Respect

 

Jon Reisman

One reader recently chastised me for my “disrespectful tone” towards President Brandon and Vice President Kamala, archly opining that my arguments against “President Biden and Vice-President Harris” lost credibility due to my lack of respect.

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Local Unobskey Scholars Complete Summer Session at Phillips Academy

 

Full scholarships were granted to area high school students by the Unobskey Family Foundation for a summer program. The program will again be offered to six Washington County and six Charlotte County students for the Summer Session 2023. Pictured from left to right are Antonio Vizcarrondo, Shead HS; Skylar Russell, St Stephen HS; Megan Hannan, Fundy HS; Abigail Legacy, St. Stephen HS; Maya Vekelic, St. Stephen HS; Joey McLauchlan, Calais HS; Anna Patterson, Washington Academy; and Amy Scouten, St. Stephen HS. (Photo by Moira Sherwood)

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Passamaquoddy Exhibit Opens at Museum in Dennysville

 

Historical Society President Ron Windhorst explains the new exhibit “Ancestral Passamaquoddy Beginnings at Dennys River” to visitors Jim Oberly and Louise Merriam, at the Academy/Vestry Museum in Dennysville, which is open Saturday afternoons from 1-5 p.m. through mid-October. (Submitted photo)

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Potential Vandalism Among Topics Discussed at Baileyville Council Meeting

 

Ricky Cleghorn

At the August 22, 2022 Baileyville Town Council meeting, it was reported that the police department still has an officer vacancy, and is currently looking to hire.

There was also another overdose resulting in death in Baileyville, according to the police report. Finally, the department now has a brand new, fully kitted Dodge Durango cruiser on the road.

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Recovery Center Commemorates Lives Lost to Addiction on Overdose Awareness Day

Jayna Smith
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Since Downeast Recovery Support Center opened its doors in Calais in 2019, it has brought many in the community together to not only support recovery, but also to celebrate recovery.  The center provides trainings and workshops and serves as a safe haven for anyone wishing to learn about or who is in or is seeking recovery.

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New Rescue Boat for Charlotte and Meddybemps Fire Departments

 

A new rescue boat, jointly operated by Charlotte and Meddybemps Fire Departments, is now in service.  The boat will be used to fight island and lakeshore fires, as well as to perform EMS/rescues on islands and remote locations on local and regional water bodies.  (Photo by Charlotte Fire Captain Jeff Orchard)

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Plans Underway for Return of Lioness Halloween Bash

 

Jayna Smith
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Calais Lioness Club recently installed its new officers, with Mary Jean Redding now at the helm as president.
Redding was sworn in by outgoing president Theresa Porter.

Lorraine Mitchell will serve as vice president, while Laurel Perkins will continue her role as the  club’s treasurer and Jayna Smith as secretary.

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Blue Devil Jace Cook Medals in First Two Golf Matches of Season

 

Jayna Smith
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Calais High School golf, under coach John Moody, is off to a great start, with senior Jace Cook leading the way.
The Blue Devils have earned the DAC Champion title for the last two consecutive years, and they are off to a great start once again.

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CES Students Baking Bread for a Good Cause

 

Calais Elementary School fourth grade students, along with Travis McGivery, representing the Irene Chadbourne Ecumenical Food Pantry, hold homemade banana bread. Mrs. Batson and Ms. Boomer's classes make banana bread several times a year to donate to the food pantry.  The task allows students to gain skills in following directions, cooperating with one another, and math, with the use of fractions and measuring.  Most of all, the students love that the bread making goes to a great cause. (Submitted photo)

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Volunteer Crossing Guard Recognized Posthumously

Jayna Smith
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Last week, staff from Calais Elementary School, along with some school board members, honored the late Jack Monaghan.

Monaghan was a long-time crossing guard, recognized and admired by many students over the years.  He volunteered in the crossing guard position for over 25 years.

His two daughters Debbie Flood and Karen Childs were present to accept a plaque honoring him.  

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Downeast Maine Suicide Awareness Walk Returns in Calais

Natalie Boomer
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The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) will be back in Washington County on Sunday, September 18th for the annual Downeast Maine Suicide Awareness Walk.

Community members will come together to remember those lost by suicide, support those who have been affected by the loss of a loved one, and bring awareness to suicide and mental health conditions.

