September 2024

Sep 4

Written By Andrea Saunders

SEPTEMBER News from Heart of Ellsworth

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News from Main Street

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Heart of Ellsworth News

MAINE DOWNTOWN CENTER VISIT

Thank you to everyone who helped us prepare for the Maine Downtown Center (MDC) site visit on Aug. 15. Many volunteers rolled up their sleeves to help us spruce up downtown to put our best foot forward while welcoming the MDC committee that is considering our Main Street America application.

In attendance at the site visit were members of the Heart of Ellsworth Board of Directors and its various committees, Ellsworth city leaders, and members of MDC’s Main Street America application review committee which is comprised of economic development leaders from throughout the state. The meeting, held at 16 State Street, featured presentations by attendees, a review and assessment of the submitted application, as well as a brief walking tour of a few spots associated with some of Heart of Ellsworth’s current projects, including the Union River and the Water Street Mural.

The site visit was the final step for in our application process. We anticipate receiving the final decision on our application, and whether we have been awarded the Main Street America designation, in a few weeks.

Read more about the Aug. 15 site visit here

Unlocking Creative Potential: New Offerings from the Maine Arts Commission

Thurs., Sept. 26
2 pm
Ellsworth Public Library

Join us for an engaging and informative event with the staff of The Maine Arts Commission as they visit Ellsworth to unveil their latest initiatives. Hosted by Heart of Ellsworth, Commission staff will highlight their new Creative Communities Grant, a unique funding opportunity designed to support and enhance local cultural projects, and introduce Assets for Artists, a program offering free professional development resources for artists and cultural leaders.

This is a fantastic chance for municipal and community leaders, nonprofit cultural leaders, artists, culture makers, and arts advocates to connect with the Commission’s team, learn about these exciting new programs, and explore how they can benefit your work and community. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and build connections.

FMI contact cara@heartofellsworth.org or martha.piscuskas@maine.gov.

Learn more about The Maine Arts Commission here

Economic Study on the Union River

Together with the Union Salmon Association, Frenchman Bay Conservancy, and Downeast Salmon Federation, Heart of Ellsworth is inviting people to participate in a series of workshops and feedback sessions around the future of the Union River dams during Autumn Gold Weekend, Sept. 26-29. These sessions will take place with support from The City of Ellsworth and the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce.

It is important that the consultants hear from you about local priorities, concerns, and opportunities associated with the different scenarios being evaluated in an economic impact analysis.

Please look for additional details, including dates and times, in the coming days.

No Matter How You Bank, Bangor Federal’s Here For You

We live in a world on the go. That’s why the team at Bangor Federal Credit Union makes sure your money is at your fingertips.

Whether it’s 24/7 access to your accounts through their online or mobile banking platforms, access to your cash at any one of their ATM’s located in Bangor, Brewer, or Ellsworth, or any of the over 170 shared branches or 240 SURF surcharge free ATM’s across the state, they’re here for you.

Neighbors helping neighbors since 1956 – Bangor Federal Credit Union - You belong here.

Visit Bangor Federal Credit Union's website for more info

Autumn Gold 2024:
A Pirate's Life for Me

Sept. 26-29

The can't-miss Autumn Gold fall festival is almost here.

Don't miss the festive windows & displays as part of the city-wide decorating content!

Check out a sample of the events:

Northern Light Maine Coast 56er @ Woodlawn
Rotary Pancake Breakfast @ Ellsworth Elementary-Middle School
City of Ellsworth Craft Fair @ Ellsworth Elementary-Middle School
40th Annual Car Show @ Home Depot parking lot
Roger Willey Road Race @ the Downeast YMCA
Free Union River Boat Rides
Kids Carnival @ Harbor Park
Annual Sidewalk Sale Downtown

Visit the Autumn Gold page for more info & a full schedule of events

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE

As the City of Ellsworth moves into Phase 4 of the Comprehensive Plan project, this is your chance to get involved and share your ideas!

Share your ideas about future growth and development and join in the conversation with your neighbors on the Community Vision Board.
Visit the Comprehensive Plan website for more details and how to stay informed.
Visit the Comprehensive Plan page on the City of Ellsworth website for committee & meeting information.

There's still time to get involved and have your voice heard.

