Jayna Smith

[email protected]

Jo’s Diner & Pizzeria recently held its annual Pizza Eating Contest, with Brooke Gilbert claiming the gold in the women’s division and Dallas Murray topping the men’s division.  Each will receive one 18” three-topping pizza a month for one year.  

Melissa Small and Keyairah Ellerin took second and third place, respectively, in the women’s competition, while Mike Connell and Chad Messier secured second and third place in the men’s.

The downpour of rain did not stop these athletes from taking part in the annual Kids’ Fun Run, sponsored by the Calais Recreation Department.  (International Homecoming Festival photo) 

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

Even though Christmas might seem far off, it will be here before we know it.  If you are looking for help with gifts for kids this year or know someone who might need assistance, Downeast Community Partners' “Giving Magic” program is ready to assist you now through December 2, 2024.

Jon Reisman

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

Julia Gagnon, the American Idol sensation known for her powerful vocals and magnetic stage presence, will bring her talent to Flat Iron Park in downtown Calais on Thursday, August 22.  Gagnon’s one-hour performance promises an array of familiar tunes, delivering a concert experience that’s both impressive and unforgettable.

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

St. Croix Country Club was host to its largest scramble last Friday, August 2, with the sixth annual Divots & Dunks Charity Golf Scramble.  According to organizer Chris Taylor, founder of The Blue Devil Fund, 43 teams competed.  

Paul Sylvain

Add historic renovations to Northfield resident and Machias developer Justin King’s growing resumé. King announced on Aug. 2 that he received a notice of intent to award King Construction a $450,000 contract for repair and renovations of the iconic red and white candy-striped tower and map room at West Quoddy Head Lighthouse. 

Margaret Casey and Jennifer Bristol gathered with children from the LCOC Summer Recreation Program to raise the banner for the Lubec Playground Workday and Celebration to take place on September 29. Read more in our September 12 issue. (Submitted photo)

Robbinston Days was celebrated on August 3 at the Robbinston Community Center on Route 1. The Touch-A-Truck kicked off the fun-filled day, with music and food following. Skye’s Hope, Ken and Jane Brooks, and Pink Capos performed. There was free food, a bounce house, cornhole, kids’ games, history exhibits, and a bake sale. (Robbinston Historical Society photo)

Jon Reisman

August arrived Down East with fog, unusually high temperatures, and thunderstorms in terms of both weather and politics. 

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

The Passamaquoddy Motahkomikuk Community Days are set to be a vibrant and engaging celebration of culture, sports, and community spirit from this Friday, August 2, through Sunday, August 4, at Sockabasin Field in Peter Dana Point, Indian Township.

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

Mark McKinnon, an employee of the United States Postal Service for over 23 years, officially retired on July 31, 2024.

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

The Street Fair, always a favorite of the International Homecoming Festival, promises to be a highlight once again this year.  Sponsored and organized annually by the St. Croix Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Street Fair offers something for everyone, drawing hundreds of locals and visitors alike.

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

Despite no longer being formally affiliated, the Calais Lions Club and the Calais Lioness Club share a mutual mission: to aid local residents in need.  Each club supports the other's efforts and participates in various fundraising events throughout the year.

Plans to expand the capacity of the Lincoln Memorial Public Library in Dennysville are moving forward, thanks to Senator Susan Collins’ timely submission of the trustees’ funding request to the Senate Appropriations Committee in Congress this summer.

Children ages 5 to 14 have gathered at the Calais Veterans Center for Craft Camp over the last couple of weeks. Craft Camp encourages and provides an opportunity for children to explore their creativity, imagination, and self-expression. It is also a safe environment for children to discover that it is okay to make mistakes because getting things “wrong” could actually give you a whole new idea. 

During this camp, the children have created garden stepping stones, repurposed recyclable materials, created t-shirts with food coloring, made wildlife suncatchers, and more. 

Jon Reisman

President Biden’s selfless and noble passing of the torch to Kamala (or Obama/Pelosi orchestrated coup, depending on which tribe you belong to) left me marveling at our polarized and post-modern understanding of “Democracy.” “Democracy” is a system of government where the people rule, either directly (like Town Meeting) or through elected representatives (a Republic). Democracy is rule of the many, as opposed to rule of the few (oligarchy) or the one (tyranny). 

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

Starting August 1, 2024, new regulations will be implemented for dogs entering or returning to the United States.  These rules depend on where the dog has been in the past six months and where it received its rabies vaccination, if required, to prevent the entry of rabies-infected canines into the U.S.

The Washington County village of Grand Lake Stream may be just off the beaten path, but it will be well worth the drive to this magical setting as the ballfield comes alive on Saturday and Sunday, July 27 and 28, for the 28th Annual Grand Lake Stream Folk Art Festival.  Local organizers have once again put together a full schedule of activities for young and old, with music, folk art, food, and fun.  The festival runs each day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

Sandra Smith

Saturday was the second Princeton Parks and Recreation’s Community Yard and Craft Sale. The weather was unbelievably perfect, and the wonderful community support was truly appreciated. In addition to the ten vendors, the Princeton Fire Department Association was there with their Weenie Wagon for breakfast and lunch. Also, Lakeside Lemonade was back. 

A new format included six vendors who participated in the event but sold items from their homes. They were advertised and their location was featured on a special map. 

The Bangor Savings Bank Foundation has awarded The Joy Fund, a barrier removal program administered by the Community Caring Collaborative (CCC), $5,500 to support more first-time home buyers scheduling home inspections of their prospective dream home in Washington County.