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

Welcome to new Chamber Member, Lindenwood Inn!

 

Please join us in welcoming our new Chamber member, Lindenwood Inn!

Here's the Lindenwood owner, Jim King's, incredible story:

In February of 1993, Jim purchased the Inn, keeping the Lindenwood Inn name. Jim was born in Australia and loves traveling the world. After getting mugged in NYC on one of his adventures, he went to the Port Authority, explained his situation, and was put on a bus to Bar Harbor, Maine by the caring woman behind the counter. This chance journey was the beginning of Jim’s story in Maine.

Shortly after purchasing the Inn, a nor’easter blew off half the roof and the furnace went out. Jim immediately got to work putting his touch on the Inn as he made the repairs and soon after started welcoming guests. He planned to run the Inn for about five years, yet he felt the island’s pull as he returned to open the Inn each season. Eventually, he knew he had two homes-one in Australia and one in Southwest Harbor-and obtained dual citizenship.

A former cabinet and furniture maker, Jim’s design touch is infused throughout the Inn. His love for art flows throughout the Inn with carefully gathered pieces from his adventures around the world. What Jim loves most, however, is connecting with guests and welcoming them to the space he has lovingly created over the years. He knows we are all on a journey and appreciates the opportunity to provide travelers with modern comforts and simple luxuries during their stay at Lindenwood Inn. Jim is thrilled to celebrate his 30th year owning the Inn in 2023.

Learn more about the Lindenwood at https://lindenwoodinn.com/

ArtWaves April Member’s Show Opens at Northeast Harbor Library

 

ArtWaves is proud to present the April Member’s Show, an all-media exhibition celebrating the creative talents of its artist community. The show will be on display from April 2 to April 29 in the Mellon Room at the Northeast Harbor Library, located at 1 Joy Rd, Northeast Harbor, ME.

This exhibition showcases work from over 30 ArtWaves members, featuring painting, sculpture, printmaking, fiber arts, photography, and mixed media. An opening reception will be held on Thursday, April 3, from 5–7 PM, offering an opportunity to meet the artists and enjoy light refreshments.

Library & Viewing Information

● Exhibit Dates: April 2 – April 29

● Library Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 AM – 6 PM | Saturday, 9 AM – 5 PM

● Visitors are encouraged to check the library’s schedule at nehlibrary.org or call (207) 276-3333 to confirm room availability.

Featured Artists Include: Nancy Norris, Vicky Smith, Kailey Lewia, Kathie Pratt, Julie Meltzer, Autumn Smith, Laura Naomi, Brian Caine, Sue Christian, JoAnne Yates, Tracy Grieves, Isabel Mancinelli, Kelly Cutler, Roger L. Brignull, Laney Lloyd, Rick Osann, Jake Jacobson, Neil Needleman, Caroline Keller, Shelly Price, Terre Lefferts, Bonnie Chase, Maria Charette, Paige Collins, Joan Vienot, Mary Ternus, Liz Cutler, Katie Hodgkins, Will Erlanson, and Sherri Christianson.

About ArtWaves

ArtWaves is a nonprofit community arts center dedicated to providing accessible arts education and fostering creative expression in Mount Desert Island and beyond. Through workshops, exhibitions, and collaborative events, ArtWaves connects artists of all levels and mediums.

For more information about ArtWaves and membership opportunities, visit www.artwavesmdi.org.

Welcome to new Chamber member, Mount Desert Island Marathon!

 

Please join us in welcoming our new Chamber Member, Mount Desert Island Marathon!

The Mount Desert Island Marathon, Half & Relay is North America’s premier destination road race. The award-winning course features miles of pristine terrain passing tranquil lakes, soaring mountains, sleepy Maine villages, and stunning seaside vistas —including Somes Sound, the only fjord on the Eastern Seaboard— all set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of Acadia National Park in peak fall foliage season. The Marathon and Team Relay start in the world-famous Bar Harbor, while the Half-Marathon starts in picturesque village of Northeast Harbor. All three races finish on the quietside of MDI in the hardworking lobster fishing community of Southwest Harbor.

