The first day of school is nearly upon us, and that means it’s also time for another season of after school activities at The Neighborhood House.

For more than two decades, The Neighborhood House has offered children and families a flexible and fun option for kids to “hang out” four afternoons a week. The After School Youth Club is in session every Monday through Thursday, after school until 5pm. Kids can attend every day or just every once in a while— whatever works best for their families schedule.Our 15 passenger bus meets participants each afternoon right outside Mt. Desert Elementary and whisk them down to The Neighborhood House (on nice days, staff members meet the kids and they’ll walk as a group).

The Youth Soccer season "kicks off" right after Labor Day on Tuesday, Sept. 5 with our first organizational practice of the season. Practice will be held right after school at the MDES field and last about an hour. Soccer cleats aren't required, but your child should wear athletic-appropriate clothing and bring a water bottle. You can download a registration here.

On Thursday, August 3rd, a crowd of folks and their bikes from around town and across MDI gathered at The Neighborhood House for the 23rd Annual Bike Parade & Ice Cream Social. What started out more than two decades ago as a fun excuse to gather and enjoy some ice cream has turned into an iconic summer event enjoyed by “kids” of all ages. The festivities began at 5:30 with numerous bins of decorations— everything from streamers to sparkles and stickers— strewn about the lawn. Children, parents, and even grandparents got to work adorning their bikes, trikes, scooters and wagons with all sorts fun decorations in preparation for the parade.

The Northeast Harbor Ambulance Association and American Red Cross will be holding a blood drive at The Neighborhood House on Thursday, August 8 from 1:00-6:00pm. As of the time of writing this post, open spots still remain for those who would like to donate. Did you know that one blood donation can actually save up to three lives?

The Neighborhood House and Northeast Harbor Library will celebrate their year ‘round collaborative efforts with a special all ages concert by The Crow Family Band on Wednesday, August 9.— AND YOU’RE INVITED! The all-ages show is free to the public and get underway at 5:30pm at the green near the harbor.

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.