Bar Harbor Bank & Trust Employees Make "Community Commitment" Donation

 Bar Harbor Bank & Trust employees voluntarily contribute money from each paycheck into a charitable fund.  Monthly these funds are pooled, matched by the Bank, and donated to a local non-profit organization.  This employee-driven donation program is called Community Commitment.  Each month employees at a different Bank location get to choose a recipient for these contributions, supporting the good work done by so many in our local communities. 

For the month of October, employees at the Southwest Harbor branch of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust chose the Southwest Harbor Playground Renovation Fund as the beneficiary.

“The town playground, located between Pemetic Elementary School and the Harbor House Community Center, is showing its age and a group of community members has come together to raise money to replace the structure,” said Dani Piquette-Kelly, Playground Committee organizer.  “We hope to have the new playground ready for the 2018-19 school year. The total project cost is $295,000 and to date we have raised just under $30,000.  This gift from Bar Harbor Bank & Trust employees is much appreciated.”  The playground will enhance the well-being of local children and is designed to offer inclusive play and recreation areas for children of all abilities to enjoy.  To make a tax deductible contribution to this project, make a check to The Playground Renovation Fund, and mail it to Pemetic Elementary School, P.O. Box 255, Southwest Harbor, ME  04679.  For more information visit the Southwest Harbor Playground Renovation Fund Facebook page. 

Bar Harbor Bankshares (NYSE MKT: BHB) is the parent of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust with more than $3 billion in assets. Founded in 1887, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust is a true community bank serving the financial needs of its customers for 130 years. Bar Harbor Bank & Trust provides a full range of financial services through its 49 branch locations in all three Northern New England states of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Bar Harbor Bank & Trust was named one of the 2017 Top 200 Publicly Traded Community Banks in the nation by American Banker magazine. For more information call 1-888-853-7100 or go to www.bhbt.com.  Member FDIC.

(Standing, left to right) Bar Harbor Bank & Trust employees, Jack Frost and Ginny MacLeod, present a Community Commitment donation check for the Southwest Harbor Playground Renovation Fund to Rhonda Fortin, Pemetic Elementary School Principal, and Dani Piquette-Kelly, Playground Committee organizer.  Pemetic Elementary school children, looking forward to a new playground, gather in the foreground. 

Application open for 2018 Artist-in-Residence Program hosted at Acadia National Park

The National Park Service invites accomplished professional artists, writers, and others to apply to the 2018 Artist-in-Residence Program. The application is hosted through an online portal accessible through http://go.nps.gov/AcadiaArt . Monday January 15, 2018 is the last day to apply to the 2018 program.

If selected, artists have a two-week residency in the park for an immersive experience. Artists lead one outreach presentation for the public and donate one work of art within one year. Selected artists travel to and take part in the program at their own expense at the invitation of the park superintendent. Applications are reviewed by appointed juries including park staff, community members, past program participants, and subject matter experts. A public announcement of final selections is expected in March.

“We want people to experience Acadia through the perspectives of artists,” said Superintendent Kevin Schneider. “Early national parks owe a part of their establishment to the talents of artists and we want to continue this type of celebration.”

An online application process is open to all, but is highly selective based upon prior professional achievement and broader program goals to foster innovation, diversity, and relevance with new audiences. A $25 non-refundable application fee benefits program operational costs, such as artist housing, and the public display of art maintained in the program collection. Categories include Visual Artists, Writers, and At-Large Participants working in such forms as music composition, performing arts, indigenous arts, and emerging technologies.

Across the country artists work in more than 40 different units of the National Park Service through Artist-in-Residence programs- learn more about these other programs at this website https://www.nps.gov/subjects/arts/index.htm .

L.S. Robinson Co. of Southwest Harbor is pleased to announce that Lucas Dunbar has earned an Accredited Adviser in Insurance designation from the American Institute for Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters.

Dunbar joined the business insurance team at L.S. Robinson Co. in 2016. He is a native of Southwest Harbor and a graduate of Mt. Desert Island High School. His great uncle Lawrence Robinson founded L.S. Robinson Co. in 1932.

