*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!
BBACC Connects
February 8, 2018
Last Week's poll results: You said, yes you have been to Frost Fest and it's a lot of fun. -- Thank you, we hope to see you there in 9 days!

If you are a Chamber member, which membership benefits do you appreciate the most?
Take the poll at the bottom of the newsletter.

Please remember to always share your news with us by emailing  office@bucksportbaychamber.com .
Frost Fest is an annual winter celebration held in Bucksport during February school vacation. Activities this year will be on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at the ice skating rink on Miles Lane in Bucksport.

An old fashioned ice skating party will have music, skating & dancing and will kick it off at 11am. Other activities include a snow sculpture competition brought to us by Seaboard Federal Credit Union and miniature golf in a course made of SNOW! To rent a putter and a ball is $5, under 5 years old FREE. 

Phil Smith, master magician, entertains children, and adults. He entertains at homes, schools, and many other settings from Maine to Boston and beyond. Smith is a ‘kid at heart,’ which makes his magic dazzle everyone. Phil Smith of Abracadabra Productions will be at Frost Fest from 12 AM to 2 PM for Strolling interactive magical experiences. 

Funds raised support the Bucksport YMCA and the Bucksport Bay Area Chamber of Commerce. All the fun will wrap up at 3pm when the snow sculptures will be judged and the winner awarded their prize!

Our Community PTO will be joining us this year and will be selling warm food and drinks. All proceeds of food and drink sales benefit the PTO who assist with the needs and wants of the students and staff throughout the school year.

We hope to provide a fun, healthy, invigorating cold weather experience for children and their families in our local communities. This event helps us demonstrate that our multi-faceted communities are active destinations for those looking for exciting and diverse activities during the winter months.

Thank you to our 2018 sponsors, Seaboard Federal Credit Union, Penobscot Home Performance, Woodbury Law, LLC, and D G Arts. To become a Frost Fest partner please contact the Bucksport Bay Area Chamber of Commerce at 207.469.6818 or email office@bucksportbaychamber.com.

Visit our website or Facebook page for more information
Senior Meals Calendar & Center Activities
Mondays:
Aerobics 8-9am 
Knitting and Crocheting 9:30-11am
Skip-Bo Cards 9:30-11am 
"3-13" Cards 12:30-2pm
Poker & Hand and Foot Cards 5:30-9pm
Bridge Games - 6:30pm (not during the summer months)

Tuesdays:
Evening Bingo 5:45-8pm
Day Quilters - 1st Tuesday 9am to 3pm

Wednesdays:
Aerobics 8-9am 
Skip-Bo Cards 9:30-11am
Scrabble 12:15-2pm

Thursdays:
Bridge 12:30-4pm
Poker & Scat/31 Cards 5:30-9pm

Fridays:
Aerobics 8-9am 
Skip-Bo Cards 10-11am
Playing at the Alamo Theatre...
The Post
Sponsored by The Ellsworth American
February 9-11, 2018  
biography/drama/history
116 minutes
PG-13

Steven Spielberg directs Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks in The Post, a thrilling drama about the unlikely partnership between The Washington Post's Katharine Graham (Streep), the first female publisher of a major American newspaper, and editor Ben Bradlee (Hanks), as they race to catch up with The New York Times to expose a massive cover-up of government secrets that spanned three decades and four U.S. Presidents. The two must overcome their differences as they risk their careers - and their very freedom - to help bring long-buried truths to light.

Fri 9 Feb, 6:00pm
Fri 9 Feb, 8:30pm
Sat 10 Feb, 6:00pm
Sat 10 Feb, 8:30pm
Sun 11 Feb, 2:00pm*
Sun 11 Feb, 6:00pm

General Admission $8
Students/Seniors $7
Members $5

*The Sunday matinees will feature OPEN CAPTIONS
Breaking Even Communications can help!
Breaking Even Inc. can help with your Wordpress maintenance...

Wordpress runs 30% of the world's websites - if you were a hacker, what software would you want to break into? :) To keep these sites safe and running well, Breaking Even Inc. will offer weekly backups, weekly software updates, and just another set of eyes on your Wordpress website to notice things (oh hey, your slideshow stopped working). Starting at just $25/month! 

