The Southwest Harbor Public Library Presents: CALL TO EXHIBITORS Women’s History Month March 2024

 

The Southwest Harbor Public Library invites women of all ages of the Mount Desert Island community to exhibit in March 2024. We welcome pieces inspired by the National Women’s History Alliance 2024 theme “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.” It takes courage for women to advocate for practical goals like equity, diversity and inclusion when established forces aim to misinterpret, exploit or discredit them. The exhibit showcases women who are or were committed to embracing everyone and excluding no one in our common quest for freedom and opportunity.

We encourage participants to use any media to create a work for the exhibit that exemplifies the theme. One does not need to be an “artist” to participate. Exhibit pieces we welcome are, but not limited to, collage, jewelry, literature, musical compositions, needle work, painting, photography, poetry, quilting, rug hooking, sculpture, sewing and weaving. We also encourage group projects such as quilts, shared stitchery pieces, or any collaborative process.

Registration pens online on Tuesday, January 9th at www.swhplibrary.org/womens-history-month. Look for the Women’s History Month (WHM) under the About Tab. Online registration is preferred, but if you need help, stop by to register in person. Please call ahead to set up an appointment. 207-244-7065.

Deadline Saturday, February 24 – Registration and Hi-Res image.

Please review the registration requirements for submitting your work and the highest-resolution digital image.

Deliver your item, fully ready for display, between Friday, February 23rd, and 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 27th. Instructions on how to prepare your item for exhibit will be sent to you after you register. If your item is not ready to exhibit when dropped off it will not be displayed.

Reception on Saturday, March 2 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Exhibit closes Friday, March 29. All works must be collected by 12:00 p.m. Saturday, March 30th.

Questions? Contact the Southwest Harbor Public Library by phone (207) 244-7065,

or email womenshistory@swhplibrary.org. or visit https://swhplibrary.org/womens-history-month/.

https://nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org/

Other Mount Desert Island libraries will also celebrate Women’s History Month 2024..

Welcome to new Chamber Member, Harbor Table!

 Please join us in welcoming Harbor Table to the Chamber!

Harbor Table is serving up tasty treats semi-year round at 336 Main Street in Southwest Harbor. Host David Allen invites you to stop o by! You an call to check their hours at 244-8247 and be sure to check their web site at https://harbortable.net/!

Island Connections Sugar Showdown 2024

 

Calling all bakers! Island Connections invites you to join us for our ‘1st Annual Sugar Showdown: A Sweet Celebration of Community and Confections’ from 5-7pm Saturday, February 10th, at the Atlantic Oceanside in Bar Harbor.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a passionate home baker, Island Connections is on the lookout for bakers of all levels to showcase their talents in three exciting categories: Whoopie Pie, Sweet Surprise, and Showstopper. Compete for a chance to win the hearts of our attendees and the coveted 'Community Favorite Award.' In addition to public voting, our expert judges will award 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes. General admission will be $10 per person or $30 per family, granting access to a variety of dessert samples from all three categories. Vote for your favorites, bid on a Showstopper piece in the accompanying auction, and raise a toast at our cash bar. Don't miss out on this sweet celebration – sign up now to compete and let your baking skills shine! We hope to have a diverse group of bakers and amateurs are most welcome!

All proceeds for this event will go directly toward Island Connections’ mission of providing free transportation and services to seniors and people with disabilities, enhancing their independence and quality of life. “There is so much love involved in what we do, so a sweet Valentine’s Day themed event feels just right,” said Executive Director Carissa Tinker.

To participate as a baker in this sweet showdown, please register on the Island Connections website: https://islconnections.org/

For inquiries and additional information, please contact Events & Volunteer Coordinator, Sydnie White, at sydnie@islconnections.org or call 207-288-4457.

Camp CaPella Charity Online Auction is Almost Here!

December 1st through December 10th, 2023, hosted by Bidding for Good!

The Camp CaPella Online Auction is quickly becoming a Holiday favorite fundraiser for us. Camp CaPella is a non-profit summer camp serving individuals with disabilities. Over the years Camp CaPella has become the place our campers come to be themselves, see old friends and make new ones. Although many campers attend camp through scholarship funds raised by events like this one they are ALL excited and ready to spend some much-needed time at “their place”. And everyone deserves an opportunity to experience summer camp in Maine!

This is our fourth annual Holiday Online Auction. It takes two months to organize this auction and each year we strive to create the most diverse auction possible. We have something for everyone; moto cross helmets, ukuleles, jewelry, tools, and gift certificates for everything under the sun!

