Briefs: Partying With Flamboyance. Flamingo Festival This Weekend And So Is The Abbe's Dawnland Festival of Arts & Ideas
Real estate, Wine and Whiskers, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust Receives “Best-In-State Bank” Recognition, Federal and State Releases
The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by Havana.
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.
BRIEF: FLAMINGOS ARRIVE THIS WEEKEND!
SOUTHWEST HARBOR—Flamingos come to town this weekend for the annual Flamingo Festival, which runs from July 12-14.
The Harbor House hosts the three-day event, which features pink flamingos, pink clothes, flamingo clothes, and a whole lot of fun. You can purchase flamingos or an original Don Featherstone Flamingo box (set of two) for $25 at the Harbor House.
SATURDAY’S EVENTS
A pancake breakfast outside the Pemetic School lawn from 7:30 to 9 a.m. $7 a person until they run out of batter.
The Flamingo Parade begins at 9:15 a.m. on Seal Cove Road then down Main Street and onto the Clark Point Road.
The Harbor House will have children’s games and a bounce house from 10:30 a.m. to noon. There is also a craft fair.
The U.S. Coast Guard will host an open house after the parade.
The Southwest Harbor Public Library book sale at the American Legion Hall at 22 Village Green Way happens from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Southwest Harbor Historical Society Meeting House on the Seawall Road will host an open house on Seawall Road from noon to 4 p.m.
SUNDAY’S EVENTS
The book sale continues from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The craft fair continues from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.,
The historical society open house continues from 1-3 p.m.
Rodick Takeout and Golf of Maine host a car and motorcycle show from 2-4 p.m.
The annual polo and yacht club cocktail party runs from 5-7 p.m. at the Causeway Club Barn. Tickets cost $45 per person. That includes hors d’oeuvres, two drink tickets and live music from the Seal Harbor Boys.
MONDAY’S EVENTS
Flash in the Pans Steel Drum Band performs at the Pemetic School lawn at 7:30 p.m. The suggested donation is $5 per person.
Visit www.harborhousemdi.org or call Diana Novella at (207) 244-3713 for information.
BRIEF: SCHOOL REORGANIZATION FORUM CHANGES
BAR HARBOR AND SWAN’S ISLAND—The following meetings about potential school reorganization have changed in location or date.
Bar Harbor’s meeting has changed to MDI High School Cafeteria due to no parking at the Conners Emerson School due to summer construction.
It will be on Monday, July 14.
The meeting at Swan’s Island School gym has a new date. It will be on Wednesday, July 31.
DAWNLAND FESTIVAL OF ARTS AND IDEAS!
BAR HARBOR—The Abbe Museum’s Dawnland Festival of Arts & Ideas returns July 12-13 on the North Lawn at COA. This annual celebration showcases Wabanaki art, music, and thought leadership, bringing together Indigenous artists, performers, and public scholars in an immersive two-day experience.
“Native arts and cultures cannot be separated from Native ways of knowing. The Dawnland Festival of Arts & Ideas continues to celebrate the Native creative economy on Wabanaki homelands while lifting up Indigenous thought leadership vital to the conversation on a healthy planet and society for us all.”
~ Betsy Richards (Cherokee), Executive Director & Senior Partner with Wabanaki Nations
Please note that seating at panels and performances is limited and is on a first come, first served basis. Registration is recommended, though not required.
Monday July 14, 2025 Construction on Eagle Lake Road
BAR HARBOR—As part of the new school construction project, the contractor will be digging an exploratory test pit on Eagle Lake Road on Monday, July 14, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. One lane will be closed during this time and travelers should expect delays. Flaggers will be utilized to maintain traffic flow. Thank you for your patience as the utility work is initiated.
If you have questions, contact the Bar Harbor Water Division at 1-207-288-3555 or email water@barharbormaine.gov.
Bar Harbor Bank & Trust Receives “Best-In-State Bank” Recognition from Forbes for Fourth Consecutive Year
BAR HARBOR—Bar Harbor Bankshares (NYSE American: BHB), the parent company of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, is pleased to announce that the Bank has been recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of America’s “Best-In-State Banks” for the fourth consecutive year. The Bank was selected for the honor based on customer feedback and is one of only 191 banks to be recognized, representing less than 5% of all U.S. banks.
“To be named one of Forbes’ Best-in-State Banks for our home state of Maine for the fourth year in a row is a tremendous honor,” said Curtis C. Simard, President and CEO of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. “This recognition reflects our entire team’s unwavering dedication to our customers and communities, and our commitment to provide exceptional service to everyone who trusts us with their financial needs. We strive for excellence every day because we believe that is what our customers deserve.”
Bar Harbor Bank & Trust has been serving the financial needs of Northern New England residents and businesses since it was founded in 1887 in Bar Harbor, Maine. The Bank balances the delivery of digital services that customers require, such as mobile banking and mobile deposit, with a personal approach to banking that customers desire. The Bank has a full-service network of more than 50 branches across Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont.
In addition to the “Best-in-State Banks” honor, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust also received recognition from Newsweek earlier this year as one of “America’s Best Regional Banks.”
