Jayna Smith

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First National Bank recently announced a $10,000 contribution to the Maine Seacoast Mission toward their Mission Downeast Capital Campaign.

Since 1905, the Maine Seacoast Mission has been committed to the people of Maine’s outer islands and Downeast coastal communities. Based out of their 63-acre Downeast campus in Cherryfield, they operate a host of robust programs focused on education, food security, and community engagement.

Jayna Smith

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The guided missile destroyer USS Forrest Sherman (DDG-98) visited Eastport last week for the city’s Independence Day celebration, bringing with it around 300 sailors, including one local man, Tobias Francis from Sipayik. 

The USS Forrest Sherman (DDG-98) is an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer and part of Destroyer Squadron 28.  It has a displacement of 9,200 tons and measures 509.5 feet in length. 

Many locals and visitors alike attended the annual Grand Lake Stream Fourth of July celebration last week, and the festivities did not disappoint.  (Photos courtesy of Linda Boudreau Woodruff)

Jayna Smith

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The Town of Vanceboro is gearing up for a grand celebration on Saturday, July 20, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., to mark the 150th anniversary of its incorporation and the re-opening of the Vanceboro Historical Society.  The festivities will be held at the Vanceboro Community Center, located at 101 High Street.

Jon Reisman

I spent our 248th birthday in Cooper, eschewing parades and politics to marinate in memories, both happy and haunting. This past year of personal bereavement, filial weddings, and political angst has left me both pensive and emotional, occasionally even teary-eyed. I cycled through many years of July 4th memories, searching for solace and optimism.

Down East Hospice Volunteers recently announced the winner of a recent fundraising raffle.  Rhoda Dougherty, of Perry, won a grill, graciously donated by Johnson’s True Value and a canvas tote of grilling goodies put together by DEHV.  

DEHV thanks all who bought raffle tickets and who continue to support its mission.

Jayna Smith

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The Dicenzo Athletic Complex on Calais Avenue is always bustling in the spring and summer months, offering a baseball field, softball field, city pool, playground, tennis courts, little league field, and now, a designated t-ball field for the youngest baseball enthusiasts.  This new addition holds special significance as it is dedicated to the memory of the late Kenny Murphy.

Jayna Smith

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Under the leadership of new president Dawn Noonan, the Irene Chadbourne Ecumenical Food Pantry is progressing while keeping its mission to assist those experiencing food insecurity at the forefront.

Jayna Smith

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An open house and ribbon-cutting celebration was held on Friday, June 28, 2024, at First National Bank. The branch, located at 319 North Street, recently underwent a major renovation, transforming its interior appearance. 

Among the most notable differences is the replacement of the long teller counter with free-standing pods, offering a more concierge-like, one-on-one customer experience in its new open-environment space.

Will Tuell

After 32 years wearing a uniform for the Maine Forest Service, rising from a field Ranger to one of the highest-ranking officers in the 66-man department and becoming one of a handful of individuals around the country certified to manage air responses to some of the biggest wildfires and natural disasters across the country, Marion Township’s Jeff Currier signed off for the last time June 28. 

Paul Sylvain

For one weekend this year, an assortment of three-wheelers, four-wheelers, and even a dirt bike or two outnumbered black flies and ‘skeeters in the Shiretown, as scores of ATV enthusiasts turned out for the second annual Machias ATV Jamboree June 28-29.

Jon Reisman

I stayed up way past my usual bedtime to watch the Presidential debate and take in the reaction and the spin.  One good friend, aware of my angst over this election and the polarized state of the country, asked me as the debate concluded, “Were you impressed?” to which I responded, “Not with anyone there actually.” Perhaps that was a little (but only a little) bit unfair. They all actually exceeded my low expectations.

Jayna Smith

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The Calais Fire Association has announced the return of the beloved Fourth of July kids' games this year.

Traditionally held at the Dicenzo Athletic Complex on Independence Day morning, from 8 to 11 a.m., these games have become a cherished event for countless local families.  Although the exact number of years this tradition has been running is unclear, it has undoubtedly brought joy to generations of children.

Eastern Area Agency on Aging (EAAA) marked the grand opening of its new access point at Calais United Methodist Church with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday morning.  The event featured a speaking program led by Executive Director Tabatha Caso, Nutrition Director Chris Street, and Nutrition Supervisor Kim Stanley.  Attendees were also given a tour of the new facility, showcasing the range of services it will offer.

Paul Sylvain

Machias is no stranger to all-terrain vehicles. ATVs of all sizes and shapes can be found most anytime at local eateries, including Dunkin’s, Pat’s Pizza, Mason’s Downeast, Helen's Restaurant, and River’s Edge takeout. But since 2022, a dedicated group of local ATV enthusiasts has been mustering annually at a jamboree dedicated to their off-road trail machines.

The iconic "blueberry dome" in Downeast Maine, now the Wild Blueberry Heritage Center, is reopening on Thursday, June 27th.  Founded by Dell and Marie Emerson in 2017, the nonprofit aims to educate visitors about Maine’s ancient wild blueberry ecosystem.

The dome features interactive exhibits, including stories from local blueberry growers, student-created dioramas, and fine art prints by photographer David Brooks Stess. Outside, visitors can explore the Wild Blueberry Walkway, a trail with wild blueberries, a pollinator garden, and heritage displays.

Will Tuell

Jayna Smith

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A big thank you to Jane Eaton who spearheaded the annual plant sale earlier this month.  The sale took place at Flat Iron Park with all proceeds benefiting the Calais Downtown Revitalization Coalition (CDRC).  

The farmers market has begun for the summer season. You can find it and all of the wonderful fresh produce and local goods at Flat Iron Park downtown every Tuesday from noon to 2 p.m. 

Jayna Smith

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Despite widespread awareness of the dangers of vaping, many continue the habit.  However, three students from Calais Middle/High School are determined to change that trend among their peers.

Jamison Brown, Bradley Walton, and Wyatt Short have teamed up with Healthy Acadia to establish Vape Busters, a peer mentor program designed to address the growing concern about vaping among middle and high school students.

Phil Stuart

The 2024 spring baseball and softball season was the most successful in a very long time for Washington County schools.

Four teams went into the postseason with legitimate chances to make a deep playoff run and play for a regional championship.  Three of those teams did reach the title game, but unfortunately, they all ended in heartbreaking defeats.