Welcome our new Chamber Member, Common Good Soup Kitchen!

 

Please join is in welcoming our new Chamber Member, the Common Good Soup Kitchen!

NEED HELP PROVIDING FOR YOUR FAMILY?

Turn to our local food pantry in Southwest Harbor, ME

No one should have to struggle through their day on an empty stomach. At Common Good Soup Kitchen Community in Southwest Harbor, ME, we strive to feed our community and help people connect. Our goal is to change the face of local community soup kitchens and bring aid and fellowship to those in need.

How do we make a difference? Besides our local food pantry's delivery and pickup options, we also host a variety of live music events, fundraising activities and community gatherings. Our caring volunteers provide free services all year long to help provide for those in need.

Call 207-244-3007 now to reach our local food pantry. We take all recommended COVID-19 precautions.

Learn more at: https://commongoodsoupkitchen.com/ and drop in to say hello, try a popover, or visit them on facebook!

Welcome to new Chamber Member, Chad's Hot Sauce!

Please join us in welcoming our newest Chamber member, Chad's Hot Sauce!

"Born from ocean adventures around the world, Chad's Hot Sauce is crafted for flavor seekers who want more than just heat. With simple, fresh ingredients that elevate the natural essence of the pepper, each bottle delivers a taste as bold and unique as its origins.

"Developed globally and produced locally in Maine. Make Chad's your house hot sauce and bring some flavor to the everyday!"

Welcome to new Chamber member, Peekytoe Provisions!

 

Please join us in welcoming our new Chamber member Peekytoe Provisions!

Here's what they say:  We are connected to the sea in our backyard. We are committed to our hard-working local clam diggers, lobster people, farmers, our close and supportive community, and the many local businesses making flavorful, honest, Maine foods. Peekytoe Provisions is your year round source for from scratch prepared foods, lunch and lighter fare, fresh oysters, sustainable seafood, local shellfish, local and imported cheeses, Maine made specialty foods, and delicious homemade desserts.

Peekytoe is absolutely committed to sustainable and renewable practices, from energy to fisheries. We are currently the only business supporter of the Bar Harbor Community Solar Farm, and our electricity is 100% solar. We compost all of our food waste, including lobster, clam and oyster shells, and all vegetable matter. We recycle everything possible — cardboard, paper, aluminum, plastics & glass, right down to our kitchen tickets. Our take out containers are made from sugar cane and recycled materials, and our utensils are biodegradable, made from corn instead of plastic.

All of our seafood is locally or sustainably sourced as often as possible. All of our shellfish is sourced directly from local lobstermen, clam diggers, and mussel and oyster farmers. We never carry “FAS” (frozen at sea) products in our fish case. If it’s frozen, it stays in our freezer. Species which are not local we try to make sure are sustainably harvested (wild caught or responsibly farmed). Everything in our fish case will in some way reflect what’s on our menu and in our specials. Here are a few of the companies and products we carry that are committed to sustainability and renewable food sources:
acadia-aquafarms.com
cleanfish.com
sodexoseafood.com
wrs.co.uk
harborfish.com
brownetrading.com
vetalapalma.es
seachoice.org

Stop by and check out their market and restaurant, (located where CODA used to be)  say hello and welcome them to the Quietside! And here's their web site: https://peekytoeprovisions.com/

Welcome to new Chamber member Bub's Burritos!

 

Please join us in welcoming Bub's Burritos to the Chamber! 

Bub's Burritos is located beside the Post Office in Southwest Harbor, at 19 Clark Point Road. Rae says "Bub's serves homemade, tasty Mexican food and great margaritas. Our food is made fresh daily with only the finest ingredients."

You can catch up on their latest news, see a menu and more at: https://www.facebook.com/Bubsburritos/. Stop in grab a bite, and tell them hello!

Free Museum Passes With Your Library Card

 

Unlock the treasures of local museums with your library card! As Mount Desert Island museums extend their hours, you can now borrow complimentary daily admission passes using your library card if you patronize the Jesup Memorial Library, Northeast Harbor Library, and Southwest Harbor Public Library. These reservable passes give free access to the Granite Museum, the Oceanarium, Seal Cove Auto Museum, and Wendell Gilley Museum.