Designations such as AAI demonstrate an insurance broker's tested knowledge in their field. Allen Insurance and Financial supports all its employees in their efforts to continue their education.

The AAI program requires nine separate exams; the course outlines risk analysis techniques and tools, while providing an in-depth understanding of commercial insurance products and services.


L.S. Robinson Co. is a division of Allen Insurance and Financial of Camden.
Online: LSRINs.com. In addition to Southwest Harbor, the company has offices
in Rockland, Camden, Belfast, Waterville and Portland and provides insurance
and financial planning services to people in Maine and around the world. Online:
AllenIF.com. Or call 800-439- 4311.

Bar Harbor Bank & Trust's Michelle Curtis is now Treasury Service Sales Officer

Bar Harbor Bank & Trust is pleased to announce Michelle Curtis’s transition from Senior Vice President, Regional Market Manager/Retail Banking to a new role as Senior Vice President, Treasury Services Sales Officer.  Although her responsibilities are changing, Michelle will continue to work from of the Bank’s branch at 2 Main Street, Topsham and can be reached by calling 207-669-6852.

Now more than ever, businesses can turn to Bar Harbor Bank & Trust for the latest in Treasury Management Services.  With enhanced corporate treasury services, Michelle works with businesses throughout Maine to automate their daily banking functions, optimize cash flow, and better deploy liquid assets. 

A Maine native, Michelle has been with Bar Harbor Bank & Trust since 2011, starting in the Manager Training program and being promoted to Branch Relationship Manager in 2012.  She advanced to Assistant Vice President and then Vice President in the following years.  In 2016 Michelle was promoted to SVP/Regional Market Manager.  She holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from Husson University.    In her community Michelle currently services on the board of the Southern Midcoast Maine Chamber and volunteers with the Central & Midcoast Maine Chapter of the American Red Cross as well as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bath/Brunswick.

Please contact Michelle Curtis at 207-669-6852 to learn more about Treasury Management Services at Bar Harbor Bank & Trust.

Bar Harbor Bankshares (NYSE MKT: BHB) is the parent of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust with more than $3 billion in assets. Founded in 1887, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust is a true community bank serving the financial needs of its customers for 130 years. Bar Harbor Bank & Trust provides a full range of financial services through its 49 branch locations in all three Northern New England states of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Bar Harbor Bank & Trust was named one of the 2017 Top 200 Publicly Traded Community Banks in the nation by American Banker magazine. For more information call 1-888-853-7100 or go to www.bhbt.com.  Member FDIC.

Welcome to new Chamber Member, Sea Princess Cruises!

Please join me in welcoming our newest Chamber Member, Sea Princess Cruises! Open late May through late October, you can enjoy a variety of cruises - morning, afternoon or sunset, on beautiful Somes Sound and around the local islands.

"Discover the treasure of Mount Desert Island’s southern shore on the Sea Princess’s unforgettable scenic nature cruises. Watch seals basking on East Bunker Ledge, see a bald eagle soar overhead, visit the quaint fishing village of Islesford on Little Cranberry Island, and take in the majestic splendor of Somes Sound fjord’s mountain peaks and rugged shores.

"Sea Princess is also available for your special function. Whether it is transportation to the Cranberry Islands, the Islesford Dock Restaurant, a private narrated scenic cruise, or a catered party up Somes Sound Fjord, Sea Princess can make your event memorable."

You can learn more about Sea Princess Cruises at their web site, https://barharborcruises.com/.

Healthy Acadia Begins Graceful Aging on MDI, A New Program of Movement Classes for Seniors

“The residents of Mount Desert Island, Maine include one of the oldest per capita populations in the United States,” says Susan Sassaman, coordinator for the new Healthy Acadia program Graceful Aging. “These members of our community deserve the opportunity of ‘aging in place’ in their own homes, and exercise provides a key component of this.”

In January, Sassaman will begin offering a variety of free weekly exercise classes for older adults: Tai Chi for Health, Power for Parkinson’s, meditation, and three forms of yoga: Chair Yoga, Yoga Dance, and Yoga for Cancer Recovery. “Low-impact, low-stress exercise classes enhance senior health and overall quality of life,” she says, “and have been proven to improve strength and balance, increase mental clarity, lower blood pressure, decrease depression and anxiety, and help those in recovery from cancer, stroke, and surgery. Another very important outcome of these classes is decreasing loneliness, because they provide a consistent social forum for many seniors who all too often have become isolated.”

