July 2024

Jul 1

Written By Andrea Saunders

JULY News from Heart of Ellsworth

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News from Main Street

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Heart of Ellsworth News

Heart of Ellsworth Takes Next Important Step in Main Street America Accreditation Process

Heart of Ellsworth is pleased to share that we have submitted our application to become a Main Street America Accredited™️ community. If we receive the Main Street designation, we will become the 11th community in Maine to receive this national accreditation from Main Street America. Main Street America accreditation provides substantial support and resources, informing decisions across all city departments. It provides program opportunities that offer continual benefits and support in economic development, community engagement, heritage preservation, funding opportunities, marketing support, and more.

Our dedicated Application Committee has been working diligently to collect the information necessary for the application process and finalize the application. We’ve also received essential support from The Maine Downtown Center, City of Ellsworth, Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce, Ellsworth Historical Society, Woodlawn Museum, Ellsworth Public Library, Rooster Brother, Desert Harvest, 86 This!, as well as our committed and hard-working Board of Directors.

Watch for more information on the Main Street program and updates from us on our application progress!

Learn more about our Main Street Application process

Heart of Ellsworth Awarded Tactical Urbanism Lightning Grant for Merrill Park Improvements at Build Maine Conference

At this year's Build Maine conference, Heart of Ellsworth staff proudly accepted the Tactical Urbanism Lightning Grant, a significant step towards Merrill Park's future. This grant, designed to support infrastructure improvements, will pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable, and vibrant park, instilling a sense of pride in downtown.

Building on the 2023 installation of electricity in the park, Heart of Ellsworth will engage the community in revitalizing the park through an interactive activity led by the Heart of Ellsworth Design Committee and volunteers. This event will encourage community members to participate in urban design in a fun and meaningful way, contributing to the final design of the holiday lighting installation in the park.

The Tactical Urbanism Lightning Grant, a key component of our park revitalization efforts, aims to foster communication between residents, municipal staff, and elected officials, fund low-cost improvements, and test ideas before committing significant funds to permanent changes. The data gathered from these projects will inform local conversations and decisions, ensuring that the park's development is community-driven and sustainable.

Learn more about Merrill Park & Stay tuned for more on the park's updates and design

2024 Bricks & Clicks Experts Announced

Every other year, we offer the Bricks & Clicks program to connect local businesses with seasoned consultants to tackle their unique challenges. Each participant in the program receives a free one-on-one consultation with a technical expert tailored to their specific needs, with the opportunity for a follow-up session at no additional cost.

Bricks & Clicks is a collaborative effort made possible by the generosity of our sponsor, Machias Savings Bank, and the expertise of local professionals.

Participation in the Bricks & Clicks program is free for downtown businesses and is limited to 20 participants. The application process has now closed but look for updates from program participants on our social media pages.

Meet the Experts on our blog

Updated Downtown Map in Franklin Street Parklet

An updated Downtown Map is now available in the Franklin Street Parklet. Come downtown to check out the updates and new additions to the map, and spend some time visiting the shops, service providers and eateries around town.

You can also view the updated map on our website and download it to plan your day in downtown.

Check out the updated Downtown Map

Bangor Federal Credit Union has Rewards Checking Built “4” You

At Bangor Federal Credit Union, members come first. That’s why they’re home to some of the best rewards checking around!

With Premium Checking, earn higher dividends on your account balance and grow your savings. Qualifying accounts earn 4.00% APY (Annual Percentage Yield) dividends on balances up to $20,000.

Or choose Plus Checking, and earn cash back rewards when you use your debit card. Qualifying accounts earn 4.00% cash back rewards on debit card purchases (up to $12 back per month).

Qualifying accounts also feature refunds on nationwide ATM withdrawal fees (up to $25 monthly), all with no monthly maintenance fees and no minimum balance requirements.

At Bangor Federal, get rewarded for spending, or saving, your way.

For additional details and terms, give them a call at 947-0374, visit their website, or stop in to any one of their branches in Bangor, Brewer, or Ellsworth.

Learn more about Bangor Federal Credit Union

Community Events

Waterfront Concerts - The City of Ellsworth & The Grand

Fri., July 5, 12, 19, 26: 6-7 pm

Head to Harbor Park for this free summer concert series to enjoy the outdoors and great music.

July 5: The Crown Vics
July 12: Jessi Mallory - The Elvis Story
July 19: King Tide
July 26: Keith Lewis

Harbor Park

FREE
FMI: Website

The Downeast Rock & Roots Music Festival

Sat. & Sun., July 6 & 7

The Downeast Rock & Roots Music Festival is a family-friendly music festival that aims to highlight local music, food, drinks, and art. Join them this year at the Knowlton Community Park on July 6th & 7th; bring the family and have fun!

