*NOTE: Some of you may not be seeing the entire newsletter. If you scroll down to the very bottom and see a message that reads "view entire message", click it and you will be able to view all the fun things happening in our area!
Visit our website| www.bucksportbaychamber.com
In This Issue
Chamber Hours
We will now be closed Monday and Tuesday and open Wednesday-Friday 9am to 3pm until May. 

Information Center is open 24/7.
Bucksport United Methodist Church
Church services
The Franklin Street United Methodist and East Bucksport United Methodist Churches have combined to form Bucksport United Methodist Church. 
The  Sunday service is at  10 am at 71 Franklin Street in the fellowship hall. (Wednesday evening service is there also, at  6:30p.m.)
Any questions or concern, feel free to contact the church office at 469-3622. Office hours are  Tuesday and Thursdays from  9:00-2:00p.m.
Winter break
Playing at the Alamo Theatre...
The Eagle Huntress


Fri 20 Jan, 6:00 pm
Fri 20 Jan, 8:00 pm
Sat 21 Jan, 6:00 pm
Sat 21 Jan, 8:00 pm
Sun 22 Jan, 2:00 pm
Sun 22 Jan, 6:00 pm
Story Time
joy_of_learning.jpg
The Buck Memorial Library  on Main Street in Bucksport  offers a free story time each 
Wednesday from 10:30AM to 11AM.

Children of all ages are welcome.

offers a  monthly s tory hour o n the first  Saturday of each month  through February  in 
Mary's Room, the library's 
colorful children's room.

2/4
10:00 - 11:00 am

Children of all ages are welcome!  The library is an all-volunteer  library located on Main Street  in Stockton Springs.  Everyone is welcome.  Light refreshments will be served.  207-567-4147
Free Small Business Advising for Bucksport Bay Area
Thinking about starting a business? Or do you already own one? There's a helpful (free!) small business resource for the Bucksport Bay area ready to help you with everything from starting, to maintaining and growing your business. The business advising is confidential, offered at no charge and provided by the Maine Small Business Development Centers. Space for the consultations is graciously provided by Bangor Savings Bank.
2/3, 3/17, 4/7, 5/5, 6/2, 7/7
Bangor Savings Bank
89 Main Street
Bucksport
By appointment only
Please contact Betty Egner at 207.664.2990
Yoga with Naomi
BEGINNER-FRIENDLY
Healing Hatha Yoga

Tuesdays 4-5pm
Beth Wright Cancer Resource Center, Ellsworth FREE

Wednesdays
3:30-4:30pm
Bucksport Regional Health Center ($12)

Thursdays 1-2pm
Beth Wright Cancer Resource Center Ellsworth FREE

Discounts for first- responders
All classes FREE to Beth Wright Center clients

All classes are for adults and teens. Anyone under 18 must have a signed waiver from their parent or guardian. Children under 13 are only permitted by special permission from the instructor. Mats and props are provided and no yoga experience is necessary. 

Questions? Contact Naomi Graychase (Yoga with Naomi) 207.370.9589

More details online
Like us on Facebook
LEGO group 
Free LEGO Club at the Stockton Springs Community library

The Stockton Springs Community Library (SSCL) is proud to offer free LEGO programs on the 3rd Thursday of every month from 4:00 - 5:00 PM through April 20th 2017.

Focus age group is 4 through 10 years old, however children of all ages are welcome to participate in the LEGO Fun! No registration is necessary.

The purpose is to become a creative, engaged, lifelong learner while having fun. The library provides the LEGO bricks and participants provide their imagination and creativity! LEGO creations will be displayed in the library until the following month's LEGO Club.

February 16, 2017

March 16, 2017

April 20, 2017

No registration necessary! SSCL is located at 6 Station Street in Stockton Springs. For more information call 
567-4147.
Meatless Mondays
Cooking Class
"Cooking for Meatless Mondays and Beyond" will show you how to prepare vegetarian meals using different techniques and equipment. Four sessions, Mondays in March. $40. Offered through the RSU25 Adult Education program. More details online here.
Quick Links













Smart Datamap Services Newsletter










Jan 20, 2017
Extra, extra!
Read all about it

In this week's newsletter, we share details about the monthly LEGO group for kids, a February vacation day camp, Frost Fest, and other things of interest to kids and their caregivers.

We also bring you news of a special event at BRHC to promote women's heart health, a suicide intervention training, and free tax resources. 

Below, you'll also find news of a price change at the Alamo Theatre (as well as what's playing this weekend!), how to nominate a Teacher of the Year, and news about our upcoming Visitor's Guide.