For Forbes’ eighth annual ranking of the best banks in each state, the magazine partnered with market research firm Statista to conduct surveys with more than 26,000 U.S. residents about the banks and credit unions where they have a checking or savings account. Survey participants evaluated financial institutions based on criteria including: trust, customer service, digital tools, terms and conditions, and financial advice. The evaluation process also included analyzing more than 500,000 public reviews and ratings submitted over the past three years to gauge public sentiment about the banks under consideration.
Visit the Forbes website at www.forbes.com/lists/best-in-state-banks/ to learn more about the 2025 “Best-in-State Banks” recognition and the selection process.
Bar Harbor Bankshares (NYSE American: BHB) is the parent company of its wholly owned subsidiary, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. Operating more than 50 locations across Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust is headquartered in Bar Harbor, Maine, and has more than $4 billion in assets. As a leading Northern New England community bank, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust offers a full range of personal and business banking services, as well as wealth management services through its subsidiary Bar Harbor Wealth Management. For more information about Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, visit www.barharbor.bank or call 888-853-7100. Member FDIC.
Annual Wine & Whiskers Event to Support the SPCA
TRENTON—Support the animals while enjoying wonderful food and drink and bidding on amazing auction items at the SPCA of Hancock County’s 12th Annual Wine & Whiskers fundraiser.
The summer fun begins at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday July 22 at the Bar Harbor Club on West Street in Bar Harbor. The cost is $150 per person ($75 of which is tax deductible) and will include hors d’oeuvres and a three-course dinner. There will be a cash bar. All the proceeds from the evening support the operation of the non-profit organization’s animal shelter.
"The funds raised during the Wine & Whiskers event can be the reason a life is saved, a tail wags, and a second chance begins. We use these funds for everything from providing essential medical care such as spays and neuters to emergent care, saving the lives of our adoptable animals,” said SPCA Executive Director Mindy Wulf. “Every pawprint tells a story—and with your support, we can help write a happier ending for them all. With your support at Wine and Whiskers, we give hope, healing, and a second chance to the animals who need it most."
The highlight of the festive event are the silent and live auctions.
The signature live auction item this year is an amazing experience at the renovated Asticou Hotel in Northeast Harbor. The package, generously donated by Tim Harrington, includes a champagne cruise for 8 aboard Tim’s boat, the Lady A, followed by dinner for 8 at the Asticou.
Other auction items include a Piaggio electric scooter valued at more than $3,000, dinner for 4 in the glass house at Aragosta restaurant, jewelry by Lisa Hall, purses by Dooney & Bourke, local artwork, unique housewares and gift certificates to area restaurants and businesses.
“We couldn't be more thrilled to host our 12th annual Wine & Whiskers fundraiser. This year we are especially excited to introduce our new Executive Director, Mindy Wulf, to the community,” said Michelle Allvin, SPCA board president. “She successfully combines compassion and genuine empathy for animals with 20+ years in nonprofit management. She brings to us a knowledge base of leadership and business skills to run a successful and fiscally sound organization.”
This event also brings together the fantastic individuals and businesses in Hancock County who continue support the work of our shelter, caring for and rehoming companion animals, Allvin added.
“We are not part of any national shelter groups and as such receive no state or federal funding. We are proudly 100% community funded. This event is our biggest fundraiser of the year and we rely on donations of auction items and business sponsorships to make this event successful,” Allvin said.
This year, the SPCA will have a couple of alumni dogs in attendance for Wine & Whiskers guests to meet.
For those unable to attend Wine & Whiskers, you can still support the SPCA’s mission by making a donation or becoming an event sponsor. To make your reservation, to pre-bid on auction items or to find out how you can make a donation or become a sponsor, please contact Mariah Donavan at (207) 667-8088. You can also make your reservations or become a sponsor by visiting www.spcahancockcounty.org
ARTEMIS GALLERY OPENING RECEPTION!
Join Artemis Gallery on July 17th from 5-7pm for an opening reception of our latest group show featuring artists Roberta Amina Greany, Philip Heckscher, Abigail Milner, John Schmidtberger and Sharon Whitham. Enjoy drinks, small bites, music and fine art. A portion of sales from the show will benefit the Downeast Coastal Conservancy.
The show is on display through July 29th.
Contact us:
207-276-3001
THIS IS NOW POSTPONED:
Fifth Annual Ashley Bryan Lecture: Anthony Walton
Friday, July 11, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.
The Jesup Memorial Library is honored to announce that the Fifth Annual Ashley Bryan Lecture was to take place on Friday, July 11 and feature poet and writer Anthony Walton.
The Fifth Annual Ashley Bryan Lecture, featuring poet and writer Anthony Walton, was to be held at the Jesup Memorial Library on Friday, June 11 at 7:00 pm.
College of the Atlantic Summer Institute on Deck
BAR HARBOR — A score of exceptional individuals whose work and beliefs have changed how we see the world explore the legacy of leadership, the promises and threats of artificial intelligence, restoring democracy, the frontlines of science, and more at the 2025 College of the Atlantic Summer Institute: Path Breaking, July 28-Aug 1.
The Honorable George Mitchell, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Dr. Doris Kearns Goodwin, former director of the National Institutes of Health Dr. Francis Collins, inaugural Literary Director of the Library of Congress Marie Arana, and former Democratic National Committee Vice Chair David Hogg are just a few of the pathbreakers who will take the stage at the institute. Register for in-person and online attendance at coa.edu/si.
