Park Plans For Busy Fourth & Bar Harbor Food Pantry Announces Relocation Campaign Kickoff with July Event
Briefs, Courts, Real Estate, Other Short News Items
Each week, sometimes twice, we compile news briefs, press releases and short news that have been sent to us or via other sources. There’s a lot of them this week. And we will have July 4 coverage here and on our Facebook.
Park Plans For Busy Fourth
BAR HARBOR—Acadia National Park is excited to welcome visitors throughout July 4th festivities, and the National Park Service has plenty of tools available to help visitors navigate the park amidst crowds, traffic congestion, and limited parking. Consider downloading the NPS App to help guide your visit and select “Save this park for offline use” since connectivity in the park is not reliable.
Rangers encourage visitors to arrive with a plan and a back-up plan. Go to nps.gov/Acadia to learn about places to go and things to do in the park before you arrive. Have a back-up plan in case parking is unavailable. Park responsibly and only in designated parking spaces—parking illegally is unsafe and adds to the traffic congestion. Consider leaving your car at your place of lodging for the day and use village connector trails or the carriage roads to reach your destination. The fare free Island Explorer bus service has an alternate Fourth of July schedule, and provides a way to have a car free experience in Acadia.
Visitors over the age of 15 are required to have a park entrance pass, which can be purchased online at Recreation.gov or at locations in and around the park. Vehicles must display a park entrance pass through the windshield. Your fees help enhance the visitor experience and protect resources at Acadia National Park.
Vehicle reservations are required for Cadillac Summit Road from May 22 through October 27, which must be purchased online at Recreation.gov before arriving. Print or download the ticket with the QR code for validation. Reservations are not available to purchase in person. Vehicle reservations are not required for other locations in the park or for visitors who enter the area by foot, bicycle, or taxi.
Campsite reservations must be made on Recreation.gov, but most of the park’s campsites are already reserved for the July 4th holiday. There are no same day reservations, and no campsites are available for request upon arrival. Backcountry camping, campfires and overnight parking are prohibited outside of designated campgrounds. Hikers should know the difficulty of the park’s trails and select those that match their abilities. Many of Acadia’s hikes are more challenging than they seem. Carry a detailed trail map with topography and don't rely on cell connectivity for trail navigation. Seventy percent of injuries to hikers in Acadia are due to slips, trips and falls. Wear sturdy footwear and beware of loose gravel, slippery rock, steep climbs and uneven surfaces.
Want more tips on visiting Acadia National Park? Check out the Top 5 things to know before visiting Acadia.
Did you know that there are four National Parks in Maine? If you’re looking for a new place to explore this holiday weekend, consider checking out Saint Croix International Historic Site, Kahtahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, or Roosevelt Campobello International Park.
BAR HARBOR’S FOURTH OF JULY EVENTS
Southwest Harbor Celebrations
The eleventh annual fireworks display in Southwest Harbor will be at 9 p.m. on July 4. Fireworks on the Quietside of the island is also a group effort. It’s led by the Southwest Harbor & Tremont Chamber of Commerce.
Fireworks are launched from John Goodwin Construction’s barges, which will be in the harbor off Clark Point.
The rain date is July 6.
For more information, call 244-9264 or email office@acadiachamber.com.
MORE PHOTOS AND INFORMATION
For last year’s events, including photos, click here.
For a gallery of photos from 2022’s events and last, just click here!
For the Bar Harbor Chamber’s official site, just click here!
For the Acadia Chamber, click here.
For our recent story about the parade, events, and construction, click here.
Bar Harbor Food Pantry Announces Relocation Campaign Kickoff with July Event
BAR HARBOR—The Bar Harbor Food Pantry is announcing its $2.5 million dollar comprehensive campaign to build food security in the greater MDI community by relocating to 34 Kennebec Place, the former home of Mama DiMatteo’s.
In April, with donations and promises totaling $900,000 from three MDI community residents in hand, the Pantry secured short-term loans to purchase the building. Since then, it has been planning, and setting the stage to renovate the space into a new, better equipped food pantry.
“To date, the Pantry has raised over $1.5 million towards the goal,” said Executive Director Tom Reeve. “This leaves only $1 million to go to retire the loans, finish renovations, and fully cover operations in 2024.”
