Milagro Coffee & Espresso Opens Year Round Under New Owner, Paradis Concedes in Commissioner's Race, Park Has Busiest October

Hundreds of Volunteers Turn Out for 34th Annual Take Pride in Acadia Day and more briefs and press releases

Nov 08, 2024

Each week, we compile press releases and briefs that have been sent in to us and send it to you as one story. This is this week’s compilation!

Jacquith Porter Is the New Owner of Milagro Coffee & Espresso

SOUTHWEST HARBOR—Milagro Coffee & Espresso recently announced a new owner taking the reins after 22 years. Milagro Coffee & Espresso will operate in Southwest Harbor year-round with a rebrand to Milagro Coffee Bar. Milagro Coffee Bar invites the community out for its grand reopening with an espresso toast on Tuesday, November 12 at 10 a.m.

After 22 years of servicing Mount Desert Island and the surrounding community, former owners Shawn Robinette and Brian White announced on October 1st that local, Jacquith Porter would be taking the reins of Milagro Coffee. “We met a lot of wonderful people along the way, made strong bonds and lifetime friends. Not only do we wish Jac much business success, but also the strong sense of being an important part of this community.”

Jacquith Porter was born and raised on Mount Desert Island and was a graduate of the University of Maine - Orono. After graduating, Jacquith spent over 15 years working in the coffee industry all over the East Coast including with the two largest international coffee brands as well as a number of locally owned and operated coffee brands. “I am so excited to make Southwest Harbor my new home; it reminds me of the Bar Harbor I grew up in with its small town charm, everyone knowing everyone, and a true sense of community. I can not wait to spend the winter getting to know everyone over a cup of coffee!”

Milagro Coffee Bar will operate Tuesday through Saturday from 7 a.m. - 1 p.m. throughout the winter. The community is invited to celebrate the grand reopening kicking off the winter hours on Tuesday, November 12th at 10 a.m. Participants will receive a free shot of espresso to participate in an espresso toast to mark the occasion.

About Milagro Coffee Bar: Started in 2002 by Shawn and Brian; Milagro has been a staple coffee shop of the community for over 20 years. Jacquith took over in 2024 to steward the Milagro Legacy into the next 20 years of serving this vibrant community. Milagro Coffee Bar is located at 204 Main Street, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679.

OCTOBER IS ACADIA’S BUSIEST OCTOBER EVER

A photo at Great Meadow this November. Carrie Jones/Bar Harbor Story

ACADIA NATIONAL PARK—With an estimated 567,466 visits in October, the Acadia National Park pulled in 10,000 more visits than its last busiest October on record, which had been in 2021.

That year was also its busiest year with just more than 4 million visits for the year.

On Sunday, October 13, the park recorded its busiest day it has ever had. Social scientists’ data indicated that 3,636 vehicles went through Sand Beach entrance on that day of the holiday weekend. The past record had been 3,561 on Sunday, July 3, 2022.

Hundreds of Volunteers Turn Out for 34th Annual Take Pride in Acadia Day

Friends of Acadia’s 2024 Take Pride in Acadia Day brought out enthusiastic volunteers of all ages to rake leaves and clear drainage ditches along miles of carriage roads.

BAR HARBOR — Approximately 330 volunteers turned up on a chilly fall day to show their love for the park during the annual Take Pride in Acadia Day on November 2.

Volunteers cleared fallen leaves from drainage areas on nearly 10 miles of carriage roads in 21 locations. The effort focused on areas where clogged drainage ditches and culverts could result in significant damage to road surfaces during the freeze-and-thaw cycles of a coastal Maine winter.

Take Pride in Acadia Day is sponsored by Friends of Acadia and facilitated by Acadia National Park to support maintenance of the historic carriage roads. Participants met on Saturday morning at pre-assigned parking locations to access the carriage roads.

