THINGS TO DO ON MOUNT DESERT ISLAND THIS WEEK
And in the near future.
The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by Edward Jones Financial Advisor: Elise N. Frank.
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.
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, JANUARY 13
Unlocking the Secrets of Vision Restoration
Online event via Zoom
5 p.m.
Zebrafish have a superpower: the ability to regenerate damaged tissues—eyes included! New groundbreaking research explores how we can apply these remarkable healing mechanisms to humans. Could this lead to real treatments for vision loss?
Join Dr. Romain Madelaine and his team at MDI Biological Laboratory for an exciting look into how zebrafish are revolutionizing our understanding of eye diseases like macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy.
Don’t miss out on this online-only journey into the future of vision science. Together, we might just unlock the secrets to better sight for all.
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:
None are listed
TUESDAY, JANUARY 14
PEOPLE NATURE ART
The Gilley Museum’s monthly People-Nature-Art series continues each month, beginning with Amy Pollien on Tuesday, Jan. 14. And there are two new art exhibits up: in the Special Exhibits Gallery we have works by woodblock printer Dan Miller, and in the Main Gallery we are featuring works by Islesford painter Rick Alley, Jr. who has won the Maine Duck Stamp Contest more than any artist in the contest’s history.
To sign up for any program, or for more information, visit the Gilley’s website at www.wendellgilleymuseum.org or call us at 207-244-7555.
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, JANUARY 15
BLACKOUT POETRY
Location:
Mellon Room
Campus:
Northeast Harbor Library, 1 Joy Road, Northeast Harbor
Audiences:
Children & Families
Registration is enabled for this event.
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, JANUARY 16
JANUARY 16 Author Talk: Loving the North Woods, 25 Years of Historic Conservation in Maine
Thursday, January 16, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
BAR HARBOR—In the upcoming book talk Loving the North Woods, Karin Tilberg, one of Maine’s experts on Maine’s vast woodlands and highly regarded past-president/CEO of the Forest Society of Maine, will outline the difficult challenges that led to tremendous conservation successes during a remarkable period of activity from 1990 to 2015.
CHICKADEE BOOK CLUB
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, JANUARY 17
Friday Night Coffeehouse
Gather round at our monthly open mic; an eclectic mix of music, poetry, storytelling and performance. Hosted by MCs Rick Barter and Beth Herrick. Coffee and refreshments will be available by donation to benefit the Mount Desert Elementary School PTO. Registration is encouraged but not required.
The Coffeehouse meets on the third Friday of each month, January through May.
From:
6:30 pm Friday, January 17, 2025
To:
8:00 pm Friday, January 17, 2025
Location:
Mellon Room
Campus:
Northeast Harbor Library, 1 Joy Road, Northeast Harbor
Registration:
Registration is enabled for this event.
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, JANUARY 18
STICKER SWAP
JOEL RAYMOND TRIBUTE PARTY!
SATURDAYS! BABY AND ME YOGA!
PRAYER SHAWL MISSION GROUP
Welcoming all knitters and would be knitters…and crocheters! The Welcome and Care Team at the Bar Harbor Congregational Church UCC is hosting a weekly Prayer Shawl Mission Group every Saturday from 10 a.m. until noon at the Bar Harbor Congregational Church UCC. The intention of the group is to create a sense of community and a flow of Prayer Shawls for distribution to those in need of comfort due to illness, loneliness, or loss. Supplies and instruction will be provided to those with skills for knitting and/or crocheting and for those with a desire to learn.
There are no costs to the participants.
For more information contact Pat by calling (203) 770-0063 or email: pgdizazzo@yahoo.com.
Saturday events via the Chamber:
SUNDAY, JANUARY 19
WINTER FARMERS AND MAKERS MARKET
FLIES AND LIES
If your goal was to find a new hobby come to Flies & Lies and learn the art of fly tying! Open to anyone interested in fly tying and fly fishing.
Meet at the Machias Savings Bank every other Sunday (twice per month) from October 6 to April 20 to promote fly fishing, conservation, and fun. Bring your own tools, materials and snacks.