To start off the campaign, the Pantry is excited to announce the return of its Fill the Criterion event.
Side Street Café, the Witham Family Hotels Charitable Fund, and Floret are sponsoring the event that asks the community to fill a theatre seat with a bag or food or sponsor a bag with a $25 donation. This year, all the proceeds will go toward the Pantry’s relocation campaign and all food donations will be used to help answer the increased need in our community.
“Every week we are meeting new families, seeing new faces and hearing new stories and every week we are breaking the record of weekly visits to the pantry,” says Program Director Phoebe Denvir. “Serving over 300 people in just 16 hours a week when we can only squeeze four on the floor at a time is a challenge. Once 34 Kennebec Place is renovated into our new pantry, we'll be able to serve our customers more efficiently and focus more on the addressing the greater challenge of building food security for everyone.”
Donations will go further because the Witham Family Hotels Charitable Fund is matching up to $50,000 raised during this event.
“With the Witham Family matching donations, your donation will have twice the impact on our community.” says Reeve. “I am continually amazed by how many in our community know the impact that food security has on the most vulnerable among us. The support we see from community members and businesses is mind-blowing.”
Food and Funds will also be collected from 2 – 4 p.m. on July 24 at the Criterion Theater. Can’t make it to the Criterion on July 24? No worries, you can still sponsor a bag to fill a seat from now until July 31 at the link. To learn more about the relocation campaign, go here.
Bar Harbor Main Street Construction Traffic Update
BAR HARBOR—On Friday June 28, 2024, in consultation with the contractor, the Town made the decision to open the Main Street construction site up for two-way traffic for the duration of the weekend and through July 7th.
The contractors will be out of the roadway and Main Street will be fully opened for the 4th of July parade/celebration.
Beginning on July 8, 2024 Main Street will be opened for one-way southbound traffic, while northbound traffic will be routed to Cromwell Harbor Road to use the MDOT detour for the remaining duration of this project.
We are currently anticipating some additional temporary closures of Main Street for additional underground utility work during the month of July and as soon as this remaining underground work is completed, Main Street will be reopened for one lane, south bound traffic to resume.
Once all underground work is complete, work will shift to begin any replacement/upgrades and new curbing and sidewalks from Wayman Lane & Pleasant Street down to Cromwell Harbor Road.
We are currently on track to have all the underground utility upgrades completed by the end of July and all curbing, bump-outs, sidewalks and other streetscape design work completed by November 2024.
Per MDOT road construction regulations, the binder must sit through the winter to ensure there is no settlement in the roadway before final paving is completed. Assuming all trenches hold and there is no settlement in the roadway, the contractors will return in the Spring of 2025 to complete final paving, currently anticipated to be completed by May/June of 2025.
SHARK QUILT RAFFLE
BAR HARBOR—YMCA member Cara Ryan has crafted a fun "Shark" quilt in honor of the MDI Y's Sharks Swim Team. The MDI community Y pool is also home to the MDIHS swim team and offers many learn-to-swim, water safety, and aquatic therapy classes, daily.
The Sharks quilt is currently on display at the MDI Y lobby and will be raffled off up until the July 11 125th Anniversary Event at the Bar Harbor Club. Raffle tickets for $5 are available at the Y, or call the welcome center and staff can assist!
The YMCA’s 125th anniversary celebration and fundraiser is set for July 11 from 5 to 8 at the Bar Harbor Club. THere will be a cocktail hour, dinner, and memories as well as a silent auction.
ArtWaves Members Unveil "The Science, Magic, and Art of Color"
Exhibition at OpenTable MDI
BAR HARBOR—ArtWaves proudly presents "The Science, Magic, and Art of Color," an exhibition showcasing the culmination of a transformative 10-week course taught by celebrated artist Ernest McMullen. Hosted by OpenTable MDI from July 1 to August 31, this exhibition invites the community to explore the impact of color
through the eyes of ArtWaves Members.
Nestled in the heart of Town Hill, ArtWaves has long been a home for artistic expression and collaboration. The course, designed and taught by Ernest McMullen, delved deep into the complexities of color, spanning its scientific underpinnings to its mystical allure and practical applications in the visual arts.