Held annually the weekend following Indigenous Peoples’ Day, this fall classic has earned national and international accolades. Once you #RunMDI, you’ll see why!

Proudly hosted by Crow Athletics.

Learn more at: https://www.runmdi.org/

Library Celebrates 130 years of Service to the Community

 

As part of a year-long celebration of 130 years of service to the community, the Southwest Harbor Public Library is planning a mid-summer series of anniversary events for all ages. Happening July 21-27, activities will include a kick-off party, historical displays, children’s activities, and an evening with Pulitzer Prize winning author Richard Russo. The culminating event will be a festive barbecue with live music.

The anniversary celebration recognizes the construction and opening of the library’s brick building at 338 Main Street, built to house a growing collection that began in 1884 when resident Annie Sawyer Downs gathered cast-off books from the summer hotels and placed them on a shelf in a local drug store. Funded by donations from year-round and summer residents, the building was constructed over the summer of 1895 and was officially dedicated on October 31. (The library staff had been planning to celebrate the 125th anniversary in 2020, but the COVID pandemic forced a postponement.)

Featured writer Russo, who will speak Thursday, July 23 (time and venue to be announced), has written two memoirs and ten novels, most set in fictional small towns in New England. They include Straight Man, Bridge of Sighs, and three books set in upstate New York and referred to as the North Bath series: Nobody’s Fool, Everybody’s Fool and Somebody’s Fool. His 2001 Empire Falls, set on the Maine coast, was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for fiction, and Russo later adapted it into a television mini-series.

The finale of the 130th anniversary celebration week will be a ticketed event on Sunday, July 27, on the lawn of St. Andrew’s and St. John’s Episcopal Church, a barbecue with live music by J.B. Harrison and the Seal Harbor Boys. More information and access to registrations and tickets will be available on the library website this spring as details are firmed up. www.swhplibrary.org.

“We are so proud of how the community has embraced this place and our mission,” says library director Erich Reed. “We refer to our library as the living room of the community, and we take that to heart. We also take seriously our celebration motto, Opening Doors for 130 Years. Our goal is to open doors to knowledge and to the joys of reading. And with the continued support of the community, we’ll be opening these doors for another 130 years and beyond.”

Watch for updates at www.swhplibrary.org, call 207-244-7065, or email programs@swhplibrary.org.

Welcome to new Chamber Member Friends of Acadia!

 

Please join us in welcoming our newest Chamber Member Friends of Acadia!

Since 1986, Friends of Acadia has been inspiring park lovers to give back to this magnificent place. There are many ways you can become a friend of Acadia – by volunteering, attending an event, becoming a member, or raising an important issue with elected officials.

We provide the tools and support to ensure that the park receives the most benefit from your efforts. Together, we can make a difference.

Friends of Acadia preserves, protects, and promotes stewardship of the outstanding natural beauty, ecological vitality, and distinctive cultural resources of Acadia National Park and surrounding communities for the inspiration and enjoyment of current and future generations.

Our members make possible essential conservation projects in Acadia National Park and the surrounding communities.

THE KNOWLES COMPANY ANNOUNCES KEATING PEPPER’S RETIREMENT AND WELCOMES NEW OWNERSHIP

As The Knowles Company celebrates its 127-year legacy, it is with great pride and heartfelt emotion that we announce the retirement of Keating Pepper as an owner, effective December 31, 2024. Keating, who has been a cornerstone of the company since 1988 and co-purchased the business in 1994, has left an indelible mark on both the company and the community.

 

For over a century, The Knowles Company has stood as a pillar of excellence in real estate and vacation rentals on Mount Desert Island and beyond. Founded in 1898 by Belle Smallidge Knowles, it was built on a foundation of professionalism, local expertise, and a commitment to community. Guided by Kathy and Bob Suminsby, who led the business from 1972 to 1994, the company evolved through generations of leadership while preserving its reputation. Today, The Knowles Company remains a trusted name, continuing to honor its legacy as a boutique, independent company while adapting to meet the needs of a modern market.

