SEPTEMBER 24, 2026 | ISSUE 35

Our newest featured member is Viking Lumber! Founded in Belfast more than 80 years ago, this family-owned business has grown while staying true to its roots in knowledgeable service and strong community relationships.

Read more about Viking Lumber and its history.

There’s still time to register for the inaugural Maine Blue Economy Week, taking place Sept. 30–Oct. 2 in Portland. Registration closes TODAY, Thursday, Sept. 24.

More than 200 entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, marine businesses, students, and industry leaders are expected to come together for three days of conversations, networking, and programming focused on Maine’s growing blue economy.

Learn more and register: https://www.maineblueeconomyweek.com/

BELFAST SHRED-IT DAY

Maine State Credit Union

15 Belmont Ave, Belfast

September 25th from 9 am - 12 pm



Join us for a free talk on Red Flag Implementation: Next Steps

Tuesday, September 29, 4:00–5:30 p.m.

Mid-Coast School of Technology, Rockland

Wednesday, September 30, 3:00–4:30 p.m.

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Boothbay

Free (pre-registration appreciated)

Last November, Maine voters passed a referendum to enact an Extreme Risk Protection Order law - commonly known as the Red Flag Law - by more than 60%. The harder work now begins: ensuring this new civil court process is accessible to those who need it, through education, training, and proactive community engagement.

This presentation on Red Flag and Yellow Flag processes, will identify points of overlap and key differences, explore court forms developed for Red Flag petitions, and open the floor for feedback.

Retired federal prosecutor, National Domestic Violence Coordinator for the U.S. Department of Justice, and current teacher at the University of Maine School of Law, Margaret Groban, returns to New Hope Midcoast to follow up on the passage of Red Flag Laws in Maine. 

For more information visit: https://newhopemidcoast.org/speaker-series-main/

Mushroom Excursion with Coastal Mountains Land Trust

Hope – Join the Maine Mycological Society on Saturday, October 3, from 10am-12pm, for a walk that explores the expansive world of fungi. This educational excursion will be on Coastal Mountains Land Trust’s Ragged Mountain trail, starting and ending at the Thorndike Brook trailhead in Hope.

Learn how to identify mushrooms found along the path and soak up the inspiration and knowledge of mushroom enthusiasts. The interwoven world of fungi is enthralling. This walk will satisfy everyone from beginners to those who have already taken a dive into mycology. All are welcome!

Bring warm layers, tick and insect protection, water and sturdy footwear, but please leave your pets at home.

Location: 223 Hope Street, Hope.

Directions: From Camden, take Rt. 1 south, then take Rt. 90 west. After 2.5 miles, turn right onto Rt. 17. Continue 2.7 miles then turn right onto Hope St. There are two trailheads on this road. Park at the trailhead marked with a Coastal Mountains Land Trust sign.

Register for this nature program by visiting Coastal Mountains Land Trusts’ event page at www.coastalmountains.org/events

Photo credit: Tony Oppersdorff

Marshall Wharf Brewing Company will be hosting their annual festival B⁴ (Belfast Bay Beer Bash) on Saturday, October 3, from 4 – 10 pm, featuring:

·      

•    30+ Craft Beers - including limited release of cask and barrel-conditioned specialty beers 
•  Live Music: Emmett Lalor & Friends @ 4 pm / Rigometrics @ 7 pm
• Food Trucks: Joshua & Dakota’s Cantina & Ca C’est Bon Truck

Tickets:$20 cover

·         $40 Includes commemorative glass + 10 beer tickets

You can reserve your tickets early at www.marshallwharfbrewing.com 

and receive 10% off!

Waterfall Arts invites the public to explore the creative heart of Rockland during the Lincoln Street Center Fall Open Studios, taking place Saturday, October 17, from 1 to 5 p.m. at 24 Lincoln Street in Rockland.

During the free, public event, artists will open their studios and welcome visitors into their creative spaces. Guests will have the opportunity to explore Rockland’s historic high school, now home to more than 40 artist studios and one of the nation’s oldest theaters.

Visitors can get a behind-the-scenes look at working artists’ studios, learn about a variety of artistic mediums, meet artists, and view original artwork.

Participating artists will include:

• Susan Beebe — paintings
• Gianna Bird — watercolor
• Gary Briechle — photography and painting
• Stan Farrell — musician and inventor
• Katherine Ferrier — quilting and fiber
• Kathleen Florance — paintings
• Laura Waller — oil paintings

“We are so excited to open the doors to this historic building and let the public breathe in some of this magic air,” said Waterfall Arts. “As we get to know each artist, we are increasingly inspired by their stories, talent, and tenacity — a true blessing to the Rockland and Waterfall communities.”

The Fall Open Studios is free and open to all.

A New Chapter for Lincoln Street Center

The Open Studios event marks an exciting new chapter for the Lincoln Street Center and the broader arts community. Waterfall Arts acquired the Lincoln Street Center on June 30, following a year-long effort by a coalition of organizations and community members to raise the funds needed to secure the building’s future.

The acquisition was made possible through significant community support, including major contributions from The Ellis Beauregard Foundation, The Lesher Family Foundation, and two anonymous donors.

Waterfall Arts is proud to have secured the future of one of Maine’s largest community arts facilities, preserving more than 40 working artist studios and ensuring that the historic Lincoln Street Center can continue to serve artists and the community for years to come.

Event Details

Lincoln Street Center Fall Open Studios

Saturday, October 17 | 1–5 p.m.

24 Lincoln Street, Rockland, Maine

Free and open to the public

Parking is available behind the building. An accessible entrance is located at the side entrance on the south side of the building at the basement level.

Voting is NOW LIVE for the Annual Chamber Awards!

It’s time to celebrate the people, businesses, and organizations that make our region such a special place to live, work, and do business.

The nominees are in — and now we want to hear from YOU! Cast your vote and help us recognize this year’s outstanding members of our community.

✨ VOTE NOW FOR THE 2026 ANNUAL CHAMBER AWARDS HERE!✨ 

Stay tuned as we get ready to celebrate the winners at our Annual Chamber Awards Gala on November 13th!

✨ PURCHASE YOUR GALA TICKETS HERE!✨ 

Dorothy Havey, Executive Director

Director@belfastmaine.org

Kim Grindle, Member Relations Coordinator

ChamberOffice@belfastmaine.org

Board of Directors

President: Michelle Curtis, First National Bank

Vice President: Ryan Harnden, Mathews Brothers

Treasurer: Terri Tower, Camden National Bank

Secretary: Megan McAvoy, MaineHealth Waldo Hospital

Haley B. Hall, Esq., Camden Law

John McKeith, The Belfast Center

Mary Tripp, Bank of America

Tracy Cini, Spouter Inn

Staff Photography by Dave Waddell, Down East Magazine