BRIEFS: Charles Sidman Files Motion in Golden Anchor Case
Friends of Acadia Creates Web Page Tracking Policy Developments' Impact on Acadia, Land & Garden Preserve Dog Policy Webinar, School & Town Updates, and More
A Quick Note From Us: Each week, we compile briefs and press releases and event images and share them all in one (sometimes very long) story.
Our briefs article is mostly just press releases that we don’t write, or claim to write, but just share from the agencies, businesses, people, and organizations that send them in.
If things are not a press release, they are labelled “BRIEF” in their headlines. The press releases will not have that label.
The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by Side Street Cafe.
Brief: Cruise Ship Cases: Golden Anchor Appeal
BAR HARBOR—In a March 6 filing, Bar Harbor businessman Charles Sidman has asked the State of Maine Business and Consumer Court to consolidate his appeal with another docket regarding the Golden Anchor’s appeal of a town decision involving a notice of violation sent to the business. That violation alleged that the Golden Anchor disembarked cruise ship passengers without a permit, which is now required in the town’s rules governing cruise ship disembarkations.
The Golden Anchor has said it has “a lawful nonconforming right to disembark cruise ship passengers without a permit,” the brief states.
In the filing, Sidman’s attorneys, Robert Papazian and Jason Theobald, write, “Mr. Sidman’s and Golden Anchor’s claims are so closely related and remedies so intertwined that both disputes must ‘be resolved in one consolidated action before a single fact-finder.’ In its opposition to Mr. Sidman’s motion to consolidate, Golden Anchor ludicrously asserts that ‘[t]here simply are no common questions of law or fact pending before this Court.’”
Both Sidman and the Golden Anchor are appealing the Bar Harbor Appeals Board decisions. The Golden Anchor does not want the claims consolidated.
The business has argued that the rules about cruise ship regulation and disembarkation should not apply to them because the business had a previous use and license, granted by the town, to disembark passengers. It has historically done so at the site.
“Golden Anchor’s opposition brief misleadingly focuses on Mr. Sidman’s challenge to the Board’s December 10 decision to not let him participate as an interested party and argues that Mr. Sidman did not expend enough ink challenging the board’s merits decision. But both counts in Mr. Sidman’s complaint squarely and adequately challenge the board’s merits decision. It just happens that unlike opposing counsel, Mr. Sidman believes brevity is a virtue. Mr. Sidman can, of course, challenge two things at once. It is the merits decision that has left Mr. Sidman aggrieved, as the board summarily disagreed with his position that the Bar Harbor Land Use Ordinance does not allow and has never allowed for the disembarkation of cruise ship passengers in the shoreland general development I district. Had Mr. Sidman been allowed to participate fully as an interested party at the BOA hearing, he would have been able to persuasively show the zoning district does not allow such a use,” the attorneys write.
Sidman’s attorneys argue that the issues of law are similar and consolidating the cases would streamline the process and make sure that rulings on each case do not conflict.
During the notice of violations appeal from the Golden Anchor, the appeals board didn’t agree with Sidman’s reasoning that the Golden Anchor property is not an allowed use in the district and he has argued that since the board did not allow him to participate in the hearing as an interested party, it erred.
The town pier is also in that zone. The town has agreed to allow smaller cruise ships that are American flagged (and do not require Customs) to use the town pier for disembarkations. On February 14, the town said it had no issues with consolidating the claims.
FRIENDS OF ACADIA CREATES POLICY PAGE TO TRACK HOW FEDERAL POLICY DEVELOPMENTS ARE IMPACTING ACADIA
Member Briefing: How Policy Developments Are Impacting Acadia
ACADIA NATIONAL PARK—Over the past two months, policy developments in Washington have led to staff cuts, funding freezes, disruptions, and uncertainty for national parks across the country, including Acadia. As a conservation organization dedicated to working in partnership with the National Park Service to preserve and protect Acadia, we embrace the idea of improving efficiencies, but we are deeply concerned about the impacts the current approach – and future cuts – may have on the park, its visitors, and the local economy.
Over the last few years, the number of visitors to Acadia has surged, reaching nearly 4 million visits last year. This increase in visitation has already put tremendous pressure on park staff as they work to serve their mandate: to preserve the natural and cultural resources of Acadia for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.
Friends of Acadia remains firmly committed to our mission to preserve and protect Acadia through this time of change and into the future. We are actively engaged with congressional staff, sharing timely updates on how policy actions, staffing cuts, and restricted federal funds are affecting park operations and local communities. Friends of Acadia continues to push for the reinstatement of park employees and to protect against harmful budget cuts.