“This year’s Summer Institute is designed to help us understand how good ideas and good works break through. We will look to historical examples, grapple with current issues, and look forward to challenges we see on the horizon” says COA Dean of Institutional Advancement Shawn Keeley. “We believe that bringing folks together in conversation is so important today, and keeping the event free and open to the public is a way we can invite everyone in and give back to the MDI community.”
The Summer Institute is College of the Atlantic's week-long convening of ideas that welcomes experts from around the world to share their perspectives on the most pressing issues of our time. The Summer Institute is supported by the generosity of COA Champlain Society members. The event is held under a tent on the North Lawn.
The institute begins on Monday evening, July 28, with “Changing Culture through Art,” featuring Chief Curator of The Studio Museum Thelma Golden and Director of the Museum of Modern Art Glenn Lowry. Morning and evening sessions continue through Friday, August 1. Wednesday features a bonus afternoon panel. Join us for coffee and tea in the event tent prior to the 9:30 a.m. morning session. Evening sessions are at 5 p.m., followed by nightly cocktail receptions in the Geier Oval. Registration is required at coa.edu/si.
More Than $12 Million for Maine Fire Stations and Emergency Services Advanced by Senator Collins in Funding Bills
WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that she advanced $12,265,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending for fire stations and emergency services throughout Maine in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration Appropriations bill. The legislation, which was officially approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee today, now awaits consideration by the full Senate and House.
“Every day, first responders selflessly put their lives on the line to serve communities throughout Maine,” said Senator Collins. “This funding would help to ensure that Maine’s fire fighters and emergency response professionals have the adequate facilities needed to do their jobs as effectively and safely as possible. As the Chair of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to advocate for this funding as the appropriations process moves forward.”
This funding advanced through the Committee’s markup of the FY 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration Appropriations bill—an important step that now allows the bill to be considered by the full Senate.
Funding advanced by Senator Collins for Maine fire stations and emergency services in the FY 2026 Agriculture Appropriations bill is as follows:
Belgrade Fire and Rescue Station
Recipient: Town of Belgrade
Project Location: Belgrade, ME
Amount Requested: $4,700,000
Project Purpose: To construct a fire and rescue station.
Marshfield Fire Station
Recipient: Marshfield Volunteer Fire Department
Project Location: Marshfield, ME
Amount Requested: $756,000
Project Purpose: To construct a fire station.
St. Agatha Fire Station
Recipient: Town of St. Agatha
Project Location: St. Agatha, ME
Amount Requested: $345,000
Project Purpose: To expand the fire station.
St. Albans Fire Station
Recipient: Town of St. Albans
Project Location: St. Albans, ME
Amount Requested: $1,520,000
Project Purpose: To construct a fire station.
Swan’s Island Fire and Ambulance Station
Recipient: Town of Swan’s Island
Project Location: Swan’s Island, ME
Amount Requested: $1,444,000
Project Purpose: To expand the fire and ambulance station.
Thomaston Fire and EMS Facility
Recipient: Town of Thomaston
Project Location: Thomaston, ME
Amount Requested: $3,500,000
Project Purpose: To construct a fire and EMS facility.
In 2021, Congress reinstituted Congressionally Directed Spending. Following this decision, Senator Collins has secured more than $1 billion for hundreds of Maine projects forFY 2022, FY 2023, and FY 2024. As the Chair of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Collins is committed to championing targeted investments that will benefit Maine communities.
Mount Desert Nursing Association Holds First-Ever Lobster Bake!
100+ Neighbors Raise Cheers & Funds in Support of 76 Years of Home Care
BASS HARBOR, Maine—Under clearing skies and a Quietside sunset, more than 100 friends and neighbors gathered at Archie’s Lobster on June 26 to support MDNA’s mission—with fresh lobsters, live music, community spirit, and a shared commitment to continued home care.
All agreed the festive evening was a memorable start to what is expected to become an annual tradition. The event featured a performance by local musician Derf McKeeton and a fit-for-a-king Maine lobster dinner.
Attendees were welcomed by MDNA Executive Director Amy McVety, who thanked the crowd for supporting the organization’s nearly 76-year legacy of compassionate care.
In remarks, McVety said, “What a magical night! Watching our community come together—over lobster, live music, and laughter—reminds us that we’re not just raising money, we’re building a home-health safety net for our elderly, our families, and our friends. Your support ensures that we can continue providing essential home health services to the people Mount Desert Island, Trenton, and Lamoine.”
All proceeds from the fundraiser will go directly toward MDNA’s mission of delivering high-quality home health care — including skilled nursing, occupational therapy, and physical therapy — to year-round and seasonal residents in need.
The Mount Desert Nursing Association has been a cornerstone of community health since its founding in 1949. For more information about MDNA and how to support its vital and heartfelt mission, visit mountdesertnursing.org.
The Coffee & Conversation Summer Series Presents:
From Ocean Survival to Seasteading
Join us for a seamanship seminar featuring sailor, author, naval architect, and inventor Steven Callahan and COA Director of Marine Operations Toby Stephenson ’98.
Location: Davis Center for Human Ecology and streaming live globally
Date & Time: July 15, 9:30 a.m.
