THINGS TO DO ON MOUNT DESERT ISLAND THIS WEEK
And in the near future.
THINGS TO DO
It’s our weekly round-up, and we may have missed some things, so apologies! If you have something you’d like in here, please let me know.
Also, you may have to click through to see everything. There are so many things that this email is a bit long for a lot of inboxes.
We hope you have some great adventures this week!
To check out our news stories from the past week. Click on the archive section and you’ll see them in chronological order.
WHAT IS OPEN FOR RESTAURANTS?
This list is constantly updated by Jennifer Cough at First Express and she lets us share her latest version. This often changes and tweaks throughout the week, so for the absolute latest version, head to that First Express page or Jennifer’s page, which are on Facebook.
ARTWAVES CLASSES AND EVENTS
ArtWaves often has classes, a variety every week. For the updated selection, check out its website here
JESUP EVENTS
For a full list of Jesup Memorial Library events, click through to its calendar here.
EVENTS AT THE GILLEY
For a full list of Gilley events, click here.
DOWNEAST PILATES
THE NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE SCHEDULE
The calendar is here.
NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE CLASS SCHEDULE!
MDI YMCA
Events are here and the gym schedule is here. You can peruse its website for other schedules.
NORTHEAST HARBOR LIBRARY
A list of events is here.
SOUTHWEST HARBOR LIBRARY
A list of events is here.
SOMESVILLE LIBRARY
A list of events is here.
THE COLLEGE OF THE ATLANTIC
A list of events is here. Make sure to choose “open to the public” on the side bar.
MDI HIGH SCHOOL
A list of events is here.
MOUNT DESERT ISLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY
A list of events is here.
MOUNT DESERT ISLAND ADULT EDUCATION
A list of classes and events is here.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3
Hip Hop Dance
LEGO CLUB!
Divine Play Yoga at the Neighborhood House
Mon/Wed; 9:00-10:00 a.m.
Cost: $15/class
with Mike Bouscaren
Dear Yogis,
You’ll recall that our flow yoga classes progressively tease out more body aliveness and mental acuity in you. And they’re fun!
For one hour you alone as do others around you, return to the grounded center that is the unburdened original self. Freer in every way.
You’ll walk away feeling more open, calmer, and sharp. And mightily prepared for whatever the day throws at you.
Divine Play yoga invites you to shine, to be your best, to transform into a Beacon of Joy. It works!
Register: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=19801383
Monday events via the Bar Harbor Chamber:
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4
FEBRUARY 4 & 5 ACADIA WINTERLUDE AND THE PINE TREE FLYERS
It may be cold outside, but the first-ever Winterlude is our way of giving back to the local community that has given our flagship June festival such a warm welcome. In addition to fulfilling our 501(c)(3) nonprofit mission by bringing traditional music into local schools, all door proceeds from both evening events will go to Open Table MDI, an organization dedicated to alleviating hunger and food insecurity on Mount Desert Island and beyond.
There’s no advance registration or RSVP required to attend either evening event. But to let us know you’re coming, ask a question or sign up to volunteer, please contact the leaders of our community outreach committee, Adam McLean, Eloise Schultz or Troy Jordan.
The Pine Tree Flyers are heading to Bar Harbor for the first-ever Acadia Trad Winterlude, February 4-5, 2025 – and you’re invited, too!
The Pine Tree Flyers’ two-day residency on Mount Desert Island will consist of daytime educational visits to four local elementary schools, as well as two exciting evening events open to the public. Are you within range of Bar Harbor? You won’t want to miss these…bring your family and friends!
Community Tune Workshop & Open Jam with the Pine Tree Flyers
Tuesday, February 4 at 6:30-8:30 pm
Jesup Memorial Library, Bar Harbor, ME
$10-$20 suggested donation
All instruments and experience levels welcome
OPEN TABLE MDI!
Open Table MDI is at 116 Cottage Street, Bar Harbor.
