Island Connections Raises the Bar for $20K Match Challenge

 

Island Connections is once again celebrating independence on Mount Desert Island with the launch of its annual Match Challenge fundraising campaign, running May 26th (Memorial Day), through the 4th of July. This Independence Day themed campaign highlights Island Connections’ mission to promote independence and dignity by providing essential rides to medical appointments, grocery stores and more, all at no cost to riders.

This year, the stakes are even higher; thanks to generous seed donors, this year’s goal is $5,000 higher than last year’s. All donations up to $20,000 will be matched dollar for dollar to support free, reliable transportation for older adults and people with disabilities.

“We’re challenging ourselves to go further than we did last year,” said Executive Director Carissa Tinker. “It’s the perfect time to do it; what better way to celebrate Independence Day than by investing in Independence for our Neighbors?”

Board President Stephanie Clement added, “This campaign is an opportunity to highlight one of the core values behind our mission: independence. Island Connections empowers people to live their lives fully, regardless of age or ability, and supporting this challenge means making that possible for more members of our community.”

Donations made between May 26th and July 4th will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $20,000, effectively doubling the impact of each contribution. This match campaign would not be possible without the generous support of the seed donors: Glenn & Nancy Tucker, Liz Cutler, Witham Family Hotels Charitable Fund, and two anonymous donors.

To contribute to the Match Challenge, visit islconnections.org and click “Donate,” or send a check to 93 Cottage St, Suite 101, Bar Harbor, ME 04609. Call 207-288-4457 for more information.

Free Museum Passes With Your Library Card!

 

Three new partners have joined the local library museum pass program: the Abbe Museum, the Dorr Museum, and Land and Garden Preserve. Patrons from the Jesup Memorial Library, Northeast Harbor Library, and Southwest Harbor Public Library can borrow complimentary daily admission passes using their library cards.

New passes for 2025 include the Dorr Museum (Bar Harbor), the Abbe Museum (Bar Harbor), and the Land and Garden Preserve. Land and Garden Preserve passes will be available for the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden (Seal Harbor), as well as the Asticou Azalea and Thuya Gardens both located in Northeast Harbor.

Antonella Mastroianni, the Abbe Museum’s Senior Manager of Visitor Services, says, “The Abbe Museum prioritizes accessibility and takes pride in being a community partner. Because of this, we are excited to collaborate with local libraries to eliminate potential barriers that, for whatever reason, may prevent our community from visiting the museum.”

The other participating local museums in the program include the Maine Granite Industry Museum and Historical Society (Mt. Desert), the Oceanarium (Bar Harbor), Seal Cove Auto Museum (Tremont), and Wendell Gilley Museum (Southwest Harbor).

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.

Contact any of these libraries to get more info and to reserve your pass:

Jesup Memorial Library, https://www.jesuplibrary.org/museum-passes, 288-4245, info@jesuplibrary.org.

Northeast Harbor Library, https://nehlibrary.org/services/, 276-3333, talktous@nehlibrary.org.

Southwest Harbor Public Library, https://swhplibrary.org/passes/, 244-7065, circulation@swhplibrary.org.

Welcome to our new Chamber member, Scenic Acadia Tours!

 

Welcome to our new Chamber member, Scenic Acadia Tours!

At Scenic Acadia Tour Company, we offer immersive, locally guided experiences that showcase the best of Acadia National Park. With deep roots in the area and years of guiding experience, our tours are crafted to be informative, relaxed, and tailored to each group’s pace and interests.

Our guests often tell us how much they appreciate our friendly approach, rich knowledge of the park, and the thoughtful touches that make each tour special—rain or shine. Whether you're here for the stunning views, the hidden trails, or the stories behind the scenery, we're here to make sure you experience Acadia like a true local.

See more, learn more, and explore with ease. This is Acadia, the local way.

And check out their web site at: https://scenicacadiatours.com/#contact