We will also continue to support the important park programs we are engaged in and will work closely with the park to understand and adapt to new needs that emerge from this shifting landscape.
We are immensely grateful for the outpouring of support we have seen for Acadia National Park and our local community. Here’s how you can join us in making a difference:
Stay up to date: To keep our members and park supporters updated, we’ve created a page to track the current status of cuts, funding freezes, and other directives impacting Acadia. We will keep this page updated as the situation evolves and will continue to share updates on policy changes and volunteer opportunities through our enewsletter.
Call your representatives: Let your congressional leaders know how important Acadia and national parks are to you.
Apply for or share a seasonal park job: We are relieved that, thanks to support from the public and Maine’s congressional delegation, seasonal park hiring is now unfrozen. Open positions are available at usajobs.gov. Interested in working on the trail crew this summer? Check out this video to see what it’s like.
Care for our parks: With fewer staff in place, it’s more important than ever to take care of our national parks and practice Leave No Trace principles.
Support local businesses: The uncertainty around the upcoming season puts extraordinary pressure on local businesses in gateway communities that rely on summer visitors. Support the places that keep our communities vibrant.
Consider a donation: Help Friends of Acadia support the park by becoming a member or donating. Your gift will fund programs at Acadia, including trail maintenance, habitat restoration, and youth education, and government affairs efforts to protect our cherished park.
Thank you, all, for your love and support of Acadia.
LAND AND GARDEN PRESERVE DOG LEASH POLICIES WEBINAR
NORTHEAST HARBOR—The Land and Garden Preserve will hold a free webinar on Wednesday, April 9 from 4-5 p.m. about the new dog leash policies on its natural lands.
New dog policies go into effect on May 1, 2025 at the preserve’s natural lands. Tate Bushell, director of natural lands, will share how the preserve concluded that a policy change was needed, and address frequently asked questions.
The webinar will be followed by a Q&A with Tate.
Registration link: https://gardenpreserve-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0-78wifyQTiAwNejU8vqZA#/registration
ANNUAL STUDENT VS STAFF GAME AT CONNERS EMERSON
DANCE MARATHON!
THE JOSH SPRAGUE MEMORIAL 3 ON 3
NORTHEAST HARBOR LIBRARY YOUTH EVENTS
MDI VEGAN SUPPER AND SOCIAL CLUB!
Nomination papers for the June 10
BAR HARBOR—Nomination papers for the June 10 town election are now available in the Town Clerk’s office. Candidates for office must obtain signatures from at least 25 registered Bar Harbor voters.
Voters will choose four town councilors (some for partial terms), two superintending school committee members, six warrant committee members (one for a partial term) and two members of the high school board of trustees (one partial term). More information on the Elections-June page.
Incumbents with terms expiring this June:
Councilors Earl Brechlin, Matthew Hochman, Meagan Kelly, and Randy Sprague
School Committee members Alexandra “Lilea” Simis and Tyson Starling
Warrant Committee members Julie Berberian, Louise Lopez, Robert Chaplin, Jeffery Young, Eben Salvatore, and Vicki Smith
High School Trustee Larry Sweet; there is also one vacancy for a Bar Harbor seat on this board
Completed nomination petitions must be filed with the Town Clerk’s office by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 11. Contact 288-4098 with any questions.
Applications for Sustainable Tourism Management Task Force Due March 21
BAR HARBOR—The town council is set to appoint members to the new sustainable tourism management task force at its April 15 meeting.
Anyone interested in serving is encouraged to complete an application to serve on boards and committees (available below or from the town clerk's office).
Completed applications are due to the town clerk’s office by 5 p.m. March 21. Interviews with the council’s appointments committee will be in early April and applicants will be asked to bring a written definition of “sustainable tourism” to their interview.
Contact 288-4098 with any questions.
SWEET FERN MDI
BAR HARBOR—Please join Sweet Fern MDI at the YWCA Mount Desert Island (36 Mount Desert Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609) on Saturday, March 15, 2025, from 10 a.m. - noon for the next group meeting.
We will review our group agreements, hear reports from existing groups, have a "Know Your Neighbors" where we talk in small groups about what we see happening, learn more about Signal, talk about Anyone Can Lead, and possibly more! We hope to see you there!
Sweet Fern MDI advocates for policies to protect and improve our democracy and Constitution, and to promote equity and justice for all.