TUESDAYS! COMMUNITY CLASS ON HOW TO NAVIGATE TURBULENT TIMES
Move Free Run Club
BAR HARBOR—The runs take place every week of the year and meet Tuesdays at 6 p.m. from the Bar Harbor Village Green and Sundays at 7:30 a.m. from Choco Latte.
Winter is here, and so is run club! The cold just means getting creative with layers haha! Sharing an open invitation to come out and join the crew for an upcoming run! The Move Free Run Club (Acadia Chapter) meets every Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. from the Bar Harbor Village Green and every Sunday morning at 7:30 a.m. from Choco Latte! Hope to meet more members of the community!
TWO SHOES LINE DANCING!
Tuesday events via the Chamber:
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5
FEBRUARY 4 & 5 ACADIA WINTERLUDE AND THE PINE TREE FLYERS
It may be cold outside, but the first-ever Winterlude is our way of giving back to the local community that has given our flagship June festival such a warm welcome. In addition to fulfilling our 501(c)(3) nonprofit mission by bringing traditional music into local schools, all door proceeds from both evening events will go to Open Table MDI, an organization dedicated to alleviating hunger and food insecurity on Mount Desert Island and beyond.
There’s no advance registration or RSVP required to attend either evening event. But to let us know you’re coming, ask a question or sign up to volunteer, please contact the leaders of our community outreach committee, Adam McLean, Eloise Schultz or Troy Jordan.
The Pine Tree Flyers are heading to Bar Harbor for the first-ever Acadia Trad Winterlude, February 4-5, 2025 – and you’re invited too!
The Pine Tree Flyers’ two-day residency on Mount Desert Island will consist of daytime educational visits to four local elementary schools, as well as two exciting evening events open to the public. Are you within range of Bar Harbor? You won’t want to miss these…bring your family and friends!
Pine Tree Flyers Concert & Contradance (Chrissy Fowler calling)
Wednesday, February 5th at 7:00pm (doors 6:30pm)
Gates Auditorium, College of the Atlantic, Bar Harbor, ME
$10-$20 suggested donation (free for COA students and staff)
Open band, all instruments and experience levels welcome
FREE PARENTING WORKSHOP!
GUIDED MEDITATION
CHRONICLES OF YARNIA
BLOCK PARTY!
Baby Storytime at Southwest Harbor
10:00 a.m. Southwest Harbor Public Library. Stories, songs, rhymes, bubbles. www.swhplibrary.org. 207-244-7065.
Library hours 9-5, Mon., Tue., Thu., Fri., 9-8 Wed., 9-1 Sat.
Wednesday events via the Chamber:
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6
Downeast Restorative Justice To Hold Community Conversations in Northeast Harbor
NORTHEAST HARBOR—On Thursday, February 6 at 4:30 p.m. Downeast Restorative Justice and the Northeast Harbor Library will host their first Community Circle of the new year. Community Circles are a discussion series to share, listen and support each other while acknowledging differing experiences. The focus of the February 6 discussion will be the political division we face as a nation and community, and how it affects our lives.
February 6 - Healthy Acadia to Host Free Virtual Workshop on Astrological Mindfulness
MAINE—Healthy Acadia invites community members to participate in a free virtual workshop, “Astrological Mindfulness: Relaxation by Zodiac Sign,” on Thursday, February 6, 2025, from 5 to 6 p.m. via Zoom. The event, part of Healthy Acadia’s Monthly Mindfulness series, will feature special guest Julie Daigle.
CHICKADEE BOOK CLUB!
AUTHOR TALK!
STITCHES KNITTING GROUP!
Stitches Knitting & Crochet Group meets weekly at the Trenton Town Office (59 Oak Point Rd), Wednesdays 3-5pm. All levels are welcome. FMI contact Christina Heiniger at fernhousestudio@outlook.com
FIGURE DRAWING AT ARTWAVES
Thursday events via the Chamber:
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7
Experiment with wet-on-wet watercolor at the Gilley
SOUTHWEST HARBOR— Learn and experiment with wet-on-wet watercolor technique to create unique paintings in this fun two-part class that takes place over two consecutive Saturdays at the Wendell Gilley Museum from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. with instructor Erika Elizabeth, Feb. 1 and Feb. 7.
