New DHHS Office on North Street to Open October 15

 

By Dominic Gayton

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The Maine Department of Health and Human Services is scheduled to reopen its Calais office on October 15, 2019, at the newly renovated building at 338 North Street, the former location of Family Dollar.

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Local Girl Scout Completes Silver Award

 

By Kaileigh Deacon

Girl Scouts is about much more than selling cookies every winter, it is about learning about yourself and finding a way to give back to your community. Many Girl Scouts find ways to help in their community by doing service projects and volunteering with local organizations. For local Cadet Scout Bailey O’Rourke, she took on the challenge of completing the second-highest award a girl scout can earn, the Silver Award.

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Kitten Killed by Dog-at-Large, Charges Pending for Owner

 

By Jayna Smith

Last week, the family kitten of Baileyville resident Sherri Neddeau was viciously killed by a dog-at-large.  According to Neddeau, the 19-week old kitten named Taz was underneath the porch of her home when the dog went under after it.  

Neddeau took to social media to find out who owned the dog.  It did not take long for her post to receive over 250 comments, many of which offered condolences on the loss of Taz, while others were opinions on what should happen to the dog and/or its owner(s).  

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WES Teacher Finds Sponsors to Donate Books to Students

 

By Natalie Boomer

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Gena Maloney, a 4th-grade teacher at Woodland Elementary School, made it possible for every child in the school to receive a book each month during the school year last year. This year she would like to do the same. 

Scholastic Book Clubs offer a book each month for students for $1, or $9 for a book each month for the entire school year.

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Nutrition Club to Open in Calais

 

By Natalie Boomer 

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Unleashed Nutrition will be open to the public this Saturday, the 5th. It will be open weekly from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. The nutrition club will offer healthy smoothies, protein shakes, energy boosting teas, wellness profiles, meal planning, recipes, and body transformation challenges. 

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Fall-Themed Virtual 5K Offered Throughout Maine

 

By Natalie Boomer

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The Great Pumpkin Run will take place on Sunday, October 6th at 1 p.m., starting at the Calais Motor Inn. Although there is a scheduled date for this event, there is a catch. You can participate in this virtual 5K anywhere at any time. 

Tina Seelye of Get Fit With Tina, will be running with her crew through downtown Calais, but others who want to participate can run the 3.1 miles anywhere they’d like. 

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World Relay Starts US Leg in Calais

 

By Kaileigh Deacon

When most people think of bikers, people who ride motorcycles, they think of middle-aged white men, but while that may be the perception it is not in fact the reality. For years the number of women riders has been steadily growing but motorcycle companies have yet to catch up with the shifting trends.

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St. Anne’s Applefest

Applefest takes place inside and outside. The thrift shop sets up outside the church and has a little bit of something for everyone. (Photo by Pierre Little)

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Woodland Lady Dragon Soccer Team

Pictured is the Woodland Lady Dragon soccer team. Members include front l-r: Alexis Pilotte, Alyssa Stevens, Sierra Bryant, Keyairah Pellerin, Amy Cox, Bianca Pellerin, and Cheyenne Hobbs. Back l-r: Coach Kris Siering, Joanna Korasadowicz, Abby Walker, Gabrielle Dubay, Dillanne Hampton, Jayden Smith, and Hannah Lockenwitz. (Photo by John Rogers)

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Calais Celtic Concerts to Present The Trials of Cato

 

Calais Celtic Concerts will present the hottest group in folk music out of Wales this year, “The Trials of Cato” at a special show on Sunday, October 6 at 7 p.m. at Calais High School. The group has won the 2019 Best Emerging Artist Award at the Wales Folk Award ceremony this year and are up for two more BBC Awards this November. They are only in the states for a short, two-week stint as they continue with their world tour. We are extremely lucky to be one of their stops!

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Town of Alexander Loses $40,000 in Payroll Checks

By Jayna Smith

Last Thursday, October 3, the Town of Alexander select board meeting took place at Alexander Elementary School.  Selectmen Patrick Cormier, Foster Carlow, John Knowles, and David Davis were in attendance.  

From the audience, it was asked if any movement on Ed Burgess’s recent resignation from the position of selectman was going to take place at this meeting.  Chair of the board Foster Carlow explained that Burgess’s resignation was tabled. “We didn’t accept it...We tabled it indefinitely,” he stated. 

