Things to Do In Bar Harbor
Week of January 2, 2022
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!
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 Resource On!
Get Your Trivia On!
Trivia Night at Fogtown Brewing Company Bar Harbor
Join us for Fogtown Trivia Nights this winter at Fogtown Brewing Company in Bar Harbor! Register your team of no more than six at the bar with the bartender or host. (Be sure to check social media for updates or weather cancellations!)
Date and Time
Saturday Jan 7, 2023
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM EST
Saturdays, 6:30 - 8:30pm
Location
33 Cottage Street, Bar Harbor
Fees/Admission
No cover!
Website
Contact Information
(207) 801-9165
Send Email
Get Your Book 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.
PJ Story Time
Join Abby on Wednesday evenings for PJ Story Time! This program is for kids of all ages and their adults.
Time and Date:
Thursdays
6:30 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.
LOCATION:
Jesup Memorial Library, Mt Desert Street, Bar Harbor
Michael J Good: Birds of Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island
Michael J. Good will be presenting on Birds of Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island.
One of his most recently publications can be found in “Bird Observer: New England Birding Journal”, Volume 50, #3. The Bird Observer’s mission is to support and promote the observation, understanding, and conversation of the wild birds of New England.
Michael is an Ornithologist/Biologist/Naturalist and the founder of Maine’s first Acadia Birding Festival. As a Registered Maine Guide, Michael has been guiding professionally for many years through his company Down East Nature Tours, LLC which focuses on avian ecology in the Gulf of Maine bioregion.
Starting in 2002, Michael has been a birding diplomat in Cuba where he conducted the “Cuba Bird Survey” with the Caribbean Conservation Trust. Cuba is vitally linked to Mount Desert Island through our breeding birds in Maine who winter or stopover. Michael is currently one of the top eBird contributors in Cuba and Hancock County, Maine. Michael has traveled extensively in the US, Alaska, Europe, Australia, South America and Cuba and is a regional business leader promoting sound ecologically practices in business, government and land development.
Michael was the founder and one of six participating organizers developing the Penobscot Watershed Eco Center in Bar Harbor, Maine which focused on river and stream restoration and the importance of sea-run fish for a healthy Gulf of Maine. Michael was founder and director of the Warblers and Wildflowers Festival (1998-2007) and in 2008 organized a committee of concerned and forward-thinking people. From the work of this committee, the event evolved into the Acadia Birding Festival, currently in its 24 th year. He has over 35 years’ experience studying the birds of North America and brings a wealth of knowledge about Neotropical migrants and the avifauna of the Eastern United States.
Michael spent many years studying numerous aspects of the Gulf of Maine while employed at the Marine Biological Laboratory and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. In his spare time, he maintains Three Pines Bird Sanctuary in Town Hill, Maine, studying micro-habitat of Neotropical migratory birds on Mount Desert Island, Maine and winter ecology in various Neotropical countries like Cuba, when given the opportunity. He and his wife Lori have two children, Graham and Madeleine. He currently holds a BA (Biology) from Earlham College and an MS (Developmental Biology) from Utrecht University, The Netherlands, has taken several courses at College of the Atlantic and works with GIS students mapping eBird data.
Time and Date:
THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2023
7:00 P.M.
LOCATION:
Jesup Memorial Library, Mt Desert Street, Bar Harbor
Author Talk: "Finding Myself in Aviation" by Mary S. Build
Once Mary earned her pilot certificate, there was no stopping her. She began flying scenic flights, ran a very successful flight training operation teaching hundreds of pilots to safely fly from the water, and shared her love of aviation with them. She also became an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner, flew to Alaska from Maine four times, as well as competed in the Air Race Classic, and exhibited her airplane at the world’s largest gathering, EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.
Mary writes, “I never expected that surviving an overturned seaplane and almost drowning would be a turning point in my original desire to be a seaplane charter pilot before I even had a pilot’s license. Or that those clouds dropping down on me in the middle of mountainous terrain on one of my trips to Alaska would make me a stronger person.”
Many told Mary that her journey to discovering flight inspired them to go after their own dreams, whether it was like hers, learning to fly, or their own, such as running for elected office or going after a new career. Now that she is no longer flying, she hopes to inspire many more people through her journey of discovering herself through flight. Mary is the mother of two daughters and lives in Bridgton, Maine.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 2023
7:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.
