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V O L . X X V N O. X X I G I V I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 9 – 2 0 2 0 14 Libra Foundation is helping Monson build a new community center, which is slated to open this autumn, and was instrumental in the re-opening of Monson's 100 year-old general store as a Pineland Farms store two years ago. e foundation currently is work- ing with Northern Light Hospital and Community Dental to open a new dental and medical center in Monson and, in the nearby town of Dover-Foxcroft, is partnering with Foxcroft Academy on the construc- tion of a new $5 million ice arena. e Libra Foundation's investments in the region are meant to attract visitors and create greater economic opportu- nities for the area. "We recognize that the Libra Foundation's efforts are only one small piece of a larger puzzle. e hope is that Monson Arts, the ice arena and other projects will draw people to Monson and help them discover that the natural beauty and opportuni- ties there for hiking, biking and other outdoor activities are second to none," said Denekas. "We look at it as trying to create a spark where there is already some good, dry tinder." The Island Institute: Helping Maine's coastal communities adapt and survive e Island Institute was founded in 1983 to address the needs of and provide support to the people living on Maine's year-round islands. Since its initial founding, the nonprofit has expanded its mission to include island and coastal communities — in Maine and around the United States. In 2018, the Island Institute worked in 120 coastal and island communities in Maine. Much of the institute's work and training concerns climate change and what steps communities can take to deal with sea level rise, warming temperatures, ocean acidification and other shifting environmental conditions — as well as the economic effects of global warming. ough its focus is on very specific types of communities, the programs provided by the instituted are many and comprehensive. With an annual operat- ing budget of $7 million and 50 employ- ees, the Island Institute has three major areas of focus: strengthening community economies, education and leadership, and sharing solutions. e institute's programs provide small business train- ing and support, aquaculture business development, high-speed broadband access, professional development » C O N T I N U E D F RO M P R E V I O U S PA G E F I L E P H O T O / JA M E S M C C A R T H Y From left, Jere Michelson, president, COO and CFO of the Libra Foundation; Erik Hayward, senior vice president; and Craig Denekas, chairman and CEO, display a historic map of downtown Monson. I D o A ny th ing To Help My Pat i e nt s I HAVE A BANK THAT DOES THE SAME Learn how the power of local banking helps local businesses. Visit GorhamSavings.Bank/DrCarr Member FDIC D R . J E F F R E Y C A R R D V M , N O R T H W I N D H A M V E T E R I N A R Y H O S P I TA L & K I M D O N N E L LY, S V P, D I R E C TO R O F B U S I N E S S B A N K I N G