We oppose corruption, racism, authoritarianism and their destructive effect on our communities. Sweet Fern MDI is open to everyone who shares our mission and is willing to work with us. We are a peaceful, non-partisan group.
Free Workshop Will Explore Exercises for Pain Relief, Physical Performance, and Overall Wellness
BAR HARBOR—Healthy Acadia invites community members to participate in a free virtual workshop, “NeuroMuscular Balancing for Performance, Pain Relief, and Wellness - Key Exercises,” on Thursday, April 3, 2025, from 5 to 6 p.m. via Zoom. The event, part of Healthy Acadia’s Monthly Mindfulness series, will feature special guest Joshua Warren.
Josh Warren is currently the only certified integrated positional therapy practitioner in the state of Maine. This fully-clothed, gentle modality involves a postural assessment and holistically addresses a host of issues including and not limited to neck, shoulder, back, knee, and hip pain. Warren will share fundamental exercises for everyday optimal wellness. Four essential stretches and two key strengtheners can help balance the pelvis and the body to improve performance, alleviate pain, and enhance everyday wellness.
Josh Warren, M.S., LMT, PTR, 500-hour yoga teacher, reiki master, certified integrated positional therapist, holds a Master’s Degree in exercise science concentrating in sport psychology from Ithaca College. Josh founded NeuroMuscularBalancing.com to share his passion for and approach to empowered optimal living. He lived with low back pain for over seven years and tried numerous
therapies and nothing was working. After finding a simple practice to start bringing the body into alignment, the pain quickly resolved. For more information and/or to receive a complimentary NeuroMuscular Balancing 11-page E-manual feel free to email: Josh@NeuroMuscularBalancing.com.
Pre-registration is required for this free event. To register and receive the Zoom link, visit bit.ly/mindful-4325.
For more information about this event, future mindfulness events, or other programs promoting mindful living, contact Ursula Hanson at ursula@healthyacadia.org. To stay updated and register for free events, subscribe to Healthy Acadia’s e-newsletter or visit healthyacadia.org/hpm-mindfulness-for-health.
Healthy Acadia is a 501(c)(3) community health organization dedicated to building vibrant communities and making it easier for everyone to lead healthy lives. Serving Washington and Hancock counties, the organization provides community health support and leadership across Maine. For more information, visit healthyacadia.org.
A History of Housing with Thoughts for the Future
Thursday, March 20th at 6:30 pm
BAR HARBOR—Affordable and available housing has reached a crisis on MDI and difficult conversations are taking place in every community about possible solutions. How did we get here?
Join us on Thursday, March 20 at 6:30 p.m. for "A History of Housing with Thoughts for the Future" with speakers Raney Bench from the Mount Desert Island Historical Society, and Susanne Paul and Noel Musson with the Housing Solutions Initiative.
Our history sheds light on how housing has kept pace with population growth and what changes brought about the current crises. Knowing the facts from our past adds context to the debates taking place today and provides models for community decision-making. Learn more about development and community growth over the past two centuries and explore how island residents and visitors resolved challenges in the past, followed by a conversation about our community values and how we can come together to solve problems. This talk is inspired by Eliza Bryant Worrick's 2024 Chebacco article, The Influence of the Seasonal Economy on Mount Desert Island’s Year-Round Housing Patterns.
This event is in-person only. Register to attend here:
MUSIC AND CONVERSATION WITH JANEY CHOI AND CHRISTINA SPURLING
Friday, March 28 at 7:00 p.m.
BAR HARBOR—Join us at the Jesup for an evening of music with violinist Janey Choi and pianist Christina Spurling! Choi and Spurling will perform a selection of classical pieces, highlighting work by Boulanger, Brahms, Bartók, and Beach.
This program is part of the Jesup Memorial Library’s “Music and Conversation” series and follows last month’s “Music and Conversation” event with pianist Antonio Galera. Choi and Spurling will additionally perform at Birch Bay Retirement Village on Thursday, March 27 at 3:00 p.m.
This event is free and in-person only. Doors open at 6:30pm and the program begins at 7:00 p.m. Register to attend here: https://www.jesuplibrary.org/events/choispurling
Storm Damage: Transformative Healing
Thursday, March 27 at 6:00 p.m.
BAR HARBOR—WinterSea Theatre Experiments presents a powerful performance of poetry interwoven with music at the Jesup Memorial Library. Storm Damage: Transformative Healing was inspired by and written in the aftermath of Lisa’s middle child Maiah’s unforeseen transition to the Otherside on March 3rd, 2020.
