If you can knit three stitches, and then purl three stitches, you can make this cowl! The Swirl Cowl is super easy, and knits up super quickly on size 13 needles. Aero, a bulky weight alpaca blend from Berroco is a delight to knit with, and provides a lot of warmth considering how lightweight it is.

Vintage buttons can be so much fun!
 
On Saturday, December 8, from 11 am to 2 pm, Nancy Tufo will be at the shop. She will set up her vintage and antique buttons for sale on the back table. Many of these buttons are from renowned local button collector Mary Gray. These buttons will be available at great prices. Find a unique button for your knitting or sewing project, or for your collection.

On Saturday, December 1, the annual tree lighting in Post Office Square, Belfast, starts at 4:30 pm with cookies, cocoa and caroling. At 5 pm the tree lighting begins. After the lighting, around 5:30 pm, Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus head indoors to KeyBank for visits and photos with the children.

On Sunday, December 2, the first night of Hanukkah, the annual menorah lighting, also in Post Office Square, starts at 3:30 pm and ends around 4:30 pm. This festive event will include traditional readings, live music and refreshments provided by Sweet Henry's. The menorah will remain lit during the Hanukkah holiday.

On Saturday, December 1, 8 am to 8 pm, and Sunday, December 2, 8 am to 4 pm, the Festival of Trees will take place at the United Farmers Market of Maine on Spring Street in Belfast (at the old Mathews Bros building). They have over 40 trees and all proceeds go to BAHS Project Graduation. Spread the word, and if you are headed to the Early Bird Sale, please stop by! $3 for adults, $2 kids under 12, and 2 and under free; tree tickets are 50 cents each. It only takes one ticket to win the tree and all the amazing items that go with it. Santa will be there too! Thank you to all the local businesses and community members for your generosity.

Saturday, December 1:

9-11 am: Candy Cane Capers for ages 5-12 at Belfast United Methodist Church, 23 Mill Lane. Come and do your Christmas shopping. One gift per immediate family member. Each child receives Candy Cane Caper Coupons to make their purchases. Refreshments provided.

10 am to 3 pm: H.O.M.E. for the Holidays Craft Fair at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church, 95 Court St. Wooden toys and cutting boards, knit items, holiday centerpieces, cards and pottery. Benefits housing for the homeless and food assistance programs. (Also held on Sunday, December 2, 10:30 am to noon.)

 

Sunday, December 2: Advent Carol Sing at 4 pm, Love Light Tree Lighting at 5 pm with reception to follow, at the First Church in Belfast, UCC, 104 Church St. All are welcome. 

 

Wednesday, December 5, 5-7 pm: Annual holiday Business After Hours and Wreath Auction at the Camden National Bank branch at 156 Main St.

 

Friday, December 7, 8 am to 2 pm: WCGH Holiday Fair, held at Waldo County General Hospital in the WCGH Classroom. Homemade crafts, textiles and soaps, jewelry and more.

 

Saturday, December 8:

All day: Day of Giving. United Midcoast Charities invites you to "shop local, support many" at participating businesses to support 40+ Knox and Waldo County non-profits.

11 am to 1 pm: Holiday on the Harbor. Santa arrives at the Belfast Harbor at 11 am. Then visit with Santa at the Belfast Boathouse. Bring your camera to capture the moment and enjoy ornament making, holiday cookie decorating, Kyle the Balloon Artist and horse-drawn wagon rides in Steamboat Landing Park.

 

Saturday, December 15: 9 am to noon: Breakfast with Santa, holiday brunch and cookie decorating with Santa and Mrs. Claus, at Harborwalk Restaurant, 37 Front St. 10 am to 4 pm: Adorn Fine Art and Gift Show at the Belfast Free Library's Abbott Room.

Join Tall Pines' holiday food drive to benefit Good Shepherd Food Bank. Your non-perishable food donations are welcome December 1-14 at 24 Martin Lane in Belfast.

Good Shepherd Food Bank helps to feed people from every county in Maine. Through a network of more than 400 partner agencies, its food assistance programs include community food pantries, soup kitchens, senior centers, shelters, schools and youth programs.

For more information, phone Tall Pines at 207-930-7031.

On Monday, December 3, at the Belfast Free Library's Abbott Room, 6-7 pm, a talk on addiction will be given by Toni Wagner of From With-In You: Coaching the Mind, Body and Spirit.

Addiction is one of the most powerful, life-changing forces around. You've heard that before, right? If you are, or know someone who has ever been, addicted to drugs, alcohol, food, sex, gaming, etc., then you're all too familiar with the feelings of worthlessness and self-deprecation. As for family members: You know the feelings of helplessness and despair as you watch your loved one slip away from you.

What if your perception about addiction could be changed? What if the change in your perception could ease some of your suffering? Is it even possible?

Please join an open discussion about addiction. Learn some self-compassion strategies as we discuss feelings and emotions associated with the addiction. You will be provided with a platform on which to discuss your thoughts, feelings and emotions on the topic. We can't escape this epidemic, but maybe we can change our perspective on addiction and help ease the suffering.

For more information, phone at 207-579-1011 or email coachingcomesfromwithin@gmail.com.

On Tuesday, December 4, at 6:30 pm, members of the Come Boating! rowing team will offer a slide talk about their adventures at the World Pilot Gig Championships in the Abbott Room of the Belfast Free Library, 106 High St.

In May of 2018, Belfast's own Come Boating! fielded three teams to the World Pilot Gig Championships in the Scilly Isles, off the rugged coast of Cornwall, England. These fast and seaworthy gigs date back to the 17th century, when local pilots were required to guide larger ships into port. Gig rowers waited to spot sails on the horizon, and would race to meet the ship; the first one there got the job. Hence the Cornish Pilot Gigs.

The rowing tradition continues today, this time for medals and bragging rights. Hear the Belfast team members recount their tales of the Scilly adventure! This program is free and open to all.

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

The Snow Queen, directed by Greg Marsanskis, will be presented December 7-16 by the Midcoast Actors' Studio at the Crosby Center, 37 Court St. Fridays and Saturdays at 7 pm, Saturdays and Sundays at 3 pm. Tickets are $10 adults, $7 ages 12 and under. Enjoy family-friendly fun based on the "frozen" tale by Hans Christian Andersen. For more information, phone 207-370-7592.

On Friday, December 7, from 7 to 9 pm, at the United Farmers Market of Maine, the Belfast Creative Coalition will host a singing vigil immediately following the December Art Walk to celebrate the arts. Come listen and sing among the tea lights, and sip hot cider. Sing simple rounds, familiar songs, old-timey tunes and original circle-songs. All songs taught call and response style. No sheet music. Song leaders Deb Hensley, Joanne Rawlings-Sekuda, Amy Robbins Wilson, Bill and Sarah Smith, Steve Chaisson, Beverly Scott, Martin Swinger and others will keep the singing going. Anyone is welcome to bring a song to share. For more information, visit Belfast Creative Coalition or phone Deb at 207-323-6149.

A Paint Your Own Pottery event will take place at Waterfall Arts on Saturday, December 8, 10 am-noon. Everyone is welcome, kids under 12 must come with a supervising, participating adult. Cost is $18 (15% off for parties of three or more). Cover price includes one mug or tile; additional pieces may be purchased at the event (cash only please). Not confident with a brush? No worries! Use stamps and easy-to-use squeeze bottles.

The Pen-Bay Singers will present Dylan Thomas' A Child's Christmas in Wales on Sunday, December 9, at 3 pm, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Belfast. (Snow date: December 16.) Director: Richard Dostie. Narrator: Jim Rose. Suggested donation $15, children free.

The Belfast Farmers' Market has moved inside for the season. Come find them in the greenhouse at Aubuchon Hardware on Route 1, Belfast. They have a wide selection of produce, cheeses, meats, jams, seafood, baked goods, eggs, maple syrup, honey, fermented goods, mushrooms and more. The original Belfast Farmers' Market is open every Friday, 9 am to 1 pm. SNAP/EBT, WIC,  Maine Harvest Bucks, credit cards and cash accepted.