Read on to learn about free workshops, how EPA funds will help the Bucksport region, and how to learn to cook meat-free meals--plus a whole lot more!
2017 VISITOR'S GUIDE 
Increase visibility for your business! 
Production has started with the 2017 edition of our Visitor's Guide. Advertising opportunities begin now and include some new choices and same affordable rates! 

Do you have a question about advertising in the 2017 Guide? Contact  Wendi at RFB Advertising or the  Bucksport Bay Area Chamber of Commerce207.469.6818
Frost Fest, February 18th
Winter fun
 
Frost Fest is an annual winter celebration held in Bucksport over February school vacation. Activities this year will be on Saturday, February 18, 2017. An old fashioned ice-skating party at the ice-skating rink will kick it off at 11am. Other activities include a snow sculpture competition already sponsored by Seaboard Federal Credit Union and miniature golf in a course made of SNOW!

By sponsoring this event you can help us:

Provide a healthy, invigorating cold weather experience in our community.
Demonstrate that our multi-faceted communities are active destinations for those looking for exciting and diverse activities during the winter months.
Help raise funds and awareness for the local Chamber of Commerce, Our Community PTO, and the Recreation Department.

We invite you to contribute anywhere from $50 to $500. All sponsors get recognition at the event, on the website, Facebook and in the e-newsletter. $500 dollars gets you the exclusive hold on any particular event during Frost Fest, e.g. "Snow Sculpture Competition Brought to you by Seaboard Federal Credit Union."

For more information please call the Bucksport Bay Area Chamber of Commerce at 207.469.6818 or email office@bucksportbaychamber.com
Please send your checks to: BBACC, P.O. Box 1676, Bucksport, ME 04416
Bucksport Bay Festival, July 21st - July 23rd
It's a big year!

The Bucksport Bay Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce this year's Bucksport Bay Festival dates! Friday, July 21, Saturday, July 22, and Sunday, July 23, 2017. 

This year the Town of Bucksport is celebrating their 225th year, the Buck Memorial Library's 130th, and the Bay Festival's 20th. With a multitude of Bucksport milestones to commemorate, the plan is to throw one big party to celebrate them all! The organizers of the Bay Festival are making this year's festival a true community effort with many additional activities on the schedule for the weekend.

We are actively seeking many volunteers and sponsors for all the different event planning committees. Parade, Entertainment, 5K Fun Run, Kid's Center, Bass tournament-etc. all have needs to fill. Local businesses, civic groups, and organizations are particularly encouraged to get involved in festival planning. If you are interested in learning more about how you can get involved please contact the Bucksport Bay Area Chamber of Commerce and let us know your level of commitment.

We invite you to #thinksummer and join us for #bayfest2017! For more information please contact the Bucksport Bay Area Chamber of Commerce at 207.469.6818. www.bucksportbayfestival.com
Funds to Assist Bucksport Region
EPA Awards Eastern Maine Development Corporation Funds

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has selected 19 communities for approximately $3.8 million in funding to assist with planning for cleanup and reuse of Brownfield sites as part of the Brownfields Area-Wide Planning (AWP) program. Each recipient will receive up to $200,000 to engage their community and conduct planning activities for brownfield site reuse.  
 
Eastern Maine Development Corporation (EMDC) has been selected as one of only two in New England to receive this award.
 
EMDC will work with the community and other stakeholders to develop an area-wide plan and implementation strategy for the former Verso Paper Mill project area. The 117-acre area, located on the Penobscot River, abuts the Town of Bucksport's residential and commercial center. The paper mill closed in 2014 and is currently vacant, and the project area also contains vacant buildings that once housed a tannery and a steel mill. The area-wide grant will be used to supplement ongoing planning efforts in the project area. It will include a market study that will analyze the local and regional market for the former mill space; analyze the mix of downtown and regional trade areas; evaluate opportunities; develop a strategy for retention, expansion, and recruitment; identify existing infrastructure in the mill complex; and create a green infrastructure plan that will consider developing the riverfront area and connecting it to downtown.
 
The project is expected to build on and advance sustainable and equitable development opportunities that will greatly benefit the community, including increasing affordable transportation options, promoting equitable and affordable housing, enhancing economic competitiveness, and supporting the sustainable use of existing infrastructure.
 
Key partners who will work with the Eastern Maine Development Corporation on this project include the Bucksport Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, Bucksport NEXT, Main Street Bucksport, Bucksport Heart and Soul, Hancock County Planning Commission.
Wear Red
BRHC
Come celebrate the American Heart Association's National Wear Red Day on Friday, February 3rd from  5 - 7 pm  in the BRHC Education Room! 

