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, DECEMBER 11
Harbor Committee
December 11, 2023, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location:
ZOOM
Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87017040963?pwd=eXBFSnowVENKdmN0MDlQZHYrQkZ5Zz09
Meeting ID: 870 1704 0963
Passcode: 271668
Phone: +1 646 931 3860
Anyone with a disability wishing to attend this meeting who may have questions about how to do so should contact the Town of Bar Harbor. PLEASE CALL 207-288-4098.
MDI High School Board Meeting
December 11, 2023, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
@ MDI High School Library
Task Force on the Climate Emergency
December 11, 2023, 4:00 PM
Auditorium, Bar Harbor Municipal Building, Cottage Street
Conservation Commission Meeting
December 11, 2023, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
3rd Floor Meeting Room - Suite 301, Bar Harbor Municipal Building, Cottage Street
MDIRSS-AOS 91 Annual Board Meeting
December 11, 2023, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
@ MDI Regional High School Library
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12
Appeals Board Meeting
December 12, 2023, 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
No agenda online.
Council Chambers, Bar Harbor Municipal Building, Cottage Street
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13
Comprehensive Planning Committee Meeting
December 13, 2023, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
@ Council Chambers, Bar Harbor Municipal Building, Cottage Street
Join the Zoom webinar by following instructions posted online at: https://www.barharbormaine.gov/517/ComprehensivePlanning-Committee .
The public may also view the meeting on Town Hall Streams at: https://townhallstreams.com/towns/bar_harbor_me.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14
Design Review Board Meeting
Agenda not currently posted.
December 14, 2023, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
@ Council Chambers, Bar Harbor Municipal Building, 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 SUPPORT GROUP ON!
GET YOUR WINTER CONCERT ON!
GET YOUR SIDE STREET ON!
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 CONTEST ON!
GET SOME KID-FOCUSED HAPPINESS ON!
GET YOUR COMMUNITY CAROLING ON!
Event by Bar Harbor Congregational Church and April Cough McGuire
Meet on the Village Green at the Gazebo - dress for the weather - bring a flashlight. Lyrics provided. All are welcome!
Thursday, December 21, 5 p.m.
GET YOUR NEW YEAR’S EVE ON!
GET YOUR LIVING NATIVITY ON!
Pause to ponder the gift of Christmas. Our annual Living Nativity (with Scripture and carols) will be live in-person outside the church. All are welcome.
Bar Harbor Congregational Church
Bar Harbor Congregational Church
Friday, December 15
29 Mount Desert Street
Duration: 1 hr 15 min
Public · Anyone on or off Facebook
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 Information office@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.
Block Printing, Mosaics, Needle Felting - with a Pomegranate Design - Free workshop, donations for humanitarian aid for Armenian Refugees
Dec 15 at 1:00PM - 3:00PM
Dec 16 at 10:00AM - 12:00PM
1345 Maine 102
Bar Harbor
Make a holiday gift at ArtWaves!
In Armenian mythology the pomegranate symbolizes fertility and abundance. The fruit is the Armenian symbol of life and tradition tells us that each mature pomegranate has 365 seeds, one for each day of the year. Using the pomegranate with its many possibilities we will roll out ink on a printing plate and selectively remove some ink , creating a monochromatic design to print. Design and assemble your version of a pomegranate from ArtWaves array of colorful tiles, glass, or found objects. Mosaic is where your ideas come to life in vibrant and textured artwork. Sample the art of needle felting, sculpting with soft, colorful wool fibers using special barbed needles. Craft a coaster or a small 3 d tapestry. Step by step instructions and all materials included. In late September of this year, nearly the entire population of Artsakh (120,000) fled on a narrow mountain road across the border to Armenia in a 3-day exodus to escape attacks on their villages and towns. These refugees are under-nourished, have medical needs, and left behind their belongings, livelihoods, and indigenous lands. Armenia is a poor country, unable to support a refugee crisis of this magnitude. Here is the opportunity aid Armenians while you sample a bit of what ArtWaves offers. No prior experience is necessary; just bring your enthusiasm and curiosity!
Artist Sara Tabbert – a former Acadia National Park artist-in-residence – joins the Wendell Gilley Museum from her home studio in Fairbanks, Alaska for an online presentation. Registration required.
Printmaker and mixed media artist Sara Tabbert – a former Acadia National Park artist-in-residence – joins the Wendell Gilley Museum from her home studio in Fairbanks, Alaska, as December’s People-Nature-Art presenter on Tuesday, Dec. 12, in an online-only presentation at 7 p.m. This program is free, but registration is required at www.wendellgilleymuseum.org/calendar.
Like all People-Nature-Art events for 2023, this one is sponsored by the Gilley’s friends at Bar Harbor Bank & Trust.
"I make art out of compulsion, curiosity, and my love of process. I learn through the act of making, and this passion for discovery is integral to who I am,” Tabbert says. “The things I make often speak for me. Art allows me to be in places and with people and, hopefully, to talk across space and time. My work is an opportunity to know materials and to develop mastery.”
She earned a bachelor’s degree in art from Grinnell University, and a Master of Fine Art in printmaking from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Her love of woodblock printing led her to start creating carved and painted wooden panels along with traditional woodblock prints. Tabbert’s large-scale public art commissions can be found throughout Alaska and her work is housed in public collections through the state and far beyond. She has been awarded grants from the Rasmuson Foundation and the Alaska State Council on the Arts. In addition to residencies in the United States, Canada, Argentina, and Italy, Tabbert has been an artist-in-residence through the National Park Service in Denali, Zion, Isle Royale, and the Chilkoot Trail in addition to Acadia. She has been selected as a 2024 resident fellow in the Windgate ITE program at the Center for Art in Wood in Philadelphia.
People-Nature-Art is a monthly series that brings artists, writers, carvers, and creative types of all kinds to the Gilley to explore how nature and art interact in their work, and how their art impacts their own approach nature.
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 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!
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 MUSIC ON!
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.
Loving the expanded “Things to Do In Bar Harbor” section.
I had no idea so much was going on!