News

Bar Harbor Savings and Loan was the major sponsor of this year’s Mary Parker Memorial 5K Run/Walk to benefit Island Connections. The event, “Running for Rides,” was held October 15, 2016.

Bar Harbor Savings and Loan employees volunteered behind the scenes as well as participating. Rhonda Sawyer, Mortgage Loan Specialist, helped with registration and walked the course with her dog. Jacquie Colburn, Compliance Officer, and Ardette Spear, Teller and Internal IT Specialist, also helped with registration and day of the event organization. Bill Weir, President and CEO of the Savings and Loan, helped to direct traffic, keeping runners and walkers safe on the course.

Mary Parker was Island Connections Transportation Coordinator from 2006 until 2012, when she was diagnosed with cancer. She passed away in 2015. Rhonda Sawyer served on the Island Connections Board of Directors with Mary Parker and Bill Weir was president of the Island Connections Board of Directors for several years, a volunteer driver, and member of the Board for additional years.

“Island Connections helps so many people in the community who have no other way to get rides to appointments or events,” Rhonda says. “That Bill and I both knew and worked with Mary makes this fund-raiser even more meaningful.”

Rhonda and Bill inspired other Savings and Loan employees to volunteer for Running for Rides this year, and plan to make it an annual event.



This was the second year of the Mary Parker Memorial 5K Run/Walk, and the first year to benefit Island Connections. Altogether, “Running for Rides” raised over $5,300 in memory of Mary Parker. The money will help Island Connections continue its mission to provide transportation services for those in need on Mount Desert Island and the surrounding islands. For more information about Island Connections, visit islconnections.org.


Bar Harbor Savings and Loan has its office at 102 Main Street in Bar Harbor and serves Mount Desert Island and Hancock County. It was established in 1902. For more information please call 207-288-3685 or visit the website at bhsla.com.