These poems record and reflect her inner journey through the chrysalis of grief and lament to transformative healing through the power of words and music, offering silver linings of surrender, grace, joy and eternal love.
Gary Bushee is a multifaceted musician, artist, storyteller and student of human ecology, currently exploring the realms of experimental theatre. He gratefully resides on his wooded Sullivan, Maine homestead where he is working on creating a diversified holistic music studio encompassing education, therapy and phenomenology of sound and movement in the field of play.
Lisa Ann Reilich is a mother, farmer, poet, theatre artist, teacher and spiritual seeker. She spends the majority of her minutes and hours tending the land and animals of Painted Pepper Farm on the Downeast coast of Maine with her daughter Margaret Mae, living the silver linings of life and surrendering gratefully to the present moment.
Margaret Mae Reilich-Godino has been in and around theatre projects for as long as she can remember. A farmer and poet, her happy place is at home on Painted Pepper Farm with her mom and goats, and in volunteering where Love is actively in action.
This event is in-person only. Register to attend here: https://www.jesuplibrary.org/events/stormdamage
"Eurydice"
MDI Drama is thrilled to announce its upcoming one act production of "Eurydice," Sarah Ruhl’s lyrical and thought-provoking reimagining of the ancient Greek myth.
One more performance time: Wednesday, March 19 at 6 P.M.
Directed by MDI Drama Director Casey Rush, its unique blend of magical realism and poignant emotional depth, “Eurydice” promises to captivate audiences with its exploration of love, grief, and the power of memory.
More info? Please visit www.mdidrama.org.
Evening Music celebrates Bach’s Birthday
BAR HARBOR—Evening Music, the series of chamber-music concerts presented by the Friends of Music at St. Saviour’s, celebrates Bach’s birthday, with a concert of harpsichord music on Saturday, March 22, at 4:00 p.m. Dr. Daniel Pyle will perform the last of the “English” suites, the fifth of the set of “French” suites, and selections from the second book of the Well-Tempered Clavier.
Johann Sebastian Bach was born on March 21, 1685, in south-central Germany, into a large family of professional musicians, a fact of which he was thoroughly aware throughout his life. Sometime during his 50s, he drew up a family-tree that included over 30 composers and performers. Although we now understand him as a great composer, in his time he was known primarily as a keyboard-player, particularly on the organ. From his many harpsichord-compositions, Bach gathered together three collections of suites. A suite was a set of pieces of dance-music, derived from the French royal court at Versailles. Two of those collections have acquired the nicknames “French” and “English.” However, these labels originate long after Bach’s death, and are stylistically inaccurate.
Daniel Pyle is Organist/Music-Director for the St. Saviour’s Episcopal Church in Bar Harbor ME, and Musical Director of the ensemble Harmonie Universelle, From 2019 to 2024 he was the Artistic Director of the Acadia Choral Society, and in 2018 and 2019 he conducted Handel’s Messiah for the Blue Hill Bach Festival. His solo recording, The Maiden’s Songe: Elizabethan music on the lautenwerk, was released in 1994 on the Gasparo label. He holds degrees from the Univ. of Alabama and the Eastman School of Music, and studied at the Sweelinck Conservatorium of Amsterdam and at the Accademia Musicale Chigiana. Dr. Pyle was one of the five founders of the Atlanta Baroque Orchestra, and its Resident Director 2003-2011. He has taught organ, harpsichord, and music history at the University of Kansas, the Louisiana State University, and Clayton State University; he has also taught masterclasses at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, UK.
The Evening Music series was inaugurated in 2021, to bring concerts of chamber-music to the year-round residents of MDI and the the Downeast region. The concerts take place one Saturday of each month (except December) at 4:00 pm in the sanctuary of St. Saviour’s Episcopal Church in Bar Harbor, presented by the Friends of Music at St. Saviour’s. The admission for all concerts in the series is free, but donations are requested from the listeners in support of the Friends of Music.