Get yourself a relaxing massage and a rejuvenating makeover, learn to Zumba and practice yoga, understand your heart health status, and leave with a goodie bag complete with a coupon for BOGO appetizers at Verona Wine and Design tapas bar!  Make sure to wear red (feel free to get all glammed up!) so you can register for the raffle!
New prices at the Alamo Theatre
New Ticket Prices effective February 1, 2017
General Admission $8
Students/Seniors $7
Members $5

"The Alamo was in the black in 2016, but only by a razor-thin margin. Our costs continue to go up and to provide the uncompromising service we think is essential, this price increase, our first in five years,  is a necessity."
-David Weiss, Co-Founder
Special Reading
kids_reading_book.jpg
"Ivy Lost & Found" by September Sparrow

The Stockton Springs Community Library (SSCL) will celebrate national "Take Your Child to the Library Day" with a special reading of "Ivy Lost & Found" by September Sparrow, of Verona Island, on Saturday, February 4th starting at  noon  with a pizza party.

The 6th annual "Take Your Child to the Library Day" will be celebrated in libraries throughout the U.S. and Canada. Children always receive a warm welcome at SSCL. The children's room is named "Mary's Room" after the late Mary Staples, one of the founders of the library. Children and parents will discover together the books and movies available to borrow. The library also offers many wonderful children's programs on a regular basis: story hours, Lego Club, movie nights, author visits, and much more.

"Ivy Lost & Found" is based on the true story of Ivy, a tiny West Highland white terrier who was found lost in the woods. Ivy had been living in the woods for several months and no one knows how she got there or where she came from. Ivy found her forever home and Ivy Stories are tales of her adventures.

Sparrow will also bring coloring pages from the book for the children to color.

"Ivy Lost & Found" is the first book in the Ivy Stories Series. The book sparks the imagination with funny and diverse characters that let children see, by being true to themselves, they can be anyone they set their mind to.

Hardcover and paperback versions of "Ivy Lost & Found" will be available for purchase.

The event is free and all are welcome.

For more information call 567-4147 or visit  www.stocktonspringslibrary.org
Maine Teacher of the Year 
Nominate a teacher
As a supporter of the Maine Teacher of the Year program through our partnership with Educate Maine, Bangor Savings Bank is pleased to announce that nominations are now being accepted for the 2017 County Teachers of the Year, one of whom will be selected as the 2018 Maine Teacher of the Year.

Do you know a great teacher? Someone who inspires students? A teacher who is a leader in the profession and deserves recognition for their great work with students? Here is your chance to nominate him/her for County Teacher of the Year!

Nominate a Teacher!

Teachers may be nominated by students, parents, teaching colleagues, principals, superintendents or anyone from the community who has an interest in honoring an outstanding educator. 

To recognize a teacher's role in engaging his/her students positively to improve student achievement click here to nominate a teacher.  
 
Deadline for nominations is 5:00 p.m. on February 6, 2017.

About the Teacher of the Year Program:
The Maine Teacher of the Year program starts with your nomination! 
To be considered, the teacher must: 
  • Hold the appropriate professional certification for their teaching position;
  • Be employed by a Maine public school, including a Career and Technical Education center, public charter school; or be employed by a publicly supported secondary school (a private school that enrolls 60 percent or more publicly funded students, sometimes referred to as "town academies" and
  • Have been teaching for a minimum of 5 years; 
  • Be actively teaching students at least fifty percent of full-time employment at the time of nomination and during the year of recognition.
From those nominees, one exemplary teacher from each of the 16 Maine counties will be selected as a 2017 Maine County Teacher of the Year. From the 16 County Teachers of the Year, 8 semi-finalists are selected. The field is narrowed to 3 state finalists, one of whom will be announced as the2018 Maine State Teacher of the Year at a surprise school assembly in the fall of 2017. The Maine State Teacher of the Year represents Maine at the national level and becomes eligible for the National Teacher of the Year award.

