Things to Do In Bar Harbor
Week of December 5, 2022
Things to Do In Bar Harbor
It’s our weekly round-up, and I may have missed some things so apologies!
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.
HOLIDAY STARS PROJECT
The Holiday Stars Project was started in the 1990s and provided a great need in our community—a place to remember or honor those whose lives were affected by cancer. Charlotte Skiff, a dedicated Auxiliary and community member, was instrumental in starting the program and for many years, you could find Charlotte hanging Stars in our hospital’s reception area during the holiday season. Sadly, Charlotte lost her hard-fought battle with cancer in November 2014, but the Holiday Stars Project is a way for us to remember her nurturing spirit—a spirit that always reminded us that no one is alone when battling and/or recovering from cancer. We are all in this together!
Holiday Stars are available through December 2022.
To Purchase a Star: Call Julie Hagle at 288-5082, ext 1430
An acknowledgment note can be sent to the family of the person being remembered or honored. Proceeds from the sale of the Stars will support MDI Hospital’s palliative care program. Fabric crafted stars are available as a memento of your gift. Paper stars with names of those being honored will be displayed at the Hospital
GET YOUR HOLIDAY CELEBRATION ON!
Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers - The Grinch
A loose retelling of the classic Dr. Seuss holiday classic, with some added twists!
Sunday, December 11th - 4:00PM
Criterion Theatre
GINGERBREAD CONTEST!
The Bar Harbor Gingerbread Contest to be postponed is back! This year’s contest will be held at La Rochelle Mansion and Museum on December 10, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m..
To celebrate the 5th annual contest, the prize purse will be doubled to a grand prize of $500. There will also be a community favorite prize of $250, and a children’s prize of $250.
Gingerbread house entries should be made with all edible materials and delivered to La Rochelle between 2pm and 4pm on December 9th. The kid’s category is for children 13 or under, and may have reasonable adult assistance.
WINTER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION!
You're invited to an open house solstice party to celebrate the year and the start of winter. Join us for cider, music, crafts, snacks, and community. Drop in for some holiday cheer!
Witham Family Hotels’ Charitable Christmas!
CHRISTMAS CAROLING IN BAR HARBOR
Let’s go caroling!!! All are welcome to join in on Sunday, December 11th. We will meet at the YMCA in Bar Harbor at 4 P.M. and head off! We will have lyric sheets…feel free to bring along your jingle bells!
Town Hill Village Improvement Society Holiday Fair
The Town Hill Village Improvement Society is holding its holiday fair at the VIS Hall next to the Town Hill fire station off Route 102.
There will be wonderful holiday gifts including knitted items, candles, cards, ornaments (new and old), woodworking, painted furniture, rope gifts, garlands, infant hats, gift pouches, pottery, jams, children's books, mittens, vintage items and mid-century items.
There will also be cookies and hot chocolate plus a visit from Santa from 1-3 p.m.
December 10 and December 11
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
VIS Hall., Town Hill, Route 102
Get Your Knowledge On!
“What is a Healthy Forest?"
The Bar Harbor Garden Club will present “What is a Healthy Forest?” with Si Balch, Maine forester and researcher.
Si Balch is a leading authority and conservation expert on Maine forests - one of the most fundamental components of Maine’s landscape, both a valued resource and inspiration for residents and visitors alike.
Our forests have been through countless changes in the past and there are certainly more to come. Balch has been working in Acadia and globally since 1970 managing forest conservation and stewardship activities for the forest industry, environmental nonprofits and overseeing forest regulation, trail maintenance and biodiversity policy.
This talk will address the Maine Biodiversity Project, forest health changes over time, geography and climate change, the complexities of forest protection, favored and disfavored species and our emotional responses to an ever-changing forest landscape.
The woods of Acadia helped inspire visionary conservation efforts more than a century ago. The forests of Acadia, Downeast Maine and the broader Northeast region, located in a transition zone between northern and southern climates, provide an ideal setting to document forest changes related to warming temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, habitat fragmentation, and invasive plants, pests and diseases.
Balch is a licensed Maine forester with 50 years’ experience managing forests across New England. He enjoys learning from other foresters and teaching the complexity and the importance of forests and how much trees give to our planet beyond monetary benefits.
