February 27, 2025 | Issue 9

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Please Welcome Our Newest Member,

DaPonte String Quartet!


Not long after forming in Philadelphia 33 years ago, the DaPonte String Quartet surprised the musical world by moving from a cosmopolitan urban area to rural Maine. The DSQ had been — and continues to be — sought after to perform and teach all over the U.S. and around the world. They have appeared in France, Scotland, Canada, and more than twenty American states. Their performances have been broadcast over nation-wide radio and television programs in both the United States and Canada. They have received awards from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Philadelphia Musical Fund Society, the Music Teachers National Association, Chamber Music America, and have participated in several of the nation’s most prestigious concert series to rave reviews. Musicians and critics alike wondered, why would the DSQ move to Maine, where, as the New York Times noted, they create an experience “like watching the Celtics play in the local gym.”


But the members of the DaPonte String Quartet were proud to call Maine home, and their relationship with mid-coast Maine remains a deeply rooted one. When CBS Sunday Morning nationally televised a profile of the group, the idea of living outside a major urban center suddenly appeared to be an appealing alternative lifestyle few musicians had considered. Few string quartets can boast such a devoted following. The people of Maine warmly embraced the DSQ, which has become an integral part of the state’s musical life. Current ensemble: Violinist Lydia Forbes; Violinist Philipp Elssner; Violist Kirsten Monke; and cellist Myles Jordan.


See their Belfast performance this evening of Haydn & Korngold at the First Church, 8 Court St., at 7:00pm.



PO Box 201, Freeport, ME. 04032 | 207-449-6064

FMI or Tickets: dapontequartet.org

March Business After Hours


Every month our Chamber hosts an event designed for members to casually meet and build relationships with business people and individuals from companies and organizations representing a variety

of industries in our region. Our next BAH will be hosted by:


DownEast Auctions

Wednesday, March 19th, 530pm - 7pm

328 E. Main St. Searsport

What a Great Ice Festival Weekend!


Congrats Our Town Belfast and all the participating businesses for a great Ice Festival weekend! Lots of people visiting our town from all over the State, new England, and beyond! A great family-friendly event and great exposure for our region and our businesses.

CLICK HERE

to Search our Member Directory


Recent New Chamber Members:

Bay Ferries - The CAT

Shorefront Spruce Head Cape Cottages

Bagaduce Music

MidCoast Shakespeare Studio

Midcoast Mineral Collectors Club

Seacoast Security, Inc.

February 20th Newsletter



1) Belfast Ice Festival

2) Chamber Job Search

3) Bay Ferries - The CAT

4) Camden Conference

5) Chamber Events Calendar


Missed Last Week's Newsletter?

CLICK HERE!

Check the monthly calendar on our website and save the date for upcoming events in our community!


CLICK HERE!


Chamber Members - You can submit your events by logging into your

ChamberMaster account or email

chamberoffice@belfastmaine.org

Still looking for that new job? Need to know what's available in the greater Belfast area? See who's hiring!


CLICK HERE!


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

ChamberMaster account or email

chamberoffice@belfastmaine.org

Upcoming Events

Announcements & News

Belfast Parks & Recreation - Request for Proposals for City Park Concession Stand

Belfast Senior College Announces Spring Semester (PBP)

DoryWoman Rowing - Maine Guide Mondays: Rowing in Belfast Harbor (WGME)

Friends of Fort Knox - Summer Ghost Tours and Camp Dates Announced

Local Color Gallery - New Guest Artist and Ekphrastic Poets Feb. 28

Midcoast Mineral Collectors Club - Next Meeting Sunday, March 2

Midcoast Villager Welcomes Aaron Britt as Publisher

PAWS Animal Adoption Center - February Newsletter

Penobscot Shores - The 'Point' of Acupuncture Presentation Mar. 4

Portable Pie Place - Order Your St. Patrick's Day Dinner Boxes at H&H Mercantile by Mar. 14

Red Kettle Foods - Asian Dumplings from Scratch, Cooking Class March 8

Sail, Power & Steam Museum - Boat Talk with Hamilton Marine Mar. 1

Splendiferous Sweet Shoppe - Masquerade Mardi Gras Tea Party Mar. 2

United Midcoast Charities - Volunteer Recruitment Expo Mar. 11

Member Promotions

Consider Becoming a Chamber Member!


Our Vision is that the Belfast Area Chamber of Commerce will be recognized as a major catalyst for developing a thriving and connected business community and visitor destination choice in the region.



The Mission of the Belfast Area Chamber of Commerce

is to champion a thriving business environment for its members through promotion, networking, advocacy, community partnerships and access to relevant information.


Follow the link above to find information about membership benefits and learn how we can promote you and help you achieve your goals. Your support helps us to better promote our region and businesses!



Community Links:

Belfast Free Library | City of Belfast | Harbormaster

Public Transportation | MaineHealth Waldo Hospital | YMCA

*** Weekly Deadline for Newsletter Submissions is Tuesday by 4pm ***

Your Chamber Working For You

Dorothy Havey, Executive Director

Director@belfastmaine.org

Scott Smith, Operations Manager

ChamberOffice@belfastmaine.org

Board of Directors


President: Erin Merrifield, RE/MAX Jaret & Cohn

Vice President: Michelle Curtis, First National Bank

Treasurer: Terri Tower, Camden National Bank

Secretary: Megan Day, MaineHealth Waldo Hospital

Paul Dean, Councilor, City of Belfast

Ryan Harnden, Mathews Brothers

Arnaud Lessard, The Homeport Inn & Tavern

John McKeith, The Belfast Center

Chris Nickerson, The Northport Inn & Lodge

Elaine Potoker, Interloqui

Mary Tripp, Bank of America

Staff Photography by Dave Waddell, Down East Magazine

BELFAST AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

33 Main St. | PO Box 58 | Belfast, ME. 04915

207-338-5900 | www.belfastmaine.org

Administrative Office & Information Center Hours: Mon - Fri, 9am - 5pm