"Color touches nearly every aspect of life on earth, from influencing emotions to symbolizing aspirations," explains Ernest McMullen. "In this course, we explored the duality of color as both a well-substantiated scientific phenomenon and a profound mystery that stimulates creativity and expression."
Participants engaged in a dynamic curriculum that covered modern scientific color theory, interactive color applications, and the fundamentals of two-dimensional design. They explored historic and modern pigments, examined their uses across various visual arts disciplines, and tackled challenging color design problems through
studio exercises and critiques.
"This exhibition represents a journey of discovery and growth for our ArtWaves Members," says Jenny Walker, executive director at ArtWaves. "It showcases their diverse interpretations and mastery of color, reflecting their artistic evolution under the mentorship of Ernest McMullen."
Ernest McMullen, known for masterfully capturing the essence of Mount Desert Island, Maine, in his paintings brings a rich artistic perspective to the course. His technique, rooted in realism yet influenced by classical and modern masters, underscores his deep connection to the island's landscapes and the mystery, silence, and beauty found here.
"We are grateful for Ernest McMullen's generosity, donating time and talent to our artistic community," adds Walker, "His guidance has empowered our members, from beginners to professionals, to push boundaries and unlock new dimensions in their art."
The "Science, Magic, and Art of Color" exhibition at OpenTable MDI promises a vibrant tapestry of artworks that celebrate the diversity and power of color. Art enthusiasts and the public are encouraged to immerse themselves in this visual feast and witness firsthand the transformative impact of artistic exploration.
ArtWaves extends heartfelt gratitude to OpenTable MDI for their invaluable collaboration in hosting our upcoming art exhibition. Their support not only provides a platform for local artists to showcase their talents but also embodies a commitment to fostering community engagement and inclusivity. At OpenTable MDI, where nourishment, community, and connection converge, ArtWaves is honored to contribute to the cultivation of joy and creativity. Together, we celebrate the
transformative power of art in bringing people together and enriching the lives of all who visit.
About OpenTable MDI:
The mission of Open Table MDI is to inspire strong, loving, and inclusive communities by bringing people together to share in nourishing food. OpenTable MDI helps to alleviate hunger by feeding individuals and families on Mount Desert Island and beyond. They are a food security organization that believes all people should have access to the food they want and need. Access to healthy food is a right, not a privilege. At OpenTable MDI, hungry people are offered food, voices are heard, joy is cultivated, and isolation is decreased.
About ArtWaves Community Art Center:
ArtWaves Community Art Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to fostering creativity, promoting artistic excellence, and enriching the cultural life of Mount Desert Island and surrounding communities. Through our diverse programming, member exhibitions, and educational initiatives, we provide a welcoming space where artists and art enthusiasts can come together to learn, create, and connect.
ACADIA SENIOR COLLEGE ONLINE REGISTRATION AND NEW BOARD MEMBERS
MOUNT DESERT— The Acadia Senior College recently welcomed new board members Art Blank, Lisa Crockett, and Ellie Pancoe.
Its board members for 2024-2025 include, Mike Hastings - President, Candy Emlen - Vice President, Jim Vekasi - Treasurer, Dixie Hathaway - Secretary, Rick Bernstein, Art Blank, Richard Cohen, Lisa Crockett, Patsy Fogarty, Cynthia Livingston, Dan McKay, Ellie Pancoe, Steve Powell, Jack Russell, Kathleen Slack, Mary Vekasi
Brief bios for all board members can be found on the ASC website.
Online registration for its upcoming fall-term courses opens Wednesday, July 24, at 9:00 a.m. with 17 classes to choose from. The fall term begins August 26.
See the online fall course brochure for class descriptions,important information, and registration details. Class descriptions are also on the ASC website:
MAGUIRE TO HEAD MAINE HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION BOARD
BAR HARBOR AND ROCKLAND—Christina “Chrissi” Maguire, BS/BA, MHA, chief executive officer of Mount Desert Island Hospital, was installed as chair of the Maine Hospital Association Board of Directors on Wednesday night at the Association’s Summer Forum held at the Samoset Resort in Rockport.
