Islesboro project receives grant for calendar

The Beacon Project in Islesboro recently received a $5,000 grant from the King and Jean Cummings Trust of the Maine Community Foundation to print the Beacon Project's annual Islesboro calendar, which is sold as a fund raising item to support Boardman Cottage operations.

The calendar continues to be the most popular fundraising product created by The Beacon Project. Islanders might find their gardens, themselves, their trucks or their favorite views on one of the calendar pages that features photographs taken by island residents.

"Support from The Beacon Project is critical to our ongoing operations costs," said Maura Michael, Director of Boardman Cottage. "This grant will enable more revenue from calendar sales to be available for resident needs."

Boardman Cottage, opened in July 2005 to meet the needs of elderly Islesboro residents, is a licensed adult family care home with six private rooms. It was built with volunteer and donor support. Through its annual appeal and fund raising activities, The Beacon Project funds almost 1/3 of the cost of operations of Boardman Cottage. In addition to the calendar, they sell a cookbook, children's puzzle, an apron and mug and host annual events such as the Memorial Day plant sale and a festive dessert gala with entertainment in March.

A statewide organization with offices in Ellsworth and Portland, the Maine Community Foundation works in partnership with donors and community groups to strengthen Maine.  For more information, visit the foundation's web site at www.mainecf.org or call toll-free 1-877-700-6800.

-- Sandy Oliver