Contact your local library to reserve or borrow a pass. The Northeast Harbor Library and Southwest Harbor Public Library also offer passes to the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens (Boothbay Harbor), the Maine Discovery Museum (Bangor), the Farnsworth Art Museum (Rockland), and the Portland Museum of Art.

For more information visit the libraries and our websites:

Jesup Memorial Library. 34 Mount Desert Street, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609.

https://www.jesuplibrary.org/. info@jesuplibrary.org. 207-288-4245.

Northeast Harbor Library. 1 Joy Road, Northeast Harbor, Maine 04662,

https://nehlibrary.org/. talktous@nehlibrary.org. 207-276-3333.

Southwest Harbor Public Library 157 Main Street, Southwest Harbor, Maine 04679.

www.swhplibrary.org. circulation@swhplibrary.org. 207-244-7065.

Welcome to new Chamber member, Southwest Harbor - Tremont Ambulance Service!

 

Please join us in welcoming our newest Chamber member, Southwest Harbor - Tremont Ambulance Service!

The Southwest Harbor – Tremont Nursing Service, also known as the Southwest Harbor – Tremont Ambulance Service, is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide the citizens and visitors of Tremont and Southwest Harbor with quality emergency medical services. In collaboration with healthcare partners and other public safety agencies, and through community outreach, the Southwest Harbor – Tremont Ambulance Service supports and promotes the health and general welfare of all citizens and visitors in our communities.

The Ambulance Service is proud to provide year-round, 24-hour emergency medical services to the residents and visitors of Southwest Harbor and Tremont. The Service office is staffed with an EMS provider, and a driver on call from home, twenty-four hours a day. The Service maintains two ambulances, one downtown and the second at the SWH Firehouse. SWHTAS runs approximately 500 calls per year, and supports neighboring towns and agencies through mutual aid.

The Service is licensed by Maine Emergency Medical Services and is a member of the Maine Ambulance Association.

SWH-Tremont Ambulance Service is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Donations can be made online using at: https://swhtas.org/?page_id=1568 

or mailed to P.O. Box 437, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679.

Welcome to New Chamber Member, MDI Mortgage Group, LLC!

 

Please join us in welcoming our newest Chamber member, MDI Mortgage Group, LLC!

Sherri Dyer says, "When it's time to purchase or refinance, MDI Mortgage takes a consultative approach and aims to offer you an extensive array of mortgage loan programs to provide you with your best, personalized home financing solution.

"Our reputation and commitment to total customer satisfaction is our most 
important asset. Our mission is to guide you through the entire home loan 
process so that you can feel confident as you make choices about options 
available for your financing strategy. With a tenured background in the 
mortgage services industry and local market expertise, we stand ready to 
assist along each step of the way. 

 "MDI Mortgage provides pre-qualifications at no cost, fast approvals, and low 

rates designed to save you thousands of dollars over the life of your loan.

"Experience personalized service in the Maine tradition.

"Contact us today at (207) 288-2881."

And check out their web site at: https://www.mdimortgage.com/ or stop in
and say hello!

Allen Insurance and Financial is pleased to announce the addition of three new co-owners!

 

Allen Insurance and Financial is pleased to announce the addition of three new co-owners as assistants in the company’s personal insurance division.

Kerin Lindahl of Rockport: A graduate of Saint Anselm College, her previous experience is in banking customer service and education. She is based in Camden.

Sophia Picard of Bar Harbor: A graduate of the University of Maine in Orono, her previous experience is in education. She is based in Southwest Harbor.

Angela Torell of Tremont: A graduate of Baker College with a degree in business administration, Angela’s previous experience includes non-profit administration and custom marine products. She is based in Southwest Harbor.

Allen Insurance and Financial is an independent, employee-owned company providing insurance and investment planning and wealth management services to individuals, families and businesses from offices in Rockland, Camden, Belfast, Southwest Harbor and Waterville, Maine. 

Online: AllenIF.com.

Welcome to new Chamber Member, Edward Jones Investments!

 

Please join us in welcoming Edward Jones Investment to our Chamber!

David says: "I have been working in the securities industry for over 20 years in various positions. The three things that have always stood out to me have been to always put your client's interest first, be honest and treat everyone with dignity and respect.