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Energy Policy Malpractice

 

Jon Reisman

In 1973 I got my driver’s license, purchased a 1966 Delta 88 (8 miles/gallon) for $500 with my saved paper route earnings, drove it to Waterville, Maine, to start college, and watched the price of gasoline double to $.70/gallon during the first OPEC oil embargo. America had gasoline rationing and long lines at gas stations. President Nixon was hobbled/distracted by Watergate, and the country seemed to be paralyzed.

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Calais Fire-EMS Hosts LifeFlight Training

 

Jayna Smith
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On Saturday, September 10, Calais Fire-EMS hosted a training with LifeFlight of Maine at its Red Beach Station.

According to Calais Fire Chief Bill Lee, more than 30 people attended the training, which, he said, was available to all area departments.

The EMS training included Life Flight Network operations, landing zone setup and coordination, patient loading, and safety around the aircraft.

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Machias Savings Marks 9/11 Anniversary with Display

Jayna Smith
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On September 11, 2001, two commercial airplanes were flown into the twin towers of New York City’s World Trade Center–one at 8:46 a.m., another at 9:03 a.m.–resulting in the collapse of the buildings.  

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9/11 Remembrance Flag Waving

 

The remembrance flag waving in Alexander on Sunday, September 11 was truly a multi-generational event with many children taking part. Pictured left to right are Ellah Seavey, Brylea Newman, Cassie Oakes, Rylee Kinney, and Carlos Oakes Jr.  See more photos on page 19 of this week's The Calais Advertiser. (Submitted photo)

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Calais XC has Impressive Start

 

Jayna Smith
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At a three-mile race hosted by Washington Academy on Wednesday, September 7, Calais runners had strong finishes.  

First for girls was Bailey O’Rourke, with a time of 26:23.

Phillip Bassett finished in 22:13, earning him the fourth place finish, followed by Jason Socabasin, 24:18, in fifth.

Keegan Trainor was next for Calais in ninth place with a time of 26:04.

Frank Miliano grabbed the tenth spot in 28:35 and Ike Soucy the twelfth in 32:44.

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Waite Talmadge Congregational Church Restoration

 

Becky and Jerry Green presenting a $2,000 check toward the restoration of the Waite Talmadge Congregational Church.  Becky and Jerry have been instrumental in the restoration effort! The check is being received by Stephanie Chaffee of Talmadge. Thanks to all who have helped support this most worthy effort.  The community yard sale on September 3rd was supported by the Waite General Store and very successful. (Submitted photo)

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UScellular Enhances Wireless Network Coverage in Washington County

 

UScellular continues to invest in its fast, high-quality network with the addition of 5G service to five cell sites in Washington County, including the towns of Alexander, Calais, Milltown, South Trescott, and Steuben. The sites enhance UScellular’s network in the towns and are among the more than 420 sites the wireless carrier has across the state. 5G service provides faster data speeds, seamless video chatting and a more responsive mobile experience.

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Lest We Forget

 

This column once stood in the core of the South Tower, probably between floors 30 and 33.  During the tower's collapse, extreme stresses caused this multi-ton piece of steel to fold over onto itself.  Three of the four welds that held the column together split open.  (Photo from National September 11 Museum by Jayna Smith)

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Blue Devils Fall to Dragons, Raiders

 

Jayna Smith
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The Calais Blue Devils boy’s soccer team was handed two losses last week, one from Woodland and one from Washington Academy.

On Tuesday, September 13, the boys faced the Dragons in Woodland.  

Dragons Reese Sabattus and Brogan Brown were the lone scorers of the day, lifting their team over the Blue Devils 2-0.

On Thursday, September 15, the Raiders of Washington Academy were too strong for the Devils, winning 9-2.  

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Constitution Day in Machias

 

Tom Brennan, a Revolutionary War reenactor from Robbinston, joined, from left,  Theresa Farnsworth and Cathy Johnson, members of the  Hannah Weston Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, as they displayed a copy of the United States Construction on Saturday, Sept. 17, Constitution Day, celebrating the 1787 signing of the U.S. Constitution. The trio were part of a group that gathered at the Burnham Tavern Museum in Machias to  take part in the nationwide celebration of Constitution Day by ringing “Bells Across America.” (Submitted photo)

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View the Moon, Planets, and More at Observe the Moon Event

 

Jayna Smith
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Downeast Amateur Astronomers and St. Croix Island International Historic Site are teaming up to bring a great party to all on Saturday, October 1, 2022.  The event is in celebration of International Observe the Moon Night, and it’s free to attend.