The Coffee & Conversation series features discussions between invited guests and College of the Atlantic faculty members and trustees. This summer, you are invited to join conversations with authors, entrepreneurs, scholars, artists, researchers, and thought leaders.
Sessions are held live at COA and online at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday mornings in July and August.
Click here to check the schedule and here to register
PIZZA IN THE PARK AT THE STONE BARN FARM
Join us on Thursday, July 17, at 5:30 p.m. at the Stone Barn Farm in Bar Harbor for this summer’s Pizza in the Park event. We will gather outside to enjoy free pizza and community as we discuss the many important possibilities that still exist in local climate solutions. Engage in conversation and ask and answer questions as we collectively explore the role communities play in ensuring a thriving planet alongside a thriving democracy. Please bring whatever you may need to be comfortable enjoying pizza and conversation outdoors (picnic blanket, lawn chair etc).
Pizza in the Park free and open to the public! Please reach out to wilson@aclimatetothrive.org with any questions. Registration is encouraged to help ensure we have enough food and can meet any dietary needs. Thank you!
Register to join us on July 17
LAND AND GARDEN PRESERVE EVENTS
JULY 16 - Native Ferns of Little Harbor Brook at the Land and Garden Preserve
The Land and Garden Preserve is home to over 15 species of native ferns. Join Tate Bushell on a walk to see, identify, and learn about many of these.
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
JULY 23- Tree & Shrub Identification & Natural History
Wander the fields and forest of our natural lands and discover the diversity of trees and shrubs while learning how to use a field guide of your choice.
9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
CAR SHOW AT BIRCH BAY AND OTHER EVENTS:
JULY 13—A SEABIRD CRUISE TO PETIT MANAN!
The Friends of Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge is hosting a trip to Petit Manan wildlife refuge with Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. this Sunday, July 13 at 3-5:30 p.m. Refuge biologists will be present to answer questions.
Sunday, July 13, Seabird Cruise to Petit Manan Island
3:30-5:30 p.m. (boarding at 3 p.m.)
Join us on our grand finale trip for the spring/summer Bird Time on the Coast! Travel in style on the Bar Harbor Whale Watching Company’s Friendship V for our annual fundraising event to benefit the Refuge.
The Friendship V takes us on a swift, quiet, and eco-friendly ride to Petit Manan Island, which is home to terns, puffins, black guillemots, and more. While we can’t go ashore, we will have the opportunity to chat with the island technicians and ask questions about the seabirds and researchers living on the island during the summer.
There is a very good chance of seeing Wilson’s storm-petrels or shearwaters on this trip. We will raffle off a themed gift basket, so bring some cash! Sweet and savory finger foods are provided by the Friends, and the boat will have a cash bar. You may bring your own non-alcoholic drinks and food, but nothing in a glass container or hard cooler.
Tickets are $65, and 100% of each ticket supports the Friends of Maine Coastal Islands NWR and the Refuge. Children aged 10 and under who are with their parent/guardian can come for free.
Parking in Bar Harbor along designated streets and in lots can be secured using the ParkMobile app. Set up your ParkMobile app before you arrive to make it easier as parking can be limited – our advice is to get there early! Rain or shine! Be at the dock for boarding at 3:00 pm. The Bar Harbor Whale Watching Company is located at 1 West Street, Bar Harbor, Maine.
Purchase your tickets here or call (207)594-0600 ext. 5114. https://mainecoastislands.org/events/
TRENTON GRANGE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION!
TRENTON—Trenton Grange #550 is excited to announce its Centennial Celebration on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, marking 100 years of service and tradition in the community. Everyone is invited to join us from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at our Grange Hall, located at 1134 Bar Harbor Road in Trenton.
Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows will be in attendance and will present the Grange with an award honoring 100 years of incorporation as a grange.
Peter Lazas, Master of the Trenton Grange shares that “this is a celebration of our past and hopes for the future of our Grange and our town.”
Please join us for the celebration of this milestone. Grange members and volunteers will be serving up a traditional bean supper complete with homemade pies! This event is free and open to the public. Donations will be appreciated in support of the Grange's continued community operations, programs and events.
UPCOMING EVENTS AT THE MDI BIO LABORATORY
Science Cafe, Art Meets Science
From Naples to Bar Harbor—Paul Klee and Marine Biology
Monday, July 14, 2025 at 5 p.m. in Maren Auditorium (#4 on map) or via Zoom.
Explore the unexpected connections between modern art, marine biology, and the roots of scientific discovery in Maine.
In 1902, artist Paul Klee visited a famous marine research lab in Naples, Italy. The vibrant sea life he saw there helped shape his artistic vision—and reflected a growing interest in how life begins. This talk looks at how those ideas crossed the Atlantic, influencing both European artists and American scientists.
Join President Hermann Haller, M.D., internationally acclaimed physician scientist and skilled art historian as we follow this creative thread all the way to the MDI Biological Laboratory, where the spirit of scientific exploration continues today.
Family Science Night
Wednesday, July 16, 2025 from 4–6 p.m. on the lower campus (#8-12 on map).