Get involved in the Comprehensive Plan now

Community Events

Embodying Peace, Coming Home - Healthy Acadia

Thurs., Sept. 5: 5-6 pm

"Embodying Peace, Coming Home," with special guest Satya Kaur Khalsa. As our world spins faster and more wildly, it is easy to become tangled in the intensity. We can feel depleted and overwhelmed, and we lose sight of what is really important. This class will not require your brain at all, only the willingness to show up and allow your internal navigation tools to be reset for peace. A comfortable resting area is recommended, and pajamas are optional and welcome.

Online via Zoom

FREE
FMI + Register: Website

History Lecture Series: The Barns of Maine - Woodlawn

Mon., Sept. 9: 6 pm

Join author, and self-described "Barnologist," Don Perkins, as he discusses the 3 types of traditional wooden barms, where they're found and what drove their design. He will offer and sign copies of his book, The Barns of Maine.

Space is limited and RSVP is required.

19 Black House Dr.

FREE
FMI + Register: Website

Cannabis Informational Workshop- The City of Ellsworth

Multiple sessions starting Thurs., Sept. 12: 5:30 pm

Join the City for a series of workshops designed to provide information and foster discussions about recreational adult-use cannabis. These sessions held by City Staff are open to our community.

September 12 – Land Use, Zoning, and Code Enforcement
September 17 – Election Process and Ballot Information
October 10 – Extra Listening Session

For more information or questions about the workshops, please contact the City Planner’s office at (207) 669-6615 or email mwilliams@ellsworthmaine.gov.

City Council Chambers
1 City Hall Plaza

FREE
FMI: Website

Act Three Fill the Grand - Loaves & Fishes

Fri., Sept. 13: 10 am-6 pm

Help Loaves & Fishes fill every seat in the historic Grand theater with bags of food and funds to support their mission: ending food insecurity in Hancock County

Nonperishable food and financial donations can be dropped off at The Grand during the event. Sponsor a bag for $25, which will fill one seat in the theater, or donate online at loavesandfishesellsworth.org/donate at anytime (including the day of the event). Watch as the seats fill up and also support the theater by purchasing concession food and beverages.

Loaves & Fishes hopes the event will raise $10,000.

165 Main St.

FMI: Website

In the Mouth of Madness: 30th Anniversary Screening
- The Emporium Spooky Goods and More

Sat., Sept. 14: 7-9 pm

The Emporium Spooky Goods and More LLC, and The Grand are teaming up to get everyone ready for the Halloween season by bringing a classic horror movie back to the big screen. 30 years ago director John Carpenter's In the Mouth of Madness combined and adapted several H.P. Lovecraft stories into this modern day macabre tale.

165 Main St.

$9 General Admission
FMI: Website

Ellsworth City Council Meeting

Mon., Sept. 16: 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

Maine Climate Council Workshop - Ellsworth Public Library

Wed., Sept. 18: 6 pm

Ellsworth was picked as one of six locations for the Maine Climate Council's (MCC's) Statewide Public Meeting Series this September. Through this workshop, the MCC aims to gather important feedback from Ellsworth area residents about what is important to you and your community, as the State takes action to update the Maine Climate Action Plan later this year.

20 State St.

FREE
FMI + Register: Website

Midday Concert @ 1 - Ellsworth Community Music Institute

Fri., Sept. 20: 1 pm

Ellsworth Community Music Institute (ECMI) offers its next Midday Concert @ 1:00 on September 20th with Brass Roots Trio (Trumpet, French Horn, and Piano).

Moore Community Center Theater
125 State St.

FREE
FMI: Website

Live Music: On the Rocks - Fogtown

Fri., Sept. 27: 6 pm

On the Rocks is a Bar Harbor-based trio with Allie Currie on vocals, Nick Roberts on keys, and Mike Hamele on drums. Listen to them deliver a mix of classic rock, country, and pop covers, along with a few originals.

25 Pine St.

FMI: Website

Community News

September is Library Card Sign-up Month

This September, your Ellsworth Public Library card saves you cash!

This month, keep your library card handy when you visit downtown Ellsworth! It's Library Card Sign-Up Month, and Ellsworth Public Library is partnering with over 12 local businesses. Show your EPL card at any of the participating businesses to receive a special discount or free item! Visit their website or Facebook page for a list of all partnering businesses.

City Election Nomination Papers Available

Looking to get involved & make a difference?

Nomination papers for the November 5, 2024 Municipal Election are available at the Ellsworth City Clerk’s Office, in City Hall for the following positions: