December 14, 2023 | Issue 49

Please Welcome Back, Colonial Theatre!

The marquee is lit and the Colonial Theatre is back! The theatre is now owned by the Hawthorne Theatre & Arts Collaborative. Its executive director is the Colonial's longtime staffer, Kyle Walton.

After shuttering its doors in 2022, its operating structure was transferred to a nonprofit this fall. Even though the building remains much the same: this all-new community-run model is now in motion. The not-for-profit group is beyond-excited to be able to host audiences again in Waldo County. Just as before, this cinema is being run by-and-for the Greater Belfast Community.

The theatre will now operate on a five day per-week schedule from Wednesday – Sunday. As has been said in Downtown Belfast for decades... [We'll] See you at the Movies!!

FMI: colonialtheatre.com | 207-338-1930

163 High Street, Belfast, ME 04915

Recent New Members:

Practice Body Wisdom | Cottage Work | Eye Candy Dance & Fitness Studio

Magnolia Assisted Living | Small Business Administration | A Morning in Maine Sailing Tours

Searsport Construction & Business Listening Session

Are you impacted by the construction in Searsport? The Belfast Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to join them, along with Waldo County State Senator Chip Curry, for a listening session on the ongoing construction and detour.

The session will be held on Tuesday, December 19th at 10am at the Homeport Tavern, 121 E. Main Street, Searsport.

Searsport Businesses Need Your Support!

Shop Searsport! As the visitor season slows, these businesses rely heavily on local support to stay afloat. Many patrons and shoppers still avoid the inconvenience of the Route 1 construction and detour and unfortunately this is causing great financial stress on these businesses. The owners and staff of these businesses are our neighbors and friends and they so very much need our help this time of year to not only stay open but to take care of their own families as well.

Please consider making time to shop for necessities or for the holidays, have a meal, or even a staycation night! Many places have gift cards too! Help support these Chamber member businesses, and all local businesses, during the ongoing construction.



2024 Advertising Kit - Belfast: The Bay And Beyond

Deadlines are fast approaching! Planning for our 2024

'Belfast: The Bay and Beyond' regional guide is well under way. Our guides were distributed far and wide this year, faster than we've seen before!

Have you been thinking about how you would like to advertise your business or organization? Plan ahead and get those prime spaces while they're available! Have a friend or family member that is interested in joining the Chamber and promoting through our guide? Encourage them to contact us today!

Click Here for the 2024 Advertising Kit

December 7th Newsletter



1) Chamber Job Search

2) Practice Body Wisdom

3) Solstice Celebration / UU Church Belfast

4) Holiday Pop-Up Market / Waterfall Arts

5) Solstice Celebration / Friends of Sears Island

Chamber Job Search (HOT ITEM)

Still looking for that new job? Need to know what's available in the greater Belfast area? We have a great page full of job opportunities large and small!

CLICK HERE!

Chamber Members - you can submit your job postings by logging into your

ChamberMaster account or email [email protected]

Belfast Community Swing Dance at First Church on December 16

BlueJacket Shipcrafters - December ShipShape News

Coastal Mountains Land Trust - New Year's Day Open House

Dockside Family Restaurant Closing for the Season December 16

Maine Alpaca Experience on Maine Life, S8:E21

Maine Outdoor Sportsman - No Charge Gift Wrapping for In-House Purchases

Marsh River Cooperative - December Updates

New Hope Midcoast - Hope for the Holidays Orders by Dec 15

Sail, Power & Steam Museum Hosts Boat Talk December 16

Vinolio Delivers!

Waldo County Tech Center's Tis the Season Celebration Seeking Donations (TRJ)

Dorothy Havey, Executive Director

[email protected]



Scott Smith, Operations Manager

[email protected]



Board of Directors

President / Sue Beemer, Cornerspring Montessori School

Vice President / Erin Merrifield, RE/MAX Jaret & Cohn

Treasurer / Michelle Curtis, First National Bank

Secretary / Christy Lewis, Fellows, Kee, Tymoczko & Lewis

Megan Day, Waldo County General Hospital

Paul Dean, Counselor, City of Belfast

Dawn Gintz, Captain Nickels Inn

John McKeith, The Belfast Center

Chris Nickerson, Whale's Tooth Pub, Northport Inn & Lodge

Elaine Potoker, Interloqui

Terri Tower, Camden National Bank

Mary Tripp, Bank of America

Staff Photography by Dave Waddell, Down East Magazine