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Notes from the Chebeague Island Hall Community Center

The Hall is looking for a few creative board members to help guide its future. We are a pretty low-key board—we don’t normally fund raise or even meet every month, but we usually manage to have fun! Our mission is to bring our community together through food, crafts, music, theater, and presentations. If you

have a pet project or idea you’d like to see on the Hall stage or a desire to create community lunches or suppers or island-themed KALs, or even hold bingo nights again, come join our board! Contact one of our board members or come to our annual meeting on December 18 at 5:00 P.M.

The Recompense Fund held its annual celebration of Chebeague Island nonprofits in August at the Rec Center. The celebration opened with a standing ovation for founder Eldon Mayer , joined by his wife, TRF board member Betts Mayer. Highlights included: ● Land Trust: Executive Director Penny Asherman thanked the community for protecting plovers while reporting new conservation at the Hook and 18 protected acres. ● Community Church: Chaplain Victor Diaz said, “We are so grateful to be a part of this incredible community,” and reminded all the church is “interfaith and multi denominational.” CICA: President Bill McKenzie welcomed new island residents, including a child who “will be in our school for … years.” ● Fire & Rescue: Jeff Westcott said new volunteer gear is critical “where minutes and seconds count,” while urging more recruits. ● Library: Trustee President Pips Veazey said, “I couldn’t be happier and more proud of the library,” as plans for a new addition move forward. ● Sailing School: Director Jessica Fleck called it “a valuable part of our island community,” providing scholarships and lifelong friendships ● CTC: Vice President Susan Stranahan marked its 50th year, stressing, “As anyone who lives on Chebeague knows, barging is critical to island sustainability.” ● Scholarship Fund: Board President Sarah McKinnon said support “will directly impact our year-round families’ lives” as tuition costs rise. ● MacBeth: Carl Tubbesing praised South Pacific as the summer’s “centerpiece.” TRF President Toby Webb closed by thanking nonprofits, who “galvanize so much talent for the island good.” The Recompense Fund held its annual celebration of Chebeague Island nonprofits in August at the Rec Center. The celebration opened with a standing ovation for founder Eldon Mayer , joined by his wife, TRF board member Betts Mayer. Highlights included: ● Land Trust: Executive Director Penny Asherman thanked the community for protecting plovers while reporting new conservation at the Hook and 18 protected acres. ● Community Church: Chaplain Victor Diaz said, “We are so grateful to be a part of this incredible community,” and reminded all the church is “interfaith and multi denominational.” CICA: President Bill McKenzie welcomed new island residents, including a child who “will be in our school for … years.” ● Fire & Rescue: Jeff Westcott said new volunteer gear is critical “where minutes and seconds count,” while urging more recruits. ● Library: Trustee President Pips Veazey said, “I couldn’t be happier and more proud of the library,” as plans for a new addition move forward. ● Sailing School: Director Jessica Fleck called it “a valuable part of our island community,” providing scholarships and lifelong friendships ● CTC: Vice President Susan Stranahan marked its 50th year, stressing, “As anyone who lives on Chebeague knows, barging is critical to island sustainability.” ● Scholarship Fund: Board President Sarah McKinnon said support “will directly impact our year-round families’ lives” as tuition costs rise. ● MacBeth: Carl Tubbesing praised South Pacific as the summer’s “centerpiece.” TRF President Toby Webb closed by thanking nonprofits, who “galvanize so much talent for the island good.”

A s we turn to new challenges confronting Chebeague Island nonprofits, The Recompense Fund is refining how we support the entire community. As always, we remain deeply appreciative of the support of our donors, who show their commitment to a vibrant, sustainable island. Year-round or seasonally, you are here because you value the island community. We hope you will support island nonprofits that you value, and Recompense as well. We are committed to building a fund to support the island for years to come. As a reminder, Recompense granted the following awards in 2025 to island nonprofits, and anticipates increasing grant awards in 2026. The Chebeague Cumberland Land Trust r eceived $7,911 to aid in the restoration of Indian Point. This project reflects ongoing efforts to preserve and protect the island’s environmental heritage. The Chebeague Community Church r eceived $7,776 to grow its music program. This grant will help expand opportunities for musical expression and outreach. Supporting the preservation of local history, the Chebeague Island Historical Society received $9,740 to install environmental controls for its collections. The Chebeague Island Commons , a key resource

for elder care on the island, received $15,269 to cover transportation expenses for employees. The Chebeague Recreation Center received $7,699 to replace the heat exchanger in the community pool - to keep the water warm! The Chebeague Transportation Company was awarded $8,411 to rebuild the engine of the push boat, a barge essential to transporting goods and materials to and from the island. The Kids’ Place , a childcare and early education center, received $10,086 to install heat pumps. This improvement will provide more efficient and reliable heating and cooling. The Chebeague Island Library was awarded $9,971 to update its nonfiction collection. This will enhance access to current and relevant information. The Stephen Ross Foundation provided $11,703 in higher education scholarships to island students. These scholarships offer critical financial support to island students. In addition to these larger grants, Recompense made two small grants totaling $1,000 . One grant of $500 was given to the school to support Teacher Appreciation Week. The other $500 was awarded to the Whalers, the island’s vocal ensemble, to help cover the cost of an accompanist.

NOVEMBER 2025 CHEBEAGUE ISLAND COUNCIL CALENDAR

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