On The Agenda - Bar Harbor Town Meetings & Things to Do - It's a Big Town Week
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
TUESDAY!
Town Council
September 5, 2023, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Council Chambers,Bar Harbor Municipal Building, Cottage Street
WEDNESDAY!
Planning Board Meeting
September 6, 2023, 4:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Council Chambers, Bar Harbor Municipal Building, Cottage Street
Things to Do In Bar Harbor
Week of September 4 and a little beyond
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 KNOWLEDGE ON!
PFAS, Arsenic and Other Water-Borne Toxins
September 11, 2023 I 5 PM I On Zoom
The dangers and prevalence of arsenic, PFAS and other water-borne toxins in our environment have become all-too-apparent over the past several years. But what do we know or can we know about heavy metals' or "forever" chemicals' real-world effects on our health? Join us for a discussion with MDI Bio Lab scientists and PFAS expert Ned Calonge, M.D., M.P.H. Bring your questions about arsenic and PFAS testing, how they may be associated with disease and recommendations for exposure reduction.
More Details:
This presentation will discuss what is known about health effects of exposure to per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and other water-borne toxins in water supplies nationally and in Maine, as well as reducing exposure and follow-up measures for those who may have been exposed to elevated levels. We’ll also take a look at emerging efforts in Maine to study biological effects at the cellular level.
Ned Calonge, MD, MPH, is the associate dean for public health practice and an associate professor of epidemiology at the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Dr. Calonge is an associate professor of family medicine at the School of Medicine on the CU Anschutz Medical Campus. Dr. Calonge is also the president and CEO of the Colorado Trust. He serves as the vice chair of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Community Preventive Services Task Force. He also chairs the Board on Population Health and Public Health Practice of the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Health and serves on the National Academies’ Roundtable on the Promotion of Health Equity.
Before joining the Colorado Trust, Dr. Calonge served as the chief medical officer of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. He also served as chief of Colorado Permanente Medical Group’s Department of Preventive Medicine, where he practiced as a family physician for 10 years. He is a past president of the Colorado Medical Board and was elected to the National Academy of Medicine in 2011.
What Are Science Cafés?
MDI Bio Lab’s Science Cafés provide an informal introduction to ground-breaking biomedical research by its scientists, scholars from near and far and from local experts in other fields as well. Each Café lasts about one hour; the floor is open for questions and discussion. It can get lively and it’s always engaging. MDI Science Cafés are open to the public and free of charge. For more information, visit our website.
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.
The Wailers - LIVE at the Criterion
LIVE at the 1932 Criterion Theatre! Join us for an evening of live music with The Wailers on Thursday, September 7th at 8:00 PM The Wailers are a rare breed of musicians who have earned their place in the annals of music history. Their culture-defining music, embodying the spirit of the 70s reggae movement, has left an indelible mark on the industry. Experience the magic of their timeless classics and incredible cuts from Bob Marley’s vast repertoire in a set that is truly unforgettable. Under the guidance of Aston Barrett Jr, son of the legendary “Familyman”, The Wailers continue to preserve the legacy of their iconic sound.
Date and Time
Thursday, Sep 7, 2023
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM EDT
Doors 7:00 PM | Show 8:00 PM
Location
1932 Criterion Theatre 35 Cottage Street Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Fees/Admission
Tickets available at www.criteriontheatre.org/live-events
Website
https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/01005EBF9EC22A79
Contact Information
Email info@criteriontheatre.org Call (207) 288-0829 Or visit www.criteriontheatre.org
Send Email
BAR HARBOR HISTORICAL SOCIETY EVENTS
MDI Hospital's Annual Community Celebration
You're invited to MDI Hospital's Annual Community Celebration on Wednesday, September 13, 2023!
Please join us from 5-7pm at the Bar Harbor Club, located at 111 West Street in Bar Harbor. This event is free and open to the public, and will feature award presentations for the Healthcare, Community, and Business Partners of the Year, as well as the Employees and Volunteers of the Year.