Family Science Night promotes scientific literacy by bringing science to life. This event is an important part of the curriculum for our undergraduate summer fellows, serving as a practical application of the skills developed in their Communicating Science class. Children and families explore, experiment and talk about science at interactive stations guided by our scientists and their students. Student researchers participating in MDI Bio Lab’s undergraduate summer research fellowship program design and produce a wide variety of hands-on activities to explain their biomedical research.
Bring your friends and family and have fun with a variety of hands-on science activities!
Please note that there will be photography and video recordings of this event for publicity purposes.
Register for Family Science Night
MDI Bio Lab Annual Meeting
The 2025 Annual Meeting of the Corporation is a week away!
Thursday, July 24 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Annual Meeting of the Corporation and Luncheon
Join us for our Annual Meeting of the Corporation and get an inside look at the innovative projects and bold plans shaping the future of MDI Bio Lab.
AUTHOR TALK WITH THOMAS E. RICKS AND LINCOLN MILLSTEIN
SOUTHWEST HARBOR—Covert operations. Murder in the Gulf of Maine. Don’t miss the book talk We Can’t Save You: A Tale of Politics, Murder, and Maine with New York Times bestselling author, Thomas Ricks on Tuesday, July 15th from 5:30-6:30 at the Southwest Harbor Public Library. The event will be in-person only. Lincoln Millstein, a retired media executive who writes The Quietside Journal, a news blog about MDI will interview Ricks, who is the author of five New York Times bestsellers. His work combines his deep knowledge of Maine with his years of experience covering U.S. military operations to craft a powerful tale of politics and mayhem in We Can’t Save You, a riveting new crime novel and the second in his acclaimed Ryan Tapia series.
Author Talk with Ron Currie: The Savage, Noble Death of Babs Dionne
Thursday, July 17, 2025
6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
BAR HARBOR – On Thursday, July 17, at 6:30 p.m., join the Jesup Memorial Library for an author talk with Ron Currie, award-winning author of five novels. In Currie’s latest book, The Savage, Noble Death of Babs Dionne the titular heroine Babs is a proud Franco-American, a doting grandmother, an aging widow, and a vicious crime matriarch who rules her small town of Waterville, Maine with a cast-iron fist. She controls the flow of drugs into Little Canada with the help of her loyal lieutenants—all her girlfriends since they were teenagers—and with her eldest daughter, Lori, a dishonorably discharged Marine and addict, who wants nothing to do with the family business but who harbors a sense of familial obligation that, much like her drug habit, she can’t quite shake.
When a drug kingpin discovers that his numbers are down in the upper northeast, he sends a malevolent force, known only as The Man, to investigate. At the same time, Babs's youngest daughter, Sis, goes missing, which doesn't seem at all like a coincidence. In twenty-four hours, Sis will be found dead, unleashing an inferno of fury in Babs that will force the whole town to seek shelter from her wrath. Merde.
Ron Currie has won the New York Public Library’s Young Lions Award, the Addison M. Metcalf Award, the Alex Award, and the Pushcart Prize. His books have been translated into fifteen languages, and his short fiction and nonfiction have received recognition in Best American anthologies. As a screenwriter he worked most recently on the Apple TV+ series Extrapolations and has developed projects with AMC Studios, Amblin Television, and ITV America. He lives in Portland, Maine, and teaches in the University of Southern Maine Stonecoast MFA program.
Copies of The Savage, Noble Death of Babs Dionne will be for sale the night of the event courtesy of Sherman's Books. All sales benefit the Jesup Memorial Library.
Artist Talk with Jennifer Booher
Thursday, July 24, 2025 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
BAR HARBOR—Jennifer Booher created twelve still life photographs based on the Dutch still life painting tradition to accompany the essays in the 2025 edition of Chebacco. On Thursday, July 24 at 6:30 p.m., the artist will share her misadventures with historic recipes, adventures in sourcing objects ranging from a neon ‘open’ sign to oysters excavated from a Maine shell mound, and the challenge of adapting photographic techniques to re-create this style of painting.
Jennifer Booher is a Bar Harbor artist who uses still life photography, cyanotype, and drawing to explore the intersection of science and history. She has been a Resident Artist with Acadia National Park since 2015, and Artist-in-Residence with the Mount Desert Island Historical Society since 2018. Ms. Booher is the recipient of two Maine Arts Commission project grants, a Frenchmans Bay Partners Environmental Stewardship award and a Kindling Fund award from SPACE Gallery/Andy Warhol Foundation Regional Regranting Program. She received her BA in Art History and Asian Studies from Vassar College, and her master's degree in Landscape Architecture and Historic Preservation from the University of Virginia.
This program is a collaboration between the MDI Historical Society and the Jesup Memorial Library. It is offered in person or online and will be recorded for later viewing.
Free Chamber Music Concert with Kneisel Hall Young Artists at St. John Church
Southwest Harbor - The Library is proud to present a Kneisel Hall Chamber Concert on Thursday, July 17th from 7:00-8:30 p.m., at St. John’s Church, 315 Main Street, across from the library in Southwest Harbor. This event is in-person only.
This is a wonderful opportunity to hear one of the most significant chamber music programs in the country and to see and hear exceptional music students who are about to launch their careers and in many cases, are already concertizing internationally. Kneisal Hall’s Young Artist Chamber Music Program attracts today’s most gifted pre-professional musicians for 7 weeks of intensive study and performance.
