By Jayna Smith

When one thinks of Calais Downtown Revitalization Coalition (CDRC), the first thoughts for many are flowers and light posts.  It is, after all, CDRC that ensures the beautiful flowers are hung and cared for throughout the summer season, and it is also CDRC that acquired the donation for the white lights elegantly strung around the street light poles.  But, with newly elected co-chairs Anne Nixon and Chris Niles now at the helm, CDRC will soon be known for much more than that.

By Jayna Smith

The Calais Lions Club held its annual installation night and dinner last week with many members and spouses in attendance, as well as some Lioness members.  

Before the induction of two new members, President Ben Knowles told those in attendance of the many great things the club has done in the last year.  This included mentions of the club’s fundraising efforts, including the 2018 Santa’s Helpers campaign, which brought in over $10,000 to assist local families.

The second Music on the Green concert was held last Tuesday. The Minor Characters, sponsored by Calais Regional Hospital, provided the crowd with a mixture of gypsy jazz, Latin jazz, and fiddle music. (Photo by Kaileigh Deacon) 

Pictured is the 2019 Calais Recreation Day Camp staff. Members pictured are l-r: Angela Demmons, Gavin Parks, Emma Seelye, Kendra Parks, Madyson Parks, Ivy McLellan, and Kylie Donovan (not pictured: Alex Newsome and Director Cameron Parr). (Photo by John Rogers)

By Jayna Smith

West Quoddy Head, in Quoddy Head State Park, is the easternmost point in the United States.  The lighthouse there was originally built in 1808, and it, along with its visitors’ center, opened for the 2019 season on Memorial Day and will remain open through October. 

West Quoddy Head Light Keepers Association reported that on its first day open this year, 169 visitors signed the guest log.  Visitors came from 29 different states, the District of Columbia, and four different countries. 

By Jayna Smith

One of the highlights of the Eastport’s Fourth of July festivities is the Navy ship that arrives just in time for the celebration, a time-honored Eastport tradition dating back to 1905. This year there almost wasn’t a ship, but some last-minute finagling led to the timely arrival of the USS Jason Dunham, an Arleigh Burke-class missile destroyer in the United States Navy.

By Jayna Smith

The Calais Lions Club has been busy planning one of the biggest events of the summer, the first annual Laughing Lions Club Extravaganza.  The event is being held to raise money for park improvements.  

By Jayna Smith

Mike Bravener, an Elvis impersonator, says he has performed at Eastport’s Fourth of July celebration for the last 15 years, traveling from his Fredericton home through Calais for the festivities each year.  Last week, however, Bravener was unable to make his scheduled performance due to issues at the border.

By Natalie Boomer

A single mother has been evicted from her apartment in Belfast after missing a few months rent. She turned to the city for help and they offered her a tent and camping gear to house her and her two children until she could get back on her feet. Although Belfast city officials were quick to help her, Jodie Stout, Belfast General Assistance Administrator told the Bangor Daily News that the city will not be able to offer temporary housing or a hotel room when the weather is nice in the summertime. 

Submitted by Lynda Duplissea

At their June business meeting, St. Croix International Quilters presented over 40 quilts to the representatives of the area’s Hospice Care providers. Barbara Barnett and Cathy Jackson were on hand to accept the gifts of comfort.

On Sunday, July 14, The Calais Advertiser received confirmation from NB RCMP Central Dispatch that the body of 68-year old Edith Lorraine Williams had been discovered along the shore of the St. Croix River at Todd's Point.  The location of where the body was discovered shows the body traveled a considerable distance before being discovered.

Williams, of St. Stephen, was last seen around 8 p.m. on Sunday, July 7.  She was reported missing on Monday, July 8, just after midnight.  

By Natalie Boomer

C&E Feeds is hosting a car show next Sunday, July 28th, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Clyde Eldridge, the C in C&E, has catered to car enthusiasts from across the border since 1970. He helps them get hard-to-find car parts and allows them to be shipped to his store. 

“It ended up being very popular and that’s how he started the first international parcel pickup business in town,” said Linda Pendarvis, general manager of C&E Feeds. 

By Jayna Smith

The three outside basketball courts in the city each received a much needed make-over last week, thanks to some of the city’s undesignated funds.