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Three Girl Scouts Complete Bronze Award

 

By Kaileigh Deacon

For most preteens summer is spent hanging out with friends, going on trips, and just being kids, but for three local Girl Scouts, the summer had something more:  lots of hard work. Each level of Girls Scouts is met with new experiences and new challenges for each to face as they journey. It also comes with the opportunity to complete various awards of service that benefit the community, as well as the girls.       

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Garriott Makes Donation to DV Shelters, Encourages Others to Do the Same

 

By Jayna Smith

Robbinston native Kayla Garriott, founder of the non-profit organization Breathe the A.I.R. (abuse, incest, rape), has dedicated much of her adult life to breaking the silence of sexual abuse, incest, and rape.  

Kayla started Breathe the A.I.R. after turning her own very negative experience into a positive one.  She has worked tirelessly to provide support to victims and survivors, focusing on awareness and education, all with hopes that others will be inspired to speak out.  

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Nook & Cranny Restaurant Adding Baileyville’s Only Bar

 

By Dominic Gayton

The Nook & Cranny Restaurant is undergoing renovations, adding Baileyville’s only bar to the space formerly occupied by its kitchen.

The bar has been up and running for about three weeks and features six beers on tap:  Allagash White, Michelob Ultra, Stella Artois, Lone Pine Portland Pale Ale, a Samuel Adams seasonal brew, and Bud Light. The bar itself was built by Micah Diffin using wood from a lumberyard in Perry.

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Saturday is Jam-Packed with Events for Octoberfest

 

By Jayna Smith

Baileyville’s Octoberfest is in full swing, with this Saturday set as the big “parade day.”

The parade line-up begins at 10 a.m., with its procession from the town office to Main Street at 11 a.m.  Octoberfest organizer Jamie Bohanon has been chosen by the committee to lead the parade as Grand Marshal.

Bohanon said those wishing to participate in the parade can join the line-up with no pre-registration required.  There are cash prizes for best-decorated floats, ranging in amounts of $100 to $250.  

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Kingsbrae Garden’s Pumpkin Festival Slated for Saturday

 

By Jayna Smith

An afternoon of family fun will take place this Saturday at Kingsbrae Garden in St. Andrews, N.B.  The theme, appropriate for the season, will be pumpkins, of course, for its fifth annual Charlotte County Pumpkin Festival.  

According to Kingsbrae Garden’s director of operations Brad Henderson, approximately 1,100 people attended last year’s event, and that number is expected again this year.  According to Henderson, the Pumpkin Festival will take place rain or shine.  

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Calais Blue Devils Cross Country Team

Pictured is the Calais Blue Devils Cross Country team. Team members include front l-r: Serena Ferdette, Libby Bitar, Lauren Cook, Sophia McVicar, Nedra Bassett, and Cecile Jugaunt. Back l-r: Coach Jerry James, Richard Seeley, Tyler Furtek, Ashton James, Keith Gehringer, Gavin Parks, Colton Sherrard, Luke Furtek, Matthew Dana, Kyle Richard, Tristan Seavey, Mason Ritchie, and JD Turner. (Photo by John Rogers)

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Eastport Chowder House Hosts Benefit for Cancer Patients

 

By Natalie Boomer

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On Friday, October 11th the Eastport Chowder House will be hosting a benefit for Sarah’s House. 

A Chinese auction will take place at 2 p.m. and a full Thanksgiving turkey dinner will be served at 4 p.m. 

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Dennysville Pastor Publishes New Book

 

The Rev Dr. Alan Andraeas of Holy Trinity Chapel, Dennysville, holds a new copy of Sacred House in his hands. “The feeling is hard to describe when you see something with your name on the cover,” he explains. “It has been a long time in the making and it’s so good to see it in its final version.”

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Lioness of the Year Announced, New President at the Helm

 

By Jayna Smith

The local charitable group Calais Lioness Club resumed its monthly meetings last month after its summer hiatus, with newly-elected president Theresa Brown at the helm.

Serving as vice president is Theresa Porter, secretary is Jayna Smith, treasurer is Laurel Perkins, tamer is Martha Apkarian, and tail twister is Irene Moreside.

In addition to the club’s new officers, a new board of directors has also been installed.  Members include Terri Smith, Norma Van Devander, Lorraine Mitchell, Becky Lacasse, and Cindy O’Brien.

