Calendar

Schoodic Institute invites the public to a presentation on October 24, 2017 by Dwayne Shaw, Director of the Downeast Salmon Federation.  Keystone species such as river herring, sea-run smelt and tomcod are critical components of the diets of many birds and other wildlife at various times of year. Restoration of these fish and the rivers where they spawn present a tremendous opportunity to rebuild multiple ecosystems and avian communities. Shaw will discuss various ways that birders can become involved in ecosystem restoration.  Dwayne Shaw has led the development of the Federation’s fisheries and land conservation programs since 1989, beginning with the removal of the Pleasant River dam and the renovation of the facility as a hatchery and fisheries research center in Columbia Falls.    The free program begins at 7:00 PM in Moore Auditorium on the  Schoodic Institute campus in Winter Harbor.

Hospice Volunteers of Hancock County (HVHC) Bereavement Volunteers provide bereavement support to those who have lost a loved one. This training prepares participants to facilitate support groups and provide one-on-one support to grieving individuals and families. Training topics include:

• Understanding Grief
• Hospice Philosophy
• Communication Styles and Communicating with Compassion
• Spirituality and the Grieving Process
• Group Facilitation
• Individual Support
• Grief and the Effect on Family Dynamics
• Self-Care

Application & pre-training interviews are required. Fees for training are $75. For more information, please call the HVHC office, 667-2531; or email us at info@hospiceofhancock.org by October 13. Location HVHC, Ellsworth

Woodlawn’s governing board, the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations (Trustees) invite you to an Open House on Wednesday, October 25 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. to enjoy the estate and learn about exciting plans for Woodlawn’s future. According to Woodlawn’s executive director, Joshua Torrance, “This will be the community’s opportunity to learn about our plans to revitalize the estate’s carriage barn as a community and education space.  The project architects from Oudens Ello Architecture will be here along with the Woodlawn Trustees.  Our guests will hear firsthand about the project, can ask questions, and enjoy a reception in the historic Black House.” Light refreshments by Flexit Café & Bakery in downtown Ellsworth will be served. The famous Black House Cookie, made from an historic recipe will be among the selections. The revitalized carriage barn will provide year-round space, and allow Woodlawn to attract a larger, more diverse audience to the estate and Ellsworth. It will allow for the continued growth of the Woodlawn School Program, which currently serves 1,300 students annually, free of charge.   The Hancock County community will recognize much needed function and event space and Woodlawn will gain exhibit space for its collection as well as traveling exhibits from other museums and organizations. Woodlawn is an educational, cultural, and recreational treasure for the people of Downeast Maine. The main house is open for tours May 1 - October 31 and December 1-23. The public park is open year-round, sunrise to sunset. 19 Black House Drive (off of the Surry Road-Rt. 172), Ellsworth, ME. For more information, visit www.woodlawnmuseum.org.

HANCOCK COUNTY – In observance of National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, October 28^th, 2017, a number of Take-Back events will be occurring throughout Hancock County. The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office is hosting their Drug Take-Back Day in collaboration with Ellsworth Police Department, the Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce, and Healthy Acadia on Saturday, October 28th, 2017 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce, located at 163 High Street. Community members are encouraged to bring in any unused, unwanted, or expired prescription drugs for this free, anonymous service. The following police departments are also hosting Drug Take-Back events from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturday, October 28th:

• Bar Harbor
• Bucksport
• Mt. Desert
• Southwest Harbor

Gouldsboro and Winter Harbor Police Departments will be hosting a Drug Take-Back at the Winter Harbor Police Department from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Sheriff Scott Kane stated, “This drug take back will allow citizens to drop off any unwanted, unused, or outdated medications that they may have in their possession. The medications can be dropped off at participating locations, and they will be disposed of safely with no danger to the citizens or the environment.” For additional disposal opportunities, the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office and the Bar Harbor, Bucksport, Ellsworth, Mount Desert, and Southwest Harbor Police Departments all have prescription drug drop boxes located in their lobbies. All boxes are accessible during regular business hours and some are accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Drop boxes cannot take needles, epinephrine pens, or other sharps. Last year HCSO and EPD collected 712 pounds of prescription drugs, and 27,140 pounds were collected across all Maine sites. Overall, in its 13 previous Take-Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in over 8.1 million pounds of pills across the country. For more information about National Drug Take-Back Day, please contact the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office at 667-7575 or your local law enforcement department. Healthy Acadia is honored to continue its collaboration with local police departments and the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, to prevent substance misuse and ensure safe drug disposal. If you would like more information on safe disposal efforts, educational materials, or more information about Healthy Acadia’s substance prevention efforts, visit www.healthyacadia.org or contact Tara Young at 667-7171 or tara@healthyacadia.org.

Please join Schoodic Institute and Acadia National Park partners for the fifth annual Eeek of Ecology Festival on the  Schoodic Institute campus, in Winter Harbor on Saturday, October 28, 2017. This free family program runs from 1:00 – 4:30 PM.  No registration required.  For children ages 12 and under, accompanied by an adult.  This year, we will offer children the opportunity to Trick or Treat amongst 20+ science and history stations related to a diverse array of animals, plants, and geologic features found in Acadia.  Visit the Schoodic Institute campus near Schoodic Point to learn about the fabulous Eeek-ology of our forests, streams, and shore, Environmental Education Style!  Haunt our history stations and creepy craft corner! Prizes, fun, and educational! Call: 207-288-1310 for more information!