According to Parks and Recreation Director Craig Morrison, the project was initiated after upgrades to the Milltown court were needed.  “The court there needed to be redone, repaved, everything,” Morrison stated, adding, “It was in rough shape and we didn’t want it to get to the point where it would need to be completely rebuilt.”

By Kaileigh Deacon

The City of Calais and the Town of St. Stephen have had a cooperative relationship for years with each working together and lending support to the other. This is true when it comes to electricity in the area and the hydroelectric dam in Milltown, NB that helps generate it.

Last week’s Music on the Green was the Mike Levine Trio with Wendy. They played an assortment of songs from the great American Song book with their own twist. The concert was sponsored by Crumbs Cafe & Bake Shop. (Photo by Kaileigh Deacon)

Downeast Credit Union has raised nearly $1,000 for the Woodland Elementary School (WES) playground fund. The fundraising event was held Friday, July 12th in the parking lot of the Baileyville DECU featuring the Darling’s Ice Cream for a Cause truck.

 “We were thrilled with the turnout from our own membership, mill employees, students and parents from the Rec Department,” stated DECU regional branch manager, Joanne Cushing. “It was a true community effort as our team members, membership and a school board member even helped us spread the word about our fundraising event.”

By Natalie Boomer

Paul Redding of Calais has opened up his very own art gallery. Redding has already begun to display some of his pieces at ‘Paul Redding Gallery’ at 315 Main Street in Calais. 

By Jayna Smith

The Tony Tammaro Memorial Baseball Tournament is back, according to new organizer Ryan Lincoln.  This year’s event will take place at Dicenzo Athletic Complex on August 3rd and 4th.

Originally started in 2009 by Chris Johnson to honor the legendary referee and umpire Tony Tammaro, the tournament was cancelled after only a few years when it saw a dwindling number of teams entering.  

By Natalie Boomer

Pictured in summer league basketball action are the Calais Blue Devils. Members include front l-r: Tony Tinker, Alex Richard, Jace Cook, Reece Sabattus, Tyler Furtek, Ryland Sabattus, Ti Bennett, Josh Calder, and Kyle Richard. Back l-r: Coach Darrin Constant, Dawson Critchley, Tony Dana, Cameron Kelley, Sebastian Moore, Mason Ritchie, Luke Furtek, Matthew Dana, JD Turner, and Coach Marty Cushing. (Photo by John Rogers)

By Jayna Smith

The Calais Advertiser received confirmation from Indian Township Police Department last Thursday that around 2:40 a.m. that morning, the department received a call of “multiple fights” near a residence on US Route 1 in Indian Township.  

Full Video can be viewed here: https://www.facebook.com/TheCalaisAdvertiser/videos/397585134063105/

By Natalie Boomer

Petroglyphs have been added to the Saint Croix Island International Historic Site in Calais. These petroglyphs represent the arrival of Champlain on Saint Croix Island. 

By Natalie Boomer

There are two new owners of the Calais and Orono IGAs. David Pike and Bob Craft have been in the business for many years together and have decided to make a big step in their careers. 

“I worked for Eddie and Kathy Bell for 28 years. I started my freshman year of high school at 14 years old, bagging groceries. I worked my way up to the produce department, the meat department, worked a little bit in the deli and closed the store. When I was 22, Eddie opened Orono and I went to Orono to help run that store,” said Craft. 

By Natalie Boomer

There will be two people leading the International Homecoming Festival Parade this year.  Anne Nixon and Guy White will be riding together as Grand Marshals on Saturday, August 10th.

Saturday Night Rock Band, always a crowd favorite, packed the Triangle Park on Tuesday night. Playing rock favorites from John Mellencamp to Kid Rock there was something for everyone. Sponsored by WQDY/WALZ, Saturday Night Rock Band brought a jammed packed show to Downtown Calais. Band members, left to right Butch Hanson, Jimmy Lursen, Buck Perkins and Tony DiLeo. (Photo by Kaileigh Deacon)

Kihcitomitahamal (Respect) Basketball Camp, hosted by Ed Leeman and his staff, wrapped another successful week.  Nearly 50 young athletes attended the day camp.   Jeff Chick was recognized by camp director Ed Leeman and staff for his 37 years of service in youth basketball.  Pictured is Coach Toby Cole and his team ended the week as Camp Champs. (Submitted photo)