Deer Isle
IHT to exercise option to buy Lily Pond Beach

DEER ISLE-Mike Little, the executive director of Island Heritage Trust, has announced that a $4,000 contribution from the Island Fishermen's Wives Association has brought the purchase of the Lily Pond Beach within reach. Having met their preliminary fundraising goals, the IHT Board of Trustees voted at their November board meeting to exercise the option to buy the six-acre parcel, according to a press release. This land in Deer Isle, which includes the pond's only beach, currently belongs to Randy and Sandy Haskell. The trust will now enter into a six-month purchase and sale agreement, which will allow time to raise the remaining funds needed.

A grant from Land for Maine's Future provided initial funding of $140,000. Two challenge grants of $25,000 each added impetus to the fundraising effort. "In spite of these financially difficult times, we are glad that the community has responded so generously to assure that our Island children have a place to learn to swim," Little said. "The Haskells have long been generous with the community and they have been a joy to work with. There remains approximately $53,000 to be raised to complete the purchase and establish a management and maintenance fund."

A community committee is working on the "Lock-Up for the Lily Pond," a community-wide event planned for Sunday, January 10, from 2 to 5 p.m. with a potluck dinner to follow at the Island Community Center.

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