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Artemis’s Attic Ready for Halloween

Each fall, Artemis’s Attic on Main Street transforms into Emerald City.  Owner Shari Doten ensures the Wizard of Oz characters—even the flying monkeys—are out for all to enjoy, as part of the Scarecrow Festival decorating. (Photo by Pierre Little)

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Calais Fire Department and EMS present Fire Prevention program to Calais Elementary School Students

By Jayna Smith

Calais Fire-EMS has earned a great reputation for providing area children with fun and entertainment, from the association’s upcoming haunted house, 4th of July games, and Easter egg hunt fun, just to name a few.  

Now, to recognize Fire Prevention Week, members of the department, including Sparky the Fire Dog, visited Calais Elementary School to spread awareness and safety tips.  In true Calais Fire-EMS fashion, however, they did it in a very entertaining way.

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Turkey-a-Thon Collects Largest Amount in its 15 Year History

 

By Jayna Smith

The Classic Hits Turkey-a-Thon was held last Friday, and it once again proved a successful event, bringing in nearly $35,000, the largest amount in the program’s 15 years.  

The set goal of this year’s Turkey-a-Thon, according to Healthy Acadia’s Food Programs Manager Regina Grabrovac, was 2,500 turkeys.  That number was the amount brought in in 2018.  With the cost to provide one turkey being $12, a total amount of $30,000 was hoped for.

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WQDY Recognized for 60 Year Anniversary

 

By Jayna Smith

WQDY Classic Hits 92.7 FM launched 60 years ago.  To recognize the 60 year anniversary of the station, Sen. Marianne Moore and Rep. Anne Perry recently met with WQDY, Inc. President Bill McVicar to present him with a Legislative Sentiment.  

“Anne and I wanted to present WQDY with a sentiment to congratulate WQDY on achieving that kind of a milestone,” Sen. Moore stated.  “We extend our congratulations and best wishes.”

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Knights of Columbus Hold Annual Tootsie Roll Drive

 

By Natalie Boomer

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Over the weekend, the Knights of Columbus held their annual Tootsie Roll Drive.

This drive has been going on since 1979 all throughout the state of Maine. There are 90 individual Knights of Columbus Councils from Calais to Rumford, and from Kittery to Fort Kent. Each council conducts its own drive and donates all of the money collected. 

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Charlotte Volunteer Fire and Rescue Celebrates 60 Years

 

By Natalie Boomer

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On Friday, October 11th, a 60th anniversary party was thrown for the Charlotte Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department. 

Completely free to the public, refreshments were offered throughout the night, a raffle took place with auctioneer Tom Sawyer, and three live bands played. Dave Wilder Co., Keltic Schmeltic, and Bob Sawyer and New Start all took turns performing.

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Bohanon’s Recognized for 50 Years

 

By Jayna Smith

This past August, a Baileyville business reached an impressive milestone:  Bohanon’s, Inc. turned 50 years old.  

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Calais Fire-EMS Makes Fire Safety a Hot Topic at CES

 

By Jayna Smith

Calais Fire-EMS has earned a great reputation for providing area children with fun and entertainment, from the association’s upcoming haunted house, 4th of July games, and Easter egg hunt fun, just to name a few.  

Now, to recognize Fire Prevention Week, members of the department, including Sparky the Fire Dog, visited Calais Elementary School to spread awareness and safety tips.  In true Calais Fire-EMS fashion, however, they did it in a very entertaining way.

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Baileyville’s Octoberfest!

Although some changes had to be made to a few of the Octoberfest plans, it did not stop people from coming out and enjoying the day.  The craft fair, moved from outside to inside the WHS gym, saw over 35 vendors with everything from crafts, baked and canned goods, and various direct sales consultants.  Fundraisers also took place from organizations such as St. Croix No.

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It’s the Great Pumpkin!

 

By Jayna Smith

Pumpkins come in many shapes--like round, oval, tall, and squat--and all sizes, but one man’s pumpkin at last week’s Damariscotta Pumpkinfest and Regatta topped them all in size, weighing in at 1,832 pounds.

Edwin Pierpont of Jefferson was declared the winner of the biggest pumpkin, setting a new state record.  What may be surprising to some is that he actually beat his own state record, one he set in 2010 when his pumpkin weighed in at 1,471 pounds.