The ON TOUR concert series is a gift to the community. These performances are one way we enjoy fulfilling our mission to foster the art of chamber music. The concert will feature several different ensembles performing a variety of works. For some, this concert is the highlight of their summer musical season. The Church is always filled with a very appreciative audience.
This event fills up quickly so get there early. No registration necessary. For questions, email programs@swhplibrary.org or call 207-244-7065. https://tinyurl.com/4kvrrbnh
Kneisel Hall, located in Blue Hill, also offers a summer of Festival Concerts, which began in 1902 when Franz Kneisel, founder of the first professional string quartet in America, began bringing students to his Maine vacation home for summer study.
https://www.kneisel.org
Governor Mills Statement on U.S.House Passage of Federal budget reconciliation bill
Governor Janet Mills today issued the following statement after the U.S. House passed the 2025 Federal budget reconciliation bill:
“The President may call it the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ – but there’s nothing beautiful about it. There is certainly nothing pretty about denying food to hungry children, preventing Maine people from seeing their doctor, or preventing a doctor from being paid. This ugly, purely partisan bill, rushed to meet the president’s artificial deadline, will have devastating consequences for Maine people, our hospitals, our rural communities, our economy, our energy costs, and our balanced state budget. As I have previously warned, like many other states, the State of Maine simply cannot absorb the substantial shift in costs that this bill will place on the backs of our children, families, seniors, and veterans to finance a tax cut for the very wealthy. In the coming weeks, my Administration will review the final language of this bill to determine the full scope of the damage that it will cause to our state, including its impact to our otherwise balanced state budget.”
President Trump is expected to sign the Federal budget reconciliation bill into law tomorrow. Governor Mills has previously warned that the legislation would have dire consequences for Maine people. Last week, the Governor sent the attached letter (PDF) to Maine’s Congressional Delegation warning about the bill’s impacts on the health and safety of Maine people and Maine’s economy. In the letter, the Governor pointed out that about 392,000 Maine people – including about 40 percent of the population in Aroostook, Washington, and Somerset Counties – receive healthcare through Medicaid. In May, the Governor warned that the bill’s proposed cuts to Medicaid would be “devastating.”
REAL ESTATE TRANSFERS
BAR HARBOR
• NCM LLC, Ellsworth to Arthur B. Davis and Heather H. Davis, Hilton Head, S.C., as joint tenants, land with buildings and improvements.
• Inhabitants of municipality of Bar Harbor, Bar Harbor to Todd and Patricia Staples, Bar Harbor, land.
• Gregory S. Russell, Bar Harbor and Franke Russell, Bar Harbor to Gregory S. Russell, Bar Harbor, land with improvements.
• Amy Steckel, Mt. Vernon to Christopher B. Bengal and Lisa I. Bengal, Winter Springs, Fla., as joint tenants, land with buildings and improvements.
CRANBERRY ISLES
• Shirley S. Dwelley, Palm Harbor, Fla., to Shirley S. Dwelley Trust, Palm Harbor, Fla., land.
• Shirley S. Dwelley, Palm Harbor, Fla., to Shirley S. Dwelley Trust, Palm Harbor, Fla., land.
• Dwelley Family Trust, Dunedin, Fla., to Shirley S. Dwelley, Palm Harbor, Fla., land.
• Dwelley Family Trust, Dunedin, Fla., to Shirley S.Dwelley, Palm Harbor, Fla., land.
• Shirley S. Dwelley, Palm Harbor, Fla., to Shirley S. Dwelley Trust, Palm Harbor, Fla., land.
• Dwelley Family Trust, Dunedin, Fla., to Shirley S. Dwelley, Palm Harbor, Fla., land.
LAMOINE
• Georgia C. Nelson, Lamoine to Erin Arlene White, Lamoine, land with buildings and improvements.
• Laura Ann DeLong and Michael DeLong, Lam-oine to Talley’s Corner Properties LLC, Boxborough, Mass., land with improvements.
• Rocky Pond LLC, Ellsworth to LCS LLC, Trenton, land with buildings and improvements.
• Sally J. Smith Living Trust, Lamoine to Kenneth and Sally Living Trust, Lamoine, land with buildings and improvements.
MOUNT DESERT
• Kimberly A. Gray, Trenton to Jensen Rich and Laura Rich, Mount Desert, as joint tenants, land.
• Wayne E. Gregersen and Geraldine Kush Gregersen, Mount Desert to Edward Nicholas Ashworth and Sharon Lee Ashworth, Zionsville, Ind., as joint tenants, land with buildings and improvements.
• Lewis E. Moore and Estate of Alice G. Carter to Christopher S. Moore, Northeast Harbor, land with improvements.
SOUTHWEST HARBOR
• Sevenhavens LLC, Southwest Harbor to Michelle Schultz and Rex Schultz, Bethlehem, Pa., land with buildings and improvements.
• Michael F. Collins and Debra A. Collins, Saco to Michael F. Collins, Debra A. Collins and Hailey White, Saco, as joint tenants, time-share estate at Harbor Ridge Condominiums, South-west Harbor, unit 55, week 25.
• Gary V. Cornwell and Patricia L. Cornwell, Harpswell to Patricia & Gary Cornwell Trust, Harpswell, time-share estate at Harbor Ridge, Southwest Harbor.
