1. Free Meals Offered Weekly in Calais

     

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    The Youth Ministries group at Bethel Chapel in Talmadge has been actively involved in their Breaking of the Bread program since last fall.  This initiative focuses on offering meals once a week to residents of the Talmadge area, aiming to address local food insecurity issues.  

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  2. Opportunity Alliance and Healthy Acadia Summer Program Celebration

     

    Sandra Smith

    This past Saturday, the weather cleared by the start time of 11 a.m. for The Opportunity Alliance and Healthy Acadia Summer Program (G20) celebration at Brewer Andrews Field in Princeton. 

    Games were set up, along with information booths by Calais Skatepark and Healthy Acadia, and food vendor Donna Netzer’s Slice of Heaven Bakery. 

    Princeton Parks & Recreation’s booth displayed all the posters for their activities, as well as photos of their events. 

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  3. Improvements, Upgrades to Baileyville’s Parks & Rec. Facilities

     

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    The Town of Baileyville has demonstrated its commitment to providing well-maintained and versatile recreational spaces for its residents to enjoy a wide range of sports and activities with numerous upgrades having taken place at its parks and fields.

    Parks and Recreation Director Ryan Lincoln has overseen these upgrades, which include various improvements to different locations within the town.

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  4. Calais City Council

     

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    On August 17, 2023, the Calais City Council met for its regular meeting, with Mayor Artie Mingo presiding over Councilors Kevin Niles, Mike Sherrard, Marcia Rogers, Mark Carr, and Ellery Beale.  Councilor James MacDonald was absent from the meeting.

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  5. Judo Classes in Princeton End for Summer

     

    On Saturday, August 12, Sensei Robert Karr taught his final Judo class for this summer. 

    Karr suggested to Princeton Parks & Recreation last winter that he would like to offer and teach a Judo program. Parks & Rec. then obtained permission from the Town of Princeton and applied to use the elementary school. 

    Meanwhile, Karr supplied the mats and Judo GIs clothing. The first class was held on Saturday, June 10 and ran for six weeks. Due to the enthusiastic response, a second series started on July 22. 

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  6. YCC Crew Builds Footbridge

     

    The YCC crew at Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge constructed a footbridge over the stream at Mullen Meadow today so wilderness trail hikers can keep their feet dry. You can see the bridge through under Keegan’s feet. The bridge was constructed of old used lumber that had been salvaged fromboardwalk at Meadows NWR. The bridge leads to the trailheads for Conic Trail and Headquarters Trail in the wilderness area. (Photo by Nikolai Lane)

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  7. Wild Blueberry Festival Draws Thousands to Machias Area

     

    Paul Sylvain

    Yes, Virginia, there really are blueberries at the Machias Wild Blueberry Festival.

    The sad truth is, that hasn’t always been the case. Just ask the folks at the Welch Farm in Roque Bluffs, who explained in an interview earlier this month that it was the lack of fresh blueberries at the annual festival that prompted them to offer farm tours and arrange for some of their berries to be available for sale there. 

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  8. Maine Antlerless-Deer Permit Winners Drawn for Eastern, Northern Washington County

     

    Will Tuell

    The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife announced the winners of its annual antlerless-deer permit lottery on Aug. 15. Each winner has until Sept. 12 to claim and permit his or her permit. If permits are not claimed by that date, they are forfeited, IFW said on their website.

    Winners for eastern and northern Washington County, listed by town, follow.

