Wow, we can’t believe it has been one year! In March of 2020, Ellsworth became the 18th city in Maine to be accepted as an Affiliate Community of the Maine Downtown Center (MDC) and Main Street America (MSA) program. This designation gives our city the opportunity to learn about best practices in the field, provides networking and training opportunities with peers from around the state and with national downtown revitalization practitioners. H of E is implementing the over 40 year National Main Street Four-Point Approach rooted in practical revitalization techniques focused on:
This month we have two Friday discussions scheduled: March 5: City of Ellsworth’s IT Systems Administrator Jason Ingles - How to link in with Downtown Broadband. March 19: City of Ellsworth’s Economic Development Director Janna Richards - The importance of the City of Ellsworth having an up-to-date comprehensive plan.
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.
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.
Online Edition of the Annual Ellsworth Open House Thursday, March 18: 6:30- 8:00PM
The Annual Ellsworth Open House is ONLINE this year. Attendees will hear from City Manager Glenn Moshier and can visit a variety of breakout rooms featuring local organizations. This is a great opportunity for new residents to learn more about Ellsworth and make new connections. Heart of Ellsworth will be in a breakout room so if you are interested in learning more about our organization please join us!
Ellsworth's Green Plan Released with Community Meetings
Thursday, March 4: 7-8:30pm (LAND)
Tuesday, March 9: 7-8:30pm (TRANSPORTATION)
Thursday, March 11: 7-8:30pm (ENERGY + SOLID WASTE)
Over the past 4 years a group of volunteers, businesses, residents, and organizations worked together with city officials to make Ellsworth, Maine a more accessible, healthy, safe, and sustainable community. The result - the development of a community-initiated plan to make Ellsworth a model green community. Visit link below for the full report and to register for community meetings.
The Welcome Table Free Meals - First Congregational Church
Wednesdays, March 10, 17, 24 +31 : 2:30-4pm
The Welcome Table will serve free take-out community meals served by First Congregational Church volunteers. Call the church on Wednesdays by 3pm, 667-8321, to reserve a meal. At this time there is no dining on the premises. Donations always gratefully received.
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.
Small businesses are the heartbeat of our downtown. Join us this month by Dining Small and invest in our hard-working downtown restaurants, eateries, bars and small mom and pop businesses! Visit the Heart of Ellsworth EAT webpage for a list of over FIFTEEN options for take-out or curbside pick-up.
Illustrator, Noah Poirier featured in Main Street Windows
Canadian-born professional illustrator/ painter Noah Poirier is a graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design with a BFA in Illustration. After college, Poirier moved to Ellsworth to further his studio practice. His work explores character design and draws inspiration from science and philosophy. Poirier tackles strange and complicated issues that are stimulated by dialogue with curious minds.
Healthy Acadia is celebrating 20 years! Their team is planning interactive and inclusive activities and events that celebrate and promote health and community to mark their milestone anniversary. They invite you to join the fun!
Please Complete Small Business Survey - Roux Institute
If you are a small business owner or know someone who is, help us by completing the survey below. The Roux Institute @ Northeastern University is committed to creating economic prosperity and opportunity in the state of Maine through innovative research and education programs. They aim to support the existing small business ecosystem in Maine and want to create programming for small business owners. In the coming months, Heart of Ellsworth will be working with them to bring small business support to downtown business owners.
Heart of Ellsworth Board Member Spotlight
Julie Vittum - Machias Savings Bank's Volunteer of the Year
Heart of Ellsworth is honored to share that board member Julie Vittum was named Volunteer of the Year by Machias Savings Bank. Our hearts are puffed up with pride to have such an upstanding and generous member of the Ellsworth community on our board of directors. Julie is constantly mentoring staff and guiding the organization by assisting in the development of our entrepreneurial support programs and assisting with the production of events. We are beyond lucky to have caught her gaze, congrats Julie, so deserved!
The H of E Design Committee works to create people-centered downtown public spaces that are inviting and inclusive for residents and visitors. Current projects include Holiday Lights, Flowerpots and an outdoor public dining area in downtown. New projects include year-round trash cans on Main Street and future initiatives include wayfinding signage and public restrooms downtown. All projects seek to create people-centered public spaces that are inviting and inclusive to residents and visitors alike.
Are you interested in volunteering to make our community more inviting through these initiatives? We would love to hear from you! Visit our volunteer page:heartofellsworth.org/volunteer
Committee members left to right: Linda Munson Burgess, Anne Russenberger-Keefe, Committee Chair, Peter Lione & Bill Fogle. Not pictured: Amy Reisman, Phyllis Young & Jarod Farn-Guillette.
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 to celebrate Ellsworth and it’s business owners. These photos will profile our region's resilient shire town.
John P. Eldridge came to Ellsworth in 1877. He entered into a partnership with Charles Perry, opening a tinware shop and stove store, later buying his partner’s interest. He continued in business until his death in 1919. He served Ellsworth as alderman, and he was a Hancock County Commissioner for 12 years. His shop (destroyed in the 1933 fire) stood roughly where the former Beal’s Jewelry Store is today.
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.