The club meeting will begin with a brief business discussion at 1 p.m. and the talk will follow at 1:30.
All are welcome to join the meeting and presentation.
We do ask club members and guests to make a reservation by emailing Jane Sanderson, president@barharborgardenclub.org, or calling 460-8496.
Please register early, as there is a limited capacity of 40 for the in-person meeting at Birch Bay Village due to COVID-19 protocols.
TIME AND DATE
December 8
Regular Meeting - 1 p.m.
Speaker - 1:30 p.m.
Location
Birch Bay Village Inn.25 Village Inn Road, Bar Harbor
Sponsored by Bar Harbor Garden Club. Reservations requested. 460-8496.
Get Your Resource On!
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
Bar Harbor Book Signing with Scott Dickerson
Event date:
Saturday, December 10, 2022 - 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Event address:
56 Main Street
Bar Harbor, ME
Author Talk: Ed Robinson
Enjoy a delightful presentation featuring fine photographs of some of Maine’s iconic and beautiful wildlife. Ed Robinson of Orr’s Island, Harpswell, avid outdoorsman and writer, will provide a presentation featuring stunning images, animal calls, facts and anecdotes about a variety of species that make Maine a special place.
Ed grew up in New York’s Finger Lakes Region and developed an early love for the natural world around him. Since moving to Maine from England in 2007, Ed has been exploring our gorgeous state and writing extensively about the creatures that live here. He put 40 short essays in a recently published book titled “Nature Notes from Maine: River Otters, Moose, Skunks & More”, with all profits benefitting conservation and public education.
Ed recently published his second book titled “Nature Notes from Maine: Puffins, Black Bears, Raccoons & More”, with the profits benefitting public education and conservation of the environment around us. George Smith, former Outdoor News Editor for the Bangor Daily News wrote, “This book is full of great stories about Maine’s wild animals. The stories are highly entertaining and brought back memories of my own wildlife encounters. These are the wild creatures that make life in Maine very special.”
This program is presented in partnership with Sherman's Books and Stationary. Books will be available for sale and signing after the talk.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2022
7:00 PM 8:00 PM
JESUP MEMORIAL LIBRARY34 MT. DESERT STREET
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 EVENING FIGURE DRAWING – EMOTION THROUGH BODY LANGUAGE
Join Gabrielle for instructed sessions on portraiture and clothed figure drawing or use the time to practice with our model! Mondays – instruction from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. then drawing from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Masking, vaccinated, and social distancing for staff and participant safety.
Date and Time
Mondays, 2022
5 p.m. – 8 p.m. EDT
Location
ArtWaves, 1345A State Highway 102, Bar Harbor
Fees/Admission
$50.00
Website
https://www.artwavesmdi.org/event-4849702
Contact Information
207-266-0010
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
Holiday Fleece Angels
We will be making exquisite fleece angels for ornaments, gift wrapping or window decor. Join ArtWaves Founder and greatest supporter, Liz Cutler! She is a fine artist with skills across many media. She has an unparalleled enthusiasm for community art!
Date and Time
Saturday, Dec 10, 2022
11:00 A.M. - 12:30 P.M. EST
Location
ArtWaves
1345A Hwy 102, Town Hill
Fees/Admission
$32.50 / $22.50 for Members
Website
https://artwavesmdi.org/event-5048474
Contact Information
2072660010
Send Email
Wish Upon Felted Stars with Liz Cutler
Make a wish upon a Star! Make beautiful, wet-felted stars that can decorate your tree, use for unique gift wrapping, a mobile or bring the stars into your home!
Date and Time
Saturday Dec 10, 2022
1:00 P.M. - 2:30 P.M. EST
Location
ArtWaves.
1345A Hwy 102 Town Hill
Fees/Admission
$22.50/members and $32.50/non-members
Website
https://artwavesmdi.org/event-5048491
Contact Information
2072660010
Send Email
GET YOUR MUSIC ON!
Live music at Fogtown Bar Harbor on Friday nights ~ enjoy great craft brews and fine local and traveling musicians! This December 9th, we'll be featuring Simplexity, an all-original instrumental groove ensemble from midcoast Maine. 8-10pm, 33 Cottage Street, downtown Bar Harbor.
