Evan Sweeney
“I have a history here…”Evan Sweeney has been banking with Bar Harbor Savings and Loan since his first job as a bag boy at a local grocery store. “My parents always encouraged me to save, so I put half my paycheck into savings,” Evan says. It is a habit that paid off. Evan bought land and is building his own home, and some of those savings are part of it. It's a family project. His father helps almost daily and his mother and uncles lend a hand when they can. “Whenever we have a spare minute, we're here,” Sean Sweeney, Evan's dad, says. When Evan decided to build his house, he never thought of another bank. “They've known me since I was a teen. I don't know of any other place for such personal service,” Evan says. He adds, “I'm still saving, because you just never know when you might need it.” We thank Evan for building and banking with Bar Harbor Savings and Loan.
Evan Sweeney at the construction site of his new home.
The Hopkins Family
“We have a home that belongs to us.”Susanne Hopkins works at Birch Bay Village, her husband Stephen works at the Thirsty Whale in Bar Harbor, and their children are in school here. It made sense to buy a home here, too, but there was nothing they could afford. “We learned about Island Housing Trust's GAP financing program, and Bar Harbor Savings and Loan knew just how to make it work,” Susanne says. “Now payments go into our own home,” Stephen adds. “When we plant shrubs or repaint, it is our home we are improving, and that feels good.“Bar Harbor Savings and Loan teamed with Island Housing Trust to provide financing for the Hopkins family. We congratulate Susanne and Stephen for working hard to own their own home.
Stephen and Susanne Hopkins with daughters Soren and Harmony
Chris Brown
“I asked if they could help…”Chris and Rosalie Brown wanted to refinance their home, and had heard about the Bar Harbor Savings and Loan. Chris asked them if they could help, and they did. “They were welcoming. I just walked in and immediately felt a mutual respect,” Chris says. ”I stop by the bank on business, and often end up talking about farming and the community dinners we organize every week. It is reassuring to know our money stays right here in this community we care so much about.” At Bar Harbor Savings and Loan we support efforts to help our community be healthy, and thank Chris and his family for choosing to bank with us.
Chris Brown of Brown Family Farm and founder of Food For
All,
a community meal and project of Organic Recyclers Organization.
Nicole Wallace and Kyle Richardson
“They went out on a limb for us…”Nicole Wallace and Kyle Richardson built their house themselves. “Every weekend and every evening for eighteen months building was our life,” Kyle says. They took out a construction loan with the Bar Harbor Savings and Loan that was tailored for their needs. “Big banks just can’t do that,” he adds. Nicole agrees, “They took a chance on us, but now we have finished the house and rolled the loan into a mortgage.” With family ties and careers on Mount Desert Island, the couple did not want to move off island to have a home. “We had been looking for a loan, and the minute we walked into Bar Harbor Savings and Loan it felt right. We were told ‘We’ll help you make this work.’ It was very confidence building.” Nicole and Kyle worked long and hard hours to build their new home, and the Bar Harbor Savings and Loan is pleased to be able to help them.
Nicole Wallace and Kyle Richardson, owner of KSR Construction
David and Carolyn Rapkievian
“We’re so happy, we’re dancing!”“We were lucky to get our mortgage through Bar Harbor Savings and Loan,” says David Rapkievian, a violin maker from Maryland. When he and his wife, Carolyn, decided to buy a home on Mount Desert Island, working with a small local bank might not have seemed the obvious choice, but the Rapkievians couldn't be happier. “They made the whole process easy, and are very personable to deal with,” David says. “We also like that they reinvest locally,” Carolyn adds. The couple met while dancing, and it continues to be a shared passion. When asked how he felt about his relationship with the Savings and Loan, David responded at once, “We're so happy, we're dancing!” We thank David and Carolyn Rapkievian for choosing Bar Harbor Savings and Loan, and wish them many more years on the dance floor.