This class will be focused on landscape, color, and discovery. Class size is limited and registration is required. Class fee is $58 for members and $72 for non-members and covers both classes. Sign up at www.wendellgilleymuseum.com/calendar.
FRIDAY FAMILY FUN NIGHTS AT CAMP BEECH CLIFF
FUN FRIDAY!
Family Storytime at Southwest Harbor
10:00 a.m. Southwest Harbor Public Library. Interactive books, puppets, songs, movements, bubbles.
Library hours 9-5, Mon., Tue., Thu., Fri., 9-8 Wed., 9-1 Sat.
Friday events via the Chamber:
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8
SUGAR SHOWDOWN!
FROST FAIR!
CARD SWAP!
THE LAMBS!
Saturday, Feb. 8
Bar Harbor
Meet the lambs
9–11 a.m.
Experience the joy of lambs and help welcome the newest arrivals
COA Peggy Rockefeller Farm
532 Crooked Road, Bar Harbor
coa.edu/prf
PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT!
All-ages printmaking class offered at the Gilley
SOUTHWEST HARBOR— Feel the love in this fun printmaking class with Juliana Ramirez, just in time for Valentine’s Day, on Saturday, Feb. 8 from 1 to 3 p.m. Students will make single-color prints using EZ carve, a printmaking material that is softer and easier to use than linoleum blocks. Materials will be provided – just bring an idea for a simple image you'd like to turn into a woodblock-style print, or get inspiration from the images we have on hand. This is a great family activity. Space is limited and participants must be at least 8 years old. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations required. The fee is $31 per person for museum members and $39 per person for non-members. Sign up at www.wendellgilleymuseum.com/calendar.
LITERARY STUDY
SATURDAYS! BABY AND ME YOGA!
PRAYER SHAWL MISSION GROUP
Saturday events via the Chamber:
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9
Valentine’s Day Card Making at ArtWaves!
Sunday, Feb. 9, 10 AM - 12 PM
Family-friendly card-making workshop! All supplies are provided to craft, cut, design, paint, and embellish unique cards for your loved ones.
More info at: https://www.artwavesmdi.org/event-5973800
Move Free Run Club
BAR HARBOR—The runs take place every week of the year and meet Tuesdays at 6 p.m. from the Bar Harbor Village Green and Sundays at 7:30 a.m. from Choco Latte.
Winter is here, and so is run club! The cold just means getting creative with layers haha! Sharing an open invitation to come out and join the crew for an upcoming run! The Move Free Run Club (Acadia Chapter) meets every Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. from the Bar Harbor Village Green and every Sunday morning at 7:30 a.m. from Choco Latte! Hope to meet more members of the community!
Sunday events via the Chamber:
FUTURE EVENTS:
FEB 13 - Know Your Rights: Immigration Law in Maine
Thursday, February 13 at 6:30 pm
BAR HARBOR—What does it mean to be a sanctuary community in Maine? What constitutional rights apply to everyone in the U.S., regardless of immigration status? Join us at the Jesup Memorial Library as Bangor immigration attorney Angela Okafor addresses these issues and more to help our community navigate through recent policy changes.
Angela Okafor is an attorney, businesswoman, and former Bangor City Council member. While she specializes in immigration law, Angela is also an entrepreneur and organizer who focuses on building community. A Nigerian immigrant, she has lived in Bangor with her family since 2008.
This event kicks off the MDI Racial Equity Working Group Winter Speaker Series. The MDI REWG is a group of Mount Desert Island residents who aim to deepen our understanding of power and privilege and to foster racial justice, equity, and inclusion on MDI and beyond, always recognizing our shared humanity.
Register to attend in-person or online here: https://www.jesuplibrary.org/events/rights
FEB 11- Author Talk with Southwest Harbor Writer Winter Fox
SOUTHWEST HARBOR—On Tuesday, February 11th from 5:30-6:30 p.m., join us at the Southwest Harbor Public Library to hear about the latest adventures of Southwest Harbor’s fictional character Grace Coffin. Local author Winter Fox will also speak to his writing process and his Flight of the Wren Series. The program will take place at the library with online viewing available. Registration encouraged.
The Grace Coffin series by Winter Fox is a dual coming of age story. Grace is a teen from Machias trying to make a fresh start when she and her mom move to Southwest Harbor. They move into the house of a recently deceased couple, and Grace quickly begins to suspect that the property is haunted. Meanwhile, Cormac Boisverde and his wife were killed in a late night auto accident, and he can’t rest in peace knowing that the accident was caused by his careless neighbor. He returns to Earth as a revenant so he can tie up his loose ends, but he finds that there is much more to learn about being undead than he imagined.
Can Grace stop tripping over the baggage of her childhood long enough to enjoy the company of the sweet boy next door? Can Cormac somehow mitigate the body odor issues of living in his own corpse?
Throughout the series, both of them learn to overcome the hurdles presented by life (and death) with compassion, rock and roll, and a sense of humor.
In book 4, “Grace Coffin and the Burbank Bloodbank”, Grace and her Goth band head off to LA to play at the premiere of a new film, while Cormac stays home to work on a new book. She is tempted by a new live interest even as her boyfriend proposes, while Cormac will be kept busy investigating the disappearance of her bandmates, and dealing with escaped prisoners who prowl the neighborhood.
Winter Fox has eight books and audiobooks in his catalog. He is currently working on book 5 of his Viking Age saga, Flight of the Wren in his Southwest Harbor writing studio. www.winterfoxbooks.com.
Register for in-person or online attendance athttps://tinyurl.com/mt3b2thf. For more information visit www.swhplibrary.org, call 207-244-7065, or email programs@swhplibrary.org.
FEB 27 - SIP, SNACK AND SOCIALIZE
FEB 13 FAMILIES WITH UNIQUE NEEDS!
Parent support group for parents and guardians of people with ID/D and Autism at St. Saviour's Rectory library.
This group meets every other Thursday and meets February 13 at 4:00 to 5:30 p.m.
Sponsored by FUN and Local Solutions.
Contact Jessie Greenbaum with any questions. greenbaumcmt@gmail.com
LIBRARY TEAS IN SOUTHWEST
February 20
Library Tea 2-3:30 p.m. Southwest Harbor Public Library. Tea, treats, music, and conversation. www.swhplibrary.org. 207-244-7065. All welcome.
March 20
Library Tea 2-3:30 p.m. Southwest Harbor Public Library. Tea, treats, music, and conversation. www.swhplibrary.org. 207-244-7065. All welcome.
April 17
Library Tea 2-3:30 p.m. Southwest Harbor Public Library. Tea, treats, music, and conversation. www.swhplibrary.org. 207-244-7065. All welcome.
FARMERS MARKET
Highlighted Upcoming Events AT ARTWAVES
Young Artist’s Intensive
Feb. 17 - 21, 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Join us for five days of immersive artistic exploration, perfect for focused and creative young artists in grades 4 - 8 and up!
Register Now at:
https://www.artwavesmdi.org/event-5987195
Beginner Stained Glass
Saturday, Feb. 22, 9 AM - 4 PM
Join Dave and Lisa Roy to learn all the techniques used in making a small, copper foiled hanging stained glass ornament.
Register Now at:
https://www.artwavesmdi.org/event-5979196
Inner Field Trip: Collage
Sunday, Feb. 23, 9 AM - 12 PM
Lelania Avila and Jeanne Seronde Perkins will lead you through this three-hour session where you will be guided through an experience of art, meditation and movement, with an emphasis on collage
Register Now at:
https://www.artwavesmdi.org/event-5906046
Cyanotype of Paper & Fabric
Katama Murray returns on Friday, Feb. 28 from 3 - 6 PM for this workshop on the basics of cyanotype. Participants will capture shadows through cyanotype printing, utilizing seasonally foraged plants of the region and everyday objects that hold memory or visual intrigue to print with on coated cotton fabric and watercolor paper. For more info and to register, visit the event page.