Specific times and days of the week will be announced for the classes, to be held at Malvern-Belmont and the YWCA in Bar Harbor and the Harbor House in Southwest Harbor. All classes are free, supported by grants from The Stroud Fund and The Parkinson’s Wellness Fund. Donations will be accepted.

January 2018 Schedule of Class Offerings:

Chair Yoga.
Wednesdays, 9am-10am; Malvern-Belmont, Bar Harbor
Fridays, 1pm-2pm, Harbor House, Southwest Harbor
Get all the benefits of Yoga supported in a chair. Strength, flexibility and alignment coupled with deep breathing and release.

Meditation
Wednesdays, 10–10:30am; Malvern-Belmont, Bar Harbor
Fridays, 2–2:30pm, Harbor House, Southwest Harbor
Practice Mindful Meditation sitting in a chair. Focusing on the breath brings health benefits, wellbeing and peace of mind.                                        

Fitness for Parkinson’s                                         
Tuesdays, Thursdays, 10:30–11:30am; Malvern-Belmont, Bar Harbor 
 An exercise routine to improve strength, endurance, and sense of wellbeing. Specifically for Parkinson’s Disease, but open to anyone looking for a well rounded moderate workout. 

Tai Chi for Health 
Tuesdays, 1–2pm; Malvern-Belmont, Bar Harbor
Fridays, 11am–12pm; Harbor House, Southwest Harbor
This evidence-based class improves strength and balance through slow and gentle movement, integrates mind and body, increases flexibility, and coordination.

Yoga for Cancer
Wednesdays, 4:00pm–5:30pm; YWCA, Bar Harbor
Yoga for Cancer (Y4C) is a specialized yoga methodology tailored to address the specific physical and emotional needs left by the cancer and its treatments. Y4C stimulates the immune system, improves flexibility and strength, reduces anxiety and boosts overall wellbeing. 

Yoga Dance
Thursdays, 1pm-2pm; Malvern-Belmont, Bar Harbor
A joy-filled class combining yoga, the breath, and user-friendly dance with fabulous music from all around the world. Moving in and out of chairs Let Your Yoga Dance® is for every single body and wonderful for all ages.

Healthy Acadia is a community health coalition dedicated to building vibrant communities and making it easier for people to make healthy choices for themselves and their families across Hancock and Washington counties. For more information about the Graceful Aging program visit https://healthyacadia.org/initiatives/healthful_services.html#gracefulaging or contact Susan Sassaman at 288-8103 orcloudnine@gwi.net.

Bar Harbor Bankshares Employees Support Hurricane Relief Efforts

On October 2, 2017 the employees of Bar Harbor Bankshares in Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire dressed “Casual for a Cause” to support hurricane relief efforts.  Employees were invited to dress casual that day by making a contribution of $5.00.  The Bank matched the funds donated by employees.  A total gift of $5,578 is being sent to the American Red Cross to support those impacted by the recent hurricanes. 

“While we are a true community bank and appreciate the people and places we call home, we also recognize the current needs of our neighbors and friends in communities across the globe affected by the recent hurricanes.  Families and businesses in the southern parts of the US and Caribbean are in great need of resources and tools to rebuild,” said Curtis Simard, President and CEO of Bar Harbor Bankshares.  “I am pleased to have provided this opportunity for our employees to express their care and concern.  Together we are able to make difference for those facing difficulty.”

Bar Harbor Bankshares (NYSE MKT: BHB) is the parent of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust with more than $3 billion in assets. Founded in 1887, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust is a true community bank serving the financial needs of its customers for 130 years. Bar Harbor Bank & Trust provides a full range of financial services through its 49 branch locations in all three Northern New England states of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Bar Harbor Bank & Trust was named one of the 2017 Top 200 Publicly Traded Community Banks in the nation by American Banker magazine. For more information call 1-888-853-7100 or go to www.bhbt.com.  Member FDIC.

