On The Agenda - Bar Harbor Town Meetings & Things to Do
ON THE AGENDA
Every week we document Bar Harbor town government, school, and other similar meetings that we know of. Please let us know if we’ve missed something. Also, sometimes things are on the town calendars and are cancelled or rescheduled, so make sure to double check before you head over!
All the meetings take place at the Bar Harbor Municipal Building at 93 Cottage Street unless otherwise noted. And they usually have a time for public comments. This is not true about executive sessions, which are closed to the public.
So, go! Be informed! Be part of the process. You deserve to be.
To see the town meeting calendar by month, click here.
To see the school board calendar by month, click here
BAR HARBOR GOVERNMENT MEETINGS! - OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27
Climate Emergency Task Force
4 p.m.
Council Chambers, Bar Harbor Municipal Building, 93 Cottage Street
MDI Regional Board of Trustees
Time:
5:30 p.m.
Location:
MDI High School Library off Eagle Lake Road
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30
Design Review Board Workshop
No agenda currently posted online
Time:
2 p.m.
Location:
Council Chambers, Bar Harbor Municipal Building, 93 Cottage Street
Things to Do In Bar Harbor
It’s our weekly round-up, and I may have missed some things so apologies!
To check out our news stories from the past week. Click on the archive section and you’ll see them in chronological order.
GET YOUR HERO ON!
BAR HARBOR FIRE DEPARTMENT
To check if Bar Harbor Fire Department is currently hiring, please go to the town’s jobs page.
But even if it isn’t, you can become a call member
Becoming a call force firefighter requires extensive training, hard work, and dedication to the community. We rely on call force firefighters to respond quickly to emergencies, to perform firefighting duties, and to provide assistance and support to career firefighters. To be a fall force firefighter is to have a chance to aid and serve the community, which is an extremely rewarding experience.
GET YOUR CHRISTMAS PLAY ON!
GET YOUR SUPPORT GROUP ON!
GET YOUR WINTER CONCERT ON!
GET YOUR SIDE STREET ON!
GET YOUR CHARITABLE CHRISTMAS (OF AWESOME) ON!
Join us for the 9th Annual Witham Family Hotels Charitable Christmas Saturday, December 9, from 10 AM - 2 PM.
Join us for kids holiday crafts, hot cocoa and cookies, write letters to Santa (and receive a response before Christmas!) photo booth, and don't forget...
to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and get a photo together!
The event is completely FREE, including all crafts, photos, food.
In exchange for attendance, we do ask that all able families bring a donation in lieu of entry fee. This can be either a:
new unwrapped toy for Maine Seacoast Mission’s Christmas Program. This local charity has been collecting gifts for in need families for over 100 years.
gently used coat for H.O.M.E. Inc who distributes warm clothing to folks in need in Hancock County.
We hope you and your family will join us for some holiday fun for a great cause!
Sponsored by the Witham Family Hotels
GET YOUR CHRISTMAS COMMUNITY SUPPER ON!
You are invited to a Christmas Community Supper on Sunday, December 17, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the Bar Harbor Congregational Church Fellowship Hall (downstairs).
The supper will be a simple meal of soup, bread, dessert and hot beverages. It will be on Sunday, December 17th from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Bar Harbor Congregational Church located at 29 Mount Desert Street. There is no charge for this event, however any donations will be contributed to our Community Assistance Fund. All are welcome!
GET YOUR SOLSTICE ON!
GET YOUR VILLAGE HOLIDAY ON! AND LOBSTER BUOY TREE ON!
SANTA COMES TO NORTHEAST HARBOR!
Join Maine Seacoast Mission during the Northeast Harbor Christmas Festival to make crafts, enjoy a festive atmosphere, and welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus to town.
