By Jayna Smith

With the new year on the horizon, folks can expect to see lots of changes to one downtown building, with a new tavern set to open in May and a restaurant soon to follow.

The former Townhouse Restaurant and Lounge on Main Street has been purchased from the City of Calais by long-time resident Tim Krug.  Krug, a paramedic and firefighter for nearly 30 years, is also a contractor and is completely renovating the building.  

By Jayna Smith

This Saturday, Wreaths Across America (WAA) will hold its annual HART (Honoring Allies and Remembering Together) Ceremony at Ferry Point Bridge.

According to Amber Caron, of WAA, “The HART ceremony is the second event of the day, the first being the Sunrise Service in Lubec.”  The Sunrise Service is set to begin at 6:52 a.m. at West Quoddy Headlight.  

Beginning at 9:30 a.m., the HART Ceremony will honor the service and sacrifice of military veterans from the United States and Canada with a wreath exchange.  

Submitted by Sherry Sivret

Our Annual Christmas gathering is December 5th at 6 p.m.  The post will provide the main course with members bringing salads and desserts to share.  Don’t forget your $10 and a Yankee Swap gift that can go to either a male or female.  Members please invite a guest to this enjoyable evening!  If you have been or are an auxiliary member please come and join us too!

Guest Voice

By Vinton Cassidy

By Kaileigh Deacon

What’s better than a story that jumps off the page or the screen and makes you a part of it? For the last few years, that’s exactly the opportunity that the teachers and staff at the Calais Elementary School have been giving area kids.

The annual Polar Express event took place at Calais Elementary School last Thursday evening. This yearly event has grown a little more every year and gets kids a little more into the Christmas spirit. 

By Jayna Smith

Mr. Brian Giles has a few different roles at Indian Township School.  Not only does he teach special education, but he is also the food corps supervisor and a member of the orchard and garden planning committee.  Giles’ goal is to have a self-sustaining cafeteria at Indian Township School and to provide food for the local community.  He has received support from the school board and administration, tribal council and Chief, and local businesses. 

By Natalie Boomer

[email protected]

Washington County’s very own Wayne Sowers has just competed in the Weight Lifting World Championships in Las Vagas, Nevada.

This five-day event went on from November 12th through the 17th.

Sowers won three medals from the NABDL, National Association of Benchers and Deadlifters. He received a third-place medal in the bench press, a fourth place in the push-pull, and a fifth in the deadlift.

Submitted by Sherry Sivret

The Post Christmas party was held after the December meeting at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church with a feast of ham, brisket, mashed potatoes and many sides and desserts.  After the meal, a Yankee swap was held with a healthy exchange of gifts including a shelf Santa, a watch and travel mugs with handles.  Post Commander David Sivret was a right jolly ole elf calling the names and helping with the exchange of gifts. 

By Jayna Smith

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Christmas is, of course, a time of merriment, gift-giving, and decorations.  In Baileyville, the town shows just some of the festivity through the wreaths hung along Main Street.

These wreaths, between 45 or 50 of them, are donated every year by Mike Tammaro, owner of V.L. Tammaro Oil.  

Despite the cold, wet, and windy day, the fifth annual Stuff the Bus event on Saturday was a successful one.  Calais Police Sgt. Matt Vinson, U.S. Border Patrol Officer-in-Charge Todd Smith, Woodland High School Principal Dan Ross, Linda Fitzsimmons and Baileyville Police Chief Bob Fitzsimmons, and Indian Township Tribal Chief Billy Nicholas volunteered at the Stuff the Bus campaign at the Walmart location.  Jamie Bohanon and Indian Township Police Officer Jessica McCook volunteered at the Marden’s location. (Photo by Jayna Smith)

Congratulations to the Calais Lady Blue Devils for winning the 2019 Canadian Ganong & Rotary Basketball Tournament over this weekend in St. Stephen. Victorious members include front l-r: Lauren Cook, Trinity Jones, Olivia Huckins, Serina Fredette, and Sophie McVicar. Back l-r: Mercedes Owen, Alexis Donahue, Sage Phillips, Nedra Bassett, Nevaeh Thomas, Libby Bitar, Kendra Stevens, Manager Katie Bitar, and Coach Bill McVicar. Full tournament results in the next edition. (Photo by John Rogers)

Tom wishes everyone a Merry Christmas!

The Calais Middle/High School Music Department, under direction of Ms. Christine Proefrock, presented an impressive holiday concert last Friday night. Pictured are Members of the middle/high school chorus who certainly did not disappoint with their incredible vocal ability. (Photo by Jayna Smith)

By Anav Silverman Peretz

As a little girl, I can remember my family celebrating the Chanukah holiday in Calais, Maine, where ours was the only menorah lit on our snowy street. It was a special time of year filled with light and warmth. 

By Kaileigh Deacon

Christmas is a time for giving back. While the Blue Devil Fund’s generosity isn’t limited to one season, for students at Calais Elementary it was an extra special treat. Members of the Calais High School athletic teams helped the Blue Devil Fund board members pass out a very special gift.

By Natalie Boomer 

[email protected]

On Wednesday, December 18th, McDonald’s in Calais held a Christmas party for the local children of Washington County. Cookie decorating, coloring pages, games, hot chocolate, Christmas ornament decorating, and more were all available throughout the night. 

By Kaileigh Deacon

To so many, Christmas is a time to spend with loved ones and get the joy of seeing their expressions when they open that one special gift. For students at AMHC on Palmer Street in Calais, not all the students get to go home for the holidays. This is where the Calais High School Student Council and National Honor Society come in.