TOWN BUDGET MEETINGS START THIS WEEK
On The Agenda - Bar Harbor Town Meetings, Events, & 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, JANUARY 22
Task Force on the Climate Emergency
Time: 4
Location: Council Auditorium (third floor), Municipal Building, 93 Cottage Street
MDI REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Time: 5:30
Location: MDI High School Library
TUESDAY, JANUARY 23
Town Council/Warrant Committee Budget Workshop
Time: 6:30 P.M.
Location: Council Chambers (third floor), Municipal Building, 93 Cottage Street and Zoom, will also be on Town Hall Streams
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24
LONG-TERM RENTAL REGISTRATION TASK FORCE
Time: 4 p.m.
Location: Council Chambers (third floor), Municipal Building, 93 Cottage Street
MDIRSS AOS 91 Annual Budget Meeting
No agenda is currently posted online.
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: MDI High School Library (off Eagle Lake Road)
THURSDAY, JANUARY 25
DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
Time: 2 p.m.
Location: Council Chambers (third floor), Municipal Building, 93 Cottage Street
Town Council/Warrant Committee Budget Workshop
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Council Chambers (third floor), Municipal Building, 93 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 KNITTING AND CARE ON FOR OTHERS!
Calling all knitters…or would be knitters! The Welcome and Care Team at the Bar Harbor Congregational Church UCC is starting up a Prayer Shawl Mission Team. Ideally the group would meet every other week for 2 hours to knit Prayer Shawls for those in need due to illness, loneliness, loss or in need of comfort. The intention of the group is to create a flow of Prayer Shawls available for distribution when needed and to establish a working sense of community with those who have a shared interest. The kick-off for this group is Saturday, February 3 at 10 A.M. until noon at the Bar Harbor Congregational Church. Supplies and instruction will be provided to those with skills for knitting and/or crocheting and for those with a desire to learn.
For more information contact Pat by calling (203) 770-0063 or email: pgdizazzo@yahoo.com.
GET YOUR FAMILY DANCE PARTY ON!
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 NOR’EASTER ON!
GET YOUR VOLTA ON!
Volta, in Trenton, has a ton of things always going on. You can check that out here.
GET YOUR HEALTHY BEGINNING ON!
Embark on a Healthful New Year Journey with Tai Chi
For many, the new year brings a fresh commitment to incorporating more activities that support our overall health and well-being. Healthy Acadia wants to help more community members discover the many health benefits of tai chi practice.
A low-impact exercise that combines slow, fluid movements, mindful breathing, and mental focus, tai chi is often referred to as a moving meditation because it emphasizes the integration of mind and body, improves overall physical and mental well-being, and promotes a sense of calm and relaxation for people of all ages and fitness levels. Regular tai chi practice has been associated with numerous health benefits, including improved balance and flexibility, reduced stress and anxiety, lowered blood pressure, improved immune function, relief of chronic pain and inflammatory conditions, and improved cognitive function.
Healthy Acadia’s tai chi instructors are certified through the Tai Chi for Health Institute, founded in 2010 by Dr. Paul Lam and colleagues to empower people to improve their health and wellness with Tai Chi for Health classes. Tai Chi for Health classes introduce participants to gentle low-impact exercise routines that promote improved health by integrating both mind and body. The program is recommended by both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Council on Aging and endorsed by governmental health departments around the world.