Knowlton Park

FREE
FMI: Facebook

Weekly Black House Museum Guided Tours - Woodlawn

Thurs., July 11, 18, 25: various times

Learn about the three generations of the Black family that lived at Woodlawn during a guided tour. You will view items in the collection that are directly connected to the family or workers of Woodlawn and include different styles of European and American furniture, portraits and miniatures, books, souvenirs from trips abroad, sleighs and carriages, and an assortment of silver, china, and glassware.

19 Black House Drive

Tickets $15
FMI + Tickets: Website

Ellsworth City Council Meeting

Mon., July 15: 6 pm

You can tune in and participate in Ellsworth City Council meetings through various online methods.

Please visit the City Council webpage for meeting notices and participation instructions.

1 City Hall Plaza + Online
Ellsworth

FREE
FMI: Website

Movies by Moonlight - The Grand

Thurs., July 18 & 25: 8:30 pm

Join The Grand, The City of Ellsworth and fellow community members for a free movie night outside at Knowlton Park.

July 18: Migration
July 25: The Super Mario Bros. Movie

Knowlton Park

FREE (with concessions for sale)
FMI: Website

Contact Improvisation Class - Steamy Buddha

Wed., Starting July 19: 5:30-7 pm

This is a partner dance based on principles of touch, momentum, shared weight, and a flowing point of shared contact. The form integrates elements of modern dance, Akido, and somatics in a playful and creative way.

50 Church Street

$25 drop in
FMI: Facebook

Hello Summer - Downtown Ellsworth

Saturday, July 20: 11 am onward!

Join the businesses in downtown Ellsworth for a summer celebration! Celebrate with downtown Ellsworth businesses and support local nonprofits such as Loaves and Fishes and the SPCA. During this fun summer event there will be something for everyone: free cotton candy at the Sweet Spot, kitten adoption and chair massages at Bliss, live music at the Black Moon Public House, a tea party at Elizabeth's, and more! Visit area businesses for in-store events, sales, and refreshments.

Mindfulness and Self-Compassion - Healthy Acadia

Tues., July 23: 6 pm

We live in a fast-paced world that can feel rushed, unpredictable, and sometimes unkind. Add to this our daily stress and inner critic which can leave us depleted and anxious. The good news is there are strategies within the toolbox of mindfulness and self-compassion to help us live in a calm, clear, and connected way. This is an in-person event.

The Moore Community Center
125 State Street

FREE
FMI + Register: Website

A Flash in the Pans Benefit Concert - The Grand

Mon., July 29: 7:30-9 pm

Join The Grand for a "pan dance in the park!" Listen to the sounds of Flash in the Pans, dance to the beats and help raise funds for our beloved hometown theater.

Knowlton Park

Admission by donation (with concessions for sale)
FMI: Website

Community News

Summer at the Library!

The Ellsworth Public Library is thrilled to present its 'Summer at the Library' program, a diverse and fun-packed series of free events for all ages in July and August. Highlights include performances for families on Wednesday nights at 6 pm, for general audiences on Thursdays at 6 pm, and for teens and tweens on Fridays at 3 pm.

Visit the library website for all the details, to register, or download program brochures!

Program Partners include Frenchman Bay Conservancy, Maine Outdoor School, Modulations Therapies, with special thanks to all the visiting authors, speakers and musicians!

On the Horizon Bakery
Hours for 2024 Season

Visit On the Horizon Bakery for your favorite morning and sweet treats. You can find the truck at:

Ellsworth Home Depot on:
Tuesdays: 7 am - 12:30 pm
Wednesdays: 7 am - 12:30 pm
Thursdays: 7 am - 12:30 pm
Saturdays: 8 am - 12:30 pm
Sundays: 8 am - 12:30 pm

On Water Street at the Ellsworth Downtown Mural:
Fridays: 7 am - 12:30 pm

Closed Mondays.

Remember to check social media for updates on private and public events. On the Horizon will update Facebook and Instagram when the mobile bakery is on the move and not at a designated parking location!

City Council Approves FY2025 Budget

Congratulations to city staff and elected officials for a wonderful job completing the FY2025 budget process.

Follow this link to read about the how the city's budgeting process works and review the final FY2025 budget as approved by City Council on 6/26/2024.

Library Space Planning Survey

The library is embarking on a renovation project and needs your input!

Take their survey and share your thoughts by scanning the QR code above or by clicking here. The library will also be holding a public space planning meeting on Tuesday, August 13th at 6:30PM.

Artsworth Wishes our Community a Happy & Creative Summer!

Artsworth Studios provides programming for our community during the off-season: September to March. With that in mind, everyone at Artsworth want to wish every member of our community a happy, safe, creative, and rewarding summer.

Summer to Artsworth is: swimming, having dinner with friends, watching sunsets, meeting new people, sharing their work with others, and enjoying every moment. They will start up programming in September, so watch this space for updates and stay in touch on social media. Laisses les bons moments d'été rouler!