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
Website
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
The NeverEnding Story
Come join the Jesup Memorial Library for a cozy community film screening. Masking is encouraged. Bring your own blanket to get cozier. This program is free and all ages are welcome! We’ll continue this series with the ‘80s fantasy movie “The NeverEnding Story.” An unhappy young boy discovers a book about a mystical land. When he becomes engrossed in the story of this land, which is about to be destroyed by the evil force of Nothingness, he finds himself entering this world, where he helps to save it.
For more information, call the library at 288-4245.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2022
6:00 PM 8:00 PM
JESUP MEMORIAL LIBRARY34 MT. DESERT STREET
Special screening of “Consolidation” at the Criterion Theatre
The Bar Harbor Historical Society (BHHS) and the 1932 Criterion Theatre are collaborating again! This time, they are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first alumni class that completed all four consecutive years at Mount Desert Island High School. On Saturday, December 10th at 7pm, come join the BHHS at the Criterion Theatre for a special screening of “Consolidation.”
The documentary film, directed by Peter Logue, focuses on the challenges of creating a single high school from three schools in 1968: Mount Desert High School, Pemetic High School and Bar Harbor High School. The film’s subject remains pertinent today as the community considers a reorganization of the school system and the possibility of a consolidated middle school.
After the movie, a Q&A about the film will be led by School Superintendent Mike Zboray with panelist Burt Barker. Before and after the show, you can view a special exhibit in the theater lobby with items from the Bar Harbor Historical Society’s collection. Leaf through decades of school yearbooks to find pictures of family and friends and see the 1955 State Championship Gold Ball trophy
Date and Time
Saturday Dec 10, 2022
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM EST
December 10, 2022 7:00 pm
Location
1932 Criterion Theatre 35 Cottage St. Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Fees/Admission
$5 floor, $6 balcony
Website
https://ticketing.useast.veezi.com/purchase/320?siteToken=67qh4taxvaz0kwn2d8yyhapbg0&ct=t
Contact Information
Bar Harbor Historical Society 2072880000
Send Email
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
Monday, December 5, 2022 - 5:00 p.m.
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 meetings– the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 7 p.m.
· Planning Board meetings- the first Wednesday of each month at 4 p.m.
· Design Review Board– the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 6 p.m.
· Appeals Board – As needed, call the Planning Office for meeting times.
Bar Harbor School Committee
December 5, 2022,
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
@ Conners Emerson Library
The committee will hear a report from the chair, one from the principal and another from the building committee. It will potentially finalize FY 2024 budget, consider a leave of absence and elect a vice-chair.
Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting
December 5, 2022,
4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
@Council Chambers, Municipal Building, Cottage Street
The Handley Point Landing, potential dog park and Glen Mary reconstruction project are all on the agenda.
Town Council
December 6, 2022, 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
@Council Chambers, Municipal Building, Cottage Street
The council is schedule to discuss the FY 2023 water and wastewater budget, discuss its priorities from its November 1 retreat, hear an update on the school building project (Conners Emerson), an update from the Municipal Review Committee, and policies about curb cuts and the openings for roads and sidewalks.
Manager Minutes
December 7, 2022, 4:00 PM - 6 PM
@Jesup Memorial Library, Mount Desert Street, Front Room
The town manager and possibly some town staff will be at the library for an open, drop-in or stay discussion. The topic is the town budget, but discussion can and often does stray from the topic and is encouraged to do so.
Planning Board Meeting
December 7, 2022, 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
@Council Chambers, Municipal Building, Cottage Street
The Planning Board will discuss the Kebo Street shared employee housing project and a utility plant for MDI Hospital at 10 Wayman Lane, as well as two RV sites on Route 102 in Town Hill and the merger of lots on Black Watch Trail.
Design Review Board
December 8, 2022, 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
@Council Chambers, Municipal Building, Cottage Street or via Zoom
The agenda was not available at press time, the link below should have the agenda later this week.
Interested in serving?
Bar Harbor has a monthly newsletter
Click here to read it and/or subscribe.
MOUNT DESERT:
Board of Selectmen Meeting
Monday, November 7, 2022 - 6:30pm
bos_meeting_packet_2022-11-07.pdf
bos_meeting_agenda_2022-11-07.pdf
bos_meeting_packet_and_minutes_2022-11-07.pdf
Planning Board Meeting
Wednesday, November 9, 2022 - 6:00pm