Jeannie Conway, of Vinalhaven, handed a surprise over to Kevin Waters, owner of Penobscot Island Air, at the Knox County Regional Airport. It was July 5, and Owls Head was humming, but her gift stopped him in his tracks. It wasnt just from Conway. The modest package represented the gratitude and good will of residents on Vinalhaven, North Haven and Matinicus. It was a book full of heartfelt comments written by islanders. And stuffed in the back, $3,600 in cash.

But its not about the money, Conway was quick to point out.It was about showing him how much he means to us, and how the islands are behind him 100 percent.

Two days later, and Waters was still overwhelmed by the kindness.

I got to tell you, its old school, he said, over the phone, and in between talking on the radio with pilots who were delivering cargo to islands before weather moved in.Its unbelievable the support of those guys over there. It totally amazes me. When youre down, the islanders really rally. Ididnt expect it, and I didnt know it. They are very special folks.

After one of PIAs planes went down on Vinalhaven June 26, during a routine morning mail run to the island, first responders rushed to the scene to help the pilot, Ted Westlake. While the plane was demolished in a stand of trees, Westlake miraculously walked away from the crash, uninjured.

As the Federal Aviation Administration and insurance companies continue to investigate the crash,Penobscot Island Air, familiar to all islanders and citizens of the Midcoast, continues to do what it does best get people and cargo to and from the islands every day, responding to all kinds of personal situations at all hours of the day.

He flies my donuts in every weekend, said Conway, who according to Vinalhaven resident Carol Thompson, is a fundraiser extraordinaire. Conway owns the Islands Closet. She works for the ferry service, and is a firefighter with the Vinalhaven Fire Department. And she doesnt hesitate to help others through rough patches.

Hes a real good friend, she said.He has flown me out of here when my dog was sick, and took me to the vet. He gave me his van [on the mainland] when a family member was in the hospital. If I dont call him to bum something, hell call me and saywhat do you need?

This time, Conway intuitively sensed itwas Waters and Penobscot Island Air that needed something. Support, encouragement, appreciation, a pat on the back. She saw Waters the day after the crash, and noted he was feeling down.

She decided, as community-minded organizers like her often do, that the situation required action.

Were going to have a bake sale, she said.

That snowballed fairly quickly into a raffle, and various Facebook pages, including the North Haven community page, picked up on the effort.

Pretty soon, all manner of raffle items appeared. Conways son works for the Sea Dogs, so the team contributed season tickets, a signed ball, even the last ball pitched in the 2004 World Series. Artist Eric Hopkins donated a print. Nebo Lodge, on North Haven, kicked in, as did approximately 60 other residents and business owners.

At the July Fourth parade on Vinalhaven, a table was set up to sell tickets. A guest book was created, and everyone jotted down individual messages to Waters, and the crew at PIA. Just to express their appreciation,for everything they do, which is not just flying, said Conway.

The money followed, and still does.

Someone just handed me a $20 as I was walking by, she said, two days after she visited Waters at the Owls Head Airport.

So many people depend on him for so many different things, said Conway.At Christmas, I told him about a family that could use help. He loaded his plane with presents for them. Hes a giver, but hes a silent giver. Hes a teddy bear.

The feeling is likewise.

Its a year-round deal, said Waters, choking up just a little.We care very much about them.

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Reach Editorial Director Lynda Clancy at lyndaclancy@penbaypilot.com; 207-706-6657

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Penobscot Bay islands rally for their plane service, send donations and big love - PenBayPilot.com