This time of year seems to go particularly quickly and we hope everyone will enjoy it to the fullest. The weather in Maine has been lovely! If you live away from Belfast, we hope that you will make a visit to this great coastal Maine town that is not just seasonal, but full of businesses open year-round, as well as fun things to do like an easy walk around the harbor that continues over a footbridge.

If you are lucky enough to be able to knit or crochet while riding in a car, just think of all you can get accomplished while exploring Maine!

Whether you

	An easy knit or crochet project should always live in your car for those unexpected wait times (click to zoom)

can do handwork in the car or not, an easy work-in-progress should always be in your car. One never knows about road delays, extended waits at restaurants or the unexpected! You will never be without something to busy your hands and calm you at the same time.

We are planning to be part of the Fourth Friday Art Walk! We are using the expansive space behind the sales counter to showcase the work of a local artist. This month we are featuring the work of Sarah Hewitt, who uses lots of fiber in her impressive art!

Sarah Hewitt is a Maine-based contemporary artist. Her works are exhibited throughout the country. Along with an active exhibition schedule, Sarah consults and designs for galleries, small businesses and artists around the country on many projects. Read more about Sarah at Sarah Hewitt.

Besides the work of the featured artist, we will also have some exquisite shawls and cowls for sale -- the work of Lynn Homan.  Lynn is a talented knitter with Maine connections. We will also have our retired shop models available for sale.

In our last newsletter, we let you know Helen loves the new Swans Island Dip Dyed Ecowash yarn. She finished her Rikke Hat, and it fits perfectly and is so squishy soft!

We wanted to have a Rikke Hat in the shop because it is a great pattern -- a basic pattern that should really be in everyone's library. The pattern is free and the hat looks great on just about everyone.  The hat can be knit shorter as a cap or longer as a slouchy beanie.

As you may have seen on our post on Facebook, the Basic Crescent Triangle seems to be the most popular shawl shape at this time. If you have stash yarn you don't know what to do with, this is your pattern. Spend a few exciting minutes putting stash yarns together (or come by for a skein or two) and begin in quiet. It will take just a couple of minutes to see how the pattern works, and then you won't even need your pattern or have to pay much attention -- just your yarn, hands and needles!

As written, this shawl shape is probably one of the easiest to knit. However, if you want, you can get totally engaged in this piece by changing up colorways and stitch patterns. Maybe try changing yarn textures? Experiment, have fun, make it your masterpiece!

Clementine is an adorable baby pinafore dress that works up relatively quickly on size 4 needles, and has some sweet details like a little pocket on the chest. Two skeins of the Cotton/Bamboo/Silk blend CoBaSi is all you need except for the largest size (12-18 months). As an added bonus, it's a free pattern!

The Norwood Shawl is another free pattern that we found on Ravelry. Using a sport-weight yarn, it's mostly mindless garter stitch until you get to the knit-on lace edging. We used Swans Island All American Sport, and unfortunately ran a little bit short. If you choose to use this yarn, you'll want to knit several fewer rows of the body to avoid buying a third skein. Our modifications will be included on the copies we hand out in the shop.

Here at the shop, on July 7 at 9:30 am, come discover the simple magic of needle felting while creating delightful sculptures or "paintings" with wool fiber! After a brief demonstration of the basics, you will be guided to select a small 2D or 3D project of your choice, and gather the appropriate materials.  With the experienced instructor's support, feedback and assistance, you will create your unique masterpiece.

Responsible children with adult supervision are welcome. The $30.00 class fee includes all necessary materials. Class size is limited, so please pre-register at Heavenly Yarns.

This September 6-9, Knitting and Yoga Adventures, Inc. is hosting a fabulous knitting retreat at the Haystack Mountain School of Crafts in Deer Isle, Maine.

Four days of knitting and fiber-inspired workshops led by eight nationally acclaimed knitting instructors (over 30 offerings), evening presentations by iconic leaders in the knitting and fiber world, and a Marketplace filled with Maine- and New England-based producers and vendors.

 Four days and three nights. All meals are included (from Thursday lunch through lunch on Sunday). Lodging costs vary by choice of accommodations. Transportation is not included and parking is available on campus.

