We are excited to announce our newest webpage called HIKE, a partnership with Maine Trail Finder. This page is a comprehensive list of downtown Ellsworth-centric walks and hikes. We hope this resource will come in handy as you plan your next shopping, eating, hiking trip to downtown Ellsworth!
In March of 2020 Ellsworth became an Affiliate Community of the Maine Downtown Center and National Main Street Program. Ellsworth has joined the ranks of 10 Main Street and 15 Affiliate Communities who work to bolster their downtown communities through economic and community development initiatives. Check out the map to see other networked cities and towns around the state who are engaging in similar work as Heart of Ellsworth.
Heart of Ellsworth has moved into an office space on State Street in downtown Ellsworth! We look forward to when we can safely open this space to the public. Until then, feel free to contact us via the following:
Text: 207 479 5011
Mail: PO Box 954, Ellsworth, ME 04605
Facebook/Instagram: @heartofellsworth
Email: cara@heartofellsworth.org
We are so proud to hang a shingle and join our downtown business community!
Get to Know The Ellsworth American
Our award-winning local newspaper is made up of community members who tell our collective story. This year, we will give them top billing and share stories of the real people behind our real local news. Heart of Ellsworth looks forward to partnering with The Ellsworth American to create projects and programs for the people of Ellsworth.
The community vaccination clinic located on High Street in the Shaw’s /Reny’s Shopping Plaza opens on April 1st and they are looking for volunteers. Clinic operation days are Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturdays. Click on the link below for more information about the type of volunteer opportunities available.
Join EPL for a delicious look behind the scenes of the Maine Bicentennial Community Cookbook with editors Margaret Hathaway, Karl Schatz, and Don Lindgren.
Free and open to all. If you are interested in joining our mailing list that includes a ZOOM meeting invite please email cara@heartofellsworth.org Produced in partnership with Maine Community Foundation and Machias Savings Bank.
The City of Ellsworth is seeking 1-2 interested residents to serve on the Broadband Planning Committee. The Committee will meet at minimum 1 meeting/month over a 6 month period. If you are interested, submit a 1 page letter of interest by Fri. April 9, 2021.
A weekly plein air meet up in Ellsworth. Open to all interested, level of experience not judged...just have fun and share with others so all can grow together! Join the Facebook Group for details - link below.
The Grand is opening its doors for a matinee during vacation week! Masks are required at all times unless you are eating or drinking. 6' social distancing and limited seating.
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.
Due to COVID -19 restrictions volunteers are encouraged to work on their own or with family and follow best practices when working on the shoulder of the road; wear yellow or orange clothing, gloves and sturdy shoes and always face traffic. Tip: Tuck your pants into your socks to keep ticks out.
Heart of Ellsworth Board Member Spotlight
Carolyn "Carrie" Kutny
"I have long respected the work that Heart of Ellsworth does to celebrate diversity, culture, and the arts in general. The organization's initiatives to promote local business and engage citizens in local government will truly have a positive impact on the social and economic landscape for years to come. The activities sponsored by H of E enrich our community life in countless ways. I am honored to have the opportunity to work on the Board to continue this relevant and critical work."
Maine Arts Commission Grant Supports Heart of Ellsworth
A huge thank you to the Maine Arts Commission! Heart of Ellsworth received an Organization Relief Grant to help us meet 2021 operating expenses. To read the full press release with grant details follow the link below.
If you missed the City of Ellsworth Green Plan workshop on Monday, 3/29 where members of the Ellsworth Green Planning Committee and Ellsworth City Council discussed the Green Plan, the recorded session is available. Click the links below.
Time Machine - Celebrate Ellsworth's Business History!
In celebration of Main Street commerce and Ellsworth’s history of hard-working downtown entrepreneurs, we have partnered with the Ellsworth Historical Society to profile historical businesses of downtown. Join us each month as we take you on a journey and in between newsletters, help piece together local mysteries over at the Ellsworth Historical Society News Facebook Group!...new facts and treasures emerge regulary!
Assunta Luchini founded a fruit store and later a restaurant on Main Street that became possibly the most recognizable, successful retail business in Ellsworth. She was born in Italy in 1875 and came to Ellsworth with her husband in 1901. He died in 1907, and Assunta—with limited English, no capital, and four small children the youngest of which was born 7 months after their father’s death—made a heroic fight for existence. Her nephew joined her in Ellsworth and aided Assunta’s rise to the position of a large property owner and retailer. She died in 1951.
SHARE YOUR NEWS!
We encourage our Heart of Ellsworth community members to create FACEBOOK EVENTS so that we can quickly share them. Also, feel free to hashtag your event #heartofellsworth
Why donate to the Heart of Ellsworth?
Heart of Ellsworth remains focused and committed to economic growth through projects in the urban core.
Our vision seeks to fill storefronts on Main Street, secure a location for the Winter Farmers Market, develop the Union River waterfront with green space along the river, and identify and assist in the creation of more downtown housing options. Collectively, these enhance opportunities for both visitors and community members to enjoy all that Ellsworth has to offer.
Your contribution ensures that we can remain committed to these goals. We appreciate your support!
Heart of Ellsworth is a 501c3 nonprofit organization.
Your gift is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
