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.

The popular Community Cafe luncheon program returns Thursday, December 19 with the meal generously sponsored by AB & JR Hodgkins. Whether you want to come in from the cold or just get out of the house, you won’t want to miss a menu including a choice of Traditional or Vegetarian Lasagna, Kale Caesar Salad, Fresh Bread contributed by Old Dog Baking Co., along with coffee and a selection of dessert.

You might have heard that thanks to some generous private funding, the clock on the side of The Neighborhood House is being refurbished just in time for the building’s 115th year. The clock was removed from its perch a few weeks ago and will be refurbished and restored right here on MDI. In the spring it will be returned better than new.

Congratulations to all of who participated in the 7th Annual Frosty 5K on Saturday, December 7. The event kicked off with an impressive start at the Kids Fun Run and continued with the 5K Run & Walk. Below are the results of those who ran the 5K:

The Neighborhood House and Northeast Harbor Library are excited to announce the return of the Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers for a performance of “The Grinch.” This FREE all ages show gets underway on Tuesday, December 17 at 4:00pm.

The Mount Desert Chamber of Commerce will be holding the Northeast Harbor Christmas Festival on Saturday, December 7. The festivities get underway with the 7th Annual Frosty 5K, followed by activities throughout the day along with special shopping deals and dining options.