Register online at Knitting and Yoga Adventures, space is limited.

As part of this summer's theme, Libraries Rock!, the Belfast Free Library's Summer Lecture Series will feature four talks on different periods in rock music history. The presentations will be given by two local and experienced music fans, Neal Harkness and Ellen Sander.

On Monday, July 2, at 6:30 pm, the series begins with a presentation by Neal Harkness titled It Didn't Start with Elvis.  From the time it was first recognized as a distinct musical genre, critics and fans have debated the question of when rock and roll began. In this presentation, rock's origins in rhythm and blues, country music and other forms will be explored, in search of that elusive beginning.

Presenter Neal Harkness has been a fan and student of American popular music his whole life. He has written on the subject for a number of publications and was a rock music programmer on community radio station WERU-FM. Neal's courses on the history of rock and roll have been very popular at Senior College in Belfast.
 
The series continues on Tuesday, July 24, at 6:30 pm with a talk by Ellen Sander titled Trips, Rock Life in the Sixties. Ellen Sander, a noted Belfast poet and former Belfast Poet Laureate, was a pioneering New York rock journalist in the mid-to-late Sixties, covering the emergent, explosive rock culture, and its music, personalities and events. From the festivals to the in-fights, the concerts, the tours and the trips, she will speak from her repertoire of behind-the-scenes anecdotes and read from her book, Trips, Rock Life in the Sixties, a new edition of which will be published in February 2019.

Later in the summer, Neal Harkness will offer two additional programs, How The Beatles Changed Everything (Monday, July 30) and That Sweet Soul Music (Monday, August 20).

These lectures are free and open to the public. For more information, phone the library at 207-338-3884 ext 10.

Please join Betts Gallery for an opening reception on Friday, July 6, 5:30-8 pm, for a group show entitled Gray Scale. Invited artists and fine craftspeople will be showing work that ranges from white to black, with infinite shades of gray, in a variety of media: painting, etching, graphite, ceramic, blown glass, photography, sterling silver and enameled jewelry. Artists include Suzanne Anderson, Susan Cooney, JT Gibson, David Jacobson, Kevin Johnson, Mark Kelly, Willy Reddick, Emily Shaffer and Simon van der Ven. The show runs from July 6 through August 11. The Belfast Framer and Betts Gallery is located at 96 Main St. in Belfast, and also may be entered from Beaver Street. For more information, phone 207-338-6465 or visit The Belfast Framer.

Belfast's annual Arts in the Park is one of the most respected fine arts and crafts festivals in midcoast Maine. The variety of artwork and crafts is outstanding, and continuous live music and the smells of freshly grilled food add to the festival atmosphere. The venue is undeniably beautiful: set on the water's edge, right downtown, with sailboats and dinghies moored a few feet away.

This year, the 23rd annual festival will be held on Saturday and Sunday, July 7-8, right on the harbor in beautiful Belfast! Each day is most active from 10 am to 4 pm. The event is held through a partnership of the City of Belfast's Parks & Recreation department with the Belfast Area Chamber of Commerce.

Visitors will enjoy an outstanding variety of creations from over 100 artists and craftspeople, while taking in continuous live music and fresh local food in a festival atmosphere.  

The Artist of the Year for 2018 is Sandy Dolan, a painter and photographer who lives and works on the coast and in the Katahdin area of Maine. Sandy's deep love for the great outdoors started as a child growing up in the country and continues to be the inspiration for her plein air paintings today. Through her art Sandy seeks to capture the luminous light and ever-changing moods of the Maine landscape.

For more information, visit Arts in the Park or find them on Facebook.

A Strawberry Shortcake Festival will be held on the front lawn of the First Church in Belfast, UCC, at 104 Church St., on Saturday, July 7, from noon to 3 pm. As part of their 200th anniversary celebration, the church is hoping to serve over 200 portions of their delicious homemade strawberry shortcake. There will also be a picnic lunch of sandwich (chicken salad, egg salad or BLT), chips, pickle and beverage, including a commemorative mug. The whole meal, including strawberry shortcake, is only $7.00. The dessert can be purchased separately for just $3.00.
 