Seriously, it's a bah-gain, especially not having to pay someone $500+ to unhack your website and having your website be down while it is hacked. It's like website insurance really.
Bucksport Regional Health Center February Newsletter
Check out our latest newsletter using the following link: http://www.bucksportrhc.com/newsletter/

You can access previous newsletters from this link as well. This month, we discuss the flu, transportation resources, heart health and more!
 
Also, we are very excited to start a quit tobacco class entitled Call it Quits, beginning February 21. Don’t forget, we start the Matter of Balance class this Friday and still have room for additional class members! I have attached more information. Email or call me if you are interested in either program. You can view our calendar of events and programs by clicking here.
Penobscot Bay Stewards Program Accepting Applications
Applications are currently available for the Penobscot Bay Stewards Program

Belfast Bay Watershed Coalition in partnership with Searsport Shores Oceanfront Camping will offer the Penobscot Bay Stewards Program to area residents. This is a unique opportunity to learn about the Penobscot Bay region and ways to conserve its resources.

The program will run all day on Tuesdays and Thursdays from April 24 through May 24. It will include classroom presentations, short hikes in nature preserves and state parks, and field trips to Rockland, Hurricane Island, Indian Island, Blue Hill / Stonington, Searsport, and the Belfast area. Some days will require early morning departures and boat trips. Participants should be prepared to car pool and bring a bag lunch.

The course is free of charge, and is limited to 20 enthusiastic participants who will participate in the entire program. 
After completing the program, participants commit to volunteering thirty hours with local conservation efforts of their choice.

Applications are now available online:

The application deadline is April 1

If you would like more information, email stewards@belfastbaywatershed.org
or call Edie at 207-338-0048 or Ernie at 207-505-1767
Participate in the BMS Voice 2 Voice Poetry Contest by reading a poem to Students!
In collaboration with Opera House Arts, 5th grade ELA classes at Bucksport Middle School are participating in the Voice 2 Voice poetry declamation contest, which kicked off the morning of 1/19 with a visit by Maine’s Poet Laureate, Stuart Kestenbaum. Mr. Kestenbaum spoke about why he writes poetry, where he finds his inspiration, and how to get on “poetry time.” He also shared some of his poems, including the first poem he wrote many years ago as a 5th grader!

Voice 2 Voice is part of our year-long theme of “Telling Our Stories” and is focused on the speaking and listening standards in the ELA curriculum and providing students an opportunity to learn and practice public speaking skills. The project begins with a 30-day poetry recitation run where students hear one poem read aloud each day from the project’s anthology of 30 poems. After the recitation run, a teaching artist will visit throughout the month of March to help student select, analyze, memorize, and present a poem. Students will connect their voice to the voice of the poet through the poem. Winners from the class round will perform their poems for the school and three winners will travel to the Stonington Opera House to compete against students from other Hancock County schools in April.

Our goal is to invite community members in to read the poems as part of the recitation run so that the students can hear a variety of voices from our community and see that poetry is something that people from all walks of life are interested in. The recitation run stretches from 1/19 to 3/2 and would involve a 5 to 45 minute commitment, depending on how many classes the speaker reads to, so there is a lot of flexibility to work around people's busy schedules. If you are interested please contact Todd West, Principal of the Bucksport Middle School.
Phone: 207-469-6647
IRS News
The Internal Revenue Service and its partners across the country remind taxpayers about the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) on EITC Awareness Day. January 26th marked the 12th year of this awareness campaign to alert millions of low- and moderate-income workers who may be missing out on this significant tax credit.

There are more than 250 total outreach events and activities scheduled to promote EITC Awareness around the country. 

Millions of taxpayers who earned $53,930 or less during 2017 may qualify for EITC for the first time, making awareness critical. Local officials and community organizations nationwide hold events on EITC Awareness Day highlighting this key tax benefit.

Workers, self-employed individuals and farmers who earned $53,930 or less last year could receive larger refunds if they qualify for the EITC. Eligible families with three or more qualifying children could get a maximum credit of up to $6,318. 