David and Carolyn Rapkievian
Sharon Joyce
“They are really good at what they do.”“This house was just a shell, but it was the opportunity to finally own my own home,” Debra Andews says of her cottage in Seal Harbor. “It was a risk, but the Savings and Loan took a risk with me, too. They were extraordinary.” Deb says that getting a loan when self-employed is a challenge, but the Savings and Loan worked hard to help her. “They even came out to meet with me, so I did not have to travel to Bar Harbor. They treated me like a person, not an application.” Things all fell into place and the house was finally completed. The very next day Deb was able to host her daughter’s birthday party in their own home. We thank Deb for choosing Bar Harbor Savings and Loan, and she, and all our customers, are always people and members of the bank to us.
Sharon Joyce, educator/chef and owner of Ambrosia Cooking School in Bar Harbor
Kim Horton
“My life turned around in twenty-four hours.”“I always believed owning a home made more sense than renting. When I decided to go back into nursing and make other changes in my life, having my own home was high on the list,” says Kim Horton. She also has a work ethic that means doing whatever it takes to stay independent. She found the home she wanted, and approached Bar Harbor Savings and Loan. “They believed in me,” she says. “It seemed like magic, but I started my new job, and was approved for my home loan within the same twenty-four hours.” Juggling a new career and a new home can be challenging, and Kim says support from the bank was deeply appreciated. “It was so uplifting to know my work ethic meant something. It gave me a real sense of pride again.” We are proud to help Kim achieve her goal of independent home owning, and thank her for banking with Bar Harbor Savings and Loan.
Kim Horton, Registered Nurse Manager at Sonogee Rehabilitation and Living Center in Bar Harbor.
Augusta Blandford
“The Savings and Loan will always be my bank.”“My mother started my account with Bar Harbor Savings and Loan when I was three, and always taught me to save,” says Augusta Blandford. She took her mother's advice and saved her babysitting money, and the money she earned when she started working at fifteen. “I even saved money I was given as birthday gifts, and decided when I wanted a car, I would save for it.” Augusta made many trips to the bank, and shared her goal with everyone there. “They were as excited as I was when I finally had enough to buy my green Subaru—they are like family.” Augusta is studying pre-med at Northwestern University, but plans to come back and waitress in the summers, and continue to put money away at Bar Harbor Savings and Loan. “They will always be my savings bank,” says Augusta. We thank Augusta Blandford for choosing Bar Harbor Savings and Loan, and wish her well in her college career.
Augusta Blandford, President of Student Council, Red Cross Volunteer, MDIHS class of 2011
Cheryl and Ed Libitzki
“When we needed help, they were there.”Ed and Cheryl Libitzki have had some tough times. A large business project was left unpaid, and while struggling with that their daughter was injured in an accident resulting in months of hospitalization, and leaving her in a wheel chair. “Nothing is more devestating than a health issue to a child,” Cheryl says. The Libitzkis only had thoughts for their daughter, and work and payments got forgotten. “Bar Harbor Savings and Loan called us, and asked how they could help!” Ed says. Mortgage payments were re-scheduled, and a load lightened. “We feel blessed to have had that kind of help,” Ed continues. “This is how banking should be. When we were first looking for a mortgage, we heard again and again how wonderful the Savings and Loan was. Now we know how true it is.” Bar Harbor Savings and Loan knows and cares for all our customers, they are never just a number. We thank the Libitzkis for choosing the Bar Harbor Savings and Loan as their bank, and wish them and their family better days ahead.
Cheryl and Ed Libitzki, owners of the Libitzki School of Dance and Metal Magic, Ellsworth
Dick Fox
Staying ConnectedRichard R. Fox served as a dedicated member of the Board
of Directors
at Bar Harbor Savings and Loan for 37 years, and as Chairman since
1999. “I will always be a part of this bank,” says Dick.
His commitment to the bank meant a commitment to the community. He
says, “The bank's philosophy is “We'll work
with you.” We were never all about profit. No account was ever
too small. That's how a bank should be.”
A scientist at Jackson Laboratory, his work at the bank was one
of
many ways Dick connected with the community. He served on the school
board and town council, and drives for Island Connections.