At the Northeast Harbor Christmas Festival on Saturday, December 2, join the Mission for the following activities: - 2 to 3 p.m. for craft activities, face painting, and light refreshments at its offices at 6 Old Firehouse Lane. - 3:30 p.m. Watch the Mission’s flagship boat, the Sunbeam, will deliver Santa and Mrs. Claus to Northeast Harbor’s marina. - 5 to 7 p.m. at 6 Old Firehouse Lane, the Mission's Christmas Open House will offer holiday cheer, light appetizers, and hot cider as well as crafting opportunities for kids.
GET SOME KID-FOCUSED HAPPINESS ON!
As apart of its Arts Alive! program, where the Criterion engages young people and families in quality arts programs as both audiences and active participants, they’re excited to announce Free Guitar Lessons for students 10-18!
They have 5 open seats in their Wednesday group and 5 open seats in their Friday group, lessons run from November 8th to December 1st
Please email sophie@criteriontheatre.org to sign up!
GET YOUR CHILDREN’S BAZAAR ON!
The Children's Bazaar will be held on Saturday, Dec. 9, from 9:00 to 12:00 at the MDI YWCA.
This event is for children in Kindergarten through 4th grade. Tickets are required and can be requested by emailing abby@ywcamdi.org. Tickets cost $1.00.
GET YOUR CRAFT FAIR ON!
Island Arts Association Holiday Craft Fair, all day, Atlantic Oceanside Hotel and Event Center.
The Island Arts Association is holding a holiday craft fair at the Atlantic Oceanside Hotel and Event Center. For more information, visit www.islandartsassociation.com.
9 to 5, December 1 and December 2
Get Your Book (And Author) On!
VIRTUAL WRITE ON! WRITING GROUP
Want support for your craft? The Write On! writer’s group has been meeting at the Jesup since 2014, and remotely during the pandemic. Each meeting, members may bring in up to 1200 words to read for feedback, and in turn offer feedback to others. Although each member doesn’t get to read work every time, the group shares the time fairly. The group meets on Zoom, and hold in confidence what is shared. This group welcomes adults 18 and up writing in many genres. There’s no homework–the only commitment is two hours on Saturday mornings.
Date and Time
SATURDAYS
9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Location
Zoom
How to Attend
Call the library, 207-288-4245, for more about us and how to join, or email info@jesuplibrary.org.
STORY TIMES AT THE JESUP!
Baby and Toddler Time
Join Abby for fingerplays, songs, and stories on Mondays! Older siblings are welcome to join in.
10:30 AM 11:15 AM
JESUP MEMORIAL LIBRARY34 MT. DESERT STREET
JESUP EVENTS
For a full list of Jesup Memorial Library events, click through to its calendar here.
GET YOUR ART ON!
OPEN STUDIO – MEMBER MONDAYS
Members can reserve a table in our studio for an hour or the whole session and have access to our non-consumable tools or use some materials from our stock!$10 for reserved space – participant brings supplies. OR $25 for reserved space plus access to consumable materials; felting, glass, paint, printmaking.Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Masking, vaccinated, and social distancing for staff and participant safety.
Date and Time
Mondays
2:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. EDT
Location
ArtWaves, 1345A State Highway 102, Bar Harbor
Fees/Admission
$42.00
Website
https://www.artwavesmdi.org/event
Contact Information
207-266-0010
Send Email
MONDAY & THURSDAY NIGHT FIGURE DRAWING
Please register, space is limited.
Artists will have a few quick warm-up poses then be able to spend time refining a long pose. Registration necessary- ArtWaves maintains distances for safety.The model is the star, no instruction, but plenty of easels, boards, horses, paper, charcoal and fellow friendly artists. Feel free to bring your paints and brushes as well!18 and over, under 18 allowed with parental attendance or prior signature.
Date and Time
Mondays and Thursdays
6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Mondays 6-9 single pose and Thursdays multi poses
Location
ArtWaves Fine Arts Studio
Fees/Admission
$15 for 3-hour session
Members: $25 month fee
Contact Information
office @artwavesmdi.otrg
Send Email
KIDS CRAFTERNOONS
ArtWaves is devoting afternoons of studio (under the big tent) sessions for children to create. Most workshops use unique materials like fiber, ink, stained glass and wax. Weekly themes. Open to kids between 7-11. No skills required.Masks, vax’d (over 5), and distancing for staff and participant safety.