###

(left to right) Jack Frost and Sarah Catanese of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust present a ‘Casual for a Cause’ donation check to Gordon Stitham, American Red Cross of Northern and Eastern Maine Board Chair.  These funds for hurricane relief were donated by employees and matched by the Bank.

Healthy Acadia Welcomes New Board Members

Healthy Acadia, a community health coalition serving Hancock and Washington counties, is thrilled to welcome Patrick Lyons and Bob Fitzsimmons as new members to the organization’s Board of Directors. “We’re so honored to have Bob and Patrick join our team,” stated Elsie Flemings, Healthy Acadia’s Executive Director. “They are dynamic community leaders, and each brings his own unique experience, insight, passion and expertise, which will help to guide our work and enhance our effectiveness in building healthier communities.”

A Washington County native, Bob Fitzsimmons has worked in law enforcement for many years; serving as a warden, a police officer for the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Pleasant Point, and a sergeant with the Calais Police Department.  In 2013, Bob returned to his hometown of Baileyville to serve as the Chief of Baileyville Police Department.

Bob consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty to serve as a positive role model and make a real and lasting connection with the children and families in his community. He makes frequent visits to area schools, including Woodland Elementary, Woodland Junior/Senior High School, and Princeton and Alexander Elementary Schools, and is involved with nearly every school function.  He is a regular classroom visitor, frequently stopping in to talk and connect with older students or to sit and read with the younger ones.

Bob was instrumental in the planning of community forums that have taken place across the county in response to the opioid epidemic.  He is committed to efforts to prevent substance misuse in his community and beyond, and to helping those affected by addiction to find their path to recovery.

As an Associate with Eaton Peabody Attorneys at Law, Patrick Lyons focuses on environmental and land use law and permitting, in addition to municipal law and civil litigation. Prior to joining the firm, Patrick served as a Term Law Clerk for the Honorable John A. Woodcock, Jr., U.S. District Court, District of Maine. He graduated magna cum laude from the University of Maine School of Law, where he was the President of the Environmental Law Society, an Articles Editor for the Ocean and Coastal Law Journal, and was awarded the Faculty Significant Achievement Award and the Outstanding Scholastic Achievement Award in Environmental Law.

Patrick is no stranger to the Downeast region, is very enthusiastic about serving on the Board. “My grandfather is from Washington County, so moving Downeast felt like coming home and I wanted to find a way to become a part of this community. That is why I was immediately drawn to Healthy Acadia’s vision and mission of helping build diverse, vibrant communities in Hancock and Washington County. We all need to help those that need help and provide support and opportunity for everyone in our community. That is what Healthy Acadia works towards every day, and that is why I am honored to serve on the Board with an amazing group of people working for an amazing organization.”

Patrick resides in Ellsworth with wife, Kourtney Collum, a professor at the College of the Atlantic and the Partridge Chair in Food and Sustainable Agriculture Systems. They enjoy spending time in the Maine outdoors with their dog, Ophelia.

Healthy Acadia is 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to building healthier communities across Hancock and Washington counties by connecting individuals with health supports, building partnerships, coordinating education and prevention services, and improving policies and environments. Learn more at www.healthyacadia.org.

Islesford Dock Restaurant Fundraiser To Challenge Cancer A Success

Healthy Acadia thanks the Islesford Dock Restaurant for partnering on a September fundraising event as part of Healthy Acadia's Hungry for Health 2017 campaign challenging cancer Downeast. The event featured delicious food and great local music, with bands FrogPipe and A-Frame playing to a full room. Between generous gifts from the Islesford Dock Restaurant and community members the evening brought in  $1,317.00 to support cancer prevention and treatment access across Hancock and Washington counties.

"Healthy Acadia offers a wide variety of cancer and other chronic disease prevention services," said Shoshona Smith, Healthy Acadia Development Coordinator. "In partnership with the Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center, we also offer services to cancer patients and caregivers to help navigate the healthcare and social service systems and access appropriate diagnostic, treatment, recovery, support, and financial services. We greatly appreciate Islesford Dock Restaurant and the community's support for these critical health needs.”