"At Edward Jones, I start by understanding what my clients value and what is important to them. Together, we work to establish custom strategies to achieve these goals. There is no "one-size-fits-all", so the strategies I create are tailored to my client's individual needs. Once the strategy is implemented, we monitor and evaluate it on a constant basis to stay focused on what is important... You."

Learn more at: https://www.edwardjones.com/us-en/financial-advisor/david-lewis andbe sure to give David a big welcome!

Acadia National Park Announces: Carriage Roads in Acadia National Park close for spring thaw

 

Starting Friday, March 8, the National Park Service (NPS) is temporarily closing the carriage roads in Acadia National Park to prevent damage to them during the spring thaw. Carriage roads will be closed to all users until further notice.

Warming weather and wet conditions soften the carriage road’s gravel surface and make them susceptible to damage. Walking, bicycling, and riding horses in such conditions can cause ruts and potholes that channel water and exacerbate erosion. The NPS will reopen the carriage roads once the gravel surface dries out and becomes firm enough to prevent damage.

In the meantime, the NPS encourages visitors to explore Acadia’s hiking trails and the Park Loop Road, which remains closed to motor vehicles until April 15. When hiking, be prepared for icy conditions and use traction devices on your footwear. When walking or biking the closed sections of the Park Loop Road, exercise caution around closed gates, watch for park vehicles and equipment, and be prepared to encounter lingering ice and storm debris.

The carriage roads, along with their coping stones, gatehouses, and stone-faced bridges, are the best and most extensive example of broken-stone roads in the United States. They provide access to both sweeping vistas and close-up views of landscapes across the park.

For current information about visiting Acadia National Park, please go to www.nps.gov/acad or call 207-288-3338. Join online conversations on Facebook (www.facebook.com/AcadiaNPS), Twitter (twitter.com/AcadiaNPS), and Instagram (www.instagram.com/acadianps).

www.nps.gov

About the National Park Service: More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 428 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Visit us at www.nps.gov and on Facebook (www.facebook.com/nationalparkservice), Twitter (www.twitter.com/natlparkservice), and YouTube (www.youtube.com/nationalparkservice).

The 2024 Camp CaPella Polar Dip & Frost Festival Is Ready for you!

 February 24, 2024, Phillips Lake, Dedham, Maine at Camp CaPella

NEW this year the 2024 Camp CaPella Polar Dip & Frost Festival will feature all the fun of the original Polar Dip with the added activities of the NEW Frost Festival. The Polar Dip has always been the largest fundraisers of the year for Camp CaPella, the non-profit summer camp serving individuals with disabilities. 3 years ago we raised 30k, in 2022 we raised 50K and last year we raised 70K. We want to top that at 100K. We had 102 jumpers last year and would like to see 150 people jump in the lake.

We need your help to get as much on the air as possible.

Most campers who attend, come to Camp on scholarship. Camp CaPella never turns away a camper based on ability to pay, which means every dollar raised from the Polar Dip helps to send someone to summer camp. And everyone deserves an opportunity to experience summer camp in Maine!

This long-standing event is held annually at Camp Capella on Phillips Lake in Dedham and participants receive pledges to jump into the icy lake water through a hole cut into the ice.

Just like last year, there are 3 ways to participate –

1. Live on February 24th at the lake. There will be Prizes, a Hot Tub, Games, Snowmobile/Sled Rides, and Food this year!

2. If that doesn’t work for you, you are encouraged to participate virtually. This option allows you to pick any date in the month of February and get creative with your polar dip efforts – roll around in the snow or create a snow angel in your swimsuit, pop a water balloon of ice water over your head, sit in a kiddie pool full of ice water or run under a sprinkler in the snow! Virtual participants are asked to record a video to share with Camp CaPella’s social media.

3. And, for those that have no interest in getting near anything cold, there is the Jittery Jumper option, where for a small fee you pay not to get cold! Recruit like-minded individuals to pledge you.

Not like last year there will be more winter family fun. Bring your family down to watch people jump into the lake, play some of our new Frost Festival games, have food or listen to some live music.

