Heart of Ellsworth is excited to announce a multi-day Holiday Marketplace at our new makerspace in downtown Ellsworth, sponsored by First National Bank. Shop local and support talented artisans and small businesses in our community! This cozy market is the perfect spot to find unique handmade gifts and connect with local makers. Perfect if you need that last minute, thoughtful gift.
Join Heart of Ellsworth and Serendib for “Gathering of Gratitude: a winter dinner celebrating community in Downtown Ellsworth.” Support the 2024 Main St. America accreditation and the work Heart of Ellsworth does to foster a vibrant community.
There are two seating options — 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm. Tickets are $150 and will include a five-course meal, drinks, and opportunities to hear from Heart of Ellsworth’s board, executive director, and more.
This special fundraising dinner marks the first time Heart of Ellsworth has hosted an event like this, with all proceeds supporting our mission to build a vibrant, thriving community.
Heart of Ellsworth is thrilled to announce the appointment of four new board members in 2024: Colleen Ross, Hailee Carter, Mike Sealander, and Noah DiDonato.
Colleen Ross (top L) moved with her family to Ellsworth in 2022 from New York after years of amazing vacations spent in the area. As a remote employee feeling adrift in her new hometown, Colleen was looking for a way to build community and connection when she began volunteering with Heart of Ellsworth. To read her full bio, click here.
Hailee Carter (top R) female veteran and owner of On the Horizon Bakery, grew up in Otis and attended EHS prior to obtaining her degree in business. Beginning in 2018, Hailee became a property and business owner in Ellsworth. As an entrepreneur, Hailee also holds numerous community positions, volunteering with the goal of creating a cohesive and helpful environment for all small business owners from Ellsworth and the surrounding towns. To read her full bio, click here.
Mike Sealander (bottom L) joined the board at Heart of Ellsworth in November 2024. In his career, Mike has successfully bridged the design and construction fields through a number of diverse job roles. He has a Master of Architecture degree from Columbia University, over ten years experience as a carpenter, and managed education and science projects at MBT Architecture in San Francisco. To read his full bio, click here.
And last but not least, Noah DiDonato (bottom R) is our student representative on the Board of Directors. He is a senior at Ellsworth High School, deeply involved in both academics and extracurricular activities. As a dedicated athlete, he has been a member of the cross-country and swim teams for all four years of high school, building on a decade of participation in the YMCA swim program. Noah also showcases his musical talents as an alto saxophonist in the school’s symphonic and jazz bands. To read his full bio, click here.
This beautiful installation was truly a labor of love, powered by the vision of Ellsworth resident Amy Reismanand many community members who came out to make the giant spheres that now adorn our beloved Merrill Park!
Three years ago, Heart of Ellsworth applied for a grant through Build Maine to bring electricity to Merrill Park. Two years ago, we held our very first workshop, where three participants built the first batch of dazzling light spheres.
Fast forward to 2024: our second workshop brought together 14 enthusiastic community members (thank you to all workshop participants!!), who crafted new spheres using chicken wire and LED holiday lights. 🎄 Over the weekend, three dedicated volunteers spent a combined 16 hours installing this festive display, spreading holiday cheer in our beloved Franklin Street permanent park, Merrill Park.
Come and see this glowing example of community spirit!
Bangor Federal Holds Food Drive for Loaves & Fishes Pantry
All through the month of October, the members and staff of Bangor Federal Credit Union held a food drive to benefit Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry in Ellsworth as a part of their yearly Ending Hunger initiative.
Every year, Bangor Federal raises money to combat food insecurity as a part of the Maine Credit Union League’s Campaign for Ending Hunger, a charity that raised over $1.2 Million last year - of which the generous employees and staff of Bangor Federal were responsible for over $33,000 in contributions.
For this food drive, Bangor Federal employees presented Loaves and Fishes volunteers with 662 pounds of food and a check for almost $400 – funds and food all raised in the lobbies of their locations in Bangor, Brewer, and Ellsworth.
Bangor Federal Credit Union wants to thank everyone who helped make this event a success, and looks to build on these totals for a bigger, better 2025!
Harborside Trio Holiday Community Concert - Ellsworth Community Music Institute & Friends In Action
Thurs., Dec. 5: 12-1 pm
Ellsworth Community Music Institute (ECMI) and Friends in Action (FIA) will co-host a festive holiday concert during the FIA lunch hour at the Moore Community Center. The Harborside Trio: Cherie Magnello, Soprano, Carl Wrubel, Baritone, and William Merrill, Piano will play in the atrium from 12:00 to 1:00 PM and the public is welcome.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a bag lunch or sign up for lunch ($5) through Friends in Action. Lunch orders must be pre-registered by calling 207-664-6016 before noon on Tuesday, 12/3/24.
3 Body Qigong for Health & Healing- Healthy Acadia
Thurs., Dec. 5th: 5-6 pm
Community members to join a Healthy Acadia via zoom for “3 Body Qigong for Health and Healing,” with special guest David Sholemson. This free online event is the latest installment in Healthy Acadia’s Monthly Mindfulness series.