Intermediate Stained Glass
We’re excited to announce a new Intermediate Stained Glass Series with Dave and Lisa Roy. In this course participants will learn techniques to make a full sized, stained glass panel. The class will run every Saturday from 1 - 4 PM, from March 8 - April 5. For more info and to register, visit the event page.
FEBRUARY 14 CRAFTERNOON
FEB 14 - NATURE OF RESILIENCE
FEB 10 - PARENTING WORKSHOP!
FEBRUARY 28 - February Food for Thought
“Art of Penobscot Bay Book Talk”
Carl Little
Friday, February 28, 11:30 a.m.
Birch Bay Village, and on Zoom
BAR HARBOR—Carl Little returns to ASC to share some images from Art of Penobscot Bay, his and brother David’s fourth collaboration. In addition to providing a tour of the bay, Little will address a few questions. How did this compilation come together? What were some of the challenges? Why Penobscot Bay?
Little is the author of numerous art books and writes on a regular basis for several publications, including The Working Waterfront, Ornament, Hyperallergic, and Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors. The year he retired from the Maine Community Foundation, 2021, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his art writing from the Dorothea and Leo Rabkin Foundation. He lives in Somesville.
The in-person lunch and presentation will take place together at Birch Bay Village in Hulls Cove, starting at 11:30 a.m. The cost for attending both is $17 -there are no in-person seats available for the presentation only.
The Zoom-only presentation is free and begins at noon. If you register for the online talk you will receive the link the day before the event.
Click for more information and to register
MARCH 14 - MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID FOR CAREGIVERS!
MARCH 5 - Book Discussion: The Anxious Generation at Northeast Harbor Library – Wednesday, March 5 at 5:00 p.m. in person and online
The Northeast Harbor Library will host a discussion of the book The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illnessby Jonathan Haidt on Wednesday, March 5 at 5 p.m. The discussion will take place in person at the library, with a virtual participation option.
The mental health of adolescents plunged in the early 2010s. Rates of depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide rose sharply, more than doubling on most measures. In The Anxious Generation, social psychologist Johnathan Haidt lays out the facts about the epidemic of teen mental illness that has hit many countries at the same time. He investigates the nature of childhood, including why children need play and independent exploration to mature into competent, thriving adults.
This discussion will be facilitated by Northeast Harbor Library director Amy Wisehart, and is open to all. Copies of the book are available to request through the library. For more information or to register, visit the library’s website at www.nehlibrary.org/events.
ART IMMERSIVE
February 17-22
ArtWaves is excited to announce two Young Artists’ Intensives; dynamic multi-day workshops, best suited for students in grades 4–8 with a passion for creativity and a desire to do focused, hands-on artwork. This immersive program offers young artists a unique opportunity to explore painting, mosaic-making, fiber arts, printmaking, and drawing under the guidance of ArtWaves founder and experienced educator, Liz Cutler.
The first session will take place January 20 - 22 and will focus on mosaic, fiber arts, and printmaking, and the second session will happen February 17 - 21 and will give students an opportunity to explore design, drawing, painting, and sculpting.
Spaces are limited for this highly anticipated program, so early registration is encouraged. For more details and to register, visit www.artwavesmdi.org.
FEB 22 - CONTRA DANCING AT THE JESUP
MARCH-MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER
New Saturday Storytime every other week
SOUTHWEST HARBOR—Looking for a fun and engaging experience with your family? Drop in to the Southwest Harbor Public Library on Saturdays, every other week at 10:00 a.m., for a new family storytime with Ms. Lia ana. Listen to stories, sing songs, pop bubbles and more. Be sure to also join us for our weekly storytimes on Wednesdays (babytime) and Fridays (family storytime) at 10:00 a.m.