Maguire has worked at MDI Hospital for 13 years, serving as its president and CEO since 2021. Maguire’s background is in finance, accounting, project management and strategic planning. Throughout her career, she has served as an accountant, reimbursement specialist, controller, director of fiscal services and chief financial officer (CFO). In 2018, she became MDI Hospital’s first senior vice president and chief operating officer.
Maguire has also served as the chair of the Maine Hospital Association’s Public Policy Council and Healthcare Finance Council. She has been the secretary of the Maine Chapter of the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) and the National HFMA Governance Task Force; chair of the CFO Council for the Critical Access Hospitals; a member of the State of Maine SIM Grant Steering Committee; Community Care Partnership of Maine Board of Managers; and the Task Force on Pricing and Transparency. She has also been actively involved in the Downeast Treatment Center, Downeast COVID-19 Taskforce and has served as the treasurer of the Maine Rural Health Collaborative LLC.
Maguire succeeds outgoing Board Chair Crystal Landry, the departing CEO of Penobscot Valley Hospital in Lincoln. Steven G. Littleson, DBA, FACHE, CEO of Central Maine Healthcare, is the MHA Board chair-elect; Nate Howell, CEO of MaineGeneral Medical Center is the new treasurer; Patrick Taylor, MD, CEO of York Hospital, is the new board secretary.
The at-large board members are Shauna Cameron, CEO, Houlton Regional Hospital; Randy Clark, president, Northern Light Sebasticook Valley Hospital; Trampas Hutches, regional president, Mountain Region, MaineHealth; Stephany Jacques, RN, president, Bridgton Hospital and Rumford Hospital; Andy Mueller, MD, CEO, MaineHealth; Bob Peterson, D.Sc., CEO, Millinocket Regional Hospital; Charlie Therrien, president, Northern Light Mercy Hospital; and Marie Vienneau, president, Northern Light C.A. Dean Hospital and Northern Light Mayo Hospital.
The new board officially assumes its duties July 1.
DownEast New Music Presents: Poetic Muses
BAR HARBOR—Join us at the Jesup for a performance with DownEast New Music! DownEast New Music, an organization dedicated to bringing dynamic performances of chamber music by living composers to DownEast Maine, will perform Poetic Muses, celebrating the connection between centuries of poetry and music.
Poetic Muses examines the connection between poetry and music across centuries. Each piece on this program was written in response to poetry, but what that inspiration looks like differs across composers.
In Akhmatova Songs, British composer John Tavener (1944-2013) sets six poems by the famed Russian poet Anna Akhmatova (1889-1966). Scored for soprano and cello, the song cycle reflects what Tavener calls “the deceptive simplicity of the verse, which stems from classical tradition” with a stark beauty reminiscent of folk song or liturgical chant. Adding another layer of poetic inspiration, three of the poems are Akhmatova’s homages to other poets: Dante, Pushkin, Lermontov, and Boris Pasternak.
Sarah Gibson’s (b. 1986, Spartanburg, SC) The Boys Are There for soprano and double bass shows another side of poetry by showcasing the cutting wit and delicious humor of Dorothy Parker (1893-1967). Using text from Parker’s Men I’m Not Married To, Gibson gives us vivid portraits of men Parker did not marry, each one with their own quirks and eccentricities. And yet, surrounding these comic descriptions, we hear moments of introspection where Dorothy Parker considers what it means to be alone while surrounded by men.
Using a very different approach to poetry, Corpo di Terra by Suzanne Farrin (b. 1976, North Yarmouth, ME) is inspired by the sonnets of Petrarch (1304-1374) and written only for solo cello. While we never hear the text of Petrarch’s poems, the piece reflects both the structure and emotions present in his poetry, looking to reconcile internal tensions.
After a journey through centuries of text and music, we return to the familiar with Down East, by Charles Ives (1874-1954). Influenced by American hymns and folk tunes, Ives sets his own poetry to paint a nostalgic portrait of a seaside New England town.
Clare Monfredo (Cellist) grew up in Seal Harbor, Maine, and has performed as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral leader all over the world. She has collaborated with notable artists such as Patricia Kopatchinskaja and Jon Batiste and groups like Ensemble Intercontemporain and A Far Cry. She holds a BA in English from Yale University and a master's from the Rice University Shepherd School of Music. Clare is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Musical Arts at the CUNY Graduate Center and teaches at Hunter College. She is co-founder and co-artistic director of DownEast New Music.
