1st Quarter 2023
Island Connector
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.
IN THIS ISSUE:

  • Message from the Executive Director
  • Staffing Updates
  • Chowder and Chili Chowdown March 11
  • New Wheelchair Van
  • Annual Appeal Update
  • 2022 "Ride Wise" by the numbers
  • Volunteers Needed
Our Office will be closed:
  • Jan 16 - Martin Luther King Jr Day
  • Feb 20 - Presidents' Day
A message from Sharon Linscott,
Executive Director of Island Connections
Dear Friends,

One year ago I became the Executive Director of Island Connections and what a year it has been! We accomplished so much in 2022. We celebrated our 25th Anniversary in May. Providing free transportation for 25 years is pretty amazing! We saw the return of our fundraising events: Dine-Around Day in July, the Mary Parker Memorial 5k in October, and coming up in March, our Chowder and Chili Chowdown. We had a successful Match Campaign and Annual Appeal with a huge thanks to all our amazing donors! We could not do what we do without you.

We provided a record number of rides in 2022. Our volunteer drivers are the life force of Island Connections. If you see one of our volunteers driving through town with an Island Connections volunteer magnet on their car, give them a grateful shoutout! We are always looking for more volunteers to meet the increased demand for our services. We would love to talk to you about how you can help, one ride is all it takes.

We have a great staff and a great board and we are hoping to accomplish great things in 2023. Here's looking forward to a wonderful New Year!

Blessings & Peace,
Sharon
Welcome Megan Moore to the
Island Connections team!

At the end of November Megan joined us as our Transportation Coordinator. She will be the primary contact person for rides and will be the first voice you hear when you call us.

Megan has called Mount Desert Island “home” from early days as a Conners Emerson Tiger through high school as a Trojan. Upon graduating MDIHS in 2018, Megan spent time in Arizona and Washington, D.C. to complete her Bachelor’s degree. After graduating from American University in 2022, Megan moved back to MDI to pursue non-profit work and found that the Island Connections and its mission called to her. 

Having over three years of experience as a legal assistant for a Washington, D.C. law firm fighting for Plaintiffs who had suffered medical malpractice, Megan brings with her both a professional energy and a passion to serve the community. Additionally, as an alumna of the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, she brings with her an allegiance for, "Love of Humanity and Justice For All". 

Megan’s favorite pastimes include playing volleyball competitively, painting large scale works, learning about the world, and acquiring new skill sets.

Carissa Tinker is now our Program Administrator!
Carissa has taken on a new role with Island Connections as Program Administrator. Her new position involves additional administrative duties to help our program run smoothly and more efficiently.
Save the Date!

The return of our Chowder and Chili Chowdown is scheduled for Saturday, March 11, 2023 from 5-7 pm at the Atlantic Oceanside. Stay tuned for more details!
Island Connections has a new
Wheelchair Accessible Van!

Thank you to the Estate of Penelope Wolfe for donating a wheelchair accessible van to Island Connections. Look for our new van as you drive around town!
Annual Appeal Update

Thank you to everyone who donated during our end of year Annual Appeal. This year's Annual Appeal raised over $40,000. Our donors are critical to the success of our program and words are not enough to express our appreciation. We cannot do what we do without you!

If you missed us during the Annual Appeal,
you can still donate to Island Connections below.
"RIDE WISE" at Island Connections

In 2022 we:
  • Completed 5,602 rides
  • Added 69 new Neighbors
  • Added 30 new Volunteer Drivers

2022 was a record year for Island Connections! We are still prioritizing rides to medical appointments and meal/grocery rides only. By comparison we completed 4,808 rides in 2021. In 2019, we completed 5,011 rides when we were still providing additional rides to hair appointments, exercise classes and social events. We would not have been able to fulfill the increased demand for rides without our dedicated volunteers. Thank you!
Island Connections Needs Volunteer Drivers

As the need for transportation services on MDI increases, 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...our volunteers!

It is easy to volunteer with us. There are 720 hours in a month and in just one hour, you could transport a neighbor to and from an in-town medical appointment or provide a one-way ride to the dialysis center. There are so many ways to help and it is incredibly rewarding!

If you, or someone you know, would like to learn more about being a volunteer driver, call us at 207-288-4457. Or CLICK HERE to apply online. Please consider becoming a volunteer, we would love to welcome you to our family!
Contact Island Connections:

(207)288-4457
www.islconnections.org

93 Cottage Street, Suite 101
Bar Harbor, ME 04609

Office hours are Monday - Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

Sharon Linscott, Executive Director
director@islconnections.org
BE SURE TO LIKE US ON
Island Connections * 93 Cottage Street, Suite 101, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Phone 207-288-4457 * info@islconnections.org * www.islconnections.org