All our local businesses, donors, and communities have come together to provide items and gift certificates to auction off to the highest bidder! We have items and baskets from Bar Harbor to Greenville, Bangor to Belfast and everywhere in between.

It is a great way to get ready for the Holidays and provide tuition for a Camper! Help us make 2024 the best year ever! Last year we brought in 7500.00, this year we want to bring in 10,000.00! So bid high and help us raise the bar on this event!

Visit www.campcapella.org to get the link to the auction.

Camp CaPella Facebook will also have the link provided.

Host Site: Bidding for Good: https://www.biddingforgood.com/CampCapella

Event Contacts:

Melanie Dresser                                Rebecca Winkler-Barrera

207-974-6722                                              207-843-5104

melanie@campcapella.org                           rebecca@campcapella.org

 

L.S. Robinson Insurance Company Announces a Name Change!

 We have some exciting news to share: We are changing  our name from L.S. Robinson Co. to Allen Insurance and Financial.

 

L.S. Robinson has been a part of Allen since 2010—so this name change is a long time in the making. All of us are proud of the century’s worth of L.S. Robinson Co. history in Southwest Harbor. As Allen Insurance and Financial, we look forward to doing business with the same heart-felt dedication to our customers and our community.

 

What remains the same is our dedication to our customers. Your team—the experienced, capable professionals dedicated to serving your insurance needs—is unchanged.

 

We are a  100% employee-owned company, which means when you call us you are speaking with an owner every time – someone who is 100%  dedicated to doing their  very best to help you navigate the complex world of insurance and financial services.

Welcome to new Chamber member, Frankie's BBQ!

 

Please join us in welcoming Frankie's BBQ to the Chamber! Located at Golf of Maine Mini Golf, 55 Main Street, Southwest Harbor. Frank Pendola is busy creating his famous artisan BBQ - just for you!

He says, "Chose from a wide variety of smoked BBQ plates and sandwiches with pulled pork, baby-back ribs, beef brisket, delicious side dishes and much more. Open from 11am to 6pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Closed Thursday.

Creating exceptional barbecue is an art and a science and you won’t find a more delicious result than Everything is prepared with the philosophy that one little thing by itself doesn’t mean anything, but when you put all those little things together, then people are going to ask you about your cooking."

Stop on by and try his amazing creations! You can learn more and see his sample menu at: http://www.nostrano.com/frankies-barbque

Welcome to new Chamber member Rodick's Take Out!

 Please join us in welcoming new Chamber member Rodick's Take Out!

Located at 55 Main Street in Southwest Harbor, Terri and crew are serving up delectable treats at Golf of Maine Mini Golf course. Their specialty?

Authentic Maine takeout + Seafood caught by the owners & fresh off the boat!

And they are garnering rave reviews as well - be sure to check them out!

Camp CaPella Recognition for Sandollor Spa, Hampden Electric and Bangor Savings

 

Camp CaPella and Bangor Savings Bank would like to invite you to meet our

campers on Friday July 7th, 2023, at noon. Camp CaPella will be holding their

weekly Award Ceremony and Family BBQ with a special visit from Darling’s Ice

Cream Truck. During this time Bangor Savings Bank will be awarding Camp

CaPella with a Grant for $7500.00. We will also be honoring Sandollar Spa and

Pool and Hampden Electric for our permanent Hot Tub installation. We would

love to see you there and give you the opportunity to meet some of our campers

and see what Camp is all about!

Welcome to new Chamber Member Seal Cove Cabins!

 Please join us in welcoming Seal Cove Cabins, our newest Chamber Member!

"Seal Cove Cabins are located on the “quiet side” of Mount Desert Island, near Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor.

"Nestled just off the main road near Hodgdon Pond, you will have access to the Pond to enjoy a peaceful day in a canoe or kayak, provided for our guests. Walk to Pretty Marsh Picnic Area to watch the sunsets. Bike or hike through Acadia National Park. Stop for a swim along the way!

"Enjoy shopping and dining at the nearby towns of Bass Harbor and Southwest Harbor. Bar Harbor is just 14 miles away.

"Dine out at one of the many fine restaurants on Mount Desert or stay in the cabin and steam your own lobster. We provide the lobster pot and utensils! There are also picnic areas close by!"

Learn more at: https://www.sealcovecabins.com/ or stop by and say "hi"!

Welcome to new Chamber Member, Salt Shop!

Please join us in welcoming our newest Chamber member, Salt Shop!