Edward Kass (Bassist) performs internationally, specializing in contemporary performance. He is known for his "phenomenal musicianship" and "terrific precision". He frequently performs with groups like the International Contemporary Ensemble and Ensemble Dal Niente. Edward co-created “Tell Your Story”, a community-based creative engagement project for Spoleto Festival USA. Since 2016, he has performed with soprano Nina Guo as Departure Duo. They released their debut album, Immensity Of, in 2022.
Nina Guo (Soprano) specializes in interpreting notated music, improvising, and collaborating on interdisciplinary projects. She has appeared with the London Sinfonietta, ICTUS, Contrechamps, and more. Nina hosts, writes, and performs a live radio show, The Entertainment, on Cashmere Radio (Berlin). She is set to release a new recording of Morton Feldman’s Three Voices and perform the music of experimental composers Robert Ashley and Jennifer Walshe.
This event is free and open to the public.
BAR HARBOR LOBSTER POUND WILL BE FEATURED ON AMERICA’S BEST RESTAURANTS
BAR HARBOR—The Mount Desert Islander reports that America’s Best Restaurants will feature the Bar Harbor Lobster Pound in an upcoming episode. The restaurant is owned by Krista and Aaron Jackson. Videos tend to be 15 minutes long and play on its YouTube channel. Its website is here. Restaurants can be nominated by independent fans to be featured.
DOBIES AT CHOCOLATTE
BAR HARBOR—Katie Dobies’ art is goes up on July 1, and will be up until September 30. Her work is for sale and a portion of every sale goes to the non-profit of her choice. In this case, that is the Bar Harbor Food Pantry.
North Spore mushroom co. is focus of first Coffee & Conversation
BAR HARBOR — The College of the Atlantic Coffee & Conversation summer series kicks off on Tuesday, July 9 with North Spore mushroom cultivation company co-founder Eliah Thanhauser ‘09 in conversation with COA Trustee Tony Mazlish.
The free event begins at 9:30 a.m. in the Davis Center for Human Ecology room 101 and will also be livestreamed. Registration is required for both options and can be accessed at coa.edu/coffeeandconversation.
Thanhouser co-founded North Spore in 2014 with fellow COA alumni Jon Carver ‘09 and Matt McInnis ‘09. An entrepreneur and true Mainer through and through, he is an expert in greenhouse and organic farm management and ran a small organic farm in Downeast Maine before founding North Spore. He oversees operations and business development. He's an avid sailor and musician and always enjoys a good business pitch competition.
Tony Mazlish’s career has been primarily focused on building brands within the retail and direct-to-consumer furniture and healthcare industries. Mr. Mazlish founded and grew a number of brands, including: X-Chair — a direct-to-consumer, wholesale, and b2b office chair company; Healthy Back Store — a chain of specialty stores offering higher-end ergonomic furniture and accessories designed to help relieve back and neck pain; Mavix — a direct-to-consumer ergonomic gaming chair brand, founded in 2020; Svago — a direct-to-consumer and wholesale zero-gravity chair brand; Travel-Pal — a self-inflating travel accessory sold through specialty retailers and on Amazon; Sit4Less.com — a direct-to-consumer reseller of Herman Miller products and other office chairs; and 1-800-Pillows.com — a retail and direct-to-consumer specialty store concept dedicated to selling sleeping pillows. Mazlish, through his family company, TAZED Investment Partners, is currently investing in a variety of start-up companies.
The Coffee & Conversation series features discussions between invited guests and College of the Atlantic faculty members and trustees. The summer of 2024 features conversations with authors, scientists, entrepreneurs, scholars, artists, researchers, and thought leaders.
Coffee & Conversation is held every Tuesday morning in July and August on the COA campus, with options to participate virtually. Sessions are one hour long, and include a Q&A. Coffee and pastries are served prior to each session. Coffee & Conversation events are free and open to the public, but registration is required for both in-person and virtual participation.