The Maine Teacher of the Year program is administered by Educate Maine in partnership with the Maine Department of Education.  Please contact Educate Maine if you have questions or want more information on the process.  
Please don't miss this opportunity to honor and recognize a great Maine Teacher!
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training 
(ASIST) coming to Ellsworth

Healthy Acadia, in partnership with Access Health, will host an Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) on February 9th and 10th from  8 am to 4 pm  at 130 Beechland Road in Ellsworth (the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Community Room). The two-day training uses an evidence-based curriculum from Living Works Education, which focuses on how to help people who are having suicidal thoughts to find safety so that they can access community-based resources and supports. Participants will also learn how to use language that does not perpetuate stigma associated with feeling suicidal, understand the prevalence of suicidal thoughts and actions in our community, and connect with community resources. Participants will learn to identify the warning signs of suicide and employ communication methods to help those at risk feel less overwhelmed, less depressed, and more hopeful.

"To date, over a million people have been trained in ASIST," said Tara Young, Community Health Program Coordinator with Healthy Acadia, and certified ASIST trainer. "Many more are needed to help ensure our communities are doing everything we can to intervene and provide help for people who are having thoughts of suicide.

"The training takes away the taboo, so that participants are able to have discussions about suicide and learn intervention techniques that research has shown to be effective. Over the two days of the course, we talk about how to provide information to promote life. This is what we really want to focus on. When nobody knows how to help someone with suicidal thoughts, those thoughts can turn into suicidal behaviors."

The ASIST training treats suicide as the public health issue that it is. ASIST training is comparable to CPR training - anyone in the community may be in a position to provide CPR, and may have no other medical training, or they may be a doctor or a nurse. ASIST is similarly versatile. People 16 years of age and older, teachers, doctors, mental health counselors, parents, or anyone interested in helping others can become ASIST-trained.

"I've presented this training for over 6 years." Tara concluded. "Every time I hold a training, I have someone come back to me within a month and say that they engaged in the ASIST process with a friend, coworker, client or loved one, and that person told them that the intervention saved their life."   Tuition fee is $50 per participant, which includes books, CEUs, lunch and snacks. Full and partial scholarships are available. Pre-registration is required. For more information, or to register, please contact Tara Young at 667-7171 or email tara@healthyacadia.org.
FREE workshops 
Taking Action For Health

Healthy Acadia, in partnership with MDI Hospital, will offer a free, six-week "Taking Action for Health" workshop series at the Community Health Center in the Straus Center, 16 Community Lane, Southwest Harbor.  Classes will meet weekly on Wednesdays from  2:00pm to 4:30pm  beginning  February 15 and continuing through March 22, 2017 . "Taking Action for Health" is Healthy Acadia's Stanford Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, an evidence-based program to help those living with a chronic disease discover new tools for managing their chronic condition and maintain an active and fulfilling life.

"Taking Action for Health" is a free, interactive series that is open to anyone living with a chronic health condition, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, obesity, arthritis, migraines, asthma, eating disorders, depression and more. Caregivers are also welcome.  Participants will learn appropriate use of medications; how to evaluate new treatment options; appropriate exercise for maintaining/improving strength, flexibility and endurance; nutrition information; how to communicate effectively with family, friends and health professionals; techniques to manage frustration, pain, fatigue and isolation; and decision making processes. Visit  http://patienteducation.stanford.edu/programs/cdsmp.html  to learn more about "Taking Action for Health." 

The process in which "Taking Action for Health" is facilitated makes it effective, even for those living with multiple chronic conditions. Classes are highly interactive -   participants share their progress and successes and provide mutual support and encouragement. This helps increase participants' self-assurance in their ability to manage their health and maintain active, fulfilling lives. Workshop participants will each receive a copy of the companion book, Living a Healthy Life With Chronic Conditions, and an audio relaxation CD, "Relaxation for Mind and Body."

"Taking Action for Health" will be facilitated by Laura Clapp and Ben Billings, Health Coaches with MDI Hospital's Integrated Care Team. Pre-registration is required. Contact Kathy Mulligan at 207-801-5034 or  Kathy.Mulligan@mdihospital.org  to register or for more information about "Taking Action for Health."

"Taking Action for Health" is supported by Grant Number   D04RH28404 from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an operating division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Free IRS Resources
business_owner_open_2.jpg
Publication 583, Starting a Business and Keeping Records

This publication provides basic federal tax information for people who are starting a business. It also provides information on keeping records and illustrates a record-keeping system. Find it online here.

Understanding Employment Taxes
Employers must   deposit and report employment taxes . See the  Employment Tax Due Dates  page for specific forms and due dates.  At the end of the year, you must prepare and file  Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement  to report wages, tips and other compensation paid to an employee. Use  Form W-3, Transmittal of Wage and Tax Statements  to transmit Forms W-2 to the Social Security Administration. Learn more here.

Sharing Economy Tax Center
If you use one of the many online platforms available to rent a spare bedroom, provide car rides, or to connect and provide a number of other goods or services, you're involved in what is sometimes called the sharing economy.