“I love to drive,” says Dick. He drove school buses,
tour buses, and for years drove around the area doing the bank's
home inspections. For pleasure, Dick and his wife Barbara drive
around the country in their 1928 Studebaker. Dick has retired from
the Board,
but will always be connected with the bank and the community.
The Savings and Loan thanks Dick for his many years of
service. He steered the
bank through both prosperous and uncertain economic climates with
good decisions and unfailing good-nature. We wish him and Barbara
safe travels.
Dick Fox and his wife, Barbara
Karen Candage
“They are so understanding.”Karen Candage needed a bank to finance the cottage she was building. She grew up in Bar Harbor, but never gave the Savings and Loan a thought. “They knew nothing about me,” Karen says, “Why would they loan me money?” But she went in anyway. “I was nervous, but they were just so nice and understanding. They were all about helping me, not themselves.” Karen says she would never go elsewhere. “They make me feel comfortable, and also let me know I am important to them.” She laughs and adds, “That, and they give me mints, pens, and doodads.” We pride ourselves on customer service as well as competitive rates, and thank Karen and all our customers for banking with Bar Harbor Savings and Loan.
Karen Candage, owner of Karen’s Cottage Rentals, with Biscuit
Hannah Robbins
“It’s nice knowing they really care.”Hannah's father taught her the wisdom of saving, and suggested his bank, Bar Harbor Savings and Loan. He also advised her to buy a house, instead of renting. When she was looking around for a mortgage, her grandparents suggested she try their bank. Now three generations of Robbins' have chosen the Savings and Loan as their bank. “It was a great choice.” says Hannah, who provides private nursing care in the Blue Hill area. “I love my job, and caring for people, but it sure is nice to have someone watching out for me for a change.” As a community bank, we know how important families are, and we thank all of the Robbins' for choosing Bar Harbor Savings and Loan.
Hannah Robbins
Marc Chalfoun
“It was time to grow. The Savings and Loan helped.”“Marc Chalfoun manages his family's business, Anna's Quietside Cottages, and turned to the Bar Harbor Savings and Loan when it was time to expand. “We did what we could as a family, but after four years we needed to refinance if we were going to grow,” Marc says, describing renovations of the existing buildings and adding additional cottages every year. “We feel fortunate to be able to work with them. They really went up to bat for us.” Marc also feels fortunate to be based in Southwest Harbor. “I really like the relaxed charm of this village. It has a tremendous amount to offer. I am pleased to have a bank that respects our community values the way the Savings and Loan does. They reinvest in the community we live in, not in a secondary market.” We are proud to help Marc and the Chalfoun family add value to their property, and we thank them for choosing Bar Harbor Savings and Loan as their bank.
Marc Chalfoun
Mary Holway
“They saved the day for me.”“I wanted a sense of place,” Mary Holway says, “and I found it!” She purchased the old Corson homestead in Southwest Harbor and has immersed herself in its history. She also wanted a bank that fit into her need for community, and she found that with the Bar Harbor Savings and Loan. “They are interested in me, my house, its history—and they are sincere.” Mary purchased the house without a plan, but says the Savings and Loan helped her pull it all together. “Things were all over'savings, IRA, mortgage—and now everything is in one place, and it works like a charm. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for their help,” Mary says, “They really saved the day.” Mary has refinanced three times. “I trust them to do the best for me, and they are just awesome. The Savings and Loan was just what I was looking for. I didn't just find a great bank, I found great friends, too.” We applaud Mary for preserving her piece of history, and thank her for choosing Bar Harbor Savings and Loan as her bank.
Mary Holway and Maddie
Jeff and Suzanne Wooster
“We share decades of banking history…”“One of the beauties of the Bar Harbor Savings and Loan is that the faces are always familiar,” says Jeff Wooster. He has banked there for many years, and likes doing business with people who know him by name. “My Dad’s first and only mortgage was with the Savings and Loan, and we also had savings accounts there as kids. I remember the little books we saved our coins in,” reminisces Suzanne. Both Jeff and Suzanne have been customers of the bank for years. Jeff’s first house was mortgaged through the Savings and Loan, and so is the home he and Suzanne share. “It was so comfortable working with them the first time I had no reason to go elsewhere. We have a lot of history.” We thank Suzanne and Jeff for continuing history and choosing Bar Harbor Savings and Loan as their bank.