To Register:
Date and Time
Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Location
ArtWaves, 1345A State Highway 102, Bar Harbor
Fees/Admission
$30 materials included or bring some of your own! ($20 for members)
Student membership is $36 a year!
Contact Informationoffice@artwavesmdi.org
Send Email
ARTWAVES CLASSES AND EVENTS
ArtWaves often has classes, a variety every week. For the updated selection, check out its website here.
Holiday Needle Felting Gnomes, Angels & More!
Needle felting is an easy and enjoyable way to create whimsical creations and serious art. In this workshop, we’ll focus on fun!
We’ll begin by making a cute little gnome, angel through which you’ll learn the basic techniques of shaping, adding color, features and textures, and finishing.
After that, you’ll have access to the huge stash of ArtWaves wool and will have time to create anything or anyone you desire with the instructor available for help and guidance. You are encouraged to bring a photo of something you’d like to make, and we’ll have several examples for inspiration. Or, just use your imagination!
All materials and tools will be provided and you’ll leave with at least two creations that you can proudly add to your holiday decor.
Saturday, December 2. 10 am—1 pm. Ages 12+
All levels
$45 members/$55 non members
Join Us https://artwavesmdi.org/join-us
GET YOUR MOVIE ON!
REEL PIZZA
Reel Pizza is closed for the season (not for forever) on October 30.
CRITERION THEATRE
The theater’s website is here, and click for the latest updates.
THE NUTCRACKER
Robinson Ballet
Sunday, December 10th - 3:00PM
THE GRINCH
Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers
Sunday, December 17th - 4:00PM
GET YOUR FITNESS, DANCE and WELLNESS ON!
THE NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE!
The Neighborhood House has a slew of classes to help you get your fitness on. Descriptions are at its website.
Yoga Flow Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8:45 AM EST
Fall Prevention Monday and Wednesday at 10 AM EST for 8 weeks starting today.
Active Older Adults Tuesday and Thursdays at 10:45 AM EST
Tai Chi Fridays at 10 AM EST
MDI YMCA!
The MDI YMCA’s program guide is here.
DESTINATION HEALTH!
This is Destination Health’s November class schedule with the exception of Mat Pilates at 8:30 AM.
For a full listing, check out here
ZUMBA!
It’s a dance party, no experience needed!
Come take care of yourself, shake, smile & sweat! Every class is different; the music, people and weather, and we always have a blast! Erin leads a workout that caters to all levels of fitness and ability. All you need is a love for music and movement (or come to class to fall in love with dancing), but no experience necessary. You can follow along and give it your own flair! Come join our classes throughout the week, in the gorgeous dance studio at ArtWaves! If you haven’t tried Zumba and want to talk with Erin, feel free to email anytime.
Date and Time
Thursdays
5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. EDT
Location
Dance Studio at ArtWaves, 1345A State Highway 102, Bar Harbor
Fees/Admission
$40-$50 per month ($10 per week paid monthly)
Website
DOWNEAST COMMUNITY DANCE
Downeast Community Dance meets every Sunday from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Moore Community Center in Ellsworth (first and third) and ArtWaves in Town Hill (second, fourth and fifth).
These free form dance gatherings are not facilitated, with music provided by volunteer DJs. Move to rhythms in your own way and have fun.
Admission is by donation.
For more information, contact Susan at 288-8103 or cloudnine@gwi.net.
Location
Dance Studio at ArtWaves, 1345A State Highway 102, Bar Harbor
STUDENT MASSAGE CLINIC
At Acadia School of Massage Student Massage Clinic, our students gain hands-on experience while our clients receive relaxation or therapeutic massage and bodywork treatments at discounted rates. Enjoy a soothing massage from one of our gifted student massage therapists. The Student Clinic is open to the public and we highly encourage anyone to try a massage!
