On The Agenda – Bar Harbor Town Meetings, Events, & Things to Do
FEB 5, 2024
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, FEBRUARY 5
Bar Harbor School Committee Meeting
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
@ Conners-Emerson Library
Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting
4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
@ Council Chambers, Municipal Building, 93 Cottage Street
Warrant Committee Nominating Committee
6:00 PM - 6:30 PM
@ 3rd Floor Meeting Room – Suite 301, Municipal Building, 93 Cottage Street
Warrant Committee
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Location: Council Chambers, Municipal Building, 93 Cottage Street
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6
TOWN COUNCIL
Time: 6:30 P.M.
Location: Council Chambers (third floor), Municipal Building, 93 Cottage Street and Zoom, will also be on Town Hall Streams
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8
DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
Agenda is not currently posted online
Time: 4 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 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 SUGAR ON!
Island Connections’ needs you and your sugar tooth to come down to the Atlantic Oceanside for a Sugar Showdown!
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 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 DEMOCRACY ON!
The League of Women Voters wants to hear from you and tell you all about what its members do to engage youth and work toward clean elections! Come hang out with some democracy minded people, February 7 from 4 to 5:40 at the Jesup Memorial Library.
GET YOUR DOWNEAST TROUT UNLIMITED ON!
Free Fishing Weekend February 17th and 18th! No fishing license is required during this time. Dates during February school vacation make it the perfect time to introduce friends and family to the joy of angling. Feb 17 Family Day on Chalk Pond in Deblois 10-2 p.m. with traps, bait, hot dogs and bonfire provided.
Contact Jon Gay 207-598-7545.
There are some fishing derbies coming up, too. Tip- Jigging can be highly effective for many species and can keep novice anglers engaged on a slow day. You never know what the fish might be looking for so when jigging experiment with different lures, colors and speeds. For information on where to fish and tips from Maine’s fisheries biologists, check out the February Fishing Report . mefishwildlife.com/fishingreport.
Winter is a great time to enjoy the Maine outdoors but use extreme caution as ice conditions on the lakes and ponds in the Downeast region are hazardous. Always be safe and check the ice thickness. The 2024 Maine Inland Fishing Laws book is here https://www.maine.gov/ifw/docs/23-MDIFW-24-FISHING-LAWBOOK-2024.pdf
DETU Meeting Feb. 21 with Brian Stranko Maine Program Manager for Trout Unlimited, he will discuss TU priorities in Maine. Stranko has led habitat and salmonid conservation programs for more than 20 years; working with The Nature Conservancy and California Trout, a statewide salmon, trout and steelhead conservation organization. Moore Community Center and via Zoom. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85788112350?pwd=dnZHYXJvTzhwMlgvZzRvbVlPdW9yZz09
Penobscot Fly Fishers Cabin Fever Reliever: Feb 24-25 Brewer Auditorium Free DETU will have a table at this year’s PFF event. Contact Rob Packie rbpackie@gmail.com if you can help staff it. Hours are 10-4 on Saturday and 10 to 3 on Sunday. PHWFF Program Lead Mike Manning will be at our table to answer any questions about the veterans program. Come enjoy outdoor education and a silent auction, with winners drawn Sunday. Contact Rob Packie at rbpackie@gmail.com or www.penobscotflyfishers.com for more information.
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.
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
Website
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.
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