This collaboration with Islesford Dock Restaurant was part of Healthy Acadia’s Hungry for Health 2017 campaign to Challenge Cancer Downeast. This is the second year of the annual “Hungry for Health” campaign, which addresses a critical community health need each year. The funds raised will support Healthy Acadia and the Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center’s cancer prevention, education, and treatment services.

To learn more about Islesford Dock Restaurant, which is open throughout October, please visit their website at http://islesforddock.com/.

To learn about additional Hungry for Health 2017 events, visit www.healthyacadia.org and go to “What’s new!” or to get involved, please contact Shoshona at shoshona@healthyacadia.org or by calling 667-7171.

Bar Harbor Bankshares Hires Joseph G. Schmitt, Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer

Joseph G. Schmitt has joined Bar Harbor Bankshares as Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer.  His office is located at the corporate headquarters in Bar Harbor, Maine.  Mr. Schmitt will lead the marketing strategy for the Bank, deploying it across the entire Northern New England market area of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.

“Joe is an innovative executive who brings a terrific perspective to his work,” said Curtis Simard, President and CEO of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. “His talent for aligning products, process, people and technology will enrich the customer experience.”

Mr. Schmitt has 20 years’ experience in bank marketing, having worked with companies all sizes from local community banks to multinationals.  Most recently Joe was Director of Product Marketing for Consumer and Business Banking at Santander Bank, N.A. where he worked for 10 years in various marketing roles (formerly Sovereign Bank).  Earlier in his career he worked for Brookline Bank, Rockland Trust, and Eastern Bank.  Mr. Schmitt earned his bachelor’s degree from Skidmore College and an MBA in Marketing from Suffolk University in Boston.

In the community Joe has volunteered with the Greater Boston Food Bank and Junior Achievement.  He also served on the board of Brookline Arts Community Center.  A competitive mountain biker, Joe and his wife, Debra will be relocating to Bar Harbor from the Boston area.  

Bar Harbor Bankshares (NYSE MKT: BHB) is the parent of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust with more than $3 billion in assets. Founded in 1887, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust is a true community bank serving the financial needs of its customers for 130 years. Bar Harbor Bank & Trust provides a full range of financial services through its 49 branch locations in all three Northern New England states of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Bar Harbor Bank & Trust was named one of the 2017 Top 200 Publicly Traded Community Banks in the nation by American Banker magazine. For more information call 1-888-853-7100 or go towww.bhbt.com.  Member FDIC.

Healthy Acadia's “You’ve Got a Friend Fund” Seeks Applicants and Donors

Applications are now being accepted for “You’ve Got a Friend Fund” (YGAFF), a mini-grant program housed at Healthy Acadia. The newly launched fund will provide mini-grants of up to $1,000 to individuals across Hancock County in need of assistance to overcome specific hurdles or setbacks and accomplish goals in order to reach greater self-sufficiency and quality of life.

Qualifying examples may include:

• Successful completion of the majority of college degree requirements, in need of tuition funds to graduate;
• Need for a single rent, mortgage or loan payment to retain housing or transportation at risk due to temporary employment discontinuity;
• Need for car repairs in order to maintain reliable transportation to and from work;
• Local micro-farmers and gardeners wishing to share an overabundance of seasonal produce needing support to transport and distribute the food to individuals and families in need.

To be considered for a YGAFF grant award, applicants must provide the following:

1)    A clear objective that has been embarked upon, partially achieved and/or a specific misfortune or setback that threatens to disrupt normal quality of life;

2)    A demonstrated need for $1,000 or less to enable completion of this objective or to overcome the setback; and

3)    A willingness to remain in contact with YGAFF to provide feedback regarding the efficacy of the grant.

YGAFF is coordinated by a Steering Committee under the non-profit home of Healthy Acadia, a community health coalition dedicated to building vibrant communities throughout Hancock and Washington counties: www.healthyacadia.org. Download a grant application at: https://healthyacadia.org/documents/Draft_YGAF_grant_application.pdf.

The You’ve Got a Friend Fund was conceived and has been initially funded by Elin and David Poneman of Goldsboro. “We hope that these small grants can make a lasting difference, enabling individuals to overcome a barrier or address a critical need for themselves and their families.  We are pleased and honored to partner with Healthy Acadia in this effort.” said the Ponemans.