Once done raking, volunteers came together at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center parking lot for a delicious hot lunch of the “four Cs” – chili, cornbread, cider, and cake. At lunch, remarks were given by Brandon Bies, deputy superintendent of Acadia National Park, as well as Stephanie Clement, vice president of conservation at Friends of Acadia.

Some of the hard-raking groups that participated include: Husson University Student Nurses, Footloose Friends, Jackson Labs, UMaine Green Team, Bar Harbor Savins and Loans, Maine Outdoor Adventure Club, Downeast Outing Club, UMaine Ultimate Frisbee, UMaine Tennis, LL Bean, Kappa Alpha Kappa & Psi Delta from UMaine Machias, UMaine Outing Club, and UMaine BackCountry Squatters.

"It's wonderful to see the Acadia community come out to rake leaves and help put the carriage roads 'to bed' for the winter, and volunteers came out in force this year," said Nikki Burtis, Friends of Acadia's stewardship coordinator. "All that raking makes a difference, and it's also excellent to see everyone come together afterward for a celebratory lunch and camaraderie. Thank you to each of the volunteers, park staff, and business sponsors whose dedication to the park made our annual Take Pride in Acadia Day so successful."

Take Pride in Acadia Day would not be possible without such wonderful support from the community. Thank you to this year’s sponsors:

Acadia Bike/Coastal Kayaking Tours, Acadia National Park, Acadia Park Company/Acadia Shops, Asticou Inn, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, Bar Harbor Hospitality Group – A Division of Witham Family Hotels, Bar Harbor Savings & Loan, Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company, Beal’s Lobster Pier, Bluenose Inn, Burdick & Associates Landscape Design, Fiore Artisan Olive Oils & Vinegars, Galyn’s Restaurant, John Williams Boat Company, Jordan Pond House – ExplorUS, L.L.Bean, Machias Savings Bank, MDI Grows Landscape Services, Mount Desert Island Hospital, Orono Brewing, West Bay Acadia RV Campground, Wildland Trekking, William Blair & Company, Window Panes.

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. Visit www.friendsofacadia.org.

PARADIS CONCEDES IN COMMISSIONERS’ RACE

ELLSWORTH—Bar Harbor former town councilor and incumbent Hancock County Commissioner, Paul Paradis, conceded to Samuel DiBella from Hancock, according to the Mount Desert Islander, Thursday afternoon.

Paradis, a Republican, lost to DiBella, a Democrat by 69 votes. Paradis took 5,862 votes to DiBella’s 5,931. The results haven’t yet been certified and Paradis could request a recount. He first ran in 2020 as a write-in, against Ian Scwartz, winning 6,745 to 4,648.

“I ran and those are the results,” said Paradis told the Islander. “I’ve been asked if I’m going to demand a recount, and I won’t ... I don’t think it would be right to place that financial burden on the towns.”

According to the Bangor Daily News’ Bill Trotter, “Paradis has held political office for 18 years, first as a town councilor in Bar Harbor from 2006 to 2019, and then on the county commission since 2020. He said he thought he was leaving politics when he decided not to run again for Bar Harbor’s town council, but got roped back in again a year later.”

Paradis told the Bangor Daily News that he doesn’t see himself running for elective office again.

“I’ve always liked the business part of it, but I’ve always hated the politics part of it,” Paradis said.

ARE YOU READY FOR A COOK OFF FOR THE BAR HARBOR FOOD PANTRY?

TOWN HILL—207 Beer Week is coming and Atlantic Brewing Midtown is getting in on the fun bringing back our Italian Cook Off! November 15 at 5 p.m. submit your Italian classics to a panel of judges at Atlantic Brewing Midtown to win bragging rights and glory while supporting the Bar Harbor Food Pantry!

Free entry with a donation to the Bar Harbor Food Pantry! The Food Pantry's November shout out list highlights household items and personal care products, but shelf stable food items, and especially things like coffee, tea, condiments, and snack-foods are welcome!