There will also be music on the deck featuring Sam Ladd and Friends, who will perform a mixture of classic rock from the '60s, '70s and '80s, as well as some original works. Come and get some great food, great music and great company as summer gets rolling on Maine's midcoast!

Summer Fair and Yard Sale
The First Church will also hold a summer fair and yard sale on July 14, 8 am-1 pm, featuring books, joyous junk, baked goods, an afghan raffle, plants, 18" handmade doll clothes, coffee/tea/scones, etc., and a grilled lunch.

The First Church is an Open and Affirming Congregation, ADA Accessible, welcoming all. For more information, phone the church office at 207-338-2282, visit First Church in Belfast or find them on Facebook.

Senior College at Belfast announces a quartet of classes designed to stimulate the mind and senses this summer. These one-day courses are open to all ages, and once again, membership fees will be waived. You need only register for $20 for each class you select. Bring a brown bag lunch for these 9:30 am-3 pm classes; a morning snack will be served. Lunch break is 11:30 am-1 pm. All classes will be held at the Hutchinson Center in Belfast with the exception of special field trips.

On July 10, Bob Rackmales will present a new assessment of President Jimmy Carter's White House years based on a recently published history by Stuart Eizenstat. Bob, who spent 32 years with the U.S. Department of State, was present during these crucial years and is familiar with the foreign policy of the Carter administration.

On July 12, join Wendy Kasten and Julie Della Matero for a firsthand look at starting a wine-tasting group. These women will share their experience, how they created ideas for tastings and pairings, and their exploration of the vast world of wine. The afternoon session will feature a special tour of the well-known midcoast Cellar Door Winery in Lincolnville.

Diana Maria Chapin will lead courses on July 19 and 26 designed to offer techniques and advice for wellness and well-being. Introduction to Meditation on July 19 will give participants a better understanding of this universal technique used by millions the world over. On July 26, Diana Maria will focus on the Chakra energy system -- an aspect of the human field system which has been recognized for thousands of years by healers and spiritual masters. "Chakra" means "spinning wheel of light" in Sanskrit, and identifies the seven major centers on the body where energy enters the human being, providing non-material support to the physical body. This series will explore and enrich each of the seven chakras.

Rounding out the summer offerings on August 7, local herbalist Steve Byers will introduce you to backyard plants that may be edible, medicinal or poisonous. This class will broaden your knowledge of local plants, and includes a medicine walk on the Little River Trail and exploration of medicinal qualities of common Maine plants. Bring your camera to catalog the plants covered.

To register online, visit Senior College at Belfast.

Leap of Faith, a photo exhibit by Courtney Anne Porter, will be on display in the Kramer Gallery of the Belfast Free Library for the month of July. The exhibit is based on her 2.5-year journey through the former Yugoslavian states and Montenegro.

In 2013, Courtney's husband, Pete, an officer in the Maine National Guard, told her he was going to be assigned for two years at the US Embassy in Podgorica, Montenegro. Courtney did not know what lay ahead or how her life would change.

This exhibition is a discovery of the former Yugoslavian states and of the artist's personal self-discovery as she traveled through Montenegro and its environs. This series captures the strength and beauty of a region as it recovers from a devastating civil war.

On Tuesday, July 10, at 6:30 pm, Courtney will give an illustrated talk about her experiences. Attendees are invited to come at 6 pm to view the show before the talk.

Courtney Anne Porter is best known as a dancer and choreographer. She has choreographed ballroom dance pieces with a contemporary flair in midcoast Maine for over a decade. She is also a talented multimedia artist who has worked in fiber arts, large mural painting and photography.

For more information, phone the library at 207-338-3884 ext. 10.

On Wednesday, July 11, at 6:30 pm, the Belfast Free Library will host a poetry reading titled Writing the World, featuring new works by Kathleen Ellis, Leonore Hildebrandt, Claire Millikin and emerging poet Rich Hoch. Ellen Sander, a noted Belfast poet and former Belfast Poet Laureate, will emcee the program.

Kathleen Ellis has published five poetry collections, most recently Outer-Body Travel. She teaches literature and creative writing at the University of Maine and leads summer poetry workshops at the Farnsworth Art Museum.