“For the many individuals in our region who are working to achieve greater self-sufficiency and independence, a YGAFF grant can be the boost needed for those inspirations to take flight,” said Elsie Flemings, Executive Director of Healthy Acadia. “This is a critical initiative, and we at Healthy Acadia are honored to be a part of it.”

To learn more about the You’ve Got a Friend Fund, contact Nina Zeldin at Healthy Acadia at 667-7171 or nina@healthyacadia.org.  Donations to the Fund are welcome. Please make checks out to Healthy Acadia, YGAFF and mail or deliver to Healthy Acadia, 140 State Street, Suite 1, Ellsworth, ME 04605.

Welcome to new Chamber Member Charlotte Rhoades Park!

Please join us in welcoming Charlotte Rhoades Park to our Chamber community.

"Charlotte Rhoades, a resident of Southwest Harbor, owned this property in the1950’s. In 1978 the property was given to the town in her memory with the request that it be used as a quiet park for children and their parents.

"The Butterfly Garden at the Charlotte Rhoades Park was established in 1998 to promote conservation education and gardening instruction in the community. Volunteers work throughout the season with school children and adults to learn more about butterfly habitat and observation. Suggestive of butterfly wings, the garden beds were designed by Bar Harbor landscape architect Bruce John Riddell and includes perennials, annuals, and shrubs that are butterfly host plants."

Please take time to visit our treasured pocket garden while you are in the area. You can learn more about the Garden, and it's programs and activities, at their website: http://www.rhoadesbutterflygarden.org/index.html

Senator King Recognizes Bar Harbor Bank & Trust for 130th Anniversary

 In a small ceremony held in Bar Harbor on the afternoon of August 30, United States Senator Angus King presented Bar Harbor Bank & Trust with a Congressional Record commemorating the 130^th anniversary of the Bank.  Curtis Simard, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust President and CEO, was there to accept the recognition along with other Officers of the company.

Here are some quotes from the document transcript:

“Bar Harbor Bank & Trust has not only achieved a strong reputation for providing quality service, but it has also cultivated employees who are dedicated to bettering their communities.” 

“Since its founding in 1887, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust has fostered the personal and professional growth of its employees while serving its customers with the highest level of care and concern.”

“I look forward to following Bar Harbor Bank & Trust’s continued growth and service, and I applaud the bank for its dedication to its employees, customers, and local communities.”

Earlier this year Bar Harbor Bank & Trust completed their acquisition of Lake Sunapee Bank, doubling the size of the company.  This leading Northern New England community bank is headquartered in Bar Harbor, on Mount Desert Island, in Hancock County, Maine.  Since the merger the Bank continues to post strong growth and earnings.  Now in its 130^th year, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust is an employer of choice for local residents and has also attracted talent from out of state.  With an already great reputation, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust’s recent acquisition shows their commitment to remaining independent, competitive and profitable, while maintaining their community bank feel and culture. 

Bar Harbor Bankshares (NYSE MKT: BHB) is the parent of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust with more than $3 billion in assets. Founded in 1887, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust is a true community bank serving the financial needs of its customers for 130 years. Bar Harbor Bank & Trust provides a full range of financial services through its 49 branch locations in all three Northern New England states of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Bar Harbor Bank & Trust was named one of the 2017 Top 200 Publicly Traded Community Banks in the nation by American Banker magazine. For more information call 1-888-853-7100 or go to www.bhbt.com.  Member FDIC.

Senator Angus King (second from right) presented Bar Harbor Bank & Trust with a Congressional Record commemorating the 130^thanniversary of the Bank.  Bank Officers left to right include Lisa Parsons, SVP, Regional Market Manager; Curtis Simard, President & CEO; and Josephine Iannelli, EVP/CFO & Treasurer (far right).

Summer Extravaganza Promises Fun Family Activities

Join Healthy Acadia on Saturday, August 5, from 1:30pm to 3:30pm, for a Summer Extravaganza in Knowlton Park, Ellsworth. This free, family-friendly event will offer fun for all ages with activities such as yoga, kickboxing, and Tai Chi, food demos and taste tests, seed planting, sweet treats, art activities, and more. All are welcome and invited to attend – make it a full-day outing by attending Ellsworth Rotary's Annual Blueberry Pancake Breakfast in the morning and checking out local artisans with the Island Arts Association who will be selling their creations throughout the day. 