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

5-6: Check in + Aperitivos

6-7: Mangia!

7: Judges announce their winners and the people's choice winner!

As part of 207 Beer Week, special edition Maine Brewers' Guild glassware are available, proceeds from glassware goes to the Guild.

Email allie@atlanticbrewing.com to sign up your dish and with any questions!

YMCA ANNUAL FUND BEGINS

BAR HARBOR—Did you know that the Mount Desert Island YMCA is open seven days a week, 359 days a year in service to everyone in the community? Did you know that our non-profit community Y is committed to not turning anyone away due to an inability to pay and is able to offer scholarships and discounts for programs based upon need?

Each year, nearly $100,000 of philanthropic support by means of the generosity of the community is directed back to the working families and low-income individuals for whom we all offer a helping hand.

Every November, the Mount Desert Island YMCA reaches out to the community and this year, our Annual Fundraising Campaign includes an inspired view that together we can advance a sustainable future right here on MDI. Early donations totaling $63,000 will set the stage for matching gifts of $63,000, totaling $126,000 (representing $1,000 for each year that the Y has been in service to the community)!

Ann Tikkanen, Chief Executive Officer of the Mount Desert Island YMCA stated "fundraising has started! Giving Week at the Y kicks off on November 18 with an Open House at 21 Park Street! All programs and activities underway will be FREE including also a raffle, snacks, opportunities to meet the staff, check out and tour the facility and warm up in the swimming pool. Come along, connect with us, and we think you too will be inspired!"

Refuse Schedule for Veterans Day

MOUNT DESERT—The town office will also be closed for the day.

There will be NO collection on Monday, November 11, 2024, Veterans Day. Monday and Tuesday refuse collection will be on Tuesday. There is no change for the rest of the week.

You may call the “Garbage Hotline” at 276-5733 to leave a message regarding trash collection.

The complete refuse schedule, including holidays and summer/winter schedule, can be found in the Annual Town Report (look in the yellow pages), and on the town website and the town office.

Town policy allows refuse truck drivers to use discretion in collecting refuse on private roads and ways after November 1, or the first snowfall. Drivers will collect from private roads and ways during the winter months whenever conditions are suitable and safe. To aid collection please be sure your road/driveway is plowed and sanded; or place your refuse curbside on the nearest main road. Questions, please call the "Garbage Hotline" at 276-5733 for answers regarding trash collection.

The town office with be closed on Monday, November 11, 2024 in observance of Veterans Day.

EARLY BIRD PAJAMA SALE AND BED RACES

Window Panes Continues to Give Back During 30th Anniversary Year

BAR HARBOR—Continuing with the Shore Path restoration fundraising that was started on June 20 as part of its 30 years in business celebration, Window Panes is announcing a new Shore Path restoration ornament.

The ornaments will be available for the first time tomorrow during the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce’s 29th Annual Early Bird Pajama Sale. The stemless wine and old fashioned glasses that were an early part of the fundraising efforts will also be on sale and a portion of the proceeds from the commemorative ornament and glassware sales goes to the Shore Path restoration fund

Both the ornaments and the glasses have a limited supply so come get yours early! Because the ornaments and glasses are fundraising items, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Shore Path restoration fund, they will not be on sale for the pajama sale.

NORTHEAST HARBOR CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

BAR HARBOR VILLAGE HOLIDAYS CELEBRATION

BAR HARBOR WINTER FARMERS AND MAKERS MARKET

DO YOU HAVE A PLAN?

PRIVATE EVENTS AT THE ANNEX

Fish Assemblage Data- A Tool to Determine Ecological Benefits of River Restoration

ELLSWORTH—Join Downeast Trout Unlimited on November 20 as Brandon Kulik explains how fish assemblage data is used for the protection of Atlantic salmon and trout habitat, including dam removals and fish passage improvements.