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CHS Bathroom Policy Aimed at Curbing Bad Behavior Raises Concerns from Parents

 

Jayna Smith
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“We are doing what we feel is necessary to provide a safe and open environment that sometimes involves putting in place rules and regulations that are different from another time,” Superintendent Ron Jenkins said at last Wednesday’s school board meeting of Calais High School’s newly-implemented bathroom policy.

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CES Students Assist in Flag Retirement

Boyd Smith Mitchell Memorial Post 9779 Veterans of Foreign Wars

Last week, VFW members and students participated in the retirement of the US flag and the raising of a new flag at Calais Elementary School.  

Three students assisted in folding the retired flag, before the new flag was raised to full staff, then lowered to half staff.  

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Committee Members Say Next Year’s 50th Anniversary Festival to be Biggest in Years

Jayna Smith
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The small group of volunteers who make up the International Homecoming Festival met last week to recap the 2022 event.  

According to the members of the group, the international parade was definitely missed by all.  The parade was not held this year due to continuing restrictions at the border stemming from COVID-19.  By next year, it is hoped, the last of the restrictions will be lifted and a grand parade will be held once again.

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Calais City Council

 

Jayna Smith
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The Calais City Council met for its regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, September 22.

City Manager Mike Ellis reported that Curative Labs would be ending its Calais-site COVID-19 testing, with the final day being September 23.  According to Ellis, Walgreens is still offering PCR testing, with results within 48 hours, and rapid NAAT testing, with results in as little as two hours.  The testing at Walgreens requires a scheduled appointment.

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District 9 Candidate Chambers Thanks Grand Lake Stream

 

Republican John “Jake” Chambers, of Calais, will be on the ballot in November to represent House District 9, which stretches from Eastport to Grand Lake Stream along the county’s eastern edge. Chambers has been busy campaigning throughout the area, most recently in Grand Lake Stream, where he said his efforts were very well received.  

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Visit the New Little Free Library in Calais

 

Natalie Boomer
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The Little Purple Library of Calais Maine is open for business.  

The Little Free Library is a nonprofit organization that is based in St. Paul, Minnesota, with a mission to inspire readers and expand book access for children everywhere.

Nicole Perkins started her Little Free Library at 221 South Street in Calais earlier this year to not only bring book access to children of the community, but to her own daughter, as well.

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Blue Devils Soccer Picks up Win Over Dragons

 

 Jayna Smith
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The Blue Devils boys’ soccer team, coached by Brian Moreau, was busy last week with another three games played.

On Monday, the Blue Devils hosted Bucksport at home.  

The Golden Bucks led at the half, 1-0, and picked up another 5 goals in the second, outscoring the Blue Devils 6-0.

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Alexander Grange Members Learn to Make Wreaths

 

Grange members Dale Holst and Carlos Oakes learned to make wreaths the Wreaths Across America way along with the meaning of each step at a recent Alexander Grange Meeting by Gold Star Parents and Grange members Dolly and Jim Sullivan. (Submitted photo)

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ArriveCAN App Requirement to be a Thing of the Past–Finally

 

Jayna Smith
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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has finally announced the end to the mandatory use of the ArriveCAN app.  The long-awaited announcement came on Monday, September 26, 2022, with the end date for the required use of the app set for Friday, September 30.  

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ArriveCAN App May Have Held up Maine Crews Headed to Assist in NS after Fiona

 

Jayna Smith
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Hurricane Fiona made its way up the East Coast at the end of last week, before being downgraded on Friday to a post-tropical cyclone as it battered the province of Nova Scotia into Saturday.

The winds, which reached up to 92 mph, according to news sources, knocked out electricity for about 80 percent of Nova Scotia Power customers, leaving downed trees, flooded homes, washed out roads, and other destruction.

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Out of the Darkness Walk

 

Washington County community members gathered at Triangle Park in Calais on September 18th and marched in the rain for suicide awareness in the Out of the Darkness Walk. (Photo by Chad Woodruff)

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Girl Scouts Complete Service Projects

 

Local Girl Scout Troop 2253 performed service projects at their last meeting, creating special birthday cards for a local 90-year-old, as well as picking up trash along the waterfront. (Submitted photos)

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Calais Welcomes Familiar Face as New Fire Chief

Jayna Smith
[email protected]

A new fire chief for the City of Calais has been named.  At a city council meeting earlier this month, Calais Fire-EMS Captain Bill Lee’s appointment to Chief by City Manager Mike Ellis was confirmed by council.

Lee is a 35-year veteran of the fire service, having begun his career in Calais back in 1987.  Over the years, he has worked himself through the ranks, including having done a five-year stint as Fire Chief for the Town of Lincoln.  

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