For the second year in a row, the Hospital Auxiliary will be holding a silent auction and raffle which includes items from local artisans, businesses, and restaurants. There will be a cash bar and passed hors d’oeuvres.
We also invite you to join us that afternoon virtually for our Annual Meeting from 3-3:30 PM. Zoom details will be posted on this page, or you can also email mariah.cormier@mdihospital.org to have the Zoom link emailed to you.
Healthy Acadia and Ellsworth Adult Education Collaborate to Host Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training
Ellsworth, Maine — In an effort to address the critical issue of suicide prevention within the community, Healthy Acadia is partnering with Ellsworth Adult and Community Education to offer Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) sessions. These training sessions, aimed at equipping individuals with the skills to intervene and provide support to those experiencing thoughts of suicide, will be held on September 28 and 29, 2023.
The ASIST training sessions will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints community room, 130 Beechland Road, Ellsworth, Maine. The training will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both days, and participants will be guided through an evidence-based curriculum developed by Living Works Education. Focusing on effective intervention strategies, the program will instruct attendees on the safe engagement of individuals grappling with suicidal thoughts, helping them find immediate safety and access community-based resources and assistance.
Participants will gain insights into using language that does not reinforce stigma surrounding suicide-related thoughts or emotions, comprehend the prevalence of such thoughts within the community, and establish connections with available community resources. ASIST training encompasses prevention techniques, educating participants about recognizing warning signs of suicide, and integrating resilience and connectivity to deter suicidal ideation.
"More than a million people have been trained in ASIST to date,” said Tara Young, a certified ASIST trainer and community health coordinator with Healthy Acadia. “Many more are needed to help ensure our communities are doing everything we can to intervene and provide help for people who are having thoughts of suicide."
ASIST training takes a public health approach to address the urgency of suicide prevention. Comparable to CPR training, where individuals from various backgrounds can provide life-saving support, ASIST is designed with similar adaptability. It caters to youth aged 16 and above, educators, medical professionals, mental health experts, parents, and anyone interested in making a difference.
"We have presented this training for more than ten years,” noted Young. “Every time we've held an ASIST class, at least one participant tells us that they used what they learned to help a friend, co-worker, or family member and that the person they helped told them, 'You saved my life.'"
The registration fee for the training is $50, which covers all training materials and lunch for both days. The fee will be waived if cost is a barrier to attendance. Participants seeking professional development opportunities can earn 15 Continuing Education Units (CEUs), while students may accrue community service hours towards graduation.
For more information and to register for the ASIST training, interested individuals can visit the Healthy Acadia website or contact Ellsworth Adult Education.
For more information, please contact Tara Young at 812-2090 or email tara@healthyacadia.org. To register, go to https://ellsworth.coursestorm.com/course/applied-suicide-intervention-skills-training-asist4/a31d4c7c2a5f11ee83720a43100e1467
Healthy Acadia is a 501(C)(3) community health organization building vibrant communities and making it easier for all people to lead healthy lives throughout Washington and Hancock counties. For more information about Healthy Acadia’s community health and wellness programs and services, visit healthyacadia.org.
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! Older siblings are welcome to join in.
TUESDAY, APRIL 4, 2023
10:30 AM 11:15 AM
JESUP MEMORIAL LIBRARY34 MT. DESERT STREET
Preschool Story Time
Preschoolers and their adults are invited to join us on Friday mornings for songs, stories, and a craft! Recommended for ages 3-5.
FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 2023
10:30 AM 11:15 AM
JESUP MEMORIAL LIBRARY, 34 MOUNT DESERT STREET
Bruce John Riddell
BAR HARBOR_ Please join us at the Jesup Memorial Library for an author talk with Bruce John Riddell who will be discussing his book LANDART, From Acadia to Zen on Thursday, September 14th at 7 pm.
LANDART, From Acadia to Zen took 10 years to produce from over 35 years of work. It is an astonishing 260 pages of photographs, text, sketches and technical information illustrating the vast experience of Riddell’s incredible career.