Fish assemblage data is information about the variety and abundance of fish species in a specific area at a given time. This data can be used to assess the health of fish populations, and to understand the effects of human activities on the environment. Restoration actions such as habitat improvement, restoration of river flow, and removal of dams are increasingly common in New England. How these changes may benefit an ecosystem can be assessed through quantitative monitoring methods to provide project managers and sponsors sufficient objective information to scientifically evaluate the action.

Recent work in Maine has focused on development of an Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) model applicable to river ecosystems and documenting existing statewide fish assemblages on large rivers that are difficult to wade. The IBI provides an index of response to a range of restoration actions by measuring the structure and function of fish assemblages at multiple survey sites in response to restoration projects or a new impact. The IBI serves not only as an important baseline of aquatic resource quality and condition, but also as a tool for assessing multiple resource management objectives, and an indicator of the significance of human impact on the aquatic environment. Developing an understanding of the natural fish assemblages that historically occurred in Maine’s rivers is critical to determining the current status of the fish assemblages and for judging their potential for restoration

Brandon Kulik has studied and helped restore river fisheries in Maine and across North America for over 38 years. He has worked on the protection of Atlantic salmon and trout habitat, including dam removals and fish passage improvements throughout the Kennebec and Penobscot watersheds. He pioneered the use of boat electrofishing and hydro-acoustics, as well as conducted over 40 instream flow studies of riverine fish habitat.

Hybrid meeting Wed. November 20 5:30 pm at the Moore Community Center 125 State Street Ellsworth and via Zoom. In person and via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAuduqhpj0iEtbYud03l5IFYsuhJpWTA138

Downeast Trout Unlimited (DETU) chapter 305 is dedicated to conserving, protecting, and restoring Maine's cold water fisheries and their watersheds. Go to www.tu.org/join305Downeast to join-New memberships are half price! For more information contact Tammy Packie, tpackie@gmail.com or visit or Downeast TU on Facebook.

MAINE MARINE PATROL HAS NEW BOAT!

JONESPORT—The Maine Marine Patrol has added a new patrol vessel to its fleet. The P/V Sentinel II, a 42-foot Calvin Beal designed hull, was launched recently in South Bristol and will be stationed in Jonesport. The vessel’s hull and top were provided by SW Boatworks in Lamoine, the engine was provided by Billings Diesel and Marine in Stonington, and the vessel was built and finished by Farrin’s Boat Shop in Walpole.

This is the second 42-foot Calvin Beal vessel Marine Patrol has been able to build in recent years; both vessels replaced existing patrol boats. “We were fortunate to be able to contract with Farrin’s Boat Shop again to build the Sentinel II and are very happy with the finished product. Farrin’s produces an excellent Maine lobster boat and was exceptionally accommodating during the build process,” said Marine Patrol Colonel Matt Talbot.

The P/V Sentinel II will replace the P/V Maine, a 25-year-old 42-foot Wesmac.

This vessel design has proven to provide a safe and stable platform for Marine Patrol Officers while hauling and inspecting lobster gear in both near-shore and off-shore locations. It will accommodate a 14-foot rigid hull inflatable (RHI) that can be carried on deck and used for at-sea boardings which are conducted to check vessels for compliance with marine resources laws.

Like the P/V Maine, the P/V Sentinel II will be assigned to Marine Patrol’s Section 6 (Harrington to the Canadian boarder) where it will be operated by Specialist Jason Leavitt.

The 42-foot P/V Sentinel II has a 15-foot beam and is powered by an 800 horsepower V8 MAN Tier III diesel engine with a ZF500-1A marine transmission.

“This new vessel will serve as the cornerstone for our officers’ at-sea patrol work in eastern Maine for years to come. I can’t think of a better place on the coast for Patrol to have a “Beals Island-style” patrol boat than Jonesport-Beals.” said Colonel Talbot.

The Patrol Vessel Sentinel II is a new state-of-the-art addition to the Maine Marine Patrol fleet. Photo courtesy of Jon Johansen.

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