Bar Harbor Bank & Trust Employees Present More Than $22,000 in Donations to Ten Community Organizations
Bar Harbor—Bar Harbor Bank & Trust employees recently presented more than $22,000 in donations collected through the Bank’s employee-driven charitable giving program, Casual for a Cause, to ten organizations serving communities in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. The recipients of the donations collected during the fourth quarter of 2024 in Maine are:
o Farm Tomorrow
o Hancock County Habitat for Humanity
o Maine Maritime Museum
o Pine Tree Society
o Shaw Institute
· New Hampshire
o New London Hospital
o Upper Valley Habitat for Humanity
Bank employees participating in Casual for a Cause dress casually on Fridays in exchange for a bi-weekly payroll deduction made to a pool of funds collected each quarter. The employees then vote on which community organizations will receive the funds collected the previous quarter. More than $372,000 has been donated since the program began in 2018.
“Bar Harbor Bank & Trust employees love participating in Casual for a Cause because it gives them an easy way to donate money to the causes they care about,” said Jack Frost, VP Director of Community Giving at Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. “By pooling their individual donations together, they are also able to be a part of more substantial donations that have a very real impact on community organizations and the people they serve.”
Recipients of Q4 2024 Donations
Maine
Farm Tomorrow
Farm Tomorrow is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to preserve, exchange, promote, and teach rural and traditional farming practices. The organization provides hands-on learning programs to teach skills including horse-based farming, timber framing, cheese making, and canning and preserving the harvest. Learn more about Farm Tomorrow at farmtomorrow.org.
“These funds will support programs that provide experiences to reconnect people with our agricultural lands through rural and traditional farming practices,” said Genio Bertin, Program Director of Farm Tomorrow. “Thank you for believing in the work we do and supporting the community we all call home.”
Hancock County Habitat for Humanity
Hancock County Habitat for Humanity builds decent, affordable houses in partnership with economically disadvantaged families who then purchase these houses through no-profit mortgage loans. The organization also offers the Aging in Place Housing Plus Program, which makes home modifications that ensure seniors can live independently and safely in their own homes. Learn more about Hancock County Habitat for Humanity at hancockcountyhabitat.org.
“We are so grateful to receive these funds from Bar Harbor Bank & Trust's employees through their Casual for a Cause giving program,” said Sherry Billings, Executive Director of Hancock County Habitat for Humanity. “These funds will go toward the purchase of flooring for the home we currently have under construction. This home will move a family into safe, affordable permanent housing."
Maine Maritime Museum
Maine Maritime Museum connects people to the past, present, and future of Maine’s waterways and their global reach. Founded in 1962, the museum offers exhibits, hands-on activities, and an up close look at the country’s only surviving shipyard, which features a full-size sculpture of the schooner Wyoming, the largest wooden sailing vessel ever built in North America. Learn more about Maine Maritime Museum at mainemaritimemuseum.org.
“Maine Maritime Museum is so grateful for Bar Harbor Bank & Trust and their generous gift,” said Chris Timm, Executive Director of Maine Maritime Museum. “Thanks to them, our exhibits, lectures, summer camps, Discovery Boatbuilding program, cruises, and all other programs will continue to be both a resource to our community and an important economic tourism driver in our region.”
Pine Tree Society
Pine Tree Society works to provide Maine children and adults with disabilities the opportunities and the means to create better lives for themselves and their families. A highlight of the organization’s programs is Pine Tree Camp, a fully accessible 285-acre campus that offers a wide range of programming for children and adults with disabilities. Learn more about Pine Tree Society at pinetreesociety.org.
“Thank you to Bar Harbor Bank & Trust for helping us uphold an 80-year promise at Pine Tree Camp: never turning away a camper due to an inability to pay,” said Dawn Willard-Robinson, Director of Pine Tree Camp. “Their generosity gives Maine children and adults with disabilities the chance to experience a fully accessible, barrier-free summer camp. This contribution is more than a week of tuition—it’s an investment in lifelong friendships, confidence, and independence.”
Shaw Institute
Shaw Institute is a nonprofit scientific research organization that focuses on researching and better understanding the connection between environmental and human health. Their scientific research revolves around assessing levels of environmental contaminants, performing coastal water quality monitoring, and understanding the effects of climate change. Learn more about Shaw Institute atshawinstitute.org.
“We are sincerely thankful for the support of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust and their employees that selected us for this program and donated to empower our work,” said Charles Rolsky, Ph.D., Executive Director and Senior Research Scientist at Shaw Institute. “It's only through this kind of generosity that we are able to make a difference through research, education and community engagement. Together, we can better protect and understand what impacts the health of humans, wildlife and the fragile ecosystems that we all share.”
STUDENTS OF THE MONTH
ST. PATRICK’S DAY IRISH SESSION
Library Celebrates 130 years of Service to the Community
SOUTHWEST HARBOR—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.
REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS
BAR HARBOR
• Ruth Cserr, North Dighton, Mass., to Ruth Cserr Revocable Trust June 20, 2000, North Dighton, Mass., land with improvements.
• Trust Fund B under Article V of Helen F. Cserr Trust Instrument Dec. 19, 1978 as amended, North Dighton, Mass., to Ruth Cserr, North Dighton, Mass., land with improvements.
• Estate of Alice Harper, Malden, Mass., to Abigail Harper, Malden, Mass., land with buildings and improvements.
• Estate of Alice Harper, Malden, Mass., to Abigail Harper, Malden, Mass., land with buildings and improvements.
CRANBERRY ISLES
• Nancy L. Hillenburg, Los Angeles, Calif., to Bryan K. Hillenburg, Rancho Cordova, Calif., land with buildings.
MOUNT DESERT
• Moderation Land Company LLC, Buxton to Mary Yarumian, Bar Harbor, land with improvements.
• Estate of Walter Francis Tripp, Trenton to Estate of Loretia M. Tripp, Trenton, land with buildings and improvements.
• Estate of Charlotte K. Singleton, Mount Desert to F. Seth Singleton, Mount Desert, a life estate, remaining interest to Andrew S. Singleton, Weston, Mass., and William R. Singleton, Portland, Ore., land with buildings and improvements.
• F. Seth Singleton, Mount Desert to Turtle Rock Pond LLC, Mount Desert, land with buildings and improvements.
• Estate of Charlotte K. Singleton, Mount Desert to F. Seth Singleton, Mount Desert, land with buildings and improvements. • Constance Cunningham Shea and Robert Shea, Mount Desert to Shea Family Living Trust Feb. 8, 2025, Mount Desert, land with buildings and improvements.
SOUTHWEST HARBOR
• Anthony L. Gilgis, York, Pa., and Candy D. Gilgis, f/k/a Candy D. King, Burlington, N.C., to Anthony L. Gilgis, York, Pa., 50% interest, time-share estate at Harbor Ridge Condominium, Southwest Harbor, unit 16, week 32.
• Harbor Ridge Condominium Association, Southwest Harbor to Miriam J. Aylward and Jason A. Aylward, Leverett, Mass., as joint tenants, interest in time-share estate at Harbor Ridge Condominium, Southwest Harbor, unit 18, week 16.
• Southwest Harbor Shoppes LLC, Southwest Harbor to 11 Seal Cove Road LLC, Southwest Harbor, land with buildings and improvements.
• Joanne M. Beal, Southwest Harbor to Vicki G. Beal, Southwest Harbor, land with buildings and improvements.
• Mary Spahr Clement, Radnor, Pa.. to Gatehouse Trust, Radnor, Pa., land with buildings and improvements.
• Kenneth U. Hutchins, Southwest Harbor to Joanne Beal, Southwest Harbor, restriction release of interest, land
SWAN’S ISLAND
• SEO Land Company, Island Falls to Store Point Cottage LLC, Island Falls, land.
• John E. Wheaton II, Ipswich, Mass., to Deborah Fowler-Wheaton, Ipswich, Mass., interest, land.
TREMONT
• Ann Archibald Anton, Surry to Anton Family Real Estate Trust, Tenants Harbor, land with buildings and improvements.
• Ilse K. Lamerhirt, a/k/a Ilse K. Laemmerhirt, Bernard to Michael Laemmerhirt, Hackettstown, N.J., Marikka Janes, Wellsboro, Pa., and John Lammerhirt, Knoxville, Tenn., land with buildings and improvements.
• Ilse K. Lamerhirt, a/k/a Ilse K. Laemmerhirt, Bernard to Michael Laemmerhirt, Hackettstown, N.J., Marikka Janes, Wellsboro, Pa., and John Lammerhirt, Knoxville, land with buildings and improvements.
• Inhabitants of the Municipality of Tremont, Tremont to Benjamin H. Hodgdon and Benjamin H. Hodgdon II, Seal Cove, land.
TRENTON
• Inhabitants of the Municipality of Trenton, Trenton to Robert Biron and Marcia Biron, Salisbury Cove, land with buildings.
• Rose-Marie Dennis Trust, Trenton to Oakpoint Properties LLC, Trenton, land with buildings and improvements.
• Inhabitants of the Municipality of Trenton, Trenton to Edward M. Libitzki and Cheryl G. Libitzki, Trenton, land.