Claire Millikin is the author of several poetry collections, including The Gleaners, Museum of Snow and Television. Her poetry has appeared in many journals and magazines. She teaches art history at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville and spends summers in Owls Head, Maine.

Leonore Hildebrandt is the author of Where You Happen to Be, The Work at Hand and The Next Unknown. Her poems and translations have appeared in many publications. A native of Germany, Leonore teaches writing at the University of Maine.

Rich Hoch is a 2015 UMaine graduate in chemical engineering with a minor in creative writing. He  has read his poetry at many events and plans to pursue an MFA in poetry.

The third annual Northport Golf Club Tournament for Breast Cancer will be held on Saturday, July 14. Last year's successful and enjoyable tournament included both men and women, because all understand the importance of this event through personal, friends' or family's experiences. The Club has just started signups for two-person scramble teams. This is only a nine-hole tournament, and the cost is $20 each with greens fees and carts to be paid separately if needed. This year again, the tournament will be hosted without the aid of the Komen Foundation due to some corporate changes. The good news is this means that all proceeds will go to Waldo County Hospital, particularly to their Mammography Fund, which promotes prevention and early detection.

You don't have to swing a club to take part. Your generosity in donating an auction or raffle item would be greatly appreciated and show Club members and guests that your community spirit extends to those who are being challenged with breast cancer issues.

For more information, phone the Club at 207-338-2270 and ask for Paula.

The 2018 Maine Celtic Celebration will take place July 20-22.

The Maine Celtic Celebration, featuring music, food, games and dancing, is a three-day, family-oriented celebration of the rich Celtic heritage, culture and hospitality found along the coast of Maine.

The Celebration is a "donation only" event. No admission to the shows or workshops will be charged and visitors are free to donate what they feel the event is worth.

Even though this is a celebration of Celtic culture, all are encouraged to attend. Belfast, Maine and the surrounding area was founded and built by the Celtic people of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Isle of Man, Cornwall and Brittany. John Miller named Belfast after his hometown after he won a flip of the coin. The heritage and culture continues today.

For more information, visit Maine Celtic Celebration.

This year's collection at the Finch Gallery features new work by Jerri Finch, celebrating the ever-changing sea, sky and nearby landscape.

"I took a leap and worked in a way that was different for me -- starting with a big brush and letting go of any analytical thinking," explained Finch. "Doing so was liberating, and it fed my soul."

While Finch explored this new method of painting, she also found herself revisiting her older work. "I had over 300 slides of the airbrushed and quilted pieces I did in the '80s and '90s converted to digital images," she said. "I spent weeks poring through them, making selections. It was a trip down Memory Lane, and an incredible process. From this I created Vintage Jerri Finch -- a collection of prints (on paper and canvas) and cards."

Joining Finch in the gallery again this year will be sculptor Jay Hoagland of Rockport. Hoagland's media of choice are stone, forged and welded steel, and wood, but he's also interested in porcelain, glass, brass, bronze and found objects.

"Sculpture happens when two or more diverse ideas collide and give birth to something new," said Hoagland. "The sculptor is only the vehicle."

The Finch Gallery is open five days a week, Tuesday-Saturday from 11-5 pm, Fridays till 7 pm, and is located at 16 Main St., behind the iconic Consumers Fuel Company building, in Belfast. For more information, visit Jerri Finch, find them on Facebook or phone 207-338-1060.

Belfast Summer Nights has started for the season again, and will run through August 23. This outdoor summer music series is in varying locations in downtown Belfast every Thursday evening from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Free/donations. Bring your folding chairs and dancing shoes! For more information, find them on Facebook.

The Belfast Farmers' Market is in full swing with a bounty of goods. They have a wide selection of produce, cheeses, meats, jams, seafood, baked goods, eggs, maple syrup, honey, fermented goods, mushrooms and more.

Come grocery shop for the week and then stay for a crepe, lovely music and a swing on the beloved school swing set.

The original Belfast Farmers' Market is open every Friday, 9 am-1 pm at Waterfall Arts, 256 High St., Belfast. SNAP/EBT, WIC, credit cards and cash (of course!) accepted. The market is also resuming the distribution and redemption of Maine Harvest Bucks, a 2 for 1 produce promotion on SNAP/EBT purchases.