Members of the Maine Islands Coalition

News

In times of crisis, activate networks, listen, and act

3/20/2020 - In times of crisis, those most prepared can quickly activate established networks to deploy resources and provide support. As the COVID-19 pandemic began to reach Maine, the Island Institute turned to the Maine Islands Coalition (MIC), a network with a 17-year history of helping to solve problems in the year-round islands of Maine. While there are always one or two remote participants in the coalition’s quarterly meetings, Friday, March 20th was the first time in MIC history when the entire coalition came together virtually. SEE MORE

News

Winter Reflection and Gratitude for the TLC

12/20/2019 - I love my job. I especially love the 60% of my time that is allocated to supporting and coordinating the Outer Islands Teaching and Learning Collaborative, or TLC, as we affectionately call it. Monhegan, Matinicus, Frenchboro, the Cranberry Isles, Isle au Haut, Cliff Island, and Massachusetts’ Cuttyhunk are all home to small island schools. This year, the Cranberries have the largest student population of the TLC, with nine students in their K-8 school. A network of one- and two-room schoolhouses in Maine and Massachusetts, the TLC connects teachers and students, both virtually and in person. SEE MORE

Solution Example

Chebeague Cares

Many island elders need help with daily tasks but aren’t ready to leave their homes. For example, they can get up from a chair by themselves or with the help of one person, but need assistance to bathe or cook three meals a day. They may not need to move to an assisted living home,… Read more » SEE MORE

Solution Example

Bulk purchase of LED bulbs

Residents of Monhegan rely on diesel generators to produce electricity for their island. As a result, ratepayers on the island pay some of the highest electricity rates in the nation, at $0.70/kWh. Residents asked an Island Institute Fellow, Ben Algeo, to help them analyze and reduce their energy consumption. Ben followed the same process on… Read more » SEE MORE

Solution Example

Monhegan’s special hunt

Lyme disease was not identified until 1975 in Lyme, Connecticut, and it wasn’t until 1987 that Lyme disease was identified in Maine. Before the 1980s, you couldn’t even find ticks in the Pine Tree State. In 1989, however, the first case of Lyme on Monhegan Island was diagnosed. What made Monhegan such an odd case… Read more » SEE MORE

Yvonne Thomas

Yvonne is a Senior Community Development Officer and part of the Center for Sustainable Communities. Yvonne works closely with island schools and businesses to promote resilience and strengthen networks to address the unique challenges and opportunities that island communities face. Yvonne also provides leadership and direction for the Institute’s work in strengthening the connection between schools,… Read more » SEE MORE