• Bruce Germon, Trenton to Robert Elliott, Cushing, land with improvements.
• JREA LLC, Ellsworth to Suzanne Mingle, Trenton, land with buildings and improvements.
Trade in your lead. Go loon safe instead!
AUGUSTA—Remember to bring your old lead tackle with you if you are going to Maine’s Sportsman Shows in March and April. You can exchange your lead-sinkers or lead-headed jigs at the Maine Audubon booth for lead-free alternatives.
Eastern Maine Sportsmen's Show
New Balance Field House, University of Maine, Orono
Friday, March 14 - Sunday, March 16
Aroostook Spring Sportsman's Show
The Forum, 24 Chapman Road, Presque Isle
Saturday, March 22 - Sunday, March 23
State of Maine Sportsman’s Show
Civic Center, Augusta
Friday, March 28 - Sunday, March 30
HANCOCK COUNTY FOOD DRIVE
Discover iPhone Apps in a 3-Session Class
Southwest Harbor: Ready to discover more about iPhone Apps? Don’t miss the library’s iPhone Apps 3-session class 3:00-4:00 p.m. March 19th, 20th, and 21st - Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Participants should plan to attend all three one-hour sessions.
iPhone Apps is an intermediate class to explore applications that Apple provides for free as part of the iOS. Applications such as Mail, Contacts, Calendar, Messages, FaceTime, and many others will be covered. For iPhone users interested in iPhone Basics, email programs@swhplibrary.org.
The Southwest Harbor Public Library and the National Digital Equity Center (NDEC) are partnering to provide opportunities for digital skill-building and to learn online safety strategies. These classes are free but space is limited. Register for the class at https://tinyurl.com/2s24ecn4. For assistance with registering, call 244-7065.
The National Digital Equity Center’s “Maine Digital Inclusion Initiative'' program promotes and advocates for Digital Inclusion for Maine and its people. Digital skills classes are available both at onsite locations and online.
https://digitalequitycenter.org
Library Teas March 20 and April 17
SOUTHWEST HARBOR—Looking for a way to tame your day? We welcome you to stop in to relax with a nice cup of hot tea by the Library’s fireplace, 2:00-3:30 p.m. Thursdays, March 20, and April 17. Enjoy tea in a fine china cup, homemade treats, conversation, and friends. Live music provided by Zella Harmon and friends. For more information, go to www.swhplibrary.org or call the Library, 244-7065.
For the Print Calendar March 20 & April 17
Library Tea 2:00-3:30 p.m. Southwest Harbor Public Library. Tea, treats, music, and conversation. www.swhplibrary.org. 207-244-7065. All welcome.
Library Tea 2:00-3:30 p.m. Southwest Harbor Public Library. Tea, treats, music, and conversation. www.swhplibrary.org. 207-244-7065. All welcome.
NATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH WEEK
Join Our Recovery Core Team
HANCOCK COUNTY—Maine Recovery Core is seeking a 35-hour-week Youth Recovery Coach Intern to join our team in Hancock County. Make a meaningful impact in the lives of teens and young adults ages 14 to 21 by encouraging hope, optimism, and healthy living while gaining valuable professional experience.
Healthy Acadia is also seeking a Recovery Coach Intern (25 hours per week) in Washington County through our Machias office.
Applicants must:
Be 18 to 26 years of age
Have a high school diploma or G.E.D
Complete the CCAR Recovery Coach Academy for Young People training
Desire to work for an organization that values and prioritizes their employees' well-being.
Learn more about these paid internship opportunities at https://healthyacadia.org/internships.
Maine Department of Labor Launches Work Source Maine Virtual CareerCenter
AUGUSTA—The Maine Department of Labor (MDOL), along with local workforce boards, has officially launched the Work Source Maine Virtual CareerCenter, a new online platform designed to connect both job seekers and employers with essential workforce resources. The platform provides easy access to career services, hiring support, and training programs, ensuring that individuals and businesses across the state can find the tools they need to succeed.
“While in-person CareerCenter services are still available across the state, this new virtual CareerCenter option will make personalized services even easier to access,” said Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman. “Job seekers and employers can now connect 24-7 with workforce resources from wherever they are, and tailor their search results to fit their needs.”
The Work Source Maine Virtual CareerCenter serves as a centralized hub for workforce development, offering job seekers access to personalized job search tools, resume-building resources, career counseling, and virtual hiring events. The platform also provides employers with resources to support recruitment and retention, including hiring incentives, workforce development programs, and guidance on labor laws and best practices.
