There might not be a more iconic summertime event on Mount Desert Island than the annual Bike Parade & Ice Cream Social at The Neighborhood House. What started as a lark (and excuse to have an ice cream sundae) has turned into a highly anticipated celebration that attracts folks from Northeast Harbor, Mount Desert, and beyond. This year’s 23rd rendition of the event is scheduled for Thursday, August 3rd.

The Bash at the Boatyard sets sail Thursday, July 13, and more than 300 tickets already spoken for. Abel’s Yacht Yard will continue to serve as the venue for the Bash, but this year’s party will be taking place further up the hill in a larger set of boat bays (the boat bay utilized in past years is prepping for a major renovation).

We had an amazing Memorial Day here in Northeast Harbor, starting with the annual parade and wrapping up with the Community Cookout at the marina. Thanks are in order for the American Legion Post 103 for organizing the parade along with all who participated. We would also like to extend a tremendous amount of thanks and gratitude to the many volunteers who helped make the cookout possible, as well as to our fantastic sponsors: Main Street Variety, S.R. Tracy Paint Shop, Thomas W. Wallace Construction, and WMH Architects. We really appreciate it!

The American Red Cross will be hosting a blood drive right here at The Neighborhood House on Tuesday, May 30 from 1:00 - 6:00pm. Your blood donation can help save lives! To register, call 1-800-REDCROSS or visit them online. As of the posting of this article, six spots remain.

Memorial Day is Monday, May 29, and Northeast Harbor will once again serve us the hub of activity on the island with the annual Memorial Day Parade and Community Cookout.

Our main floor and office will be closed to the public from May 8 -May 22 while our hardwood floors are being refinished after a busy winter. The lower level and gym will remain open during this period. We’re working hard to maintain our 118 year old building so that it can serve the community for generations to come. We THANK YOU for your patience and urge you to read the full story to get all the details.

On Thursday, April 6, the Community Cafe served up just over 130 lunches to folks from across Mount Desert Island and beyond. Sponsored by The Knowles Company and Tim Murphy Studios, in addition to the large number of “take-out” lunches that went out the door, several dozen guests were able to sit and socialize over lunch, making the Cafe program about much more than just a meal.

We were saddened to learn late last week about the passing of Les Foss. We extend our deepest condolences to his wife Stephani, his daughters, and entire family.

It’s time to start making plans for summer, and for many families, that will include time spent at the various Summer Camp programs offered by The Neighborhood House. Once again this year, The Neighborhood House will be offering wight weeks of programs, beginning June 26 and wrapping up August 18

We had a fantastic evening this past Friday welcoming well over 100 special guests to The Neighborhood House for an evening of music, dancing, sweets, and plenty of fun. It was nice to welcome the Sweetheart Valentine Dance back into our rotation of annual events, and we’d like to thank all those who turned out for the special night. Thanks also to our crew of kitchen help, cupcake bakers, photographers, and DJ— we really appreciate it and couldn’t have made the night happen without you!

Even as the forecast calls for frigid temperatures to end the week, our hearts were warmed thanks to the generosity of the Mount Desert Police Association. On Monday, Jan. 20, Officer Ken Mitchell and Lt. Kevin Edgecomb dropped by The Neighborhood House to present a check to the MDI Community Campfire Coalition.