For those without a qualifying child, they could get up to $510. Unlike most deductions and credits, the EITC is refundable. This means those eligible may get a refund from the IRS even if they owe no tax. In 2017, almost 27 million taxpayers received over $65 billion in EITC. The average amount of EITC received was $2,445.

The IRS recommends that all workers who earned $54,000 or less learn about EITC eligibility and use the EITC Assistant to find out if they qualify. 

Refunds
By law the IRS cannot issue refunds before mid-February for tax returns that claim the EITC or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC). The IRS must hold the entire refund — even the portion not associated with EITC or ACTC. This change helps ensure taxpayers receive the refund they deserve and gives the agency more time to detect and prevent errors and fraud.
The IRS expects the earliest EITC/ACTC related refunds to be in taxpayer bank accounts or debit cards starting Feb. 27, 2018, if they chose direct deposit and there are no issues with the tax return.

Yoga with Naomi 
Beginner-Friendly Healing Hatha Yoga
Orland: Tuesdays
Gentle, beginner-friendly yoga classes for adults and teens.

Tuesday nights, 6:30-7:30 p.m. 
Orland Community Center, Room 20
$12 to drop in
$50 for 5 classes
Discounts for first-responders
Free to cancer patients, survivors, and their caregivers

Bucksport: Wednesdays
Every Wednesday, our longest-running Yoga with Naomi class meets from 3:30-4:30 p.m. at Bucksport Regional Health Center in Bucksport. Gentle, warm and friendly, this class is a welcoming space for yogis of any ability, age, or body type.

Bucksport Regional Health Center
3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Gentle, healing hatha
Mats and props provided.
Everyone welcome.
$12 to drop in for a single class.
Sign up at the start of a 5-week series and pay $50 for 5 classes.
 
Ellsworth: Tuesdays & Thursdays
These classes are gentle, healing hatha classes; free and open to cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers. Call the Center at 207-664-0339 or email info@bethwrightcancercenter.org. You can find us at 23 Commerce Park in Ellsworth. Drop-in any time.

Tuesdays
4 - 5 p.m.
Gentle, healing hatha
Mats and props provided.
Everyone welcome.
No cost.

Thursdays
1 - 2 p.m.
Gentle, healing hatha
Mats and props provided.
Everyone welcome.
No cost.

David Walker also teaches a Beth Wright-sponsored gentle yoga class for cancer patients and survivors at Blue Hill Yoga on Mondays 3-4 p.m. There is no cost for the class and all are welcome.
Bucksport Regional Health Center Balance Class
Bucksport Regional Health Center 
110 Broadway, Bucksport
1:30-3:30pm 
Fridays
Starting February 9, 2018
This FREE class meets once per week for 8 weeks, February 9th through March 30th

To register or for more information contact Eastern Area Agency on Aging at 941.2865 or 1.800.432.7812
Second Friday Coffee Hour
Join Main Street Bucksport for...
Second Friday Coffee hour!
Friday, February 9 at 8am
The Lighthouse Arts Center

These monthly informal gatherings are organized by Main Street Bucksport. Come to talk shop and get to know your downtown business neighbors.

PS: Kathy is making coffee cake and there will be coffee to wash it down! Both will be good and are on us! 
Wine Tasting at BookStacks
wine_black.jpg
Valentine's Day
Requires Wine.
Saturday, Feb. 10, 
4 to 6 p.m.
BookStacks, Bucksport

There must be a few nice ways to describe winter, but.  I'm not even going to try. It is February, and that means Valentine's Day, Presidents' Day...

Ash Wednesday. So let's just think about Valentine's Day, and a nice bottle of something for your beloved, or even a can or two. What? Canned wine? Yes. I was quite skeptical last year when Easterly Wine introduced me to this terrific pinot noir from Oregon in what looks like a beer can.

I said, "It's going to taste like can." So wrong; it's a really nice pinot noir at a super good price, in a package that you can pack without thinking about broken glass or a corkscrew.  
Our good friend Jack Scully of Easterly will be here to pour the flights and talk about the wines. He's also quite good at answering wine-related questions.  

