Newsletter - May 14, 2026

MAY 14, 2026 | ISSUE 17

Please join us in welcoming Shawn Thyng Paving to the Belfast Area Chamber of Commerce!

Based in Brooks and serving communities across Central and Midcoast Maine, Shawn Thyng Paving is a fourth-generation, family-owned and operated paving company offering residential, commercial, and municipal paving services. Their team specializes in paving, sealcoating, excavation, grading, crack repair, resurfacing, curbing, striping, and more.

Known for quality workmanship and dependable service, Shawn Thyng Paving works on everything from driveways and sidewalks to large parking lots and municipal projects. Their commitment to customer service and long-standing Maine roots have helped them build a strong reputation throughout the region.

We’re excited to welcome Shawn Thyng Paving to the Chamber and encourage our members to learn more about their services and connect with their team here:

FACEBOOK

https://www.shawnthyngpaving.com/

shawnthyngpaving@yahoo.com

CLICK HERE

to Search our Member Directory

In Our Last Newsletter...

1) Job Board

2) Events

3) Bayside Cottage Rentals

Find last week's email 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

EVENTS

VOTING IS LIVE!

VOTE FOR ARTS IN THE PARK FOR BEST

CRAFT FAIR

We’d be so grateful for your support—cast your vote and help shine a spotlight on Belfast! Winners will be announced in the September issue and online.

👉 https://vote.downeast.com/

Thank you to everyone who has helped make Arts in the Park such a vibrant and lasting tradition for 30 years!

Let’s bring this one home! 🌟

The Dan Horton Invitational Charity Masters Meet

Raising money to support the WCY Bluefish Youth Swim Team

This is a recognized meet. Membership to USMS is encouraged, but not required. Register at www.usms.org/reg

May 16th- warm up at 8:30a.m., 9:30 a.m. start

Facility: 6-lane pool, adjacent lane for warm up and cool down. Electronic timing.

Meet Director: Susan Cooney - cooneyfineart@gmail.com

Contact: Jeff Walls, WCY Aquatics Director, at Jwalls@waldocountyymca.org or at (207) 338-4598

Fees: Before May 13: Online Registration: $35.

In person registration: $45 (Starts at 8:30am the day of the meet, at the WCY)

Spring Horse Show at SeaHorse Stables

May 23rd, rain or shine, join us for our first show of the season! Some highlights:.

NHHJA classes

Crossrail and 2"3" Thouroughbred division

Scotty Laffey will be our judge

Please contact Amy Miller with questions at dnabeewee@yahoo.com or 207-505-1618 or Theresa at tmartin912@gmail.com our show secretary for entry information. Show begins at 8am.

Boston Scottish Fiddle Orchestra and Belfast Bay Fiddlers Team up for June 6 Concert in Belfast

The Belfast Bay Fiddlers will share the stage with the Boston Scottish Fiddle Orchestra in a concert Saturday, June 6 at 2:00 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Belfast. The groups’ performances will include jigs, reels, waltzes, strathspeys, and other music from Scottish, Cape Breton, French Canadian, Irish, and American traditions that get feet tapping and soothe the soul. Performers play fiddle, penny whistle, button accordian, cello, guitar, piano, and other instruments.

The Boston Scottish Fiddle Orchestra, under the direction of Neil Pearlman, is the performing group of the Boston Scottish Fiddle Club (BSFC). The Club was co- founded in 1981 by Neil’s father, fiddler Ed Pearlman, and Barbara McOwen. The mission of the non-profit BSFC is to preserve and share the joys of Scottish and Cape Breton music and musical culture. The Club sponsors teaching workshops, youth classes, and jam sessions as well as the BSFO. Like the Belfast Bay Fiddlers, the Boston Scottish Fiddle Orchestra is made up of community musicians. Its third CD will be released this spring in time for the celebration of the 10^thAnniversary of the Orchestra. More information about the group can be found at its website, bsfc.org.

For nearly 20 years the Belfast Bay Fiddlers have held informal, weekly jam sessions open to the public for players of various instruments who want to learn fiddle tunes and play with other musicians. Members of the popular group, led by Rick Fitzsimmons, perform around the region every year at the Maine Celtic Celebration, Arts in the Park, summer concert series, and other public events. The group’s website, belfastbayfiddlers.org, has more information.

No advance tickets are necessary for the concert. A suggested donation of $20 can be made at the door of the Unitarian Universalist Church, 37 Miller Street, Belfast. Information: Belfastfiddlers@gmail.org.

ANNOUNCEMENTS & NEWS

Belfast Rotary Scholarship Program

The Belfast Rotary Club Scholarship Program began in 1982 with a modest budget of just $2,000. In 2022, the program reached a major milestone, surpassing $1 million in scholarships awarded to 294 deserving students. As of 2026, Belfast Rotary has awarded an impressive $1,355,500 in scholarships to 349 students.

The Rotary Scholarship Committee is also pleased to announce a new scholarship opportunity for 2026. Funded by Sara Hayes, the Hayes Family Scholarship will provide a $5,000 award to an outstanding student at the Waldo County Technical Center. It took the club 44 years to reach the $1 million mark, and at its current pace, Belfast Rotary is projected to surpass $2 million in scholarship awards by 2034.

Belfast Rotary Scholarships recognize students who demonstrate exceptional leadership and commitment to community service. Students are nominated by their schools, complete a written application, and participate in interviews conducted by a committee of Rotarians.

Scholarship recipients come from Belfast Area High School, Searsport District High School, Mount View High School, and the Waldo County Technical Center.

The amount awarded in 2026 will be $85,000.

We'd like to welcome Laura Koenig as the new director of the Belfast Free Library.

There were 28 applicants from across the county, and after two rounds of interviews, the hiring committee unanimously selected Koenig.

Koenig most recently served as the head of children’s services at the Boston Public Library’s Central Library in Copley Square. She also oversaw a $78 million renovation of the library’s historic Boylston Building and led a team of seven full-time staff in a space that welcomed nearly a quarter of a million visitors annually.

In 2007, Koenig received her master’s degree in library and information science from Simmons University in Boston, according to her resume.

Escape Close to Home with Bayside Cottage Rentals

Why travel far when the perfect getaway is right here? Discover the charm of a coastal staycation with Bayside Cottage Rentals—your home away from home, just minutes from everything you love about our local community.

* Cozy, fully equipped cottages*

*Stunning waterfront views*

* Peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere*

*Easy access to local shops, dining, and outdoor adventures like golfing, sailing, hiking, and walking on the beach.*

Whether you're looking to unwind with a quiet ocean breeze or make memories with loved ones, Bayside Cottage Rentals offers the perfect balance of relaxation and convenience—without the hassle of long-distance travel.

Book your staycation today and experience the beauty of our backyard in a

whole new way.

Support local. Stay local. Relax local. www.baysidecottagerentals.com rentbaysidecottages@gmail.com 207-930-5084

Bayside Cottage Rentals—your coastal escape awaits.

The Homeport Tavern is looking for a Sous Chef & Line Cook:

Sous Chef - $29 / HR

The Sous Chef is responsible for assisting with inventory, daily specials, and oversight of daily kitchen operations, and reports to the restaurant manager.

40 hours per week for Lunch and Dinner shifts

Line Cook - $21/HR

The Line Cook is responsible for supporting the restaurant manager in daily menu prep. Should be comfortable on fry, grill and saute stations. 30+ hours per week for Lunch and and dinner shifts.

Restaurant reopens in May 13th.

Interview in person. Please reach out to Arnaud, c. 617.904.8029 OR o.207.548.2259

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!