This whole pandemic thing really put a squeeze on our annual Memorial Day Community Cookout. We explored the options to do it safely (hot dog launchers, cheeseburger delivery via drone, etc), but ultimately settled on something way better-- an "Uncookout."

Our paramount concern is for the health and well-being of our campers, their families AND the adults and seniors within our small community. At The Neighborhood House, we have a responsibility to protect friends and neighbors of all ages throughout our town.

Over the past few weeks we’ve been updating our Facebook and Instagram feeds daily with “flashback photos.” The current health situation has forced us to take a little break in the action for now, so we thought this might serve as a nice reminder of all the fun we’ve had in the past as well as all that’s in store for the future (hopefully the near future).

While on a recent video conference with members of our Fundraising Committee, those members who were joining in from out-of-state expressed a desire to see “whats’ going on” around town. After all, sitting at safely at home following CDC guidelines from hundreds or even thousands of miles away doesn’t diminish a love for Northeast Harbor and Mt. Desert. Knowing that their trips “home” will be delayed indefinitely, it was suggested that some photos or a video of NEH could be posted to share with those eagerly awaiting when it’s safe to return.

We have always joked about the “secret” nature of this hot fudge recipe, and honestly never expected to share it. As we’ve all recently learned, however, times change. At the moment, while we’re all doing our best at “social distancing,” we thought sharing the recipe would be a great way to bring us all together and also give families a fun cooking project at home. We hope everyone enjoys it, and look forward to sharing sundaes again someday soon!

With recommendations still in place regarding social distancing, limiting the size of gatherings to less than 10, and avoiding activities such as indoor gym workouts, etc., we have made the decision to extend the suspension of all programs through April 27.

Given the information currently available to us, we have deemed it both appropriate and necessary to temporarily suspend all programs, events, and gatherings at The Neighborhood House. Our building will be closed for two weeks beginning Monday, March 16. During this time, we will monitor the situation and confer with the appropriate agencies and organizations in determining future steps and timelines. We will announce any updates on our website as well as social media channels as soon as such information becomes available.

Between being fully enthralled in cold and flu season and the recent emergence of Covid-19, it is extra important to do our best to limit the potential spread of germs. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps all of us can easily take to do just that.

Here’s how we’re doing our part at The Neighborhood House:

Last year’s National Pi Day Celebration was such a hit we knew we absolutely needed to do it again. In fact, we’re so excited we’re going to start the festivities a couple of days ahead of schedule on Thursday, March 12. Chef Emily Damon of Island Star Take Away will be dishing out some seriously delicious gourmet pizzas at this all ages community celebration which is also generously supported by our friends at First National Bank.

Girls are invited to grab their dancing shoes, along with a significant male in their life (father, step-dad, grandfather, uncle, etc.) and join us on Thursday, Feb. 13 for the Sweetheart Sock Hop Valentine Dance. Please note that this year’s event is on a THURSDAY as there is no school the following day. Friday, Feb. 14 will serve as the snow date.

The Island Housing Trust will be taking over the kitchen on Thursday, January 16 for the latest installment of the Community Cafe. All are invited this public luncheon which regularly attracts more than 125 diners from around our island community.

Our first Community Café of the New Year (Thursday, Jan. 2) will be a special celebration in honor of Cheryl Chase, and we invite you to join us! Cheryl was a frequent volunteer at The Neighborhood House as well as with numerous other organizations around our community.