BookStacks' own Denise #1 will cook up some truly delectable treats to pair with the wines as we make our way down the list. Our tastings are best described as "pinkies down."

AS ALWAYS, IT'S 10% OFF
THE TASTING PRICE
WHEN YOU BUY 12 BOTTLES
(including cans!)

For more information call 469-8992

Time to take Action! with Bucksport Heart & Soul in February
Please join Bucksport Heart & Soul in February for two "Time for Action" workshops, also called “Clicker Events." You will record your vote with a click on your keypad for the feasibility and impact of the citizen-generated ideas. As a community, we will create an Action Plan that sets us up to accomplish our dreams of the best Bucksport. 

Every Click will Count at these events which will use anonymous electronic keypad voting with Immediate results available on each item.

Each workshop will vote on a different list of forty ideas for action.The list of ideas for action will be made available prior to the events. We welcome your attendance at both events.

WHEN: February 10, 2018, 9:30 am-12:30 am and February 28, 5:30 pm-8:30 pm.

WHERE: Both workshops will be held at the Heart & Soul headquarters on Main Street, Bucksport.

WHY: To work with Jane LaFleur, Community Heart & Soul Coach, alongside the citizens and community organizations to identify the interest, benefit, and potential leadership for these many community ideas!

Refreshments and childcare will be provided.
2nd Annual LulaPosh Valentine's Spectacular!
2nd Annual LuLaPosh event.
Right “On Main” at Bookstacks.
February 10th from 12-3pm.
Pre-packaged goodies and bundle deals. Wrapped or Packaged for your Valentine. Shop local, grab a book or Wine while you’re there, to add to your package. Perfect, one stop shopping. 
Bookstacks will also be having a Wine tasting directly after our event at 4pm. So, come on down, shop for your favorite Valentine right on Main Street. #shoplocal #smallbusiness #onestopshop #Bucksport💜
Bucksport United Methodist Church Breakfast Buffet
The Bucksport United Methodist Church, at 71 Franklin Street, Bucksport, will host a Breakfast Buffet on Saturday, February 10th, from 6:30 a.m. until 9:30 a.m.

This All-You-Care-To-Eat meal features many delicious entrees, beverages and homemade baked goods. The cost is $8 for adults, $4 for children, and $25 for a family of four or more. 

For more information, please call the church office at 469-3622, or Ed Petravicz at 469-9979.
Bangor Savings Bank Community Matters More
Community Matters More Logo
The Bangor Savings Bank Foundation is offering a simple way for you to show support for your favorite nonprofits during the month of February; and it only takes a few minutes! We are looking to you, our community, to assist us in distributing more than $100,000 to charitable organizations in Maine and New Hampshire. Last year, we garnered over 70,000 votes from community members who supported nonprofits of all types and sizes by voting in the Bangor Savings Bank Foundation’s Community Matters More grant-making initiative.

A total of 36 grants will be awarded to the organizations listed on the ballot and to the top 9 write-in recipients. The top two organizations in each of the nine regions (including write-ins) that get the most votes will receive $5,000 each. The remaining 27 organizations will each receive $1,000. 
 
Community Matters More voting takes place during the month of February; beginning February 1 and ending February 28. Winners will be announced in April.
It’s easy to vote for your favorite nonprofits by visiting www.bangor.com/cmm  or stopping by any of our 55 locations. 
A complete list of voting guidelines and eligibility requirements for write-in nominations are also available at www.bangor.com/cmm .
 
Help to make the 2018 Community Matters More program a success!
Please cast your votes today!
Social Media Survey
Main Street Bucksport is partnering with the Bucksport Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, the Economic and Community Development Director in Bucksport, and Eastern Maine Development Corporation to plan some business resource and development events this spring.

To prepare, we would like to gather some information about your business's current social media use.

Please take a few minutes to review and respond to the questions as honestly and as best as you can. There are no right or wrong answers, and our best work will come from a survey that is completed as thoroughly as possible.

By sharing your email address, you will receive a copy of this survey.
If there is another member of your team who should chime in, you can either work on this together or allow them to complete their own version.