ALL participants, regardless of which way you choose to participate, are asked to register online. Visit our website, www.campcapella.org to register.

Event Contacts: Melanie Dresser            Rebecca Winkler Barrera

207-974-6722                                          207-843-5104

melanie@campcapella.org                     rebecca@campcapella.org

Welcome to New Chamber Member Camp Beech Cliff!

 

Welcome to new Chamber Member Camp Beech Cliff!

Camp Beech Cliff states: 

OUR MISSION

Through summer camps and year-round outdoor education, leadership and recreation programs, Camp Beech Cliff MDI seeks to enrich the lives of people of all ages. Our mission is to inspire personal growth, interpersonal connection, and a deep appreciation of the natural world.

---

OUR PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE

1963...

Camp Beech Cliff was a private summer camp for boys from the 1950s until 1978. It was reborn as a day camp for both boys and girls in 1991. That was a decade of tremendous growth for the camp. A successful fundraising campaign in the mid-90s made possible the purchase of the 50 acres Camp Beech Cliff was leasing, thus ensuring the property would remain a permanent resource for our youth. Camp Beech Cliff was incorporated as a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 1997, became an independently operated day camp in 1999, and earned ACA accreditation in 2002. In 1991 our summer camp program hosted just 20 campers a week and now, more than 200 kids immerse themselves in nature and fun every summer week with us.

...1972...

We are excited about the continuing efforts to improve and expand camp life. In 2012, we underwent an extensive renovation to cabin buildings and the addition of an amphitheater, a boardwalk along the waterfront, and a road down the hill to the waterfront that provides access for emergency vehicles and people with limited mobility.

...2016

Camp Beech Cliff remains, first and foremost, committed to creating a summer camp for local kids. We are also expanding and growing…finding ways to benefit our community all year long. Acadia Leadership Institute at Camp Beech Cliff is a new venture designed to share our comfortable meeting spaces and unique settings, our expert instructors, and our state-of-the-art equipment, along with a roster of impressive area professionals, to meet our growing off-season demand. Additionally, we have a new one-of-a-kind challenge course as our centerpiece of an already picturesque camp landscape. This has opened the doors for the creation of the Acadia Leadership Institute, now offering year-round experiences for youth and adults of all ages. Schools, colleges, businesses and other groups looking to experience a truly unique adventure and training opportunity should look no further than a program with the Acadia Leadership Institute, at Camp Beech Cliff.

Be sure to check out their web site at: https://www.campbeechcliff.org/!

Welcome to the Chamber, Compass Marine Surveys, Inc!

Please join us in welcoming Compass Marine Surveys, Inc, to the Chamber!

"Captain Richard J. Gayton channels years of expertise into his work with Compass Marine Surveys, Inc.


"A former British master mariner in the British Merchant Navy, Mr. Gayton was inspired to embark on a similar path by his father, who was a member of the Royal Navy. Upon the conclusion of his active seagoing service, he transferred his vast skill set into his work with The Salvage Association, where he worked as a staff surveyor between 1995 and 2001. Over the years, Mr. Gayton expanded upon his industry knowledge in a similar role with BMT and as the vice president of Surveys & Technical Department for the American P&I Club.


"Throughout his career, Mr. Gayton has gained valuable expertise in directorial roles for Braemar and Leeds & Leeds Company, and as the owner of Compass Marine Surveys, Inc. Backed by his considerable breadth of knowledge, he presently serves as the principal surveyor and Owner of Compass Marine Surveys. In this capacity, he assess’ damage in order to evaluate it for the purposes of insurance and provides risk assessment and condition surveys for various marine assets, including Ocean going vessels and coastal commercial and pleasure craft. Mr. Gayton also provides risk assessment and loss surveys for cargo and also Expert Witness services. Due to his vast breadth of experiences, Mr. Gayton has also obtained four patents for an anti-piracy apparatus for ships and published various articles through the American Club.


"An expert in his field, Mr. Gayton attended Warsash Maritime College and later became a master mariner through Plymouth Maritime College. Driven to remain abreast of changes in the field, he aligns himself with several organizations, including the American and Canadian Adjusters Association and the Marine Lawyer Association."

Check out his web site at:

https://www.compassmarineconsultants.com/about-us.php !