Date and Time
Tuesdays and Wednesdays
1:30 PM – 6:30 PM EST
Tuesdays and Wednesdays through the end of April 2023 from 1:30 to 6:15pm.
Location
Hosted by Tree of Life Day Spa,
108 Cottage Street, Bar Harbor
Fees/Admission
$35 for 1 hour massage
Appointments highly recommended
Book online at
http://www.AcadiaSoM.com
Website
http://www.AcadiaSoM.com
Contact Information
Acadia School of Massage
Send Emailhhj
MDI YMCA CLASSSES
For a full listing, check out here.
Adult Ballet Barre Fitness with David Lamon
Date and Time
Thursdays
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM EDT
4 sessions Thursday April 6th to Thursday April 27 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Location
ArtWaves Dance Center 1345A Hwy 102 Town Hill Bar Harbor
Fees/Admission
$50.00 $40.00 ArtWaves Members SPRING SPECIAL: BUY ONE CLASS GET ONE CLASS AT 50% OFF
Website
https://artwavesmdi.org/event-5201808
Contact Information
2072660010
Send Email
GET YOUR VOLUNTEERISM ON!
BUILD AN ICE SKATING RINK!
WANT TO COME HELP BUILD A COMMUNITY SKATING RINK?
The Town Hill Village Improvement Society is planning to have an ice skating rink near the community hall this winter. To make this happen, they need volunteers to help set things up. Everyone will help set up the base and then have a lunch afterwards.
When?
Next Saturday, December 2, starting at 10 AM.
Rain date, Sunday Dec. 3, same time.
GET YOUR MUSIC ON!
Acadia Choral Society Holiday Concert, December 3, Bar Harbor
“We Sing the Great Mystery” Diverse settings of the medieval antiphon "O magnum mysterium", plus Christmas carols.
The Acadia Choral Society will present its annual program of holiday music, “We Sing the Great Mystery”, December 2nd and 3rd. Under artistic director Daniel Pyle, and accompanied by Douglas Beck, the choir will present settings of the medieval antiphon "O magnum mysterium", ranging from Gregorian chant through to the 21st century. The program also includes Christmas carols from the Carols for Choirs series from King’s College, Cambridge University. The Acadia Choral Society invites the whole community to join them in welcoming the holiday season through the power of song. Tickets online or at the door.
Dec 3 at 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
St. Saviour's Episcopal Church, 41 Mount Desert Street, Bar Harbor
$20.00
THE FINBACK ALEHOUSE
The Finback has entertainment most nights. The schedule is posted every Tuesday.
THE NOR’EASTER
The Nor’Easter has music every Saturday night from 8-10 in the summer and 7-9 in the winter.
ONE OFF PUB
The One Off Pub often has music and is often open until midnight. The location? 119 Main Street.
HAVANA
Every Saturday night at 6:30 p.m, you can come here the maestro Bob Lombardi. Maestro isn’t something we put out there for everyone. Havana is on lower Main Street.
GET YOUR FOOD ON!
OPEN TABLE MDI!
For more information, click here.
TOWN GOVERNMENT MEETINGS
SOUTHWEST HARBOR
Regular Meeting Schedule (meetings held at the Town Office unless otherwise noted). Calendar is here.
TREMONT:
BAR HARBOR:
According to the town’s website, “Meetings that are broadcast live can be viewed at home by watching Cable Access Channel 7 or 1303 (Spectrum Cable only) and online at Town Hall Streams.”
“Things We Do in Bar Harbor” and “On the Agenda” is mostly curated by me looking for things happening in the upcoming week, which takes a lot of time and I truly do not know all that is going on.
If there’s something in Bar Harbor (or MDI) that you’d like me to mention, please let me know, because I’m definitely always missing some events every week.