Questions? Contact Brook at
WANTO Training Opportunity for Women at RSU 25 Adult & Community Education
Coming to Buksport in March 2018
Women in apprenticeship and non-traditional occupations
The training opportunity is open to women age 18 and older in Hancock County

Career Counseling plus WorkReady Credential plus OSHA 10-hour Certificate (all at no cost) & Job Interviews for Graduates

Learn More at an Orientation on February 12 – 4:30 pm 
RSU 25 Adult Education 
102 Broadway, Suite 1 in Bucksport
Call Gary Clingman at 667-2995 ext. 228
to Register for the Orientation
My Thrill Studio Hosts a Voiceover Training Workshop
My Thrill Studio will be hosting a Voiceover Training Workshop offered by Voice Coaches of Albany N.Y. on Monday, February 12th.

This is being offered as an RSU 22 Adult Ed workshop. The hours are 6:30-9 and the cost is $25.

One may contact the studio at 223-5082 or e-mail mfrancis@mythrillstudio.com for further info or may register by contacting the RSU 22 Adult Ed office at 862-6422.

On line registrants would go to

Community Luncheon and Cake-Off
February 13, 2018 at 12 noon
Wilson Museum, Hutchins Education Center, 
112 Perkins Street, Castine, ME
 
The Castine Woman’s Club and the Wilson Museum invite the community to a noon-time luncheon and cake-off Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at the Hutchins Education Center in Castine. At the January community luncheon the gauntlet was thrown down between Chamber member Castine Historical Society’s Executive Director Lisa Lutts and another Chamber member, Wilson Museum’s Executive Director Patty Hutchins, as to who could bake a better cake. Local celebrity chefs have been called in to judge and referee this good-natured competition. The real winners will be the diners who will enjoy delicious lasagna, cole slaw, garlic bread and, of course, CAKE. Cost of the meal is by donation and take-out is available – cake-off entertainment is priceless. Reservations requested by Friday, February 9th – call 207-326-9247 or email info@wilsonmuseum.org.
 
Love Stories BY Mainers
Wednesday on Main and WERU Community Radio Present Storytellers: 'Love Stories BY Mainers'
The Alamo Theatre
Wednesday, February 14, 2018
6:30-8pm

Halfway through winter means longer days, dreams of spring, and of course, Valentine’s Day. Having paid our dues for surviving the season so far, we’re all ready for some LOVE, and we’ve got just the thing. Wednesday On Main and WERU Community Radio present a winter Wednesday night of storytelling – laughter, tears, horror and more when these gifted tellers of tales share Love Stories by Mainers. This event may not be kid friendly, so grownups only!

Suggested donations of $10 gratefully accepted at the door-show your LOVE because half of the donations go to WERU COMMUNITY RADIO!!

For more information, contact Paula Kee at 207-266- 7999 or browse the websites:
“Cars 3” Children’s Movie at SSCL
Learn to make Herbal Salve
Stockton Springs Community Library (SSCL) will present a Children’s Movie “Cars 3” on Friday, February 16 th at 6:30 pm.
 
“Cars 3” is a 2017 American 3D computer-animated sports comedy-drama film produced by Pixar and released by Walt Disney Pictures. The film is the sequel to Cars and Cars 2. The returning voices of Owen Wilson, Bonnie Hunt and Larry the Cable Guy are joined by Cristela Alonzo, Chris Cooper, Kerry Washington, and Lea Delaria, in addition to a dozen NASCAR personalities.
 
Blindsided by a new generation of blazing-fast racers led by arrogant hotshot Jackson Storm, the legendary Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) is suddenly sidelined and pushed from the sport he loves. To get back on track, he’ll need the help of eager young racing technician Cruz Ramirez, inspiration from the late Fabulous Hudson Hornet and a few unexpected twists and turns of fate. This high-octane hit is fully loaded with unforgettable characters.
 
Come enjoy “Cars 3” in the comfort of the Stockton Springs Community Library. Movies are always more fun when you watch them with others!
 
This free event will include movie snacks and surprises.
 
