over medium heat. Add the onion slices and stir to coat the onions with olive oil. Cook, stirring occasionally. Check onions every 5-10 minutes until they have completely caramelized and turned golden in color. This ususally takes 20 minutes.
- Once tomatoes and garlic are done roasting, allow them to cool for 10 minutes, then add them to a food processor or high powered blender and blend until smooth. Next add basil and caramelized onions and blend again. Alternatively you can add the tomatoes to the large pot and use an immersion blender. It's really just about what you have available to you.
- After blending, transfer back to pot, turn to medium low heat and add in oregano, vegetarian broth and salt and pepper to taste. From there you can add in any additional add-ons you want (as listed in the ingredients). Allow tomato soup to simmer 10 minutes before serving. To serve, garnish with parmesan cheese and serve with grilled cheese, if desired. Serves 4.
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 Neighbor of the Month is
Janet Millett. Janet has been a neighbor of Island Connections for several years and is always extremely pleasant to her drivers and appreciates Amy our Transportation Coordinator very much for the rides we are able to help provide. We are so happy to be able help Janet all that we can.
Volunteers of the Month
The Volunteer of the Month is
Peter Houghton. Peter came to our Chowder Chowdown in January and the next week he came in to become a volunteer. Since then, he has been driving many neighbors to dialysis, chemo treatments and many other types of medical appointments. In July, Peter made 27 trips for 10 different neighbors. Thank you Peter for all that you do for our neighbors!
The Urgent Driver of the Month
is David Parker for one reason because w
hen Dr. Piazza had a cancellation the same day that a neighbor developed an eye infection, he stepped up to take the ride. He also took 11 other drives - including VAN, Meals, and regular drives! You're amazing David!
Our Special Mention Drivers
are
Roger Bremekamp, Janet Byers, Julie Cheston, Deb Fisher, Jim Grover, and Grover & Sarah Nevells. Thank you!
Thank YOU ALL for ALL you do to help ensure that our neighbors are getting to their needed appointments, etc.
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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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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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R indicates stops on request. The one-way fare is $6. The round-trip fare is the same as the one-way fare, provided you complete your trip in one day.
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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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