Swan’s Island residents lost their only general store after a fire ravaged both the store and the apartment above it on July 10. About 25 Swan’s Island firefighters
responded but were unable to extinguish the fire before it destroyed the building. Firefighters from Southwest Harbor and Tremont also responded to the call.
Selectman Dexter Lee said that while the sudden loss of the store would create a hardship (especially for some elderly residents) he was confident that islanders would survive this crisis just like they did when the store closed down between owners a few years ago.
“We’ll survive,” said Lee. “Some of the other area businesses are stepping in and the food bank has raised a lot of money. So there will be food available.”
The owner of Claire’s Kitchen, a takeout business located in Atlantic, reported recently that she was expanding her hours to accommodate the needs of islanders. In addition to the fresh baked goods and takeout meals that she usually offers, Claire Dziezyk will provide deli items, milk, eggs and produce.
“I can get sandwich meat, cheeses, and produce twice a week,” she said. “I had already been selling milk and eggs throughout the winter.” Dziezyk, who first opened the takeout about ten years ago, attributed her ability to expand her services to Bass Harbor resident L.J. Hopkins, who she said delivers mail, prescriptions and food to Swans Island residents six days a week.
“He’s out here six days a week and without him we couldn’t do it,” she said. “He’s very dependable.” Eastern Maine Agency on Aging (EMAA) officials announced that they have some funds available to assist senior islanders (60 years and older) who live on the island and have difficulty getting groceries. EMAA’s Valerie Sauda said that funds are available for Swan’s Island seniors who need financial assistance with ferry tickets to get their groceries and possibly for individuals who need assistance to travel off-island to shop for seniors.
“If it’s a real challenge getting groceries and it’s a hardship for them, then give us a call,” said Sauda, who added that the agency is able to make transportation funds available for grocery shopping because when seniors are encountering difficulty getting food it’s considered to be an emergency situation.
“In this case a life-sustaining product, food, is involved,” explained Sauda. EMAA may also be able to help disabled persons under the age of 60 years to locate assistance in getting their groceries. Sauda said that they have a close relationship with another agency (AlphaOne) that works with the disabled.
“If there’s a particularly difficult or challenging case, don’t hesitate to give us a call,” stated Sauda. (The number for EMAA is 800-432-7812.) Swans Island librarian Candy Joyce said that many islanders shop for groceries in Ellsworth or Southwest Harbor, but they try to limit their trips during the summer months because the ferry is so crowded. She thinks that one of the biggest trials that some islanders will now face is the need to travel off the island more often. “One of the most difficult things will be dealing with the ferry lines because there are so many people this time of year,” said Joyce.