"For Healthy Acadia, the Summer Extravaganza represents a great way to celebrate our communities with fun, healthy activities that bring people together. As a community health non-profit organization, we love connecting with the community through a wide array of programming and across both Hancock and Washington counties. We look forward to seeing new and familiar faces at the Summer Extravaganza and celebrating some lucky raffle winners!"

Healthy Acadia’s Summer Raffle drawing will be held at 3:00pm as part of the Summer Extravaganza, with tickets available up until that time. Raffle winners are in for some incredible experiences, as all raffle items are things to do in Hancock County. Items include: a fishing expedition, spa day, yurt stay, afternoon on Long Pond with a picnic and boating opportunities, tickets to the water park, cooking class, whale watching tickets, bed and breakfast stay, glass blowing class, and round-trip airfare between Bar Harbor and Boston.

Thanks to business donors Honeycomb Botanical Hair Haven, Acadia Yurts, Wild Acadia Fun Park, Chow Maine, Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co., The Inn at Southwest, Atlantic Art Glass, and Cape Air for making this raffle possible. Tickets are t $5 each or 5 for $20. Visit www.healthyacadia.org for additional prize details or to purchase tickets online through FarmDrop.

Healthy Acadia’s Summer Extravaganza is generously sponsored by Wallace Events, Mortons Moo Ice Cream, Cleary Law Office, Pemetic Purveyors with RE/MAX Hills and Harbor Realty, and Wyman’s of Maine. While this event is free to attend, donations in any amount will be gladly accepted to support community health programs and services.

Healthy Acadia is a purely grant- and donations funded community health organization working to empower people and organizations to build healthy communities. Their initiatives include preventing substance misuse, increasing access to healthy foods and physical activity, preventing and managing chronic disease, supporting businesses to create healthier workplaces, tackling hunger, improving school health, creating healthier environments, supporting healthy aging, and more. To learn more about Healthy Acadia, visit www.HealthyAcadia.org, call 667-7171, or visit us on Facebook.

Welcome to new Chamber member ArtWaves!

Welcome to new Chamber member ArtWaves!

"At ArtWaves, we connect the community with art. A simple concept with boundless opportunity. Art for everyone and in multiple forms. Children, high schoolers, summer visitors, seasonal workers, year-round professionals. Working and emerging artists. Drawing, painting, sculpting, printing, dancing.

"Stop by. Take a class. Attend a workshop. Become a member. We need your support to sustain a rich, vibrant and enlivened arts culture on Mt. Desert Island.

"We offer a wide array of classes and workshops for the beginner, intermediate, advanced and curious artists in our community.

• Drop-in for Figure Drawing
• Spend an evening Sipping and Printing (21+)
• Try your hand at Sculpting or painting – Plein Air, oil, watercolor, charcoal
• Take a class or attend a workshop in monoprinting, fiber arts, stained glass
• Bring your little ones to Art for Those Under Three
• Send your older kids to get an art studio experience with artists working in a variety of media
• Come for a swing or salsa lesson
• Art is for everyone and that includes you!

"Check us out at ArtWavesmdi.org.

"Our campus is located in Town Hill. We have four studios including a dance studio and beautiful grounds. Parking lot is available between the dentist office and ArtWaves."

Letter to the Community from Elsie Flemings, Executive Director, Healthy Acadia

Dear Community Members,

As many of you may be aware, the biennial state budget that was passed last week included a cut of $5 million per year to the Fund for a Healthy Maine's allocation for prevention services aimed at improving public health.

We will know more in the coming weeks about how exactly this cut will impact the various components of the Fund, including local tobacco prevention efforts, obesity prevention programs, and vital youth engagement work (all of which are coordinated by Healthy Acadia for Hancock and Washington counties). We will work closely with our partners across the state to do our best to mitigate these cuts and preserve critically needed local public health and prevention efforts. 