• Thomas H. Hodge and Susan W. Hodge, a/k/a Susan B. Hodge, Rockville Centre, N.Y., to Hodge Living Trust, Rockville Centre, N.Y., land with buildings.
SWAN’S ISLAND
Florence H. Borda, Bryn Mawr, Pa., to Revo-cable Trust of Florence H. Borda, Bryn Mawr, Pa., one-third interest, land with buildings and improvements.
TREMONT
Wendy Shaw, Wayne to Jamien St. Pierre, Bar Harbor, land with improvements.
TRENTON
• Inhabitants of municipality of Trenton, Trenton to Patricia Staples and Todd Staples, land with buildings.
• Inhabitants of municipality of Trenton, Trenton to Patricia Staples and Todd Staples, land with buildings.
• Michael D. Holland, Trenton to Michael D. Holland and Nadine F. Holland, Trenton, as joint tenants, land with buildings.
• Robert A. Nolan and Ellen M. Nolan, Southwest Harbor to Timothy J. Lyford and Kerry K. Henrik-son, Trenton, as joint tenants, land with buildings and improvements.
• Inhabitants of municipality of Trenton, Trenton to Edward M. Libitzki and Cheryl G. Libitzki, Trenton, land with buildings.
Senator Collins Announces More Than $5.3 Million for TRIO Student Support Services Grants for Maine
Department of Education’s action follows Senator Collins’ urging of the Secretary at an Appropriations Hearing.
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional TRIO Caucus, announced that the Department of Education has awarded a total of $5,354,951 in TRIO Student Support Services grants to 11 Maine colleges and universities. These grants are given to colleges and universities to improve the retention and graduation rates of first-generation and low-income college students. The announcement comes after Senator Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, questioned Secretary of Education Linda McMahon on the proposed elimination of TRIO programs at an Appropriations hearing to review the Fiscal Year 2026 budget request for the U.S. Department of Education.
“I have seen the lives of countless first-generation and low-income students, not only in Maine, but across the country, changed by the TRIO program. I am glad the Secretary of Education followed through on the commitment she made to me at our Appropriations hearing to disburse these grants, and I will continue to urge the Administration to support this critical investment into our students and schools,” said Senator Collins.
The following Maine colleges and universities received Student Support Services grants:
University of Maine at Augusta - $566,531
University of Maine at Farmington - $352,530
Kennebec Valley Community College - $352,531
Southern Maine Community College - $544,728
University of Maine at Presque Isle - $746,168
University of Maine - $694,807
Central Maine Community College - $620,879
Eastern Maine Community College - $272,364
University of Maine at Fort Kent - $356,773
University of Southern Maine - $544,728
Washington County Community College - $302,912
In June, Senator Collins announced the Department of Education’s release of TRIO Upward Bound Grants for Maine following her urging.
MAINE FARMLAND TRUST OFFERING CLIMATE CONSULTS
The Maine Farmland Trust Climate Resilience Team is offering "climate consults," which are free, on-farm technical assistance to farmers who are facing climate-related challenges on their farms, such as drought, flooding, soil erosion, etc.
Areas of expertise include: agroecology, ecological design, grazing and pasture management, IPM, nutrient and manure management, and more. While the team offers more in-depth planning through other services, the climate consult program is for farmers seeking fast, practical support. The consults are available from June to October.
What to Expect:
A time commitment of up to two hours for a one-time visit
Assessment of key climate risks on the farm
Talking through strategies for adaptation and mitigation
A post-visit consult report with analysis, maps, and other materials tailored to the farm
These consults are open to all farms in Maine. Spots are limited and scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Fill out the online inquiry form to get started at mainefarmlandtrust.org/climate-consult.
For more assistance, email Sav Eades at seades@mainefarmlandtrust.org.
Organic Dairy Product Promotion Grant Closing Soon
The deadline is nearing for applications for the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center's Organic Dairy Product Promotion (ODPP) Grant, a new grant made possible through the USDA's Commodity Credit Corporation
The program offers funds to purchase organic dairy products for use in youth-focused institutional food service programs (ages 5-25). This opportunity is part of a national initiative to increase the consumption of organic dairy among children and young adults while supporting partnerships with, and networks of, small and mid-sized organic dairy producers.
Funded projects will address one of the following areas:
Expansion of current organic dairy procurement: Existing sourcing of organic dairy products will be supplemented with additional Northeast organic dairy products
Addition of organic dairy products: Institutions that do not currently serve organic dairy products will begin to source and serve Northeast organic dairy
Grants will range from $50,000 - $500,000 with no match requirement. $1,750,000 is available this round. This is the first of two times that this grant will be offered.
The application will be open until July 31, 2025 at 2 PM ET.
While data shows continued decline in overdose deaths in Maine, Governor warns 'we can't get complacent'
AUGUSTA—During remarks today at the seventh annual Governor's Opioid Response Summit, Governor Janet Mills welcomed data showing that overdose deaths continue to decline in Maine but urged attendees to maintain the fight against the opioid epidemic.
