MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Happy Birthday, today, to Robert E. Peary, the engineer and Arctic explorer who led his team to reach the North Pole in April 1909. He wrote in his journal: “The Pole at last!!! The prize of three centuries, my dream and ambition for twenty-three years, Mine at last …”

This famous explorer brings a lot of connections to our region for visitors and residents alike. Peary is connected to the town of Brunswick as he was a graduate of Bowdoin College. He is connected further to the college as it is the location of the Peary MacMillan Arctic Museum. And another connection is his summer home, in our backyard, actually in Casco Bay, on Eagle Island.

As we all look forward to warmer weather, sunny skies and outdoor activities, consider a “trip” built around Peary in our region. Start out at the museum, located in the heart of the campus of Bowdoin College in Hubbard Hall. It’s open year-round (except for Mondays) and is free of charge. Even the youngest visitors can appreciate the museum which contains all kinds of artifacts and exhibits on life in the Arctic. (Hint: There’s an app for the museum!) While you are on campus you could also get a good deal of walking exercise in between the dorms, the chapel, Pickard Theater and the museum.

Later on as the summer heats up it would be a lovely time to visit Eagle Island. It’s a state of Maine historic site, open June 15 through Labor Day and the fee to explore both the home and island is minimal. You’ll need to use your own boat or use a tour boat to get to Eagle Island. We suggest packing a picnic lunch to enjoy on the grass or sand, hiking the trails and touring the home. It will be a great adventure.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

— The third annual Hacker’s Ball Golf Tournament is May 8 at the Brunswick Golf Club. This year’s tournament is organized by SMMC’s young professionals, The Mid Coast Edge, and will benefit the chamber’s educational initiatives. Come stretch those muscles after the long winter and try out the air cannon. Sponsors are Brunswick Golf Club, McLeod/Ascanio, Sitelines, Dead River Co., Hancock Lumber, PFBF CPAs, Oxford Networks, Northeast Bank, ServPpro Bath/Brunswick and American Red Cross, Brunswick Hotel & Tavern, Sullivan Chiropractic, Northern Benefits, Bath Savings Institution, Norway Savings, Management Accounting in New England, and ArtForms.

— May 20 (11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m.) the Chamber Regional Luncheon features networking, lunch served tableside and a presentation. The event takes place at the Brunswick Hotel and Tavern, 4 Noble St., Brunswick. Sponsors are Brunswick Hotel & Tavern, Mechanics Savings Bank, Mid Coast Health Services and RE/MAX Riverside.

— Sebasco Harbor Resort hosts the May 27 Chamber After Hours at their beautiful seaside location. Chamber After Hours are open house-style events from 5- 7 p.m. and provide the best regional networking. Make new connections, gather business leads and reconnect with business owners. The event is free of charge and all chamber member owners, managers and employees are invited.

Please pre-register for all events at www.midcoastmaine.com.

OUR MEMBERS: SMMC proudly serves 700 businesses and organizations in the following communities: Arrowsic, Bath, Bowdoin, Bowdoinham, Brunswick, Dresden, Edgecomb, Georgetown, Harpswell, Phippsburg, Richmond, Topsham, West Bath, Westport Island, Wiscasset and Woolwich. Find them all on our website at wwwmidcoastmaine.com.