Bruce John Riddell received his undergraduate degree from the University of Maine and a master of landscape architecture from the University of Pennsylvania in 1986. After he graduated from Penn, he worked for over eight years with the landscape architecture firm Oehme, van Sweden and Associates in Washington, D.C. While there, he participated in renowned projects such as the National Zoo, National Arboretum, International Chancery Center, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Headquarters, and Nelson A. Rockefeller Park at Battery Park City in New York City, as well as a variety of residential estate gardens throughout the country.
Locally, Bruce designed several public gardens, including many of the feature gardens at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. He has designed and constructed LandART for private homes throughout Maine. His gardens typically combine native and naturalized plantings with site-specific furnishings that he designs himself, including custom gates, lights, fountains, stonework, metalwork and sculptures. His signature garden environments and outdoor rooms have been described as having a “Japanese design ethic with a Celtic sensibility.”
This event is a hybrid program and registration is required to attend either in person or on Zoom. Register at jesuplibrary.org/events/landart or email eventsignup@jesuplibrary.org.
A Culinary History of Downeast Maine
BAR HARBOR_ Please join us at the Jesup Memorial Library for an author talk with Sharon Joyce who will be discussing her book on Thursday, September 7th at 7 pm.
Sharon Joyce details the rich and delicious history of food in Downeast Maine.
Maine's Downeast culinary history begins well before explorers arrived in the 1500s. Some of the food preparation and preservation techniques used by the Wabanakis and early colonists are still in use today. Lobster and other seafood from the Gulf of Maine and the area now known as Acadia National Park paved the way for a vibrant tourist food scene. The "rusticators" like the Rockefellers, Pulitzers, Astors, Vanderbilts and other wealthy families created a mixed environment of fashionable food trends and simple foods like fish chowder. Locals like the 40 Hayseeders used food as a statement to make fun of the "summer people."
Joyce is a trainer/educator/chef and author who graduated from Northwestern University in Chicago. She studied Advanced French Cooking and Pastry at Cordon Bleu in Paris in 1981 and operated a catering business and cooking school in Chicago and in the Virgin Islands. She has taught various types of cooking classes, including French, International, Regional American, Downeast Maine Cooking and Cruzan cooking in such locations as Chicago, Bar Harbor, California and Christiansted, St. Croix USVI. She was fascinated by the abundance of local foods when she moved to Bar Harbor more than thirty years ago. She operates Ambrosia Cooking School in Bar Harbor, Maine.
This event is a hybrid program and registration is required to attend either in person or on Zoom. Register at jesuplibrary.org/events/joyce or email eventsignup@jesuplibrary.org.
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 Information207-266-0010
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.
GET YOUR MOVIE ON!
REEL PIZZA
Reel Pizza is here! Check below for movies running this week or for exact times and dates click here.
CRITERION THEATRE
The theater’s website is here, and click for the latest updates.
GET YOUR FITNESS 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- Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays at 9 a.m.
Tai Chi - Monday at 10:45 a.m.
Can Do Yoga - Mondays at 4:30 p.m.
Active Older Adults - Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:45 a.m.
Yoga Flow and Tai Chi are also on Zoom!
MDI YMCA!
The MDI YMCA’s program guide is here.
DESTINATION HEALTH!
All Levels Slow Flow Yoga
Date and Time
Tuesdays
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM EDT
Location
Destination Health
124 Cottage Street
Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
(207) 288-3121
Website
http://www.destinationhealthmdi.com
Pelvic Floor Workshop
Date and Time
Tuesdays
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM EDT
Yin Yoga
Date and Time
Tuesdays
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM EDT
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!
GET YOUR DANCE AND WELLNESS ON!
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 Email
DANCE NIGHTS AT FOGTOWN BAR HARBOR WITH DJ POPTART
Come on out and dance away your cabin fever at Fogtown Bar Harbor! Every Friday from 8-10 p.m., DJ Poptart/Gary Allen will be spinning groovy tunes!