Healthy Acadia’s Tai Chi for Health classes meet for one hour per week for eight weeks and are offered free of charge, though donations are suggested and appreciated. Pre-registration is required. Their Winter-Spring 2024 lineup of classes is as follows:
In-person courses:
Tai Chi for Beginners, Mondays, February 12 - April 8, 2024*, 3:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m., Ellsworth Public Library River View Room. *No class on February 19. Comprised of qigong and Yang-style mind-body exercises, this course will introduce movements from the Yang 24 for, currently the most practiced tai chi set in the world. Course instructor: Nina Zeldin
Beginners Tai Chi for Health, Tuesdays, January 23 - March 12, 2024, 11 a.m. to noon, MDI YMCA. This program is recognized by the USA CDC as being a top-tiered evidence-based program for improving balance, strength, and confidence. Course instructor: Nina Zeldin
Beginners Tai Chi for Health, Saturdays, April 6 - May 25, 2024, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Women for Rural Living, Milbridge. This program is recognized by the USA CDC as being a top-tiered evidence-based program for improving balance, strength, and confidence. Course instructor: Nina Zeldin
Online courses:
Intermediate Yang 24 and 40 forms, Mondays, February 5- April 1, 2024*, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. *No class on February 19. This course is most appropriate for people familiar with Yang Style tai chi. Course instructor: Nina Zeldin
Intermediate Sun 73, Mondays, February 5 - April 1, 2024*, 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. *No class on February 19. It is most appropriate for people familiar with Sun Style tai chi. Course instructor: Nina Zeldin
Beginner Tai Chi for Arthritis and Tai Chi for Arthritis 2, Tuesdays, February 6 - March 26, 2024, 2 to 3 p.m. This course is most appropriate for those familiar with the Tai Chi for Arthritis program and who are looking for a new challenge. Course instructor: Nina Zeldin
Beginner Yang 24, Wednesdays, February 7 - March 27, 2024, 10 to 11 a.m. This course will introduce movements from the Yang 24 form, currently the most practiced tai chi form in the world. Course instructor: Nina Zeldin
Beginner Tai Chi for Balance and Recovery, Wednesdays, February 7 - March 27, 2024, 2 to 3 p.m. Composed of gentle Sun, Yang, and Chen style movements, anyone can learn this program to help alleviate stress and tiredness, improve mind-body balance, and recovery from injury. Course instructor: Annette Plank
Beginner Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention, Saturdays, February 3 - March 23, 2024, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. This program is recognized by the USA CDC as being a top-tiered, evidence-based program for improving balance, strength, and confidence. While especially effective for arthritis, this program is appropriate for anyone who wants to improve their health and wellness. Course instructor: Annette Plank
Visit bit.ly/ha-tai-chi to register for any of Healthy Acadia’s Tai Chi for Health classes. Once your registration is complete, you will receive the login information (for online classes) via the email address you provided. For more information, please contact Nina Zeldin at (207) 479-1206 or nina@healthyacadia.org.
GET YOUR CONTRA DANCE ON!
JESUP MEMORIAL LIBRARY CONTRADANCE
BAR HARBOR—Come join the fun and warm the winter's night away! Beginners, experienced dancers, families are all welcome to a contra dance with music by Big Moose band and caller Chrissy Fowler
The dance is at the Jesup Memorial Library, 34 Mt Desert Street, Bar Harbor on Saturday June 17 from 7-10 p.m.
GET YOUR CLIMATE AMBASSADORSHIP ON!
Join us for the second virtual cohort of the Climate Ambassador’s Program. The program supports community members in becoming effective communicators about climate change and solutions by providing an overview of climate science and impacts, solutions, and, importantly, how to effectively communicate about climate change. The ambassadors program will support residents as they tap into their unique skills and networks to take meaningful climate action and inspire others to join them. This program is for anyone, no prior knowledge or training is required.
Best of all, this program provides a sense of community and collaboration in effectively addressing climate change.
January 24, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.: Resilience Resource Workshop for local leaders and planners with the Gulf of Maine Research Institute. Read more on our events page.
January 23, 5:30 p.m.: Vulnerabilities & Opportunities, Tremont Responding to Coastal Change at the Bass Harbor Memorial Library or via zoom. Join scientists and experts from Gulf of Maine Research Institute as they share the results of Tremont’s Vulnerability Assessment. The report provides insights into expected sea level rise, coastal flooding, infrastructure risk, ecological shifts, and more. This information will empower the town to proactively plan for coming changes, and community members are a key part of this work. A Climate to Thrive will also share insights into the town’s energy consumption and related strategies for creating cost savings, protecting our coastal resources and vulnerable neighbors, and cultivating future opportunities that will feature in the town’s developing Community Resilience Plan. Visit our events page to register for a zoom option.
January 31, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.: Town of Mount Desert Climate Action Update & Feedback Session. Northeast Harbor Public Library. Join the Mount Desert Sustainability Committee and A Climate to Thrive for an update on recent climate action progress in Mount Desert, the results of a recently completed greenhouse gas inventory for the town, and plans for next steps. Provide essential feedback to help best align action with community priorities and learn about ways to get involved. Watch our events page for updates on location and zoom option.
Are you or is someone you know a young person interested in digging their hands into community-driven climate solutions through a paid internship this summer? ACTT will once again host part- and full-time internships for young people ages 17 and older. Interns will work closely with ACTT staff on a variety of projects and we seek to align the work with each intern's specific areas of interest. There is also ample opportunity for interns to propose, design, and implement their own projects through the course of their internship.
The number of paid internships available is limited, as we attempt to maintain a high quality experience through mentorship and supervision and as we seek to compensate interns competitively. If you or someone you know is interested in joining our team during the summer of 2024, please reach out to Executive Director Johannah Blackman at johannah@aclimatetothrive.org to begin the application process.
GET YOUR SECOND SUNDAY SUPPER ON!
The Somesville Union Meeting House will have second Sunday community suppers through April. The free event runs from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
GET YOUR ICE QUILTING DERBY ON!
GET YOUR GAME ON!
