Birch Bay Retirement Village

11/18/2025

11/17/2025

Birch Bay Retirement Village is pleased to announce leadership changes designed to strengthen our community operations by enhancing the quality of life for our residents and the community we serve.

James Hoke, MBA, CDP has been appointed Director of Community Operations. In this expanded role, James will oversee Facilities, Housekeeping, and Dining Services, ensuring excellence in the day-to-day operations that support our residents and staff. In addition, James will lead the Community Lifeline Program, which provides medical alert services for the greater Mount Desert Island and Hancock County community. James will continue to report directly to Rob Hemenway, Executive Director. Previously James held the role of Director of Programs & Resident Engagement and has been with Birch Bay Retirement Village since 2016.

Melissa Violette, MT-BC, NMT, has been named Director of Therapeutic Programming and Activities. Melissa will oversee our Music Therapy Program, Straus Adult Day Program, and Life Enrichment and Activities Programs, guiding our efforts to provide innovative and meaningful engagement opportunities for residents and participants. Melissa will report to Stacey Conary, RN, Director of Clinical Operations. Melissa previously held the role of Music Therapy Program Director. Melissa has been with Birch Bay Retirement Village since 2014.
These leadership updates reflect Birch Bay’s ongoing dedication to teamwork, resident-centered care, and operational excellence. We congratulate James and Melissa on their new roles and look forward to their continued contributions to our wonderful community.

11/16/2025

A friendly game with neighbors on a warm fall day!
Life at the Birch Bay Inn includes a variety of cultural, social, and educational events hosted by staff and volunteers. The enriched activities program with scheduled transportation to performances, social events, local theaters, and the Bangor Symphony as well as field trips to the park and local galleries are available to Inn residents. Learn more by visiting: www.birchbayvillage.us

11/15/2025

Music Therapy is at the heart of the Safe Harbor Memory Care neighborhood at Birch Bay Retirement Village. Our Board Certified Music Therapist uses her demonstrated knowledge and skills to provide residents with individual and group therapy. The benefits of Music Therapy are known to make an impact on resident’s levels of agitation, improve communication capabilities, reduce pain, improve sleep patterns, reduce sundowning, and assist in resident’s ability to communicate. Learn more by visiting: https://www.birchbayvillage.us/living-options/safe-harbor-memory-care/

11/13/2025

Birch Bay Retirement Village offers medical alert solutions for residents of Hancock County who want the comfort of knowing that emergency assistance is available 24 hours a day, seven days per week.

Within 90 seconds, a highly trained representative of Lifeline will respond by telephone to quickly assess the situation and dispatch the appropriate help to your home. This may include medical, police or fire personnel. You may even request a call to a neighbor or family member. Lifeline offers you or your loved one peace of mind and a greater sense of security.

For more information, call 288-8014 x 5202.

11/12/2025

On Veteran's Day, November 11th, Birch Bay staff and residents gathered to celebrate the veteran's in our community. Thank you to all who have served. We are eternally grateful for your service.

11/10/2025

The Birch Bay Retirement Village Employee Activities Committee is hosting a food drive. We hope you will join us by dropping off a donation in the BBRV Lobby! Donations will be accepted until November 21st.

11/09/2025

Meet Pete! One of the many cats living in Pleasant Cove at Birch Bay Retirement Village. To many of our residents, cats offer comfort, companionship and improved health.

11/06/2025

At Birch Bay Retirement Village, our leadership team is guided by compassion, experience, and a shared commitment to excellence. Together, they bring decades of expertise in senior living, healthcare, hospitality, and resident engagement—ensuring that every aspect of life at Birch Bay reflects our mission of person-centered care. From clinical operations and dining services to programs that inspire connection and joy, our leaders work hand-in-hand to create a warm, welcoming community where every resident feels valued, supported, and at home.

11/04/2025

Pleasant Cove is Birch Bay’s Supported Living area featuring sixteen Assisted Living units providing licensed Residential Care.

Long term care in Pleasant Cove is designed for people who need extra support with their daily living activities.

Pleasant Cove offers residents the independence of their own private suite or apartment, many of which have views of Frenchman Bay.

Our calendar of events include concerts from the area’s best musicians, exercise classes, book clubs, games, music therapy, worship services by area clergy, pet visits, and more.

Residents receive round-the-clock support from our care team which includes a registered nurse, a residential care coordinator, well-trained support specialists, a full-time activities assistant, and board-certified music therapist.

To learn more, call 288-8014 x 5211.

11/03/2025

WE NEED MORE VOLUNTEERS!!

Do you like to drive? Enjoy helping your neighbors and connecting with community? Want to make sure our senior and disabled residents in the MDI area remain healthy, independent, and avoid social isolation? Join us as a VOLUNTEER DRIVER!!

- Flexible commitment that works around your availability and exactly how much time you can commit.
- No minimum commitment, every ride helps!
- Help your community with your own car.
- A great way to get those warm fuzzy feelings as the weather gets colder 🙂

Visit https://islconnections.org/become-a-volunteer-driver/ to find out more information.