Maine, A Love Story: Author Talk with Blue Butterfield
Thursday, July 11th at 7pm
BAR HARBOR—Join artist and author Blue Butterfield at the Jesup Memorial Library as she discusses the inspiration and evolution of her new illustrated memoir, Maine, A Love Story. She will describe the process of creating reduction woodblock prints and finding her own story in essays to accompany them.
Blue Butterfield is a woodblock printmaker who grew up in Bar Harbor, and found her footing on the trails of Acadia. She has works in permanent collections around New England, including Maine Medical Center, Maine General, and the New England Cancer Center. She illustrated Coloring Maine and Robert Tristam Coffin’s Christmas in Maine, published by Islandport Press. She issues a yearly calendar of woodcuts, A Year in Maine, currently in its eighteenth year of publication. Her illustrated memoir, Maine, A Love Story was published in 2023 and was a Maine Literature Award Finalist and IndieReader Discovery Award Winner.
She also works as a physician assistant in Hospital Medicine at Maine Medical Center. In her free time, she mountain bikes with her husband, Kevin, and their dog Hopper in their second favorite state (Vermont), perfects her tofu tikka masala recipe and makes fangirl t-shirts for her favorite fantasy authors.
This event is free and open to the public. Register here: https://www.jesuplibrary.org/events/butterfield
31st Annual David R. Harding Memorial Golf Tournament Presented by Bar Harbor Bank & Trust to be held September 26, 2024
BAR HARBOR—Mount Desert Island (MDI) Hospital and Bar Harbor Bank & Trust proudly announce the 31st Annual David R. Harding Memorial Golf Tournament to be held on September 26 at Kebo Valley Golf Club.
The David R Harding Memorial Golf Tournament has been a signature event for Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, bringing together businesses and golfers from MDI and beyond to support many local organizations throughout the years. David Harding, for whom the tournament is named, was Chairman of the Board of Bar Harbor Bankshares for many years. Dave was a strong community supporter who was instrumental in launching the MDI YMCA. He loved golfing, and he loved Kebo.
In 2021, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust selected Mount Desert Island Hospital as the beneficiary for the tournament. Bar Harbor Bank & Trust and Mount Desert Island Hospital raised $15,000 to support the funding of a new MRI machine for the hospital. In 2022, recognizing its vital services to our community, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust selected Mount Desert Island Hospital to manage the tournament and be the primary beneficiary going forward, that year raising over $31,000. Bar Harbor Bank & Trust continues to support as the presenting sponsor, and its employees volunteer their time to help organize and staff the event.
“We are thrilled to once again partner with Bar Harbor Bank & Trust for the 31st Annual David R. Harding Memorial Golf Tournament,” said Chrissi Maguire, President/CEO of MDI Hospital and Health Centers. “This event is a wonderful tribute to a remarkable person and showcases the incredible support and partnership the bank has shown the hospital over the years. The golf tournament highlights the vibrant spirit of our community and local businesses coming together for a day of friendly competition and collective dedication to advancing our mission of providing high quality care to our communities.”
Curtis Simard, President and CEO at Bar Harbor Bank & Trust says of the tournament partnership, “Bar Harbor Bank & Trust has been a steadfast supporter of MDI Hospital for over 125 years, and we have increased our support in recent years, knowing that charitable contributions are making a difference for the lives of those in the region. The Hospital leadership and team have never been more committed to providing comprehensive care to all in our community. We recognize the significant challenges associated with operating a critical access hospital and appreciate the steadfast dedication of MDI Hospital’s team to invest in the staff and technological advancements that lead to the highest-level patient outcomes.”
Individuals looking to partake in this event can secure their spot for $100 per golfer, signing up in teams of four. Individuals or pairs that register will be grouped in a foursome after registration.
For more information, and to register, please visit https://www.mdihospital.org/giving/golf/. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor at this event, please contact Claire.sasner@mdihospital.org
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At Mount Desert Island Hospital, we serve a close-knit island and surrounding communities through a 25-bed critical access facility in Bar Harbor and a network of area health centers—all designed to provide comprehensive healthcare for residents and visitors. Since it was established in 1897, our nonprofit hospital organization has grown into a state-of-the-art, rural healthcare organization with a retirement community and eight regional health centers, including a full-service behavioral health center and dental clinic.