For more information call 567-4147
Friday, February 16
7:00-8:30pm
Buck's Mills Rod & Gun Club
Bucksmills Road, Bucksport

This introductory class is hosted and put on by the Bucksmill's Rod & Gun Club. 
The Class is $2 for club members and $4 for non members. 

In this class you can learn to make your own herbal salve. The salve can be used for lip balm, cuts, bug bites, poison ivy, and rashes. 
Each participant will leave with a sample of salve and the knowledge of how it was made. 

Space is limited so please email Nicole Dyer at nicolevdyer@gmail.com to reserve your spot!
Winter Fun Day at GPMCT February 18
WILDLANDS WINTER RUN
Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018
Start: 12 noon
Registration: starts at 11 a.m.

Location: Great Pond Mountain Wildlands, accessed via Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery, off Route 1 in East Orland

A 4.4-mile run and walk on snowshoes (or not), on snow-covered dirt roads and a bit of single track trail with plenty of up and down running. You can expect the chance encounter of wildlife including moose. Footing is rough at best for much of this run and there are hills to climb and small stream crossings to maneuver around. Distance may be modified based on conditions the day of the event. The course will be clearly marked with orange and red flagging.

This run is only for the type of person who knows what to expect and prepares for an off-road event year round. This is a winter event and subject to extreme cold. Dress appropriately.


For questions and information, please contact Peter John Keeney, 35 Greeley Avenue, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609, 207-288-3909 and pktrldrt@myfairpoint.net

Thanks to our sponsor: Peacock Builders!
WINTER ANIMAL FORENSICS! 
Sunday, February 18 
10:00am to 11:30am 
OR 1:00pm to 2:30pm
Location: Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery Visitor Center
Ever wonder what animals do in winter? Who made those tracks in the snow? Join Julianne Taylor for Winter Animal Forensics! Learn how to identify animals active during the winter months and the amazing adaptations that help them survive. There will be a scavenger hunt and the chance to make and take home a track casting. 

Space is limited, so pre-register at julianne@greatpondtrust.org or 469-6929. Come prepared to be outside, snow or no-snow! Sponsored by Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust and the Explore Outdoors! Program.
Annual Ice Fishing Derby
Sunday, February 18
7:00am to 3:00pm
Silverlake, Silverlake Road, Bucksport

Please join us for the Annual Bucksmill's Rod & Gun Club Ice Fishing Derby!

1st place Prize of $50 & 2nd place Prize of $25 for the following categories: 
Bass, Perch, Pickerel

$2 for children 15 an under
$5 for those 16 and over
$10 for a family.

*2 trap limit per person. 

This event will also offer the sale of food and 50/50 raffle tickets!
Candlelight Restorative Yoga
Yoga with Naomi's next special candlelight restorative yoga class will be Sunday, February 18th, 4-5:30 p.m. at the Orland Community Center. Come and let me help your body ease into the deepest part of the winter.

$22 per person
Subsidies available for cancer patients, survivors, and their caregivers. Ask me how!
Space is limited. You must pre-pay and pre-register. (No refunds, unless you can find someone to take your place.)
Succulent Plant & Sip Party at The Local Variety!
Join us Thursday, March 8th for a night of fun, learning & getting your hands a little dirty! Prepare to become addicted to succulents!

Enjoy a Beginners Succulent Planting Class from 6-7pm with Lauren from Mainely Succulents. This interactive class will walk you through choosing, planting and caring for your own succulent creation. Each attendee will take home their own individual succulent masterpiece.

BYOB- we will have some light snickety snacks available & a hot pot of tea, you are more than welcome to bring an adult beverage to enjoy while you plant!

But that's not all! You're also getting a sneak peak at all of our fabulous new retail inventory as we gear up for our March 13th re-opening, and you VIP's will be able to enjoy a private Local Variety shopping experience with your own special 20% off discount on all in-store purchases from 7-8pm!

Limited seating is available so don't wait, order your tickets online now! Cost is $40 and includes everything you need to make your own 'totes adorbs' succulent planting, light snacks and tea!

Share with your friends! Have a fun night out with your friends! We are so excited to bring Lauren from Mainely Succulents to Bucksport for our first Plant and Sip!
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