 

Keating Pepper: A Career of Excellence and Dedication: Keating joined The Knowles Company as a broker in 1988 and became a co-owner in 1994, helping guide the company into a new era of independence. His leadership, professionalism, and community involvement have left an indelible mark on both the company and Mount Desert Island. Keating has long enjoyed sailing the Maine coast and is a trustee of the Mount Desert Island YMCA, where he remains actively involved in child development initiatives. Readers can learn more about his legacy in the March 2025 edition of the KnowlesLetter, available on Knowlesco.com  

 

A Generational Shift: New Leadership for a Legacy Company: As Keating steps back, The Knowles Company welcomes a generational shift in ownership, combining the wisdom of long-time leaders with the energy and vision of new partners. Joining existing owners Mia Thompson and Kate Chaplin are Claire Dorwart, Kitty Barbee, and Emily Anne Pepper. Together, this team reflects the company’s steadfast commitment to its traditions while embracing opportunities for growth.

 

Claire, who joined The Knowles Company in 2024 as Business Manager, has already made a significant impact on daily operations, leveraging her expertise in team leadership and operational systems to strengthen the company and position it for success. Kitty, the company’s CFO, brings a wealth of financial expertise and a strong commitment to the company’s future, ensuring stability and strategic growth. Both Claire and Kitty’s expanded roles as owners are a natural progression of their deep involvement in the company’s daily business and long-term planning. Emily Anne, the daughter-in-law of Keating Pepper, brings her strong ties to the family business and a deep appreciation for the Mount Desert Island community.

 

A Legacy of Leadership and Tradition: The Knowles Company’s legacy is deeply rooted in female leadership and a proud connection to Boston University. Founder Belle Smallidge Knowles, the first woman from Mount Desert to attend Boston University, set a standard of excellence that continues with current owners Mia Thompson and Claire Dorwart, both Boston University alumni. This shared connection underscores the company’s enduring commitment to excellence, leadership, and a vision that bridges its historic roots with its evolving future.

 

Honoring Tradition, Embracing Growth: “Keating’s retirement is a moment of reflection and celebration,” said Mia Thompson, Owner and President. “We honor his years of dedication and look ahead with excitement as our new ownership team carries The Knowles Company into its next chapter, staying true to our principles of professionalism, integrity, and community stewardship.”

 

About The Knowles Company: Founded in 1898, The Knowles Company is a boutique real estate agency located in Northeast Harbor, Maine. Known for its unmatched expertise, local connections, and commitment to service, the company remains a leader in the Mount Desert Island real estate market.

 

Southwest Harbor Public Library Receives $50,000 Grant from the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation for Solar Panel Installation

 

The Southwest Harbor Public Library is thrilled to announce it has been awarded a generous $50,000 grant from the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation.

“We are deeply grateful to the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation for their support,” said Erich Reed, Library Director. “This grant not only helps us address our operational costs but also aligns with our commitment to environmental stewardship. By reducing our reliance on nonrenewable energy, we’re setting an example of sustainability for the entire community.”

In partnership with SolarLogix, the library will implement a solar panel system designed to harness clean, renewable energy. Once operational, the solar panels are expected to significantly lower the library’s energy costs, allowing more resources to be directed toward community programs and services.

The Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation was established to strengthen and support Maine communities. The Foundation focuses on initiatives that advance education, literacy, arts, and social services, with an emphasis on projects that benefit underserved populations and promote sustainability. This grant underscores the Foundation’s commitment to enriching Maine communities like Southwest Harbor.

The project is expected to be completed this spring. To learn more about opportunities to support this project, please contact Erich Reed at (207) 244-7065 or email director@swharborlibrary.org.

Upcoming at the Southwest Harbor Public Library!