JESUP MEMORIAL LIBRARY34 MOUNT DESERT STREET
This event is a hybrid program and registration is required to attend either in person or on Zoom. Register at jesuplibrary.org/events/build or email eventsignup@jesuplibrary.org.
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 limitedArtists 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
You Can Draw! - Drawing for Beginners
Anyone can learn to draw. This class will teach you how to draw what you see. It will give you a jump start with confidence to draw for pleasure or for a base for your painting.
Get ready for a whole world of seeing details that you have never noticed before!
Bring a soft pencil or two, paper or sketchbook, eraser, and sharpener
About the Instructor: Mary Laury is a watercolorist from Maine. The dynamic nature and botanical subjects of Maine are Mary?s passions. An experienced teacher, she has taught painting and drawing, both in the classroom and in the field, for many educational programs. Mary also serves on the board of directors of various arts organizations. Mary is the former Executive Director of Schoodic Arts for All. After retiring in August of 2021, she looks forward to teaching and painting more. Check out her work on MaryLaury.com
If you need to cancel your registration, please contact office@artwavesmdi.org. Your account will then reflect a credit that may be used toward future classes.
Date and Time
Tuesday Jan 3, 2023
8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
March 1st, 15th, and 22nd (no session on the 8th)
Tuesdays from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Location
ArtWaves
Fees/Admission
$192 for 3 sessions ($182 for members)
Website
https://artwavesmdi.org/event-4574333
Contact Information
office@artwavesmdi.org
Send Email
GET YOUR MOVEMENT 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.
No clinic on last two weeks of December
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
GET YOUR MOVIE ON!
CRITERION THEATRE
Check with The Criterion for showtime and all dates. The image below is not inclusive.
Location: 25 Cottage Street, Bar Harbor
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.
Board & Committee Meeting Schedule:
Select Board: 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of every month @ 6 p.m.
Conservation Commission: 1st Tuesday of every month @ 4 p.m. via zoom
Planning Board: 1st & 3rd Thursdays of every month @ 6 p.m. at the Town Office and via zoom
Historical Cemetery Committee: 3rd Wednesday of every month @ the Town office or otherwise specified @ 2 p.m.
Harbor Committee: 2nd Monday of every month @ 6 p.m.
Shellfish Committee: 2nd Monday of every month @ 5 p.m.
Board of Appeals: 2nd Wednesday of every month (as needed) @ 6 p.m.
Warrant Committee: as needed
Absentee Ballots available at the Town Office until Thursday November 3rd, 2022.
TREMONT:
Select Board meeting is cancelled.
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.”
Town Council
January 3, 2023, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM @ Council Chambers
At its January 3 meeting the Bar Harbor Town Council may authorize the town manager to sign a $50,000 Community Action Grant at its next meeting as well as approve the use of several downtown streets for a Martin Luther King Day March, January 16. The council could also approve a rate hike for town sewer users, appoint former harbormaster Ed Monet to the Harbor Committee, and discuss a potential flavored tobacco products ban.
Planning Board Meeting
January 4, 2023, 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM @ Council Chambers
The Planning Board will hold public hearings on three draft warrant articles which would change the town’s Land Use Ordinance. That ordinance holds the rules and regulations that control the town’s development.
The three potential changes include:
1. Removing the floor-area-ration requirement
2. Removing conversion to multifamily use requirements
3. Removing the requirement that all utilities be installed underground
The board will also determine if a project on Hamilton Hill is eligible for a minor site plan review.
Cruise Ship Committee Meeting
January 5, 2023, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM @ Council Chambers
The Cruise Ship Committee will review the 2022 season, identify operational or environmental issues, fees, industry relations, identify goals and make recommendations while also hearing an update from Town Manager Kevin Sutherland and Harbormaster Chris Wharff.
To join the webinar, click here:
Passcode: 094638
Or Telephone: Dial US: +1 305 224 1968 Webinar ID: 865 5959 1167
Bar Harbor School Committee
January 5, 2023, 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM @ Conners-Emerson Library
Due to the holiday, the committee meets Thursday