The Governor reported that fatal overdoses have fallen by more than 20 percent to 213 from January to June 2025, continuing a trend of declining deaths since last year, when Maine recorded its largest decrease in drug overdose deaths since 2018. As of the end of May, non-fatal overdoses have also decreased by more than 18 percent to 2,901.
"This is welcome news, but we know we can't get complacent," said Governor Janet Mills. "Every overdose is a warning sign."
The Governor welcomed the lives saved and significant progress achieved through prevention, naloxone distribution, treatment and recovery support, housing and workforce initiatives, and drug seizures. At the same time, she urged Maine people to recommit to supporting those on the path to recovery.
"We know that connection is the cure to the opioid crisis," the Governor added. "Today community members across the State of Maine, including the 1,000 people gathered here today and the people watching on the livestream at home, recommit to supporting people as they start, stumble, or resume their recovery and to responding to new waves of the opioid epidemic as they ebb and flow to save lives."
The annual summit, held at the Augusta Civic Center and themed "Sustaining Progress through Prevention, Perseverance, and Passion," brought together members of the public, health care providers, policy experts, state and federal government leaders, affected individuals and families, advocates, and law enforcement officials to discuss strategies to help Maine people impacted by the opioid crisis.
"The declining number of overdoses and overdose deaths in Maine is reason for hope that our collective efforts are helping turn the tide against this epidemic," said Gordon Smith, Director of Opioid Response. "By working closely with partners across the state, we can maintain this momentum with continued commitment. We will continue to do everything we can to help prevent people from using drugs, ensure that people can get into treatment and recovery, and most importantly, save lives."
"The data confirms that prevention, treatment, recovery support, and harm reduction work, but only when we work together," said DHHS Commissioner Sara Gagné-Holmes. "We'll build on this progress by continuing to learn from front-line teams, partnering with local leaders, reinforcing our infrastructure -- including preserving Medicaid access -- and ensuring that help is never out of reach."
During today's summit, Governor Mills honored Leslie Clark and Peter Bruun with the Governor's Award for their extraordinary contributions in the fight against substance use disorder.
Leslie Clark served as a long-time leader of people in recovery as Executive Director of the Portland Recovery Community Center. While she is retiring from that role, she will remain as one of the Governor's appointees on the Substance Use Disorder Services Commission.
Peter Brunn last year organized the "19 Towns, 19 Stories" project, which featured an in-person event in each of the 19 towns in Lincoln County in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Month. Brunn, who lost his daughter, Elisif, 11 years ago to an overdose, organizes events for people to mourn the loss of their loved ones with the support of their communities.
The daylong summit featured 24 breakout sessions moderated by experts on issues including prevention, treatment, addiction research, harm-reduction, public policy, and recovery support. Nabarun Dasgupta, PhD, MPH, a scientist honored on the 2023 TIME100 Next list of rising global leaders who amplify community and patient voices in public health, and Ryan Hampton, a prominent advocate, speaker, author, and media commentator on addiction and recovery, delivered keynote addresses.
Under Governor Mills' leadership, the state has taken significant actions to save lives from opioids, including:
Providing health insurance coverage through MaineCare expansion to over 100,000 Mainers, with more than 31,000 individuals receiving treatment for substance use;
Expanding treatment for substance use and opioid use disorder with increases in Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD), and increasing Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) and waivered providers across the state;
Recruiting and training of over 2,000 recovery coaches;
Increasing the number of Recovery Community Centers and Certified Recovery Residences across the state, with over 75 percent of Certified Recovery Residences supporting residents on medication for substance use disorders;
Establishing the OPTIONS Program statewide, including adding recovery coaches to OPTIONS teams in Maine to work alongside local emergency services and law enforcement to provide therapeutic interventions, outreach, referrals and post-overdose follow-up for individuals;
Developing Maine's statewide naloxone distribution program and increasing distribution of naloxone by over 200 percent from 2020 to 2024. Since 2019, the Mills Administration has distributed more than 648,000 doses of naloxone, which has been used to reverse 11,393 overdoses that may have otherwise been fatal;
Expanding Maine's "Good Samaritan" law, first signed by Governor Mills in 2019, which encourages individuals to call for life-saving assistance when someone at their location is experiencing an overdose;
Providing funding for medically monitored withdrawal beds through the Office of Behavioral Health to support room and board and other costs not covered by MaineCare;
Dedicating $1 million to purchase and distribute test strips for the powerful sedative xylazine, a growing contributor to overdoses in Maine;
Vastly expanding team-based treatment of opioid use disorder for eligible MaineCare members and uninsured individuals through Opioid Health Homes;
Establishing Recovery Friendly Workplaces, with 73 businesses that employ 11,000 employees now certified.
Tips for Watching Maine's Majestic Moose
Photo by Tori Lee Jackson
MAINE—With a population of 40-60,000 moose, Maine is home to the largest population in the lower 48 states and is an excellent place to see your first moose… if you’re willing to put the work in!
Standing up to seven feet tall and weighing 800-1,100 pounds on average, males being larger, they are a sight to be seen. Wading through the water, peaking through spruce, or against vibrant fall foliage. But just what should you consider when exploring Maine, in hopes of spotting this majestic mammal?
Location, time of day, and season are three major considerations. Find tips on where to look (and what to look for) in our latest moose watching blog.
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Love reading the activities surrounding Bar Harbor.Thank you Ms.jones