Last week the federal CDC changed their approach to determining county-by-county risk levels of Covid-19. The new formula considers not just rate of transmission, but also new hospitalizations and available staffed beds over a seven-day period. As of today, the federal CDC has labeled Hancock County (and the 15 other Maine counties) as having a “Moderate” risk level.

Therefore, effective Monday, March 7 masks will no longer be required for adults while indoors at The Neighborhood House. However, our After School program will continue to mirror the policy of the school system which for the time being still requires indoor masking. When and if the schools amend their policies, we will follow suit for programs focused on that age group.

While we are all keeping our fingers crossed that the pandemic is heading towards a more manageable state, we also realize that many of us might not be comfortable attending in person classes (even with a masks) just yet. Luckily, The Neighborhood House has a few options for those of you looking to participate in a class from home.

While MDI Community Campfire Coalition may be a long name, the mission of the program is very simple and straight forward. Since its founding in 2008 the Coalition has worked to provide heating assistance to families in need on Mount Desert Island, Swan’s Island and the Cranberry Isles. This is accomplished by providing qualified households with a once-per-season delivery of 100 gallons of heating fuel or the equivalent in propane, wood, or electric. Unlike state and federal programs, the Campfire Coalition has a simple one page application and those who meet income qualifications (ranging from $36,420 for an individual to $75,300 for a household of four) usually receive a fuel delivery within a few days.

The past year has been an eventful one to say the least. Although gatherings and activities have continued to look a little different than in the past, the pandemic certainly hasn’t dampened the sense of enthusiasm and community spirit that fills The Neighborhood House. We are truly excited to see what 2022 has in store and look forward to new programs and lots of reasons to celebrate.

The Neighborhood House, in collaboration with Acadia Youth Sports, Harbor House, the MDI YMCA, and the Lamoine Recreation Dept. will be offering a Youth Basketball program for players in grades 1-5 beginning in December. For players in Mt. Desert, things will kick off on Thursday, December 9 with an organizational practice right after school (3:15-4pm).

The 2021 Frosty 5K Run & Walk is set for Saturday, Dec. 4 and online registration is now open! The registration fee is just $10 ($15 on Race Day), and the first 50 to sign up will receive a complimentary fleece neck warmer from last year’s cancelled event (we like to call them “retro”).

This year we’ll have a new start and finish area at the Northeast Harbor marina, but most of the course will be exactly the same as the seven previous races. Once we have the exact routing we’ll publish it online and in addition to more markings along the course we’ll also have maps available the day of. The race day schedule is as follows…

Another season of the wildly popular “Community Cafe” luncheon program starts up Thursday, November 4th and is generously sponsored by First National Bank. For the time being we’ll continue with the “takeout” model successfully implemented last year, with service starting at 11:30am and running until 1:00pm (or while supplies last). The suggested donation for lunch is $7.00, and seniors are invited to enjoy their meal “on the house.”

Halloween is right around the corner, and The Neighborhood House is once again looking forward to partnering with the Mt. Desert Chamber of Commerce to hit the road in the “Halloween Treat Truck.” Following the popular tradition, the Treat Truck will make stops in several villages handing out plenty of treats to “kids” of all ages.

As the number of leaves hitting the ground continues to grow, so too is our slate of fitness offerings. In addition to Yoga for Skillful Living with Richard Parker every Thursday and Sunday, instructor Andrea Lepcio will begin offering several classes starting November 1. Below is a description of each of those classes. Starting in November, we’ll implement “Online Registration” for all classes with the exception of Active Older Adults. We’ll have the registration links up on our Fitness Classes page within the next couple of weeks.

Earlier today (Sept. 28) a fully vaccinated staff member tested positive with a breakthrough case of Covid-19. This individual had a limited amount of masked contact with participants and helpers at our after-school program on Monday (Sept. 27). Following the advice of health professionals, we believe the vigilant and appropriate response is to suspend our current youth programs (After School Youth Club and Youth Soccer) for ten days until Thursday, October 7.

We’re happy to return to the pitch for another season of Neighborhood House Youth Soccer. The program is open to players in grades K-5 and the first organizational practice will be held on Friday, September 10 (more details coming soon). This season practices will be held Fridays after school at the MDES field, and games will be on Saturday mornings versus teams from SWH and BH.

Summer has flown by and as we get ready to head back to school we’re thrilled to announce that the After School Youth Club is back beginning Tuesday, September 7! This drop-in recreational program has been providing opportunities for fun and adventure for nearly a quarter century! Whether your child attends every day or just every once in a while, all school-aged kids are welcome to take part and we look forward to seeing them.