By Jayna Smith

Jayna@calais.news

Back in 2016, St. Croix Apartments on Main Street was declared unsafe and mandatorily vacated, and the Maine Office of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) refused to renew the building’s contract. The building provided housing for the elderly and the disabled, all of whom were then forced to find new residences.  

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)

Tom wishes everyone a Merry Christmas!

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)

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)

By Jayna Smith

Jayna@calais.news

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.  

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 Natalie Boomer

Natalie@calais.news

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.

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 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. 

Guest Voice

By Vinton Cassidy

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!

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.  

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

A local couple is on a mission to make Christmas a little merrier for some older residents in the Calais area.

Five years ago, Buck and Cindy Wartman used their own money to brighten up the holidays for two older people they knew.  “There seems to be a lot of benefits for the kids at Christmastime, but nothing for the elderly people,” Cindy said.  

On Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 3:44 p.m. Deputies Matthew Carter and Toni Bridges of the Washington County Sheriff's Office were conducting a traffic stop on Water Street in Addison. The deputies requested the assistance of Deputy Ryan Allen and his K-9 Runa for a vehicle search. Runa is trained and certified to detect illegal drugs.

The Calais Lions Club provides quarterly donations to the Irene Chadbourne Ecumenical Food Pantry.  This quarter, however, the club decided to take advantage of Pratt’s matching donation campaign and took their donation directly to the dealership.  Throughout the month of November, Pratt will match all donations to any Washington County food pantry, up to $5,000. Pictured are Lion Ben Knowles with Ian Pratt and Fr. David Sivret of the food pantry.  (Photo by Jayna Smith)

By Jayna Smith

Nearly 80 people attended the Annual Meeting and Awards Event for the St. Croix Valley Chamber of Commerce held last Thursday evening.  Taking place at Calais Motor Inn, the event included dinner and guest speaker Scott Beal along with some regular business before awards and prizes.  

Chamber chairperson DeeDee Travis, of Calais Regional Hospital, welcomed guests, and also recognized outgoing chairperson Mike Carmody.