BAR HARBOR TOWN ANNOUNCEMENTS
Public Hearing 7/16 on Vehicles and Traffic Ordinance Amendment
The Bar Harbor Town Council will hold a public hearing Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. in the Municipal Building Council Chambers to hear comment on a proposed amendment to the Vehicles and Traffic Ordinance to adjust the overtime citation fee.
The full ordinance amendment is available at the Town Clerk’s Office or on the Town’s website, www.barharbormaine.gov under Latest News. Call the Town Clerk at 207-288-4098 for more information.
Note: The Council initially scheduled this hearing for June 18, 2024, but it was postponed due to an error with required public notices.
Cruise Ship Disembarkation Ordinance Enacted
On Tuesday, June 18, 2024, the Bar Harbor Town Council amended the Municipal Code to enact a new ordinance, Cruise Ship Disembarkation. The ordinance takes effect July 18, 2024.
The full ordinance is also available at the Town Clerk’s Office. Call the Town Clerk at 207-288-4098 for more information.
Status of Cruise Ship Regulations
STATUS OF RULES & REGULATIONS:
As explained during the June 18, 2024, Council Meeting, the Cruise Ship Disembarkation Ordinance constitutes the “rules and regulations” required by Land Use Ordinance Section 125-77(H)(3). These rules and regulations are necessary for the regulation of the disembarkation of no more than 1,000 cruise ship passengers per day in the Town of Bar Harbor, or enforcement action if any violation was to occur.
Per Section C-15 of the Town Charter, these rules and regulations do not become effective until July 18, 2024, 30 days post Council adoption.
The enforcement of either Section 125-77(H), or the associated rules and regulations, do not allow the Town to take direct action to prevent passengers from physically disembarking or issue fines. Any such action requires an order from a court issued pursuant to 30-A M.R.S. § 4452.
REGULATING THE 2024 CRUISE SHIP SEASON:
The Council’s passage of the Cruise Ship Disembarkation Ordinance on June 18, 2024, does not supersede a previous press statement released on March 6, 2024. All cruise ship anchorage reservations confirmed on or before November 8, 2022, will allow for disembarkation for the 2024 season. However, pursuant to Section 125-77(H) and its rules and regulations, any property owner seeking to disembark passengers after July 18, 2024, is now required to obtain the necessary permits.
Any such property owner will be provided reasonable time to complete the necessary applications, make any necessary arrangements to comply, and receive their permits. This reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-specific determination through an interactive process.
However, after being provided a reasonable amount of time to voluntarily comply with these new regulatory requirements, if a property owner or operator fails to comply or fails to work with the Town in good faith to comply with these requirements and chooses to facilitate the disembarkation of cruise ship passengers without authorization or required permits, then the Town may consider any such actions and/or decisions a violation and seek enforcement action through the courts.
REGULATING THE 2025 CRUISE SHIP SEASON:
Requests for anchorage reservations will be accepted on a first-come-first-served basis, in accordance with the reservation policies and practices of the Harbor Master.
Any new reservations for 2025 are subject to a disclaimer that all disembarkations are subject to all local codes, rules, and regulations.
Any property owner or their operator seeking to disembark cruise ship passengers is expected to have all the necessary facility upgrades made, applications submitted in a timely manner, and permits received before the disembarkation of any cruise ship passengers, regardless of when requests for anchorage were made or approved for the 2025 Cruise Ship Season, excluding any passengers disembarking from cruise ships with anchorage reservations made and confirmed before March 17, 2022.
HANCOCK COUNTY COURTS
The following cases related to MDI and Trenton were reviewed, adjudicated or continued in Hancock County Court:
Steven J. Rowley, 50, Ellsworth. Burglary at Bar Harbor, April 17, 2023. Dismissed. Theft by unauthorized taking or transfer at Bar Harbor, April 17, 2023. Dismissed.
Sarah R. Olkkola, 30, Bar Harbor. Aggravated assault at Bar Harbor, Dec. 21, 2023. Dismissed.
Jaret J. Patten, 27, Trenton. Reckless conduct at Ellsworth, Oct. 24, 2019. Jail four months. Probation partially revoked.
Rebecca Louise Irwin, 28, Winter Harbor. OUI (alcohol) at Bar Harbor, Oct. 25, 2019. Dismissed. Driving to endanger at Bar Harbor, Oct. 25, 2019. $575. License suspended 30 days.