“Forty percent of Maine’s population lives in rural areas. This virtual career center will help every citizen in every corner of the state to access resources and information to help them find their place in Maine’s labor force—great news for job seekers and employers alike,” said Erin V. Benson, Executive Director of the Central Western Maine Workforce Development Board.
“The Northeastern Workforce Development Board is excited to see this statewide launch of the Virtual Career Center. Individuals unable to physically access one of the Career Center locations can now go online and find valuable training and employment resources with this new user-friendly platform for job seekers and employers! This resource is going to be especially important for the people of Maine who live in our more rural communities and are unable to travel due to gas prices, health reasons, winter road conditions, or simply not enough time in their day. This is a big win for Maine’s workforce!” said Galan Williamson, Executive Director of the Northeastern Workforce Development Board.
Job seekers are already finding value in the platform. A new resident of the Portland area shared their experience using the site, stating, “I really love the website. I just moved here from Boston, and the website is so well put together. There are a lot of resources there and phone numbers – the contact information was very, very helpful. Overall, it made an amazing impression because I have used other websites, and they were not as resourceful as this one.”
Designed to be inclusive and accessible, the Virtual CareerCenter offers multilingual support and tailored resources for veterans, older workers, individuals with disabilities, and those re-entering the workforce. Employers can take advantage of tools that streamline hiring processes and strengthen workforce development efforts.
“The Coastal Counties Workforce Board is thrilled to know that we have a resource in Maine that can be accessed by anyone with a computer, tablet, or smartphone. The Virtual CareerCenter resources and services are invaluable for anyone who is unemployed or underemployed or for anyone wanting to change jobs who needs our services. Available services include career advising, coaching, access to job training and other support. This is not just a website for job postings! With this new online Virtual CareerCenter, visitors can obtain services from the comfort of their home, 24/7, making these resources more accessible than ever,” said Antionette Mancusi, Executive Director of the Coastal Counties Workforce Board.
The Work Source Maine Virtual CareerCenter is now live and available to all Maine residents. To explore the platform and access its resources, visit www.myworksourcemaine.gov.
GOV. MILLS STATEMENT ON THE MAINE BUDGET
"The failure of the supplemental budget to earn two-thirds support in the Senate is a grave disappointment. Senate Republicans turned away from bipartisan agreement—unlike their House counterparts—and are causing harm to Maine health care providers and patients.
“The Maine Department of Health and Human Services is now in the extraordinary position of capping payments owed to health care providers—something that should have stopped, if not for obstruction by Senate Republicans.
“For weeks, I have encouraged Legislative leaders of both parties to negotiate in good faith and enact this sensible, non-controversial bill with two-thirds, so it can go into effect immediately. I have appreciated my conversations with leadership on both sides of the aisle, understood their positions, and compelled them to find common ground—which they did.
“Maine health care providers and patients cannot afford further delays. This brinksmanship is senseless and counterproductive. Senate Republicans should honor the bipartisan agreement and pass this bill."
GARY FRIEDMANN STATEMENT ON THE MAINE BUDGET
AUGUSTA—On Tuesday, Democrats and Republicans in the Maine House of Representatives came together in an overwhelming bipartisan way to put Maine people over politics.
In a 113-27 vote, the House passed a compromise supplemental budget that will pay Maine health care providers and protect our forest economy – providing the 2/3rd majority support needed to enact the bill as an emergency measure so it can take effect immediately.
Unfortunately, in the final round of floor votes, Republicans in the Senate withheld support, again blocking the bill from becoming law despite all Democrats voting in favor. For the second time in a month, they turned their backs on an agreement they made – and on Maine people.
Maine people deserve better. These obstructionist tactics are causing harm to health care providers and patients throughout our state. The Maine Department of Health and Human Services has now started capping payments to providers, many of whom simply cannot afford it.
Democrats have been consistent in our support for this emergency supplemental budget every step of the way, and our voting record speaks for itself. We have done everything within our power to get this budget over the finish line, and its failure is bitterly disappointing. Not just for us, but for all Mainers.
I encourage you to contact the Republican Senators who voted against this bill and urge them to join their House Republican colleagues in support of this must-pass supplemental budget. You can find the contact information for the Senate Republican Office here.
Please feel welcome to reach out to me with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Rep. Gary Friedmann
Serving House District 14
(207) 460-7362
Gary.Friedmann@legislature.maine.gov
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