December 2021

Dear Friends,

The Islesboro Community Center successfully navigated the challenges of 2021 and found many new ways to support the community while continuing the programs and services that the community values as identified in our new strategic plan.

Food insecurity got increasing focus this year, and for five months this winter we provided 200+ bowls of nourishing soup and bread each Sunday to those in need. A core of volunteers provided funding, cooked, delivered food, and cleaned up. We also provided cooked meals through our Community Care and Comfort Program, including a delicious Christmas feast. Our partnership with the Second Baptist Church and the Community Fund helped make sure that those in need got meaningful food assistance. We also now have an opportunity to re-imagine our café space as a gathering spot around various food offerings.

In addition to nurturing the body, we put significant efforts into nurturing the soul:

• Our Sundays at Seven was a free, online music program featuring island musicians

• Our Island Fellow, Anne McKee, offered free violin lessons to those aged 3 to 70+ and put on a delightful violin recital

• During the summer months there was a weekly discussion group on Women in the Bible

• Our Poetry on the Porch sessions provided another outlet for people to gather

A few other meaningful contributions:

• Our Coats for Care program provided 73 warm winter outfits to islanders of all ages

• Wearing Easter Bunny outfits, volunteers delivered Easter baskets to all young island children

• The ICC supported the Black Lives Matter march and the first LGBTQ+ Pride Event on the island

Our enhanced Community Park property provided an outdoor activity space:

• The Farmers Market supported island and regional farmers and vendors

• We hosted our Pig in the Park picnic to welcome new residents to the island

• Our annual Sounds of Summer concert fundraiser was a beautiful summer evening of music

Sara Babbidge, her team, and a large group of volunteers deserve a huge amount of credit for making all of this happen and for always looking for ways to connect with our community.

The ICC only exists to do this work in the community because of the generosity of donors like you. As we want to make sure our various programs are affordable for the island population, our fees are quite modest, and donations make up over 70% of our operating budget each year.

To help us keep up the great work, we hope you will continue to support the ICC as generously as possible with a tax-deductible donation by the end of December.

With thanks and appreciation for your past support,

Elaine Fiske & Laura Graf, Development Co-Chairs