Alexander L. Berry, 24, Randolph. Operating while license suspended or revoked at Bar Harbor, July 16, 2020. $500. Violating condition of release at Bar Harbor, July 16, 2020. $500, suspended.
Alexander L. Berry, 24, Winslow. Operating while license suspended or revoked at Mount Desert, June 11, 2020. $500. Violating condition of release at Mount Desert, June 11, 2020. $250, suspended.
Earl A. Libby Jr., 67, Fairfield. Possessing sexually explicit material of minor under 12 at Bar Harbor, Aug 27, 2019. Dismissed.
Ryan Hanley, 33, Stonington. Eluding an officer at Bar Harbor, Aug. 26, 2019. Dis missed. Falsifying physical evidence at Bar Harbor, Aug. 26, 2019. Jail 30 days. Possessing motor vehicle with altered vehicle ID at Bar Harbor, Aug. 26, 2019. Jail 30 days. Operating vehicle without license at Bar Harbor, Aug. 26, 2019. Jail 30 days. Driving to endanger at Bar Harbor, Aug. 26, 2019. $575. Jail 30 days. License suspended 30 days. Failing to stop for an officer at Bar Harbor, Aug. 26, 2019. Jail 30 days.
Alexander J. Smith, 22, Ellsworth. Driving to endanger at Bar Harbor, Aug. 28, 2021. Dismissed. Reckless conduct at Bar Harbor, Aug. 28, 2021. $500.
Michael A. Moats Carpenter, 30, Wells. Domestic violence assault at Bar Harbor, Oct. 20, 2021. Dismissed. Criminal mischief at Bar Harbor, Oct. 20, 2021. $200.
Shelby J. Parsons, 31, Bar Harbor. Operating while license suspended or revoked at Bar Harbor, May 13, 2022. Dismissed.
John M. Lanpher III, 39, Southwest Harbor. Kidnapping at Southwest Harbor, July 24, 2022. Dismissed. Kidnapping at Southwest Harbor, July 24, 2022. Dismissed. Domestic violence aggravated assault at Southwest Harbor, July 24, 2022. Dismissed. Domestic violence aggravated assault at Southwest Harbor, July 24, 2022. Dismissed. Reckless conduct at Southwest Harbor, July 24, 2022. Dismissed. Domestic violence assault at Southwest Harbor, July 24, 2022. Dismissed. Illegal possession of firearm at Southwest Harbor, July 24, 2022. Dismissed. Domestic violence criminal threatening at Southwest Harbor, July 24, 2022. Dismissed. Domestic violence assault at Southwest Harbor, July 24, 2022. Dismissed. Domestic violence terrorizing at Southwest Harbor, July 24, 2022. Dismissed. Obstructing report of crime at Southwest Harbor, July 24, 2022. Dismissed. Driving to endanger at Southwest Harbor, July 24, 2022. Dismissed. Violating condition of release at Southwest Harbor, July 24, 2022. Dismissed.
REAL ESTATE TRANSFERS
BAR HARBOR
Frances Fry Trust, Willow Spring, N.C., to Mary Katheryn Schaack and Peter John Rieck, Chicago, Illinois., joint tenants, land together with improvements.
William G. Hoyt and Pamela W. Hoyt, Lincoln, Massachusetts., to Ralph Calderone Jr., and Judy Calderone, Bar Harbor, joint tenants, land together with any improvements.
Gregory R. Duperey, Bar Harbor to Fern Meadow Rentals LLC, Bar Harbor, land with improvements.
Karen Duperey, Lexington, Massachusetts., to Gregory R. Duperey, Bar Harbor, land with improvements.
MOUNT DESERT
Silas W.M. Neilson, Los Angeles, California, to Silas Weir Mitchell Neilson Trust, Los Angeles, California., without covenants, Mount Desert.
TREMONT
Wayne Hodgdon, Ellsworth to Ian Tyler Hodgdon, Seal Cove, quitclaim covenants, land together with improvements.
TRENTON
83 Hanna Drive Trust, Luray, Virginia., to Keith Anderson and Dawn Anderson, Manchester, joint tenants, land.