    Alexander: Nathan Allen (WMD 27), Michael Brewer (WMD 25), David Goodine (WMD 21)

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  9. Sabbatical

     

    Jon Reisman

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  10. Passamaquoddy Days Celebration

     

    The 57th Annual Passamaquoddy Days was held Aug. 10-14, 2023, at Sipayik Indian Reservation, Split Rock, Perry.  Many activities took place, including the traditional native drumming, smudging, and more.  (Photo by Anura Gurugé) 

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  11. 3rd Annual Robbinston Days

     

    Marianne Moore joined in on the fun during the Robbinston Days parade on August 12. There was also a free meal, music, bake sale, historical display, cornhole, nature walk, bounce house and more all organized by the Robbinston Historical Society. (Photo by John Bouchard)

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  12. IHF Kids’ Day Tennis

     

    During the International Homecoming Festival and Chocolate Festival, several Calais youth enjoyed being introduced to tennis by participating in the IHF Kids’ Day at the Garcelon Civic Center and signing up for the Sweet Spot Tennis Challenge at the Milltown Memorial Tennis Courts. Shown is Joseph McGivery, of Calais.  (Submitted photo)

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  13. Eastern Area Agency on Aging’s Paws for a Cause Campaign Seeks Donations

     

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    Eastern Area Agency of Aging is hosting a fundraiser this month to benefit its Furry Friends program.

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  14. American Bald Eagle

     

    Karen Michaud took this beautiful eagle photo and we are glad she sent it in to us!

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  15. New Physician at CCH

     

    Calais Community Hospital is pleased to welcome Family Medicine Physician Dr. Jacqueline Russell to Calais Community Provider Practices.  Dr. Russell earned her medical degree from the University of New England Osteopathic Medicine in Biddeford, ME. She completed a transitional intern year at St Barnabus NMM Residency in Bronx, NY and a Family Medicine Residency at Eastern Connecticut Health Network in Manchester, CT.  Most recently, Dr. Russell has been practicing primary care in Belfast, ME.

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  16. State Police ‘Pull Out’ of Statutorily Mandated Patrols in Rural Maine

     

    By Paul Sylvain

    Chances are you won’t find a state trooper patrolling Washington County these days. The same is also true in at least six other rural Maine counties. As a result, county sheriff’s departments have had to step in to fill the void.

    Washington County Commissioner Chris Gardner explained at the Aug. 10 county commissioners session that he’d just attended the Maine County Commissioners Association (MCCA) meeting at which the lack of rural patrols by Maine State Police took center stage.

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  17. Commissioner Cautions Against Censoring Blueberry Fest Vendors

     

    Paul Sylvain

    Referring to an incident involving obscene T-shirts sold by a vendor at last year’s Machias Wild Blueberry Festival, Washington County Commissioner Chris Gardner cautioned festival organizers against censorship at this year’s festival.

    The discussion arose at the Aug. 10 Washington County Commissioners meeting in Machias and was initiated as an agenda item by Gardner.

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  18. Climate Con Continues

     

    Jon Reisman

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  19. Opening Ceremony of 50th International Homecoming Festival

     

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    The 50th anniversary of International Homecoming Festival was hailed a success by its organizers, a small group of volunteers who join forces with a group from St. Stephen each year to execute events for all ages.

    The celebration kicked off on Wednesday, August 2, with the Opening Ceremony on Ferry Point Bridge.

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  20. 50th Annual International Homecoming Festival Parade

    Addison Brown, Junior Miss International; Klaire Olsson, Little Miss International Princess; and Aurora Olsson, Young Miss International had fun riding in the parade.  (Photo courtesy of Jessica Olsson)

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  21. CMHS Class of 1958 Celebrates 65 Year Reunion

     

    During the International Homecoming Festival, on Friday, August 4, 2023, Calais Memorial High School Class of 1958 gathered at Louis Bernardini’s cottage on the St. Croix River to celebrate 65 years they have experienced since graduation.

    The celebration included a dinner of spaghetti and meatballs, corn, salads, cole slaw, pies and ice cream, all provided by Louis’s family and the classmates who attended.