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Canada’s Chocolate Town Just Got Sweeter

By Jayna Smith

St. Stephen, N.B., known as Canada’s chocolate town for its claim of creating the world’s first chocolate bar, just got sweeter, thanks to a new downtown candy store.  Candy Creations opened this week at 184 Milltown Boulevard.

Owner Cathy Cairns said she started making candy about 35 years ago.  “I went into a bulk food store and these beautiful candy Christmas trees were sitting on the shelf.  I asked the owner to explain to me how she made them and that’s where my journey began making candy.”

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Caught Being Good at CES

The teachers and staff at Calais Elementary School have been asked to catch students doing a kind gesture throughout the week and recognize those students by rewarding them with a “caught being good” certificate. Over the last two weeks these students at CES have been “caught being good.” Noah Gillespie, Mackenzie Roberts, Molleigh Cox, Ben Harvey, Lainey Ellsmore, Hayden Sabattus and Sadye Cottrell. (Submitted photo)

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The City’s First EV Charge Station is Ready for Use

 

By Jayna Smith

Those with electric vehicles (EV) are now able to charge up in Calais, with the city’s first EV charge station.  The ClipperCreek brand, a high-power charger, is located behind the library at the waterfront, just in time for the anticipated increase of electric vehicles in the foreseeable future. 

According to City Manager Mike Ellis, the EV station, with two charging units on one pole, is ready for use, “but proper signage and parking space designation is happening in the next few days.” 

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Biggest Scarecrow Fest Yet Slated for the Weekend

 

By Jayna Smith

The Scarecrow Fest, an annual event put forth by Calais Downtown Revitalization Coalition (CDRC), will have its biggest fall celebration yet, and it’s set for this weekend.  

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Trunk or Treats Set for Area Towns Leading up to Halloween

 

By Jayna Smith

Trunk or Treats have been gaining in popularity in recent years. They are fun events for kids to dress up in costumes and collect candy from vehicles.  Those participating vehicles park in designated areas and are typically “dressed up” with decorations.  

On Friday, October 18th, the Calais PTO executed a successful Trunk or Treat at Calais Elementary School (see photo above) in conjunction with its Halloween dance inside.  

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CHS to Honor Veterans

 

By Kaileigh Deacon

Every Veterans Day on November 11th, people all across the country take time to honor those who have served their country and fought for their freedom. For years students at Calais High School have taken time before that day to put together a ceremony to thank all those locally who have served and made the sacrifice for their country.

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Princeton Daycare Stuffs the Turkey

 

By Kaileigh Deacon

Thanksgiving is a time to spend with family and for many to stuff themselves with turkey and a bunch of homemade goodies. There are some though, that because of various circumstances, don’t get the same opportunity for the big meal.

In 2003 Food and Medicine saw a need with the amount of mill worker layoffs across the state and thousands of Mainers without employment going into the holiday season. So they started the Solidarity Harvest, a way to give those in need a boost and provide them with a full Thanksgiving meal.

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Greg Mitchell Selected as ACBA Pitcher of the Year

 

By Jayna Smith

Like many area kids, Greg Mitchell, son of The Hon. David and Tammy Mitchell of Calais began playing baseball through the Calais Little League program.  Coached by his father in Little League, Greg went on to play at the high school level in Calais under then-coach Kenny Murphy and assistant Marc Rohde.  

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Nor’easter Downs Trees, Causes Power Outages

 

By Jayna Smith 

Last Thursday, October 17th, most of the state experienced the effects of a nor’easter.  The low pressure moved across the state bringing strong winds and heavy rain, leaving many coastal areas--where some saw wind speeds of up to 70 mph--without power for multiple days.  

In the Calais area, wind speed was around 45 mph, resulting in many knocked-down trees and a loss of power for some.  The public works department stayed on top of things with the removal of downed trees and limbs from roadways around the city.

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Cundiff Admitted to Maine Bar

 

On Friday, Oct. 18, 2019, Rachel M. Cundiff was admitted to the Maine Bar before Maine Supreme Justice Donald G. Alexander, Retired Federal Judge Margaret J. Kravchuk, Washington County Probate Judge Lyman Holmes, and Maine District Court Judge David J. Mitchell, her paternal uncle.   She was sponsored by her grandfather, Attorney John A. Mitchell, of Calais, Maine.

