NOV 6, 2023
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
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6
Parking Solutions Task Force
1 p.m.
Council Chambers
Bar Harbor Municipal Building
93 Cottage Street
BAR HARBOR SCHOOL COMMITTEE with WARRANT COMMITTEE, EDUCATION SUBCOMMITTEE
4:30 p.m.
Conners Emerson Library
SPECIAL TOWN COUNCIL MEETING – GOAL SETTING
4:30 p.m.
Community Room
Machias Savings Bank, Cottage Street
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9
Design Review Board
4 p.m.
Council Chambers
Bar Harbor 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 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 HANDWORKS FESTIVAL ON!
The Fall 2023 Handworks Festival is a collaboration between ArtWaves and the Wendell Gilley Museum. This is your opportunity to try something new, or hone your skills, with some of the best artists in the region!
Classes will take place on Saturdays, Wednesdays and Sundays, from November 4th – 19th.
These include basket weaving, felting, mosaics, wood carving, wood burning, scrimshaw, metal casting, wire jewelry, finger knotting, stained glass, printmaking, and corn husks. The full schedule is available at https://www.artwavesmdi.org/CALENDAR.
ArtWaves is able to offer discounted pricing, and provide all workshop materials, because of generous support from the Maine Community Foundation.
To register, please visit https://www.artwavesmdi.org/CALENDAR
GET YOUR SIDE STREET ON!
GET YOUR PAJAMA SALE AND BED RACE ON!
Early Bird Pajama Sale & Bed Races
This is an unmissable local event. Get your Christmas shopping done at local merchants (discounts if you show up early and wear your pajamas) and bed races (it’s not too late to register your team at the link below for potential prizes and bragging rights.)
November 11, 2023
In-person
Register here
GET BARKING FOR THE SPCA!
Bark the Halls!
Shop ‘til you drop while supporting the SPCA of Hancock County shelter animals. The SPCA is hosting a Bark the Halls shopping event at Holbrook House B&B in Bar Harbor from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, November 10th. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, wine, raffles and chair massages while shopping for holiday gifts from local merchants Lisa Hall Jewelry, Swallowfield, My Darling Maine Boutique, Massage Bar Harbor, Floret, Serenity Sweets, Inspirations of Eden, MDI Knits Lompoc Cafe, Second Hand Hag and Clothe_ME2. The merchants are generously donating a portion of their proceeds to the SPCA. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door.
Holbrook House is located at 74 Mount Desert St., which operated by SPCA Board President Michelle Allvin and her husband, Eric.
Bark the Hall is being held the night before Bar Harbor’s annual Early Bird Pajama Sale and Bed Races.
For more information or to purchase tickets for Bark the Halls, visit http://www.spcahancockcounty.org
GET SOME RANDOM KID-FOCUSED THINGS ON!
As apart of its Arts Alive! program, where the Criterion engages young people and families in quality arts programs as both audiences and active participants, they’re excited to announce Free Guitar Lessons for students 10-18!
They have 5 open seats in their Wednesday group and 5 open seats in their Friday group, lessons run from November 8th to December 1st
Please email sophie@criteriontheatre.org to sign up!
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! Older siblings are welcome to join in.
- 10:30 AM 11:15 AM
- JESUP MEMORIAL LIBRARY34 MT. DESERT STREET
Preschool Story Time
Preschoolers and their adults are invited to join us on Friday mornings for songs, stories, and a craft! Recommended for ages 3-5.
- 10:30 AM 11:15 AM
JESUP MEMORIAL LIBRARY, 34 MOUNT DESERT STREET
JESUP EVENTS
For a full list of Jesup Memorial Library events, click through to its calendar here.
KRISTEN BRITAIN AT THE JESUP
New York Times bestselling Author Launches 9th Green Rider Book at Jesup
BAR HARBOR — Twenty-five years ago, a young ranger at Acadia National Park closed up the Nature Center at Sieur de Monts Spring, grabbed her lunch and a book, and made her way to the Tarn where she settled herself beside the water and pulled out the book. But this wasn’t just any old book. It was her author’s copy of “Green Rider,” the first book in what would become a New York Times bestselling fantasy series, one that would be in the vanguard of high fantasy featuring a strong female as the lead character. She’d had her copies delivered to her office at the Park, but hadn’t had time to look at the book until her lunch break.