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  22. Street Fair Draws Hundreds to Downtown

     

    Veterans of Foreign Wars representatives were outside the Calais Veterans Center during the street fair selling tickets on an oil giveaway, among other things.  The oil raffle was for 100 gallons donated by VL Tammaro Oil.  (Photo by Jayna Smith)

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  23. CDRC’s Chair Affair

     

    The Chair Affair auction, an event hosted by Calais Downtown Revitalization Coalition, took place last Thursday evening with 14 locally-crafted Adirondack chairs up for bid.  Calais Community Hospital’s “tiki time” chair, created by CCH staff members Tabitha Stanley and Crystal Donovan, raked in the most money for the CDRC fundraiser.  Shown with the chair is auctioneer-extraordinaire Jeff Demmons.  (Photo by Jayna Smith)

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  24. Puppet Show Wows Attendees

     

    The Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers put on a packed-house show during this year’s International Homecoming Festival.  Back by popular demand after an impressive show last year, the puppet show was free for all to attend.  A big thanks goes to State Cinemas for proving popcorn for the attendees and to Wabanaki Culture Center for use of their multi-purpose room.  (Photo by Jayna Smith)

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  25. Tyler Healy Band Rocks Flat Iron Park

     

    Leading up to the fireworks Saturday night of International Homecoming Festival was a concert at Flat Iron Park by The Tyler Healy Band.  The concert was made possible thanks to the generous donations from Jo’s Diner & Pizzeria and Riverside Electric.  One can learn more about The Tyler Healy Band on its Facebook page or by visiting tylerhealyband.com.  (Photo by Jayna Smith)

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  26. Calais PTO’s Peanut Fair

     

    Many stepped up to help volunteer at this year’s Peanut Fair.  The fair is hosted each year by the Calais PTO, along with Calais Community Hospital.  Staff members from CCH, shown here, were also present for the Doll Hospital and Teddy Bear Clinic.  According to PTO member Tomi Ellsmore, big thanks also go to Calais Ace Homecenter, Calais IGA, Walmart, Tradewinds, Riverside Electric, and State Cinimas for donations made to the event.   (Calais PTO photo)

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  27. Barbara’s School of Dance Performs Downtown as Part of Festival

     

    Instructor Barbara Lara dances with some of her youngest students.  Lara always has a great performance by her students following the parade.  

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  28. Make My Day: The Biden-Trump Nightmare

     

    Jon Reisman

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  29. Parade, Music, and More Slated for Upcoming Robbinston Days Celebration

     

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    For the third consecutive year, the Town of Robbinston is hosting its hometown celebration, Robbinston Days, this year slated for Saturday, August 12.

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  30. Something for All Promised at this Year’s Washington County Fair

     

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    The Washington County Fair at the fairgrounds on Old County Road in Pembroke is promising to have something for everyone when it’s held on August 26 and 27.

    Organizers say there will be over 25 vendors on site, offering a variety of wares, including handcrafted items, quilts, photographs, jewelry, and much more.  

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  31. Royal Courts of International Homecoming Festival Crowned

     

    Six-year-old Addison Brown, of Calais, is this year’s Junior Miss International.  The pageant, sponsored by Riverview Restaurant & Lounge, was held at Flat Iron Park on Sunday, just in time for the royal courts to reign over the 50th anniversary celebration being held this week. (Photo by Jayna Smith)

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  32. Smithereen Farm Offers Chokecherry and Fireweed Harvest Aug. 11-13

     

    Smithereen Farm in Pembroke is hosting artist and educator Rachel Alexandrou from Aug. 11-13 for a series of workshops on chokeberry and fireweed harvesting.  Alexandrou is an interdisciplinary artist who uses her education in plant science, and collaborative practice, to create experiential work about food, flora, and innovating human relationships to the natural landscape. She was educated at the University of Maine and holds a B.S. in Horticulture.

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  33. Pink Flamingos Showing up on Area Lawns

     

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    Flocks of pink flamingos–plastic yard decor pink flamingos–have been appearing on the lawns of many unsuspecting residents these last few weeks. 

    Members of Friends of Sarah’s House Flamingo Fundraiser, a group which can be found on Facebook, have been busy “flocking” residents, all to raise money for Sarah’s House of Maine.  

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  34. Man Discovers Valuables Missing During Move

     

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    A Calais family is devastated after items went missing from their home during the packing and loading by a moving company on Sunday, July 23.

