HomeMy WebLinkAboutIsland Institute Report
ISLAND INSTITUTE REPORT
IMPRESSIONS
I. Life on Fishers Island is not like life on the mainland and it never will be. Residents
should protect the things that make it unique.
2. We need to focus on the Island's strengths. Our natural resources and human resources
must be preserved and protected.
3. The answers are not going to be easy. All island communities face many similar
problems - declining year round populations, lack of affordable year round housing,
transportation issues, overextended volunteer forces, etc. We need to learn from our
island's history and from other communities.
4. All members of the community (year round, seasonal, child, teen and adult) must have a
sense of ownership.
5. Good and accurate information is a community's most valuable resource. Bad and
erroneous information is the island's greatest enemy. We must replace the TUmor mill
with a central information source.
6. Members of the community must make decisions for the community. The current
structure has us part of a town and state government that is inaccessible and does not
properly serve the needs of the island.
ISLAND STENGTHS
. Children maintain their youth and innocence longer
. The community takes care of its own
. The physical beauty of the landscape is special
. The extended island population is financially supportive of all community endeavors and
programs
. Size of the community allows for involvement in many different types of activities
. Sense of physical and geographical isolation leads to more connected and involved
families and often a more connected larger community
. The volunteer structure is the island's greatest asset - no one wears just one hat
THINGS WE CAN LEARN FROM THE MAINE ISLANDS
I) Small K- 12 schools can work! The successful ones in Maine seem to have a central theme,
i.e.- place based education, marine science concentration, performing arts concentration (some
kind of hook, that sets them apart from traditional state public schools.)
2) Many communities have private educational foundations that work closely with the schools -
enhancing educational opportunities for all ages.
..:to.,
.{,>'''''
.
"
.
3) Islands that are serviced by two ferries often have one based on the island.
4) Islands in Maine have an on island government structure - a community council, or town
planner that oversees the life of the community. Even those with governmental ties to mainland
have greater representation than we do.
GREATEST CONCERNS FOR FISHERS ISLAND
(Results from the March 3rd and April 12th meetings)
1) Declining year round population - need to attract a diverse group new residents -
different generations and backgrounds. Like other remote communities we often
loose our younger members. How can we keep them?
2) Declining local student enrollment in the school- quick fix is to increase the
magnet student population -long term we need to increase family population.
3) There is no island based ferry (concerns for safety evacuation & more flexible
transportation). No commuter ferry.
4) Lack of affordable year round housing options, to purchase or rent.
5) Within 5 years 25% of the year round population will be over 65 - can our
services sustain this population? Can our health care structure handle it?
6) More diverse jobs needed for men and women. The employment options are
limited.
7) Large number of organizations dedicated to individual missions, but with no
central focus. Too many players, but no chief to coordinate goals, resources of
manpower and money.
ACTIONS
Redo FICA mission and board composition. Create an on island governing body that can
ACT rather than simply discuss.
Create a staffed town office that acts as ministry of information.
Pursue eldercare options - utilized the bodies on island willing to be certified for Home
Health Aide. Explore our options of a senior center or facility.
Establish a foundation that works closely with the school and other educational and
community programs. A fund from which community organizations and groups can apply for
grants for programs that will benefit all members of the community.
Attract a boat captain to live on Fishers and run a commuter ferry based on the island
(Can we attract the captain of Pop eye - Andrew Hublein? He has a family with 4 children and
has expressed interest in moving to the island. Housing is his issue.)
Intensify efforts for more affordable year round housing to attract new and retain island
residents.
Get profiles from Maine island schools, health care facilities and utilities.
Organize visits to island schools in Maine and maintain relationship with Island Institute.
Obtain an oral history from long time residents (year round and seasonal)
. ,
'j
ISLAND INSTITUTE SUMMARY
Notes About the April 12,'03 Meeting
Rosemary Dysart Baue
OBSERV A nONS BY NATE AND LESLIE
_ Community! Community! Community! The focus must be the health
and welfare of the overall community.
This is not the mainland, nor should it try to be.
Look at island history. Extract its strengths.
The island is regulated by a town and state that is not accessible and
does not properly serve the island.
All residents need to have a sense of ownership.
IMPRESSIONS
- No easy answers
Lack of financial constraints for fund-raising
Perception is 90% of impression
Rumor mill needs to be replaced by solid, good information
Strong island values are care for each other and care for island as a
whole
Need affordable housing to attract and to retain residents
FACTS
- "Kids can be kids longer"
Children and Elderly feel safe
The island is beautiful.
Volunteer EMTs and FIREFIGHTERS are excellent.
There is no island-based Ferry
Residents want more flexibly scheduled transportation
There are no Business Class rates from Utility Companies
Small K-12 schools work in many places
There are ample and a variety of island activities for all ages
There is a lack of leadership continuity.
The population shift is to a greater number of senior citizens
GOAL: A central office in which an Intem/Director leads and manages the
island affairs for a representative and uniquely non-government
governing body
. .
ACTION
- Redo FICA mission and board composition
Find an Intern with help of ME Institute
Pursue Eldercare
Develop an Educational Foundation
? Assist Popeye to live and work from island
Keep working on housing to attract and retain island residents
Maintain relationship with ME Island Institute
Found a Community Fund to which money can be donated and from
which grants can be given
Obtain an oral history from long-time residents and 'summer' folks