“I … admired Keith Parkinson’s art and how the green foil title gleamed in the sunlight, and marveled that it was an actual thing, said Kristen Britain, who still lives and writes on Mount Desert Island. “I was also an actual author – who had to quickly run back to the Nature Center to open it back up for visitors.
“Back home I had more time to admire it,” she said, “how the boards and spine looked under the dust jacket … the fact I slept with it in bed probably indicates seeing my first author copy was a profound moment for me.”
Now, a quarter century later, in celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Green Rider Series, Britain’s publisher is releasing another novella, “Spirit of the Wood,” on Nov. 7. Britain will launch “Spirit of the Wood,” on Thursday, Nov. 9, as she does with every new Green Rider book – with a fun event at the Jesup Memorial Library from 6:30 to 8 p.m. followed the next day, Friday, Nov. 10, by a book signing at Sherman’s Books & Stationary at 1 p.m. Costumes are welcomed but not required. The event at the Jesup will be offered in person and online; please sign up and indicate how you will attend at https://www.jesuplibrary.org/events/kbritain. Please note that books will not be sold at the Jesup event. To purchase books or have them signed, visit Shermans at 1pm on Friday, Nov. 10.
The Green Rider series has grown to include seven novels and a novella, with more novels to come. “Twenty-five years later, I feel old (in comparison to my characters who’ve hardly aged), and every time I’m still surprised I managed to do another one,” Britain said.
“Spirit of the Wood” is a short novel that explores the backstory of Laren Mapstone, a fan favorite character who mentors the lead character Karigan G’ladheon. Karigan first knew Mapstone as Captain Mapstone, leader of the king’s messengers, the Green Riders. But in “Spirit of the Wood,” Mapstone is a lieutenant who, in the wake of a vicious years-long battle with raiders, hides her emotions and the deep scars she carries. When she is assigned to mentor a Green Rider trainee on his first long-distance message errand, he quickly dubs her the “Ice Lady.” The errand takes them into danger that threatens not just them but all the free lands, and an ancient power lurking in the Green Cloak Forest could be the key to survival for everyone.
Britain, a native of the Finger Lakes Region of New York State, completed her first novel when she was 9, though it was never published. After graduating from Ithaca College, she joined the National Park Service and worked at parks across the country, but it was natural world of Acadia and the surrounding area that made its way into her novels in the form of Sacoridia and where the author ultimately chose to make her home. She lives in the woods down a rambling road and is a diehard lover of four-legged beasties of the canine, feline, and equine varieties.
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 Informationoffice@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.
MOSAIC CANDLE CUP AT THE JESUP WITH ARTWAVES
Sample a bit of Artwaves at the Jesup Memorial Library by attending a “Mosaic Candle cup Pop-up Workshop” on Thursday, November, 16.
In this workshop, you’ll have the opportunity to put together an amazing array of stained glass from Artwaves and other treasures in beautiful patterns, creating a one-of-a-kind piece that you can take home and light up. We provide pattern ideas for you to follow, but you’re also welcome to let your creativity flow and make it uniquely personal.
All ages are welcome. Under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. This event is in person only and registration is required to attend. Please register at jesuplibrary.org/events/candlecup or email eventsignup@jesuplibrary.org.
GET YOUR MOVIE ON!
REEL PIZZA
Reel Pizza is closed for the season (not for forever) on October 30.
CRITERION THEATRE
The theater’s website is here, and click for the latest updates.
GET YOUR FITNESS ON!
THE NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE!
The Neighborhood House has a slew of classes to help you get your fitness on. Descriptions are at its website.
Yoga Flow Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8:45 AM EST
Fall Prevention Monday and Wednesday at 10 AM EST for 8 weeks starting today.
Active Older Adults Tuesday and Thursdays at 10:45 AM EST
Tai Chi Fridays at 10 AM EST
MDI YMCA!
The MDI YMCA’s program guide is here.
DESTINATION HEALTH!
This is Destination Health’s November class schedule with the exception of Mat Pilates at 8:30 AM and begins Tuesday, November 14.
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 VOLUNTEERISM ON!
GET YOUR DANCE AND WELLNESS 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.
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
DESTINATION HEALTH CLASSES
For a full listing, check out here
MDI YMCA CLASSSES
For a full listing, check out here.
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 ANCHORSPACE ON!
Finding Funding Workshop
This workshop will cover not only the usual sources of funding but also non-bank lenders, grants, and more – including sources you should be wary of!
November 9, 2023
Online, 12 pm
Apply or learn more here
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.
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.
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