Jeff and Suzanne Wooster
Holly Masterson
“We’ll take care of it…”“I loved this house when I rented, and when Eden came along I wanted it to be ours,” Holly Masterson says of her picture-perfect cottage. Holly was a first-time home buyer, and did not have a perfect credit score. But she is a hard worker, and the unflagging energy she uses to work long hours shrimping, fishing or in the family greenhouse were directed to making this house her home. Her family advised, “Don’t worry about a few no’s, just keeping asking ‘til you get a yes.” Holly found her mortgage at Bar Harbor Savings and Loan, as well as a supportive banking partner. “Whenever I had a question or needed paperwork adjusted, they always said, ‘We’ll take care of it.’ And they always did!” At Bar Harbor Savings and Loan we take care of the details so Holly and other first-time house buyers can enjoy their new homes.
Holly Masterson and her daughter Eden
Nancy and John Buckwalter
“They take the time to explain…”Nancy and John Buckwalter refinanced so they could do some remodelling. But Nancy has an hour commute and finding the time for a closing during business hours was just not working. “It was difficult for me to leave my job early, so we had the closing right here in the kitchen,” Nancy laughs, “Not many banks give that kind of service.” “Closings can be a cold paper excerise–checks and forms going back and forth–but the Savings and Loan makes it personal, and takes the time to explain every page you are signing,” John says. Nancy and John also like that Bar Harbor Savings and Loan did not take federal stimulus money. “It speaks for their values, and that the bank is strong and healthy and did not need it. We respect that,” John says. Bar Harbor Savings and Loan thanks the Buckwalters for choosing us as their bank, and we are always willing to explain the mortgage process to our customers.
Nancy and John Buckwalter
Judy Morgan
“A vote of confidence…”Ten years ago Judy Morgan was sent to Maine by her employer to attend a workshop. “I thought I would be bored here, but I was enchanted,” Judy says. “This place immediately felt like home.” Six months later she moved here. “I bought the land, and drew up the plans for the house and prepared to act as general contractor. The Bar Harbor Savings and Loan looked at my plans and approved my construction loan. It was a great vote of confidence.” Between learning about financing options, applying for and setting up a construction loan, and stopping in to make payments, Judy has gotten to know everyone in the bank. She says the personal service is outstanding. “You’d think my loan was the only one they had to service,” she says. At Bar Harbor Savings and Loan we treat every loan with the personal care and attention it deserves, and we thank Judy and all our customers for choosing us as their bank.
Judy Morgan
The Johnston Family
“It’s a family affair…”“Be careful what you wish for,” Angi Johnston says. “I made a list of goals while at school and sadly, when I was offered my dream job, knew it meant leaving Mount Desert Island.” It wasn’t very long before she realized Maine was home, and she soon moved back. She and Keith, who she had met at University of Maine, married and started house-hunting. A Day Mountain building lot was just right. They wasted no time, getting their mortgage with the Bar Harbor Savings and Loan, breaking ground in May and moving in by Thanksgiving. “My dad is a builder, he was here almost every day. I worked on it, Angi’s dad moved here just to help build it, and Angi and I did the plans. It was a real family affair!” Keith says. Going to the bank each month has become a family affair, too. They chose the Bar Harbor Savings and Loan for rates and service, but they also like the small town feeling. “We are treated personally, it is convenient–and we can go next door for a shake,” Keith laughs. Gwen adds, “And I like the treats there!” We thank the Johnstons for choosing Bar Harbor Savings and Loan as their family bank.