As the seasons transition from fall to winter, both our bodies and minds experience similar shifts. This workshop will teach techniques to move energy through the body, aimed at strengthening the immune system and vital organs.
Participants will engage in body tapping, movement exercises, meridian stretching, and sound meditation to enhance energy flow and promote mental calmness. A mat is recommended for the exercises, though chair modifications will be available.
2035 Comprehensive Plan Workshop - City of Ellsworth
Thurs., Dec. 5: 6 PM
This City of Ellsworth is thrilled to share the Ellsworth 2035 Comprehensive Plan! For the first time in 20 years, Ellsworth has a new vision for the future—a roadmap designed to tackle our most pressing challenges while celebrating and preserving what makes our community unique.
This plan is the result of a collaborative effort by the City's dedicated Steering Committee, City Staff, City Councilors, and consultants from BerryDunn and Woodard & Curran.
In December, the City Council will review and consider adopting the plan. Before that, they invite the community to a workshop to explore the plan in further detail. The workshop will cover State compliance and discuss ways to engage a wide range of community members. 1 City Hall Plaza
A Christmas Craft Fair will be held at the First Congregational Church of Ellsworth, located at 2 Church St. It will be Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 8:30AM to 1:00pm. There will be crafts, books, puzzles, jewelry, attic treasures, and baked goods.
A Rainbow Christmas: Pride in the Parade! - Ellsworth Pride
Saturday, Dec. 7th: 2:00 pm to get ready, 3:00 pm line up
Calling all supporters of Ellsworth Pride! Ellsworth Pride is excited to invite YOU to walk with them in the City's Of Ellsworth's 44th Annual Christmas in Toyland Downtown Ellsworth Light Parade on December 7th! Whether you’ve been involved with Pride before or just want to learn more, this is a fantastic opportunity to connect with the group and show your support.
When & Where: Meet early at 2 PM at 16 State Street to prep, mingle, and get parade-ready! Line up is at 3:00 PM at the Ellsworth Elementary School, and the parade starts at 4 pm.
Light up Downtown Ellsworth together! Bring your friends, your festive spirit, and your fabulous self.
44th Annual Downtown Ellsworth Christmas Parade of Lights - City of Ellsworth
Saturday, Dec. 7: 4 pm
The City of Ellsworth Recreation Commission has announced the 44th Annual Downtown Ellsworth Christmas Parade of Lights is scheduled for Saturday, December 7th and will kick-off at 4:00pm. (Sunday, December 8th is the inclement weather date, if needed). This year's theme is Christmas In Toyland!
Line-up for the parade will begin at 3pm at Ellsworth Elementary Middle School and in the parking lot behind the Mill Mall off from State Street. The parade will travel down State Street to School Street, across School Street, turning onto Main Street, traveling to the lower light and then back up State Street to the Middle School/Mill Mall area.
Dec. 14th; Wreath Making Workshop;
Dec. 21st: 15th Annual Firegathering
Holiday Excitement Abounds at Artsworth! Join Artsworth for glass ornament making workshops, wreath-making on 12/14, and the 15th Annual Firegathering on the Winter Solstice, 12/21.
Downtown Ellsworth is coming alive this holiday season and Artsworth would love if you would join them for creativity and community.
Downtown Ellsworth businesses will be open extended hours on Thursday, Dec. 19th to help with any last minute gifting needs!
Many businesses will have extended hours to 8 pm.
Ellsworth Winter Solstice Weekend Events - Artsworth, Woodlawn, and Heart of Ellsworth
Thurs., Dec. 19th -
Sat., Dec. 21st
Downtown Ellsworth hosts a festive weekend December 19–21!
Visit Heart of Ellsworth’s Holiday Marketplace at 16 State Street, featuring local artisans (Thurs/Fri 3–7 PM, Sat 10 AM–3 PM).
Woodlawn offers a Craft & Farmers’ Market in the Barn (Sat 10 AM–1 PM). After dark, experience the Holiday Light Trail Loop (Thurs - Sat 5–7 PM, $10/family suggested). There will be a special appearance by Santa (Sat. 5-7 PM). Celebrate the season with local creativity!
On Dec. 21, enjoy Artsworth’s Firegathering Celebration (10 AM–3 PM) and solstice party (5 PM).
Stay Up to Date on the
Ellsworth Public Library Remodel
Earlier this year, the Ellsworth Public Library began a remodeling project to address various structural issues. The library is documenting its progress on its website, where the finalized Building Assessment Report was recently published. EPL has been inviting the community to join the effort from the beginning through a public survey and committees. This year's Annual Appeal is dedicated to fostering support for this vital remodel. Your Gift Today Builds Tomorrow's Library!
Click here to read about the latest renovation updates.
Thank you for supporting Heart of Ellsworth!
Heart of Ellsworth is a 501c3 nonprofit organization.
Your gift is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