Salt Shop is a local, family owned & operated, take-out eatery in the heart of downtown Southwest Harbor.  Our mission is to provide sweet and savory bites with pride, originality & honesty.  Whether you're looking to fill your bellies after you conquer that hike or satisfy that sweet tooth after dinner, we have something for everyone in your group!

So come on in, we can't wait to meet you!

Check out their menu at: https://www.saltshopswh.com/menu and stop in for a tasty treat!

Welcome to new Chamber member St. Brendan's Anglican Mission!

 Welcome to the Chamber!

Please join us in welcoming our newest Chamber member, St. Brendan's Anglican Mission! Located at 176 Harbor Drive in Bass Harbor, Rev. Clay Gilley wants to invite everyone to come and find a welcome here.

"St. Brendan’s Anglican Mission, Anglican Church of North America, is blessed with the mission of serving visitors to our special place, whether just for a few days or as summer residents. "

Learn more at: https://acadia-anglicans.com/

Welcome to new Chamber Member Clark Point Restorations LLC!

 Edward Heins of Clark Point Restorations has a really fun job - restoring and repairing awesome objects! Check out his facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064084993327 to see some of the neat things he was been working on. If you have an cherished antique that needs a little help, he might be the person to call!

Southwest Harbor Public Library Presents: Digital Literacy Classes May & June 2023

 

The Southwest Harbor Public Library and the National Digital Equity Center (NDEC) are partnering to provide onsite Digital Literacy Classes in May and June in an effort to create innovative strategies to close the digital divide across Maine.

Applying for the Affordable Connectivity Program

Wed May 17 from 12:30-1:30 In-person. The Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC program that was put in place to help low-income families pay for the cost of connecting to broadband internet access. In this class we will look at qualifying for and applying for the benefit, and what you can expect from Internet Service Providers. Requirements for this class: no devices; just bring yourself. This class is free but space is limited.

Introduction to Google Drive and Docs (a three session class)

Starts Monday, June 5, 3:00-4:00 p.m. In-person, then remaining sessions Tue. 6/6 and Wed. 6/7, same time.

Two of the great benefits to your Google account are Google Drive and Google Docs. Google Drive is free cloud storage and Google Docs is Google's free alternative to MS Word. In this class you will learn how to store and manage your files online as well as use the Google Docs platform where you can create stunning documents. Requirements for this class: a device connected to the internet and an active Gmail account. This class is free but space is limited. Note: To sign up for the class, you must attend all three sessions.

Beyond Gmail - Getting the most of out a Google Account (a two session class)

Starts Monday, June 12, 10:00-11:00 a.m. In-person, then remaining session on Tues. 6/13, same time. Did you know that your Gmail account lets you use all kinds of additional services like free cloud storage, word processing, spreadsheets, calendars, video conferencing and more? In this introductory course we’ll explore other useful Google apps to help you get the most out of your Google account. Requirements for this class: No devices are required; just bring yourself. This class is free but space is limited. Note: To sign up for the class, you must attend all three sessions.

These classes are being offered in the Clark Room where participants will view the NDEC instructor on Zoom with a local facilitator available in-person to assist the instructor and students. For more information, questions or assistance registering, call (207) 244-7065 or email programs@swhplibrary.org.

For the Calendar

Info Session Wed May 17, 12:30-1:30 p.m. In-person. Applying for the Affordable Connectivity Program. Southwest Harbor Public Library. Register https://swhplibrary.libcal.com/event/10646410. www.swhplibrary.org, (207) 244-7065.

Digital Literacy Class Starts Mon June 5, 3-4 p.m. Intro to Google Drive & Docs. Southwest Harbor Public Library. 3-session class with remaining classes Tue. 6/6 and Wed. 6/7, same time. Register https://swhplibrary.libcal.com/event/10644268. www.swhplibrary.org. (207) 244-7065.

Digital Literacy Class Starts Mon June 12, 10-11 a.m. Beyond Gmail - Getting the most out of a Google Account. 2-session class with remaining class Tue. 6/13, same time. https://swhplibrary.libcal.com/event/10646237. www.swhplibrary.org, (207) 244-7065.

John Dittmar of Acadia Fishing Tours

John Dittmar died peacefully on Feb. 25, 2023, at the age of 72 from a large brain tumor. John was born on Oct. 15, 1950, in New York. He later moved to Delaware and lived there throughout his teen years. In high school, John worked on Getty tankers during the summers. He ran cross-country, and he was a champion swimmer on the swim team.

When he was in high school, the Vietnam War started, and his older friends came back in coffins. The draft was on, and he would most likely be drafted into the Army. Due to his seagoing background on tankers, he decided to enlist in the Navy, and he ended up working on the bridge as part of the quartermaster crew. In the Navy, he learned ship handling, navigation, diving and became a rescue swimmer. During his time in the Navy, the ship would resupply in Japan, and he met the love of his life, Masako.

After the Navy, John brought her back over to the States, married her, and moved to Enfield, Maine, in 1973. From there he started working on tugboats (as captain or chief mate) on the East Coast and Great Lakes. A year later, he had his first son, Bryan, and a second son, Charlie, followed six years later.

In the ’80s, shipping became tough, and he was laid off work. He started raking blueberries, picking apples and doing odd jobs to make money. John dreamed of being self-employed and was tired of the layoffs. So, he decided to buy a small fishing boat and moved to Southwest Harbor in 1987. This was a big risk. He knew nothing about commercial fishing. But he knew a lot about deep sea fishing, and started taking people out on his little charter boat. He started to use his boat year-round, deep sea fishing during the summer, lobster fishing during the spring and fall and scallop diving during the winter. He was good at diving, due to his swimming background and Navy experience, and was known to the locals as “Dittmar of the Deep.” He upgraded boats two more times and ran the Vagabond. There were many hardships over the 35-year period, but he was lucky to have two sons who would give him a hand.

John was passionate about fishing — trout fishing, deep sea fishing, dip net for smelts, bass fishing, fishing for sharks, strippers and bluefish, or ice fishing. He even enjoyed halibut fishing and would often do it more for the pleasure and excitement (vs. making a buck). He took his passion for fishing with rod and real, and he turned it into a thriving business. He also enjoyed swimming at Echo Lake, cross-country skiing, running, working out and biking. Even in his older years he would swim across Echo Lake.

John would help anyone in need and would often take cash out of his pocket and give it away. Sometimes he stuffed cash in mailboxes to widowed fishermen’s wives. He helped support people with cancer, and he thought of himself as a philanthropist, but on a smaller scale.

John is survived by his two sons, Bryan and Charlie, his brother Donald, two sisters, Lorraine and Diane, Bryan’s wife, Martina, and his grandson Jesse. I’m glad John was able to spend time with his grandson Jesse, who made him feel like a child again every time they played. Everyone will miss you very much. Thank you for being in our lives! We will miss you forever!

From the MDIslander, Mar 8, 2023 Updated Mar 10, 2023

 

Welcome to new Chamber member The Upper Deck!

Please join us in welcoming new Chamber member The Upper Deck!

The Upper Deck is a place defined by our main philosophy. Which is to keep things simple, tasty and create a home-like cozy atmosphere for our Restaurant’s visitors.

Visit our restaurant to experience our relaxing atmosphere, to find a peace of mind and to enjoy our diverse, delicious, gourmet menu. Our extensive choice of side and main dishes and appetizers, as well as NA and alcoholic beverages are made to make your taste buds happy!

And be sure to check out more at: https://upperdeckdining.com/

Welcome to new Chamber member, The Nor'easter Pound & Market!

 Please join us in welcoming The Nor'Easter Pound & Market to the Chamber!

"At The Nor’Easter our culture of enthusiasm and passion to provide the freshest and tastiest food will be shown by the energy and attention we give to our products and customers. This will not only be apparent in the quality of the final product but also in the pride we take in how we conduct ourselves.

"It is our priority to respect ourselves and our customers by following the golden rule, treating others the way we hope to be treated ourselves. The Nor’Easter will aim to be a cornerstone of the community and leave all those it touches with rejuvenated positivity."

Be sure to stop in for lunch, brunch or dinner - or just to say hello! You can learn more: https://northeastlobster.com/

Welcome to new Chamber Member, Clark Point Cafe and Catering!

 Please join us in welcoming Huyen Tran and Clark Point Cafe and Catering to the Chamber!

Huyen says that she plans to open the Cafe (in the location of former Sips Restaurant at 4 Clark Point Road) by Mother's Day! We are all looking forward to having her awesome culinary creations available. Keep an eye out for more news on here instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/clarkpointcatering/?hl=en and be sure to stop in and say hello in just a few weeks!

Welcome to new Chamber member Next Level Sports Lounge!

Please join us in welcoming Next Level Sports Lounge to the Chamber! 

 Looking for a place to watch your favorite team play? Look no further. Next Level Sports Lounge in Southwest Harbor, ME provides fabulous pub food and beverages in a welcoming environment. Our casual sports bar features amazing people and fantastic food. Our TVs are always on and you're bound to find someone to challenge to a game of pool. 