Date and Time
Fridays
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM EST
Location
33 Cottage St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Fees/Admission
No cover
Website
http://www.fogtownbrewing.com
DESTINATION HEALTH CLASSES
GET YOUR MUSIC ON!
DAN LOREY TRIO!
The Dan Lorey Trio plays a wide variety of rock, pop, country, blues and reggae. They play every Tuesday night at the Annex at Side Street Cafe in Bar Harbor from 8-10 p.m. Call 801-2591 for more information or directions.
THE ANNEX!
THE CRITERION!
Derf McKeeton
Starting July 6, there will be live music every Thursday night at the Otter Creek Hall from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Derf McKeeton, a resident of Otter Creek, will play the guitar and sing a variety of 20th century American music. His songs include rock, country, show tunes, jazz, and many of his own compositions. A portion of the donations will benefit the Otter Creek Aid Society. Performances will be held through the end of August. The hall is located at 82 Otter Creek Drive, 4.9 miles from the Village Green in Bar Harbor, 3 miles from Seal Harbor. For more information, call Derf at (617) 851-0387.
THE FINBACK ALEHOUSE
The Finback has entertainment most nights. The schedule is posted every Tuesday.
THE LOMPOC
The Lompoc has DJ nights every other Friday and karaoke every Sunday night!!
BAR HARBOR BEERWORKS
Live Music Thursdays at 6 p.m. at Bar Harbor Beerworks
SAND BAR COTTAGE
The Sand Bar Cottage Inn (106 West Street) has a new outdoor patio where they serve drinks every afternoon. It’s open to the public, and on Sunday afternoons (weather permitting), they have live music. It’s local musicians, usually a singer and/or guitar player.
THE NOR’EASTER
The Nor’Easter has music every Saturday night from 8-10 in the summer and 7-9 in the winter.
GET YOUR FOOD ON!
FOOD JUSTICE PANEL
“Visions of Food Justice: Community and Carceral Systems in Maine,”
Friday, September 8,
9:30-10:30 a.m.,
College of the Atlantic.
Pre-registration required. kcollum@coa.edu.
Across our nation, people are working to transform food systems in all sectors of our communities. Carceral food systems are no exception. The Downeast Restorative Harvest project has broken ground on a community garden in Washington County to engage jail and prison residents, members of the recovery community, agriculture educators, and other community members in growing food for the jail’s kitchen and for donation to local food assistance programs. Maine State Prison has developed a robust horticultural training program to provide healthy food and meaningful vocational training for residents. Nationally, groups like Impact Justice are working to expand access to nourishing food in prisons and jails as a fundamental human right. Join us for a captivating panel discussion led by Dr. Kourtney Collum, featuring the insights and experiences of Regina Grabrovac, Leslie Soble, and Rebekah Mende. who will delve into their respective roles and insights within a range of projects that strive to actualize food justice and foster resilient community food security, not just within Maine, but also on a broader scale. This event is open to the public. Pre-registration requested. To register, click here and scroll to the bottom of the page. For more information, please email kcollum@coa.edu.
OPEN TABLE MDI!
For more information, click here.
EDEN’S FARMERS’ MARKET
Sundays
9-12
Bar Harbor YMCA parking lot off Park Street
AMBROSIA COOKING SCHOOL
The real Maine experience to relive at home. Learn all about lobster and take home the knowledge to be able to cook lobster at home. If you ever had concerns about the long process of making a pie crust, then you will rejoice at the ease of making this blueberry crumble pie. Enjoy the restaurants in Maine but after the class you will leave with the knowledge to create your own Maine experience at home.
Date and Time
Sundays
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM EDT
Location
Ambrosia Cooking School
19 Rodick Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
19 Rodick Street Bar Harbor ME 04609
Fees/Admission
$85.00
Website
http://www.ambrosiacookingschool.com/
Contact Information
Sharon Joyce (207)288-4523
Send Email
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.