Keith and Angela Johnston with daughter Gwen, and Kayla the lab
The Bolt Family
“Family is important…”When Dwayne and Jacqueline Bolt’s lease expired, they knew it was time to find a home for their family. They work on MDI and wanted their kids to go to school here, too. “Family is important. We want to be able to go to school functions, bring the kids to local events, and be part of the community as a family,” Jacqueline says. “Northeast Creek Neighborhood was just the right fit for us, and so was the Bar Harbor Savings and Loan.“
“We asked a lot of people about where to get our mortgage, and everyone who had used the Savings and Loan said they were great,” says Dwayne. Jacqueline adds, “They stood by their word. At no time in this process did I doubt that they would do what they said. I recommend them to anyone looking for a mortgage.”
Dwayne and Jacqueline with Keefer
and Chloe
Katie and Marisa Prestinari
“Generations of savings…”Katie and Marisa Prestinari are carrying on a family tradition of saving for the future. Their grandparents and parents started them out with savings accounts at Bar Harbor Savings and Loan, and so they learned early the habit of saving. Growing up and helping their parents, Chuck and Dee Dee, at their store The Blueberry Patch, they also learned early the value of hard work.
The Savings and Loan has always been a part of their life, and they cherish the feeling of community they have there. “They are so friendly,” says Katie. “They always ask how we are and seem genuinely happy to see us.” Marisa adds, “It doesn’t feel like a bank at all.”
Mike Woodard
“Why switch?”Mike Woodard and Ginger Constantine bought their first house on Mount Desert Island 24 years ago, and have used the Bar Harbor Savings and Loan for all their mortgages since then. “We’ve been tempted by other financing offers, but when we really take a look at switching, we always recall that the Savings and Loan was willing to invest in us as people, not just property. It’s all about trust and loyalty.”
Mike, who owns Mike! Woodard Realty, often sends clients to the Savings and Loan. “The bank always makes our homebuyers feel really welcome, and keeps the process and paperwork really simple.”At Bar Harbor Savings and Loan all our customers are welcome anytime the door is open. We thank them, Mike, and Ginger for choosing Bar Harbor Savings and Loan as their bank.
Eddie Monat and Edna Martin
"They made it easy…”Edna Martin and Eddie Monat spend as much time on the water as they can. Running the Dive-in Theater, which introduces kids and adults to the amazing life beneath the waves, and teaching diving doesn’t leave much time for meetings with the bank. “They made it about as easy as it could be,” Edna says. “They are just really super people,” Eddie adds. Being able to live in the same community where they have their business is important to them. “I don’t think we could have bought our house if we didn’t get help from the Savings and Loan,” Eddie says.
Eddie and Edna with Halo and Leviathan
Jeff Miller
“A can-do attitude…”Jeff Miller, a full-time broker with Lynam Real Estate, has bought and sold a business, and purchased investment properties and a home, so he knows about mortgages from many points of view. When he or a client needs financing, Bar Harbor Savings and Loan is at the top of his list. “
When I went to refinance, they recognized what I had accomplished and really made me feel appreciated,” Jeff says. He also likes their competitive rates and positive attitude. “They never said, ‘We’ll have to see if we can do it.’ It was always, ‘Let’s see how we can do this.’ That can-do attitude worked for me, and it works for my clients, too.”
Lynne and Mike Staggs
“Accommodating…”Lynne and Mike Staggs have full-time jobs and busy lives. They also haul used vegetable oil to turn into biofuel that they use to heat their home and power their cars. They did a lot of research before making fuel at home, and they did a lot of research before they refinanced. “The Savings and Loan answered all our questions, “ Lynne says. “We wanted split payments, direct deposit… they were very accommodating,” Mike says.
Lynne, Molly and Mike Staggs in front of Bio Desl, which runs on recycled vegetable oil
The Avila Family
“We felt respected…”When Kyle and Lelania Avila learned their mortgage had been sold to an out-of-state bank, they decided to see what they could find locally. A friend told them about Bar Harbor Savings and Loan, and after one visit they knew they had found their bank. “It felt like a better option, knowing our money would be helping other families right here in the community,” Kyle says. “They are so friendly, and I felt that we were respected there,” Lelania adds. Raising a family in the community they have chosen, they are glad to keep their mortgage here, too.
Elijah, Lelania, Kyle and Rosie Avila