Out and about with your family and don't know where to eat? Look no further! Next Level Sports Lounge is a family-friendly restaurant offering the best food, fantastic wait staff, and a family-friendly environment. There's even outdoor seating if you'd prefer your dinner with a view. 

Are you a veteran or current military member? Let us know to get 10% off your meal. 

Come by our local restaurant at 386 Main Street in Southwest Harbor, ME today for the best food and coldest beer around. 

And check out their website at: https://nextlevelsportsme.com/

Welcome to new Chamber member Mount Desert Nursing Association!

Please join us in welcoming the Mount Desert Nursing Association to the Chamber!

We at MDNA are proud to serve our community by providing top quality in home healthcare services including skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other daily care needs. MDNA serves both seasonal and year-round residents of all ages, regardless of income status. Our caring staff always keeps the needs of the patients and patient’s families as a top priority. The Mount Desert Nursing Association also supports our island community by offering preventive and health education programs.

Learn more at: https://mountdesertnursing.org/

Welcome to new Chamber member House Wine!

Please join us in welcoming House wine as a new Chamber Member!

Established in 2009, House Wine is Bar Harbor’s premier retailer for quality wine, Maine craft beer and local fine cheese and charcuterie.

We’re located in the heart of downtown Bar Harbor, Maine and open all year.

Be sure to stop in and say hi as you find all your good eats - and drinks!

Learn more at: https://www.housewineshop.com/

Welcome to the Chamber!

Please join us in welcoming The Meristem, LLC to the Chamber!

Connect with Experts for the Best Maine Cannabis Recommendations. Wide Selection of Cannabis Products (THC & CBD). Established in 2021 as the leader in recreational cannabis on mdi Conveniently located in Southwest Harbor; within a 30 minute drive to Bar Harbor and surrounded by Acadia National Park. If you are looking for Bar Harbor marijuana find us located at 11 Seal Cove Road Southwest Harbor Maine.

Learn more at: https://themeristem.com/ or stop by and chat with the experts!

Welcome to new Members!

Please join us in welcoming The Cygnet Gallery and Swan Agency to the Southwest Harbor & Tremont Chamber of Commerce! Located at 322 Main Street in downtown Southwest Harbor, this 2-in-one business brings you a new real estate office as well as a wonderful art gallery!

Right now you can stop in and see art by J AARON MITCHELL, “JAMS”, a local artist whose work features unique portraits and tender expressions of love in bright, beautiful colors and wild lines reminiscent of ancient Mesopotamia.

Open Monday - Friday, from 10AM to 4PM. Be sure to say hello and welcome to Caitlin! And you can learn more at: https://www.thecygnetgallery.com/ Acadia Chamber 3d

Welcome to new Chamber Member Get Out Sailing!

Please join us in welcoming our newest Hamber Member, Get Out Sailing! Mike says, "Get Out Sailing was created by Mike and Michelle Brzezowski to bring the joy of sailing the coast of Acadia National Park and MDI to visitors and locals alike. It was formed in the winter of 2021 while dreaming of summer sailing adventures."

Mike, Michelle, and Corbin Brzezowski love their home on Mount Desert Island (MDI), Maine, the ocean, and sharing adventures with friends and new acquaintances. It was the perfect time to get outside, get connected with people again, and of course, to Get Out Sailing.

Mike Brzezowski is obsessed with sailing and Snow Squall. He first fell in love with this Shannon 38 sailboat in the summer of 2010 when he and the former owner sailed to Newfoundland together on her. She handled the open ocean with grace and comfort as they poked along small harbors, large ports, a French island, and remote outposts. It would be years until Snow Squall became his vessel, but she was always in his heart and he sailed on her at every opportunity.

You can learn more aout them, and book an excursion, at: https://getoutsailing.com/. An be sure to visit their Facebook Page at: https://www.facebook.com/GetOutSailing!

Southwest Harbor Public Library Presents: Narcan / Naloxone Public Training

Southwest Harbor: On Saturday, January 28 10:30-11:30 a.m. the Southwest Harbor - Tremont Ambulance Service will host a Narcan / Naloxone Public Training with John Lennon on behalf of the Bar Harbor/Mt. Desert Fire Departments at the Southwest Harbor Public Library. John will present a naloxone (narcan) training session for the public to learn about opiate overdoses and narcan administration. Presentation includes distribution of naloxone kits for the layperson. The program is in-person. No registration needed. Stop in! For program questions, call 207-244-9687. For venue info, visit www.swhplibrary.org, email circulation@swhplibrary.org, or call 207-244-7065.