For more information, contact Bob Bechtold Trichoptera42@gmail.com 207-288-4957 or Tammy Packie tpackie@gmail.com
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:
January 23 - Wildfire Safety
Joins us at the Somesville Library for a presentation by Fred Mason, Arborist and Federal Wildfire Fighter for 20 years. Fred will discuss ways to protect your home and land. Q&A to follow.
January 25 - Lambing Workshop Upcoming
BAR HARBOR—Current or aspiring sheep owners, animal lovers, and homesteaders are invited to a day-long lambing workshop at College of the Atlantic Peggy Rockefeller Farm during the busy, and adorable, lambing season.
There are eight spots available for the workshop, which takes place on Saturday, January 25 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The sliding scale fee is $100–$300, with lunch, hot drinks, and snacks included; scholarships may be available. Register at coa.edu/lambworkshop by January 17 to secure a space. This program, which is sponsored by the COA Food and Farming Workshop Series, is designed for adults, though youth ages 14-17 may be able to attend with prior permission.
Participants will learn how to care for sheep, both during lambing season and all year round. After completing morning chores together, they’ll observe the flock for early signs of labor, check on our ewes and new lambs, and perform ear tagging, tail docking, and other procedures if needed. With any luck, participants will be present to observe a lamb being born.
Topics of discussion include: the farm’s preparations for lambing season, from selecting breeding groups to making their lambing kit; ewe and lamb health and nutrition; the lambing process; post-birth lamb care; record keeping; vaccination and hoof trimming; and considerations when lambs are moved from the barn to pasture.
Participants should wear sturdy waterproof boots and layers appropriate for farm work and the weather. There will be more details and a packing list shared upon registration.
January 25 - Tarot Card Readings and Massages to Benefit SPCA Animals
TRENTON—Unwind and find out what the New Year holds in store for you while supporting the animals of the SPCA of Hancock County.
The first-ever Tarot For Tails event is being held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, January 25, at the SPCA shelter at 141 Bar Harbor Road with tarot card readings and chair massages available.
The cost is only $20 for a 15-minute reading with one of our volunteer tarot card readers. You can sign up for multiple readings if you like. The cost of a chair massage by Massage Therapist Mandy Newell of Mount Desert is also $20.
Both the massage therapist and the tarot card readers are donating their time and talents for the animals. All of the proceeds from the event will go to the SPCA.
Complimentary light refreshments donated by Hannaford will be served.
No pre-appointments are necessary. You just need to sign up when you arrive at the shelter and pay then by cash, check or credit card.
If you fall in love with a furry friend during this fundraising event, please remember that you must fill out an application and that the process can take 3 to 5 days. The adoption application can be found at https://www.spcahancockcounty.org/adopt/
For more information on Tarot and Tails, please contact Jamie O’Keefe at 207-299-8732 or jamieokeefe67@gmail.com
CONTRA DANCING AT THE JESUP
JANUARY 25 AUTHOR TALK
January 20-22 and February 17-22 ART IMMERSIVE
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.
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.
FEBRUARY 8 SUGAR SHOWDOWN
JANUARY 23 BOOK CLUB
JANUARY 30 BOOK CLUB
JANUARY 27 CRAFTERNOON
FEBRUARY 14 CRAFTERNOON
Advance Screening and Discussion of Free for All: The Public Library – Wednesday, January 22 at 5:30pm in person
The Northeast Harbor Library will host an advance public screening of the documentary Free for All: The Public Library on Wednesday January 22nd at 5:30pm. A discussion with Northeast Harbor Library Director Amy Wisehart will follow the screening. This free public screening is made possible by Indie Lens Pop-Up, a national community series that brings people together for film screenings and conversations. The film will air on PBS in April.
Free for All: The Public Library tells the story of the quiet revolutionaries who created a civic institution where everything is free and the doors are open to all.
January 23 - Jason Anderson Live at the Jesup Memorial Library
with special guest Jesse Huge
Thursday, January 23 at 6:30 p.m.
BAR HARBOR—Jason Anderson returns to Bar Harbor for a very special night of songs and stories at the piano. An award-winning songwriter based in eastern Canada, Jason's evocative lyrics, anthemic melodies, and incredible live performances have taken him around the world, making friends and fans one electrifying concert at a time. Personal, passionate, and poetic, his music crackles with life. Recommended for fans of Bruce Springsteen, Glen Hansard, et al. Jason is the real deal.