The IRS encourages taxpayers working in these areas to understand the potential tax issues affecting them. The IRS is providing additional information to help people, and  many tax professionals  with tax issues and questions related to this emerging area. The tax software industry is also looking at this area, and many software programs can assist when you do your taxes in 2016. Learn more here.

Independent Contractor (Self-Employed) or Employee?
It is critical that business owners correctly determine whether the individuals providing services are employees or independent contractors.

Generally, you must withhold income taxes, withhold and pay Social Security and Medicare taxes, and pay unemployment tax on wages paid to an employee. You do not generally have to withhold or pay any taxes on payments to independent contractors.


Estimated Taxes

Taxes must be paid as you earn or receive income during the year, either through withholding or estimated tax payments. If the amount of income tax withheld from your salary or pension is not enough, or if you receive income such as interest, dividends, alimony, self-employment income, capital gains, prizes and awards, you may have to make estimated tax payments. If you are in business for yourself, you generally need to make estimated tax payments. Estimated tax is used to pay not only income tax, but other taxes such as self-employment tax and alternative minimum tax.

If you don't pay enough tax through withholding and estimated tax payments, you may be charged a penalty. You also may be charged a penalty if your estimated tax payments are late, even if you are due a refund when you file your tax return.

Estimated tax requirements are different for farmers and fishermen.  Publication 505, Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax, provides more information about these special estimated tax rules.

The Incredible Years: Free parenting workshop
Promote your business
Wrestling Championships
Bucksport High School is proud to announce they have been selected to host the Class B State Wrestling Championships!!  Saturday, February 18

Providing your business information to the 112 wrestlers and their families benefits everyone! 

A Message to YOU from Ed Hatch, Athletic Director at BHS:

Bucksport High school is proud to announce we have been selected to host the Class B State Wrestling Championships which will take place Saturday, February 18, 2017. This means there will be at least 112 wrestlers and their families coming to town to participate in the tournament, and I am in hopes this tournament will create an opportunity for our local business community. Families will be looking for lodging, places to eat, and local shopping experiences.

As the host site, I am planning on sending out an informational flyer, February 4th, to each of the qualifying schools and I would like to share your business information. If you would like to be included please send me:

1.   Your business name
2.   Hours of operation during that weekend
3.   Contact information
4.   Any discounts you may be willing to offer 

You may send me this to me via email: ed.hatch@rsu25.org or you may call me at Bucksport High School 469-6650.  

Please have this information to me no later than January 31, 2017.


Cordially,

Ed Hatch
Athletic Administrator
February School Vacation Day Camp
The Amazing Doctor Wilson
The Wilson Museum is excited to offer The Amazing Doctor Wilson, a children's camp recommended for grades 1 - 8, during the February school break. Camp will begin on Tuesday, February 21 and end on Friday, February 24, starting each day at 8:30 a.m. and concluding at 12 p.m. All participants should bring a lunch and all-weather clothing for outside. The camp will explore the travel and adventure of Museum founder Dr. John Howard Wilson, as he discovered treasures that would establish the beginnings of his collection at the Wilson Museum.

Day 1 starts with exploring Dr. Wilson's life. Groups will construct a timeline of his life and deduce what it was like for him traveling abroad. Participants will make a pith helmet similar to the hat Dr. Wilson used while traveling. Everyone will learn how to use a compass. Day 2 will focus on outdoor shelter building. While traveling abroad, Dr. Wilson often explored far away from cities and relied on building basic structures for shelter. On Day 3, students will explore one of Dr. Wilson's destinations - the American Southwest. Native American sand art and leatherworking will be the highlights of the day.Students will use the compass skills from Day 1 to complete an orienteering activity. Day 4 will focus on documenting artifacts to be added to a Museum collection. There will also be another orienteering activity. The conclusion of camp will be celebrated with a party. Every camp day will include games, focusing on collaboration, problem solving, hand-eye coordination, and strength - all qualities Dr. Wilson needed as a successful traveler.

It is not necessary to attend every day and parents are welcome to stay and participate. Pre-registration is required. The deadline for registration is Tuesday, February 14. The cost of the camp for one child is $5.00 per day, or $15.00 for the entire week. Contact the Museum at (207) 326-9247 or info@wilsonmuseum.org.
Bucksport Bay Area Chamber of Commerce | office@bucksportbaychamber.com | www.bucksportbaychamber.com
207.469.6818
52 Main Street | Bucksport, ME 04416