While the cuts will certainly impact Healthy Acadia, we will continue to serve the residents of Washington and Hancock counties with dedication and determination, and we will work harder than ever to secure additional resources to meet the health needs of all community members across our region.

We greatly appreciate our many incredible partnerships with individuals and organizations throughout Washington and Hancock counties, and we look forward to continuing to work with you in the months and years ahead to support the health and wellbeing of our communities.

Elsie Flemings

Executive Director

Healthy Acadia

Bar Harbor Bank & Trust Presents Golf Tourney Proceeds to Beneficiary

 Left, Dan Johnson, Executive Director of the Acadia Family Center, accepts a check for $10,007 from Cathy Planchart of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, representing the proceeds from the Bank's 24th Annual David R. Harding Memorial Charity Golf Tournament played at Kebo Valley Golf Club on June 6.  This year's tournament benefited the Acadia Family Center.  "This donation will underwrite a year's worth of treatment for two people, possibly changing their lives forever, for the better," said Dan.

The Acadia Family Center provides prevention, education, and outpatient treatment services for people affected by substance use disorders and related mental health disorders on Mount Desert Island and surrounding communities.  They offer a continuum of treatment services which include but are not limited to opioid dependency, PTSD, trauma, chronic pain as well as counseling for those affected by another's addiction. Acadia Family Center also provides prevention education in local schools. They serve adults, adolescents, and families impacted by substance use disorders (alcohol and opioid addiction) and mental health disorders in a supportive and caring environment with a harm reduction treatment philosophy.  For more information, go to www.acadiafamilycenter.org.

Bar Harbor Bankshares (NYSE MKT: BHB) is the parent of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust with more than $3 billion in assets. Founded in 1887, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust is a true community bank serving the financial needs of its customers for 130 years. Bar Harbor Bank & Trust provides a full range of financial services through its 49 branch locations in all three Northern New England states of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Bar Harbor Bank & Trust was named one of the 2017 Top 200 Publicly Traded Community Banks in the nation by American Banker magazine. For more information call 1-888-853-7100 or go to www.bhbt.com.  Member FDIC.

Seal Cove Auto Museum's Murder Mystery Dinner

Healthy Acadia's Downeast Teen Leadership Camp Set for Week of July 24-28

Healthy Acadia is now accepting applications for Downeast Teen Leadership Camp to be held July 24-28, 2017 at the University of Maine at Machias. Now in its 17^th year, Downeast Teen Leadership Camp (DETLC) is five-day, overnight summer camp experience for youth entering grades 7, 8 or 9 that challenges and empowers teens by providing them with the tools and support needed to develop strong leadership skills, emotional resilience, and make positive decisions about their lives.  The skills teens gain through DETLC help them to make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.

DETLC is founded on the belief that adolescents can make positive decisions regarding their lives if they have accurate information, positive self-esteem, and a clear understanding of their individual passions, motivations and goals.  The program emphasizes development of strong coping skills - decision-making, goal setting, self-confidence, assertiveness, etc. - that will help prevent teen involvement with alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.  Program staff, which include Healthy Acadia substance use prevention specialists and youth volunteers who are also graduates of DETLC, serve as positive role models and provide a strong support network of peers and adult allies.  DETLC creates a safe and fun environment for teens to be themselves, connect with peers and supportive adults, and form long-lasting friendships.

Throughout the week, students will participate in mini-workshops, team-building activities, and interactive group sessions that increase awareness of substance use issues, promote self-esteem and encourage ownership through individual involvement in project selection, planning, and implementation.  Nationally recognized motivational speakers Ed Gerety (www.edgerety.com) and Harriet Turk (www.harrietturk.com) will further emphasize the power and consequence of personal choice.  The week will also include a mix of recreational activities – swimming, crafts, games, and a dance, pizza party and bonfire – to help create a fun and memorable experience for campers.  DETLC motivates teens to use their knowledge and skills to be positive role models and to become involved with school/community activities to prevent alcohol, tobacco, and other illegal drug use by adolescents. 

For information about DETLC, contact Terri Woodruff at 255-3741 or email twoodruff@healthyacadia.org. Find DETLC applications and program information at www.healthyacadia.org.