    Raymond Brown, a biologist at the Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge, has accepted a new position in New Jersey with the National Wildlife Refuge.  The employer hired a moving company for Brown and his family.  

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  35. Summer Reading Program a Gift of Love

     

    This summer’s children’s reading program at the Lincoln Library in Dennysville is a gift of love in memory of Rachel S. Liell from her family in New York.  

    They recall, “She was such a voracious reader and so loved the library in Dennysville. She was so glad when she was able to get her own library card from the Dennysville Library. She would also be very proud that you mentioned her name in your publicity. We miss her dearly.”

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  36. Midsummer Night Memes

     

    Jon Reisman

    AI to save DEI?

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  37. Violist and Family to Present Themed Concert at EAC

     

    Anne Black’s “Celebration of Time and Place”, on Friday, August 11, 7 p.m. at Eastport Arts Center, will feature the first time she and her brother Alan and nephew Phillip, from Charlotte, N.C., share the concert stage together. EAC is thrilled for Anne’s return to The Concert Series. Her “Timely Adventure” program was a favorite last summer.

    Alan and Phillip will perform short pieces for cello and soprano/alto saxophones, written especially for the father-son duo by Charlotte composer Leonard Mark Lewis.

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  38. Eastport Health Care Debuts 10,000 sq. ft. Machias Facility

     

    Will Tuell

    Eastport Health Center (EHC) opened the doors to its newly retrofitted office space at 106 Dublin Street in Machias last week. The facility, which hosts primary, behavioral, and pediatric care providers serving rural Washington County patients, went from two significantly smaller offices in the area to one 10,000 square-foot facility on Dublin Street, according to CEO Ellen Krajewski and Medical Director Dr. John Gaddis. 

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  39. Local Trooper Wins Leadership Award

     

    Will Tuell

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  40. Welcome to Flat Iron Park

     

    A new sign is on display on the downtown stage.  Created and painted by Hannah Gadway, the sign welcomes all to Flat Iron Park.  (Photo by Jayna Smith)

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  41. Kids Tour, Bring Donations to ICEFP

     

    Irene Chadbourne Ecumenical Food Pantry received a special visit last week.  Organized by Calais Free Library Librarian Skye Green-Hall, participants toured the pantry with Vice-President Bernadette Farrar to learn how it operates, ask questions, and most importantly, share care packages they had made to donate. ICEFP thanks them for the donation.  Pictured are (back) Lynn Muise with Kelci Muise, Jeff, Deb and Bob Stewart, Bernadette Farrar, Aurora Muise, and Skye Green-Hall, (front) Zoe Ingham, Nora Demmons, and Halle Demmons.  (Photo courtesy of Jessie Tompkins-Howard)

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  42. Downtown Business Owners Slam Calais, Wish “Good Luck” to City

     

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    In a recent meeting of the Calais Economic Development Committee held on July 19, 2023, business owners of The White Birch Exchange Michael Novack and Craig Bruce expressed their concerns over what they feel is a lack of code enforcement of downtown buildings and challenges they face in their own leased location at 345 Main Street, the former Urban Moose building.

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  43. Princeton Parks & Recreation’s Community Yard Sale

     

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  44. Johnson’s and Border Electric Receive Plaques from Barbara’s School of Dance

     

    Barbara's International School of Dance recently presented appreciation plaques to Johnson’s True Value and to Border Electric, both of which have always provided trucks for the students and adults to ride on in many parades.  Shown left are Jose and Barbara Lara with David Johnson from Johnson's True Value. Shown right are Jose and Barbara Lara with Sheridan Smith from Border Electric. (Submitted photos)

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  45. Washington County Game Warden Wins International Honor

     

    By Will Tuell

    Maine Game Warden Joe McBrine got quite the shock recently when he was named Officer of the Year at the North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association (NAWEOA) annual conference in Provo, Utah. McBrine, who has served as a game warden for nearly thirty years – most of it here in Washington County -- said that he “choked up” when the 9,000-member organization of fish and game officers from the United States and Canada called his name July 10.

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