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Calais Lady Blue Devils Soccer Team

Pictured is the Calais Lady Blue Devils soccer team. Members pictured include front l-r: Marlene Ruesche, Abby Downing, Kelly Carter, Lauren Cook, Libby Bitar, and Ivy McLellan. Back l-r: Coach Courtney Hill, Katie Bitar, Mercedes Owen, Alexis Donahue, Annalisa Driskel, Nardra Bassett, Serina Fredette, Madyson Parks, Sophia McVicar, Sophia McVicar, Sage Phillips, and Coach Krista Morrison. (Photo by John Rogers)

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The Calais Advertiser Takes Home Four Awards from MPA

 

At its annual state conference held Oct. 19, the Maine Press Association recognized The Calais Advertiser with four awards.  Its sister paper, Machias Valley News Observer, won nine awards.

The awards were presented Saturday night at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Portland, concluding a day of workshops and networking for reporters and photographers, journalists, advertising staff, and designers throughout the state.

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WWII Veteran Asks for Help from Community

 

By Natalie Boomer

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A Robbinston World War II Veteran is in need of help from the community. 

92-year-old Bryce Dwelley suffered a massive stroke in June. He spent three weeks at Maine Medical Center in Portland, followed by three months at St. Joseph’s Rehabilitation. 

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Scarecrow Fest

Lydia Cropley's horse Willow was a popular visitor at the Scarecrow Fest on Saturday.  Both Lydia and Willow were well-dressed for the occasion.  The festival, organized by Calais Downtown Revitalization Coalition, drew many to the downtown beginning with Friday night’s Harvest Dinner, street dance, and trunk or treat.  The fun continued on Saturday with a craft fair, many kids' activities, and the annual casket race, along with numerous other events, and ended on Sunday with a car show and junk-in-the-trunk sale.  (Photo by Wendy Little) See more photos in this week's The Calais Advertiser

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Calais Community Thrift Store Fashion Show

 

Submitted by Sherry Sivret

Saturday was a beautiful fall day as the sun shone brightly at Triangle Park for the Scarecrow Fest and the first annual Calais Community Thrift Store Fashion Show.  

The fashion show was organized and emceed by Anne Nixon, a thrift store volunteer. Over 20 girls, teens and ladies participated in the show modeling beautiful outfits, from Halloween costumes to black dresses to jeans with scarves, sweaters, coats and footwear, all from the Calais Community Thrift Store. 

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Woodland Dragons Soccer Team

Shown are members of the Woodland Dragons soccer team. Members pictured are back l-r: Coach Ripley, Brewer Andrews, Jason Lockenwitz, Chris Plissey, Alden Bacon, Austin Murphy, Dylan Thompson, Matthew Minoty, and Devon Wilder. Middle l-r: Ethan Monk, Mikey Blash, Jamie Bryan, Weston Bailey, Jaidyn Williams, Keagan Wormell, David Howlett, Josh Jordan, and Justin Overlock. Front l-r: Tristan Bryan, Cole Dunphy, Shain McIver, Gauge Howard, Braden Richard, Dehkin Sockabasin, and Cyrus Sewell. (Photo by John Rogers)

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Downeast Broadband Utility Open for Business

 

By Natalie Boomer

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On Friday, October 25th, Downeast Broadband Utility held a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Baileyville Town Office and at the Calais Public Safety Building.

Downeast Broadband Utility provides dark fiber network access to homes and businesses. 

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Woodland High School National Honor Society Induction

Woodland High School chapter of the National Honor Society held their annual induction ceremony on October 11th.  New members Summer Woodruff, Sierra Bryant, and Abby Walker joined current members Maya Gallant and Emily Erskine.  Congratulations! (Submitted photo)

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Rotarians Mark World Polio Day With Tulips

 

A couple weeks ago, Calais Rotarians Pam Bridges and Anne Perry rolled up their sleeves and dug in the dirt by the water fountain in downtown Calais. They were planting Rotary tulips to mark the upcoming World Polio Day on October 24th. 

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Washington County Senior Companion Volunteers Honored

 

On Oct. 2, 2019, the Senior Companions of Washington County were honored for their many years of service to the clients in their communities that are homebound or isolated in some way. A total of 82 years experience is shared among 13 volunteers as well as countless hours of service helping others. They celebrated with a taco lunch and remarks given by State Director of SCP Don Lynch and Rep. Will Tuell about what is going on in Augusta. 

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DAC Championship at UMM

 

Lady Dragons Bring Home the Crown

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