February Coffee Clash
“Consolidation of Island Towns’ Services – A Good Idea?”
James Smith Bar Harbor Town Manager and David Kerns Police Chief, Mount Desert and Bar Harbor
Friday, February 14, 8:30 a.m.
Join us for coffee, tea, pastries and muffins at Brasserie Le Brun, 74 Cottage St, Bar Harbor.
The cost to attend in person at Brasserie Le Brun is $10 and includes coffee, tea, and pastries. The discussion will also be available on Zoom. Coffee and social hour begins at 8:30 a.m. and the discussion starts at 9:00 a.m.
Click for more information and to register
Please let us know by Wednesday, February 12th if you cannot attend.
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH COMMUNITY EXHIBIT!
Community Exhibit, March 5-28, during library hours, Southwest Harbor Public Library. Women’s History Month 2025. https://tinyurl.com/4wjszy6t, 244-7065. www.swhplibrary.org.
Exhibit Reception, March 7. 5:30-7:00 p.m. Southwest Harbor Public Library. Women’s History Month Event 2025. https://tinyurl.com/4wjszy6t, 244-7065. www.swhplibrary.org
MARCH 21 PANEM-MONIA!
ONGOING:
GET YOUR HERO ON!
ICE QUILTING DERBY
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.
Feb 11 Get Your Knowledge On!
ASC Racial Justice Book Group
Are you interested in joining us? We are open to new members who want to share in the reading and the hard work that ensues as we examine the underpinnings of systemic racism and its effects on society and on each of us individually, in the ultimate hope that our studies can work toward change.
We have been meeting once a month on the second Tuesday of the month from 10:30- 12:15.
We started with the basic readings of How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi and The Sum of Us by Heather McGhee. We then spent many months delving deeply into The 1619 Project edited by Nikole Hannah-Jones.
Since then, we’ve read some James Baldwin, Colon Whitehead, Zora Neale Hurston, Eddie S. Glaude, Jr., Clint Smith and many others. We look forward in the next few months to reading some James McBride and Bryan Stevenson. We also share articles of interest that deal with the issues we’re facing.
If the truly hard, but most meaningful, work we are doing to examine our society, culture and ourselves sounds like something that interests you, please contact me at rjbg2021@gmail.com or 207-664-9954.
Read more about the book group
GET YOUR VOLTA ON!
Volta, in Trenton, has a ton of things always going on. You can check that out here.
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.
MDI YMCA!
The MDI YMCA’s program guide is here.
DOWNEAST COMMUNITY DANCE
Downeast Community Dance
Free form dance, conscious or ecstatic, not facilitated. Come drop into your own joyful movement.
This is now held the first, third, and fifth Sunday of the month at 10 a.m. at ArtWaves Dance Studio. For more information, contact Susan at 207-801-9023, or susan.sassaman@proton.me
Location:
Dance Studio at ArtWaves, 1345A State Highway 102, Bar Harbor
GET YOUR MUSIC ON!
THE FINBACK ALEHOUSE
The Finback has entertainment most nights in Bar Harbor. 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 in Northeast Harbor.
QUICK NOTE
“Things To Do” 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 or Trenton or Ellsworth) that you’d like me to mention, please let me know, because I’m definitely always missing some events every week.
If you’d like to donate to help support us, you can, but no pressure! Just click here.
The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by Acadia Brochures of Maine.
If you’d like to donate to help support us, you can, but no pressure! Just click here.
If you’d like to sponsor the Bar Harbor Story, you can! Learn more here.
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR COMMITMENT TO YOUR COMMUNITY
Your list of things to do on Mount Desert Island is wonderful! I would like to offer a potential addition: The Natural History Center (www.TheNaturalHistoryCenter.com) offers private nature and adventure tours year-round. In the winter, this can be birding, hiking, cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing, or even a scenic driving tour. Simply call 207-266-9461 or email info@TheNaturalHistoryCenter.com to discuss a personalized tour.