Highlights for the Month of July
Thursday, July 4th - the new Island Connections van will be appearing in the 4th of July Parade and we will be raffling off a Children's Trek Precaliber Bike on the ball field after the parade
Saturday, July 13th - 4th Annual Driving for Rides Golf Tournament at Kebo Valley Golf Course
Saturday, July 20th - Annual Dine Around Day
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Welcome to the July 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
- Age by Design Program, Wednesday, July 17
- 4th Annual Driving for Rides Golf Tournament - NEW RAIN DATE: Saturday, July 13th
- Annual Dine-Around Day - Satruday, July 20
- 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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Photo credit - Doreen Willett
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ISLAND CONNECTIONS OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED ON THURSDAY, JULY 4TH IN OBSERVANCE OF INDEPENDENCE DAY
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Message from the Executive Director
Finally, summer has arrived on MDI! Here we are just days away from celebrating the 4th of July and we are so happy to be driving the new van in the parade along with a neighbor and having a booth on the ball field where we will be raffling off a children's bicycle. The bicycle was donated by the Bar Harbor Bicycle Shop at the top of Cottage Street. A big thanks to Joe and Al Minutolo for their extreme generosity! (Click the link below the flyer about raffle for their website.)
In May, we were so fortunate to receive a $10,000.00 grant award from the Maine Community Foundation for the purpose of utilizing our multi-passenger van. We are super excited about starting our weekly grocery shopping program to support our neighbors at Malvern Belmont, Rodick Lorraine in Bar Harbor, Maple Lane Apartments in Northeast Harbor and Ridge Apartments in Southwest Harbor. I will be working with Allie Bodge, Director of Operations for the MDI and Ellsworth Housing Authority to create a ride schedule that will work for each community. We also plan to make a trip to Walmart every other week. We are looking for volunteers who would be interested in being dedicated drivers for these new rides. Please let us know if you're interested.
There's a lot going on in the next few months so stay tuned! Have a very happy and safe 4th!
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
365
rides in the month of June.
We added 3 new neighbors needing our services. This brings our new neighbor total 32 for the year 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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AGE BY DESIGN PROGRAM
Wednesday, July 17, 2:00 p.m. at the YWCA MDI
As we age one thing that is often affected is our vision. When you or someone you love are faced with the knowledge that nothing can be done to improve vision, learn what steps you can take to continue to stay independent and safe. Specialists from the Maine Division for the Blind and the Visually Impaired and The Iris Network will be at the YWCA MDI on Wednesday, July 17 at 2 p.m. to talk about your vision as you age. This talk is part of Age By Design, a series of programs co-sponsored by the YWCA, the Mount Desert Island YMCA, Island Connections and the Jesup Memorial Library.
Andrea Treadwell, an Independent Living Case Manager, and Sharisse Roberts, an Orientation and Mobility Specialist, both from the Division for the Blind and the Visually Impaired, and Susan Summers, a Vision Rehabilitation Specialist, from The Iris Network, are the vision rehabilitations specialists who serve the MDI-area. They will be on hand to talk about eye health, common changes in vision that happen when you age and what can be done to help those effected by these changes to remain as independent and safe as possible. Each presenter will speak about the role they play for clients. For many Treadwell is the first point of contact and depending on what a person needs she will recommend them to Roberts or Summers. Roberts covers all aspects of safe travel, like using a white cane and accessing transportation as well as how to assist someone who has experienced vision loss. Summers teaches individuals how to adapt their everyday skills so they can remain safe and independent in their own home.
For more information on the Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired visit
www.maine.gov/rehab/dbvi/
and for more information on The Iris Network visit
www.theiris.org
. For more information on this event, contact the YWCA MDI at 288-5008.
ISLAND CONNECTIONS HAS ARRANGED FOR A WONDERFUL VOLUNTEER TO TRANSPORT NEIGHBORS FROM MALVERN BELMONT AND RODICK LORRAINE TO THE YWCA IN OUR NEW MULTI-PASSENGER VAN!
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ISLAND CONNECTIONS 2019 UPCOMING EVENTS
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UPDATE ON NEW RAIN DATE
CALLING ALL GOLFERS!!!!
4th Annual Driving for Rides Golf Tournament
Saturday, July 13, 2019
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Thank you to First National Bank and First National Wealth Management for being our Title Sponsors. There are varied levels of sponsorship opportunities available. Contact Dana or Doreen to get more information at 288-4457.
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TITLE SPONSOR, BAR HARBOR SAVINGS & LOAN
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OFFICE VOLUNTEERS WANTED
We are looking for upbeat individuals to volunteer in the office for a few hours per week to work under the direction of the Executive Director to answer incoming calls, data entry, a variety of correspondence and help with special projects.
If you're interested, please call Doreen at 288-4457.
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Special Project!
We want your photos!
In an attempt to truly tell the great part of the Island Connections' story, we need to get photos of our volunteers and neighbors in action. Are you willing to take some photos of yourself along with a neighbor? We would love for you to take a few moments with your cell phones to take a couple of shots with you and a neighbor you are driving and provide a little tidbit of your experience as a volunteer driver. These photos will be used in marketing pieces, on our website and social media outlets to help build awareness of Island Connections. Photo release will be provided to be signed by both the volunteer and driver.
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Thank you in advance for your kind consideration.
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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 All Recipes. Please send us your recipes to be featured here and shared for all to enjoy! Email to [email protected]!
Scrupmtious Strawberry Shortcake
"Serve with whipped cream on top."
Prep 25 mins; Cook 20 mins; Ready in 55 mins
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 cup butter
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
- 1 egg, beaten
- 3 cups sliced fresh strawberries
- 3 tablespoons white sugar
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- In a large bowl, mix flour, 1/4 cup sugar, baking powder and cream of tartar. Cut in butter with pastry blender or two knives. Stir in cream and egg. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead 2 minutes. Press into a half-inch thick sheet. Cut into squares. Place on baking sheets.
- Bake in preheated oven 20 minutes, or until golden. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons sugar over sliced berries.
- Let shortcakes cool before splitting and filling with sugared berries.
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
Norvie Bullock. Norvie has been a neighbor of Island Connections for a number of years. She has played the role of Queen of the 4th of July Parade in the wheelchair accessible van and this year she will resume that role to accompany Doreen in the multi-passenger van. Be on the lookout for her! Norvie is always so gracious and a beautiful spirit. We love you Norvie!
Volunteers of the Month
The Volunteer of the Month is
Dianne Lytle. Dianne began driving for Island Connections back in 2007 and has done hundreds of rides in that time. Just last month she did 22 rides with the vast majority of them being to take neighbors to and home from dialysis. We all appreciate how much you do for our neighbors. Thank you so much Dianne.
The Urgent Driver of the Month
is Jim Grover who cancelled one of his own commitments to help a neighbor get home from the MDI Hospital. Jim is known to go out of his way to be sure our neighbors are served and treated with the utmost respect and kindness. Jim, you're a star! Thank you!
Our Special Mention Drivers
are
Mary-Lee Bayne, Ellen Brawley, Deb Fisher, Peter Houghton, Carol Johnston and & David Parker. 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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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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