And in the near future.
The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by Acadia Shops.
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 10
FEB 10 – PARENTING WORKSHOP!
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 11
Author Talk with Southwest Harbor Writer Winter Fox
SOUTHWEST HARBOR—On Tuesday, February 11 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.
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.
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 12
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 13
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.
MIDDLE SCHOOL MOVIE SCREENING
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
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, FEBRUARY 14
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.
FEBRUARY 14 – CRAFTERNOON
FEB 14 – NATURE OF RESILIENCE
MOVIE NIGHT
VALENTINE’S TEA PARTY
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 15
ALL OF FEBRUARY – PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT!
LITERARY STUDY
SATURDAYS! BABY AND ME YOGA!
PRAYER SHAWL MISSION GROUP
Saturday events via the Chamber:
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16
FARMERS MARKET
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 22 – BAROQUE ORCHESTRA OF MAINE CONCERT
BAR HARBOR—Members of Baroque Orchestra of Maine (BOOM) will perform a concert on period instruments on Saturday, February 22 at 4 p.m., at the Bar Harbor Congregational Church. Heidi Powell, baroque violin and Max Treitler, baroque cello, will present the famous classic piece ‘Winter’ from Vivaldi’s 4 Seasons as well as Sonatas by Handel, Biber, Albinoni and Matteis. Tickets are available at the door for adults ($25) students are free. For more information visit BOOM’s website at:
FEB 27 – SIP, SNACK AND SOCIALIZE
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.
FEB—19 BELOVED SPANISH PIANIST RETURNS TO LAUNCH A NEW JESUP SERIES
Wednesday, February 19th and Thursday, February 20th at 6:30 pm
Bar Harbor, ME – Spanish pianist Antonio Galera will offer a recital at the College of the Atlantic at the Thomas S. Gates, Jr. Community center on February 19, followed by a free “Music and Conversation” program at Jesup Memorial Library on February 20 at 6:30 p.m. Gallera first visited MDI as a guest of the Bar Harbor Music Festival and, over his years of visits, has developed a devoted following among local music lovers. According to one admirer, “When Antonio sits down at the piano, he presents us with a gift of unimaginable beauty.”
The February 20th Jesup event marks the beginning of a new “Music and Conversation” series at the library. “This and future programs have been funded by an anonymous donor who was inspired by a similar event offered by Antonio last year,” said Jesup Director Matt DeLaney. The library plans to schedule additional music and conversation programs this winter, followed by ongoing winter presentations in 2026 and 2027. “We are especially pleased that our conversation event with Antonio will be preceded by a full recital at the College of the Atlantic,” DeLaney said. He suggested that music lovers should plan to attend both events.
The richness of Hispanic classical music lies in its deep integration of folklore, guitar, and flamenco, creating a unique language that merges the popular with the academic. Composers such as Falla and Albéniz in Spain, and Ginastera in Argentina, drew inspiration from popular dances and songs, incorporating techniques like tremolos and strumming in their piano compositions to evoke the distinctive sound of the guitar. For Falla and Albéniz, the cante jondo and flamenco styles, with their rhythmic and emotional depth, also influenced their works, adding an expressive intensity and a distinctive cultural identity that enriched classical music and inspired contemporaries like Debussy. This influence continues to resonate in new repertoire, where echoes of these traditions remain present.
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 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
NORTHEAST HARBOR—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.
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
CHOWDAH FEST AND SILENT AUCTION
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.
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