Save the date ! Game On 2024: Saturday, January 27th, ALL DAY at Bar Harbor Congregational Church - right next to Reel Pizza.
If you'd like to help host / teach a game, let us know.
See you then !!! Admission is free, and donations gratefully accepted for Open Table MDI. We'll have the famous early morning cribbage tournament (starting at 8:30), and at least 2 sections of D & D at 2pm. More details coming soon.
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.
JESUP MEMORIAL LIBRARY HOSTS “LIVE BIRDS AND DEADLY FORCES” WITH MAINE GUIDES MICHAEL GOOD AND SANDRA NEILY
January 25th at 7 p.m.
Join us at the Jesup Memorial Library for "Live Birds and Deadly Forces," a presentation by Michael Good and Sandra Neily, two esteemed Maine Guides dedicated to raising awareness about our outdoor assets and the challenges they face. The event will take place on Thursday, January 25th, at 7:00 pm.
Michael Good, recognized as a Best Birdwatching Guide by Yankee Magazine, will share a captivating PowerPoint presentation highlighting birds and their habitats at risk. From warblers to falcons, eagles, and hawks, Good's expertise and passion for birds promise an enlightening experience for both avian enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Sandra Neily, an award-winning author from the Mystery Writers of America and a Maine Literary Award finalist, will read excerpts from her latest novel. The presentation offers a unique blend of suspense and accurate descriptions of Maine's natural landscapes. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in a drawing for a free copy of Neily's novel.
The event aims to foster a deeper understanding of the importance of preserving our natural environment while providing a platform for attendees to ask questions and share their thoughts. Michael Good and Sandra Neily believe that the more people know about the challenges facing our outdoor assets, the more they will support various solutions.
Yankee Magazine chose Michael Good as a Best Birdwatching Guide, writing, “Biologist and Maine Guide Michael Good is simply batty about birds, and he shares his knowledge with avian addicts and newcomers alike. Whether you’re pining to see warblers, falcons, eagles, and hawks or seeking to add a Nelson’s sharptailed sparrow to your life list, Good’s your man.”
Author Sandra Neily is a national award-winner from the Mystery Writers of America and a Maine Literary Award finalist. Michael Good reviewed her “Deadly Turn” novel as “nonstop suspense. Powerful human relationships intermingle with accurate descriptions of forests, ponds, rivers and streams; birds and the people who care about them become symbols of strength and resilience, Neily captures Maine’s northern forest with fierce love and inspired storytelling.”
Admission is free. Register at: https://www.jesuplibrary.org/events/good-neily
AUTHOR TALK WITH DAVID FLORIG, THE STONES OF AILSA CRAIG
February 1 at 7 p.m.
Jesup Memorial Library is thrilled to host an Author Talk with David Florig, featuring his debut novel, "The Stones of Ailsa Craig," on Thursday, February 1st, at 7 pm.
David Florig, a member of the Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance and past-president of the Pine Tree Curling Club in Portland, will take the audience on a captivating journey into the world of his historical fiction novel. Set in present-day Belfast, Maine, and 1880s Scotland, the narrative is centered around the intriguing sport of curling. Florig's work has gained recognition, being named a Category Finalist by the 2023 American Writing Awards.
Ever been curious about the mysteries of curling? Join us as David Florig unravels the secrets behind the ice, the stone, and the broom that have captivated millions and earned a place in the Olympics. The Stones of Ailsa Craig is not just a sports novel but a compelling story that will appeal to fans of historical fiction and mysteries alike.
The event promises an engaging evening with readings, a unique curling stone crafted from 60-million-year-old granite, a Q&A session, and an opportunity for attendees to have their books signed by the author.
"The Stones of Ailsa Craig" serves as both an homage to Belfast, Maine, and the Maine coast, as well as a tribute to the ancient Scottish sport of curling.
Admission is free. Register at: https://www.jesuplibrary.org/events/florig
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
GET YOUR MOVIE ON!
REEL PIZZA
Reel Pizza is open again! To check out what’s playing go here.
Tickets are on sale now via its website.
Please note that for a while this winter, it will be closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
CRITERION THEATRE
The theater’s website is here, and click for the latest updates.
GET YOUR FITNESS, DANCE and WELLNESS ON!
YOGA SCHEDULE OF AMAZINGNESS!
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.
DESTINATION HEALTH!
For a full listing, check out here
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.
COOL THINGS IN OTHER TOWNS
DOG TRAINING CLASSES!
All sorts of dog training classes are happening in January at the Neighborhood House in Northeast Harbor.
For more information:
https://mdi.coursestorm.com/course/salty-dogs-manners-1-gold-section
Contact Information
Ann at MDI Adult Education or Cole at Salty Dogs Obedience & Adventure
Send Email
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.