Jason will be joined by local Mount Desert Island musician Jesse Huge for an intimate solo set to start the show.
"Jason's music is an experience; the kind that gives you goosebumps and wedges itself in your heart. You may think that's an overstatement. But it's not.” - Union + Co
“Jason sings directly to your heart, and does it so vividly, you can’t help but feel the effects of the performance long after you leave. Yes…he is THAT good.” - MRTI Agency
“A master of live performance.” - John Craigie
Follow along: instagram.com/jasonandersonmusic
Learn more: jasonandersonmusic.net
Register to attend in-person or online here: https://www.jesuplibrary.org/events/anderson-huge
Suggested $10 donation.
February 1 - Live Theater to Take Over Northeast Harbor for One Whirlwind Night
NORTHEAST HARBOR—On Saturday, February 1, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., the Northeast Harbor Library will host a public performance of their third annual Twelve Hour Play Relay.
Guests are invited to experience the dramatic debut of four original ten-minute plays written, rehearsed and performed in just twelve hours. Volunteer writers will have six hours (starting Friday, January 31) to pen an original ten-minute piece of theater from prompts provided by students from Mount Desert Elementary School. The next day (Saturday, February 1), scripts are handed to teams of actors and directors, who are given six hours to rehearse before the curtains open for a one-night-only public performance.
Find more information and register to be a writer, actor/director, or audience member at nehlibrary.org/events, or call (207) 276-3333 to speak with an organizer.
FEBRUARY 8 - FROST FAIR
JANUARY 30—JOY EXISTS! SAILHOUSE DISPLAY BY REBECCA BRUGMAN
SOUTHWEST HARBOR—Visit the Southwest Harbor Public Library during the month of January to view a unique display documenting the creation of Rebecca Brugman’s Sailhouse, first conceived during the pandemic as quiet shelter in the woods made from the repurposed sail into what has become a mentored wellness experience. Through a series of photo books and video of the structure assembled with the wind breathing life into the sail, Rebecca brings the Sailhouse experience out of the woods and to our community. View original art pieces by local artists that accompany Rebecca’s Sailhouse fable. The Sailhouse will be exhibited in the library’s display case through Thursday, January 30th during library hours: 9-5, Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 9-8 Wed; and Sat 9-1.
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 4th at 6:30-8:30pm
Jesup Memorial Library, Bar Harbor, ME
$10-$20 suggested donation
All instruments and experience levels welcome
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
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.
Acadia Senior College
Friday, January 24, 11:30 a.m.
Birch Bay Village and on Zoom
Friends of Acadia has embarked on an ambitious effort to help moderate the housing shortage which directly impacts both seasonal staffing for Acadia National Park and the Island Explorer. Dave Edson will describe these efforts to date and offer his personal perspectives on future possibilities. Friends of Acadia collaborates where/when possible with other local organizations that are also addressing the housing crisis.
Dave Edson serves on the Board of Friends of Acadia and chairs the Housing Subcommittee. He retired after a career (1974-2018) at James W. Sewall in Old Town, Maine. Edson was a registered professional forester with expertise in mapping, inventory, and related matters.
During that period, he served on the board of The Maine Forest Products Council, Forest Society of Maine, and Association of Consulting Foresters. After retirement, he has served on the local advisory committee for Maine Coast Heritage Trust, Friends of Acadia Board, Board of MDI Wheelers, Maine Woods Conservancy and several town committees in Tremont.
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 $15 -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
Please let us know by Wednesday, January 22nd if you cannot attend.
“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.
DOWNEAST TROUT
Jan. 22 5:30 p.m. Austin Schuver Frenchmans Bay Conservancy speaker after a Bylaws vote
Happy New Year! Engagement will be a major focus for TU & DETU this year, with the goal to grow our community of conservationists and anglers and bring more people together to create opportunities to support our mission. Our DETU Officers and Directors elections will be held at our Annual Meeting on April 23. Our current Officers have termed out and it is time for new leadership. If you have an interest in being an Officer or in joining our board contact Rob Packie 207-610-0976 or rbpackie@gmail.com.
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.
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.
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